Hay growers association will hold annual meetings

The Northeast Washington Haygrowers’ Association will hold its annual meeting Saturday, December 7, at John’s Auto Repair in Clayton. A full day of educational presentations is planned, beginning with tips on transitioning to big balers at 8:45 a.m. This topic will be addressed by local growers and mechanics from St. John Hardware. A big baler will be on hand to demonstrate inspection, maintenance and evaluation of used balers.

Other topics in the morning are certification requirements for weed-seed-free hay and organic hay. The educational program will conclude after lunch with a presentation on managing alfalfa weevil, a pest that caused more problems than usual this past summer. The annual meeting will conclude at 3 p.m. following a business meeting of the association and a hay market outlook report.

The registration fee is $20 for association members who pay dues and register by December 2 or $25 at the door for members and $30 for non-members. Lunch is included, along with two Washington pesticide applicator recertification credits. Registration, coffee and pastries begin at 8:15 a.m. For a brochure and registration form, contact Jennifer at 509-725-0262, wsuslip@co.lincoln.wa.gov or browse at http://wa-hay.org, and from the Chapter option select Northeast Washington Haygrowers. This educational meeting is offered to haygrowers throughout the area, co-sponsored by the NE Washington Haygrowers’ Association and Washington State University Extension. WSU Extension programs are offered without discrimination. For accommodation of special need, or for more information, contact Tom Platt, 509-725-0262.