WSU South Sound Agriculture Program

When: Thursday May 27th from 9:00am - 3:00pm Pacific Time
Where: WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center in Puyallup, WA or online via Zoom
What: Field tours, equipment demonstrations, and a panel discussion with local growers, all focused on soil health innovations in Western Washington organic vegetable systems, including reduced tillage, livestock integration, and cover cropping.
Pre-registration is required: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9p0SyidK0oJBuD4

We're excited to announce a public gala, reception and art exhibit to celebrate Puget Sound prairies, regional grasslands, and kick off the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. We'll recognize the inspiring, beautiful, and important connections between grazing, conservation, culture, and livelihood! Join us at Olympia City Hall on May 28th from 5:30 to 7:30pm along with the Thurston Conservation District, Ecostudies Institute, USFWS Partners program, local ranchers, and more. Event details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/3860888530886183
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Thanks New Mexico State University collaborators for all of your hard work on this, and for contributions from photographer Michael Benanav. Seven days to the event and it looks like it will be a good one!

NMSU Library is hosting the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) exhibit at Zuhl Library. The IYRP exhibit program was started by Washington State University’s Extension service (https://extension.wsu.edu/thurston/arts-grasslands-rangelands/), as part of an international project.

There will be an opening reception for the exhibit on April 30 from 4-5 PM in the Zuhl Library lobby. Michael Benanav (https://www.michaelbenanav.com/), an international ecological and cultural photographer, will be here to talk about his work photographing rangeland environments.

Let farm life be your muse on May 18th!

Attend this Paint* & Learn event, hosted by TCD and WSU Extension, to learn about local rangeland and pasture management while painting, drawing, or otherwise depicting local farm life.

May 18th, 2026
11-3 PM
Rochester, WA
Register to receive the exact address

Follow a guided class or choose your own subject and medium. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies - a limited amount will be provided.

*All artistic mediums and skill levels are welcome.

Let's hear it for National Ag Day, the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, and not least World Frog Day!! Thurston County Commissioners will bring needed recognition to agriculture in the County through a joint proclamation. This is a helpful recognition for farmers, tribal land stewards, our agricultural lands, and the valuable role well-managed farmland plays in wildlife conservation (including our amphibious friends). Thank you Thurston County!

Job opening: Southwest Washington Grazing Association Coordinator. Employer: Washington State University Extension, 3054 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Washington State University Extension is hiring a coordinator for the Southwest Washington Grazing Association. This is a 12-month, part-time position (0.5 to 0.75 FTE based on funding). The position is grant-funded, and annual position renewal dependent on job performance. Compensation: $21 to $28 per hour depending on experience. The position is benefits eligible. To Apply: Interested candidates can send a cover letter and resume to Stephen Bramwell at [email protected]. The position is open until filled. See the attached job announcement for the full position description and qualifications.https://files.constantcontact.com/ee4aa67d801/c1f0035e-cb59-4993-963e-efda2980ed39.pdf

Send a message to learn more

Reminder: come on out for a local fiber and photography field trip tomorrow to Hercules Farm! Event details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/787249957411798?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D