Contact: Linda Neunzig
               Agriculture Coordinator
               Linda.Neunzig@snoco.org
               425-388-717

Snohomish County Announces 2019 Focus on Farming and Focus on Forestry

Title of this year’s conference is “Nurturing Your Future”

EVERETT, Wash., October 7, 2019 – Snohomish County today announced the details for the 2019 Focus on Farming and Focus on Forestry conference, being held Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. During this year’s Focus on Farming—titled “Nurturing your future”—participants will find an exciting mix of topics, ideas, and speakers focused on helping expand the opportunities, sustainability, and economic viability of the region’s farms and forestlands.

Focus on Farming has seven different tracks, with topics as diverse as: industrial hemp production; Agritourism; what it takes to start a flower growing business; how to get started in farming, including how to buy a farm; grazing strategies to increase soil health; how to sell local meats; and growing herbs in your Forests and Clearings.

The lunchtime keynote speaker, Michael R. Rosmann, Ph.D., will talk about how farmers’ behavioral health is positively correlated with their crop productivity, the health of their livestock, and sound decision-making. Dr. Rosmann will discuss research findings suggesting what works to address stress, depression, and making difficult financial choices.

Also new this year will be a session hosted by Erin Pirro titled, “You Already Have the Most Profitable Tool You’ll Ever Own…but it didn’t come with a %$#!@ manual.” Almost no one starts their own business because they want to run a business. They do it because they have talent and want to be their own boss. But then they find out there’s a whole lot of other “stuff” that comes with being a business owner, including financial management, risk taking, and worry. Good management records will tell you the story of what’s happening in your business, if you know how to read them. Join Ms. Pirro and learn how to uncover that story – and the direction it’s telling you to go. Bring your own Profit and Loss Statement and your Balance Sheet and learn how analyzing these documents can make a positive impact on the bottom line for a farm of any size.

Top this off with a trade show including products ranging from tractors to greenhouses, along with a gourmet luncheon prepared by area chefs from local farm-fresh ingredients, and you have the makings for a great day full of networking and learning.

Registration is now open for this unique Western Washington event. Visit FocusOnFarming.org for more information and registration links.

Sponsors of Focus on Farming XV include the King Conservation District, Snohomish County Parks and Recreation, Snohomish County Farm Bureau, WSU Snohomish County Extension, Sno Isle Library, Snohomish County PDS, Scratch and Peck, and Snohomish County.

For the past fifteen years, Snohomish County has been committed to growing opportunities for the region’s farms and farmers through the annual Focus on Farming event. During that time, it has grown into an outstanding educational and networking opportunity for farmers and forest landowners around the region.

For more information on Focus on Farming, visit FocusOnFarming.org, or contact Linda Neunzig, Snohomish County Agriculture Coordinator, Linda.Neunzig@co.snohomish.wa.us, 425-388-7170.