WSU Ferry County

We are saddened to see the numerous wildfires that have destroyed homes and land throughout the state. While WSDA doesn't have a wildfire recovery fund, we do have information about preparing for and responding to wildfires and have compiled resources for those impacted. Visit agr.wa.gov/wildfires for more information.

🚨 Don't miss out! 🌿

The 2026 Summer Garden Tour is happening THIS Saturday, July 18, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM!

🌸 Explore gardens from around the county
🌱 Learn from fellow gardeners and WSU Master Gardeners
🤝 Meet new people who share your passion for gardening

There's still time to register—but don't wait! Reserve your spot today! https://extension.wsu.edu/ferry/gardening/garden-tour/

We can't wait to see you there! 😃🌻

Attention Ferry 4-Hers! Please note there are NO Pre-Fair Events on Tuesday, August 18. See the correct Pre-Fair Event dates below:

DIVISIONS 4-9
Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 @10 am
• DIVISION 4 - 4-H/Grange Performing Arts – Dance
• DIVISION 5 - 4-H/Grange Performing Arts – Instrumental
• DIVISION 6 - 4-H/Grange Performing Arts – Other
• DIVISION 7 – 4-H/Grange Performing Arts – Singing
• DIVISION 8 – 4-H/Grange Performing Arts – Team (Up to three (3) participants)
• DIVISION 9 – 4-H/Grange Performing Arts – Group (Four (4) or more)

DIVISIONS 1, 2, 3, 10, 11
Thursday, August 20th, 2026 @10 am
• DIVISION 1 – 4-H/Grange Computer Assisted Presentation/Demonstration
• DIVISION 2 – 4-H/Grange Presentation/Demonstration
• DIVISION 3 – 4-H/Grange Public Speaking
• DIVISION 10 – 4-H/Grange Fashion R***e
• DIVISION 11 – 4-H/Grange Table Setting Activity

Garden Tour Annual Ferry County Garden Tour The Annual Ferry County Garden Tour is held every 3rd Saturday of July and is always well attended with people enjoying this fun and educational…

USDA Continues to Lead Coordinated Response to New World Screwworm; New Case Confirmed in La Salle County, Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 9, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), alongside State partners in Texas and New Mexico, continues to lead an aggressive response to New World screwworm (NWS) in the United States.

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed a new case of NWS in a calf in La Salle County, Texas, bringing the total cases of NWS in the United States to five. USDA is working closely with the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to respond and further investigate the case. The joint federal–state field teams have already expanded surveillance and response measures in the area.

NWS poses a serious threat to livestock, pets, wildlife, and in rare cases, people. The larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe wounds, animal suffering, and significant economic harm if not detected and treated quickly. Quick detection, treatment, and reporting are vital to safeguarding livestock, wildlife, and pets.

USDA and TAHC are conducting a coordinated response that includes:

Joint epidemiological investigations and case tracing
Additional surveillance, testing, and trapping in the affected areas
Releasing sterile insects and adjusting these operations as needed for the most effective coverage
Conducting outreach to animal owners
Ongoing coordination with local officials, veterinarians, ranchers, and community partners
Guidance for Animal Owners and Veterinarians
The MOST important thing animal owners can do is to know what to look for and how to report suspected cases of NWS. USDA urges everyone in the area to check animals for:

Draining or enlarging wounds
Maggots or egg masses
Signs of discomfort
Lesions in body openings (nose, ears, genitalia, umbilical area)
Anyone who suspects a screwworm infestation should immediately contact their veterinarian, state animal health official, or USDA. Early reporting is essential to ensure animals receive prompt treatment, so they fully recover.

Though rare in people, anyone who notices a suspicious lesion should seek immediate medical care.

Food Safety
The U.S. food supply remains safe. NWS does not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food products. Any affected animal would be identified during USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service inspection, and no contaminated product would enter commerce.

Additional updates and resources are available at Screwworm.gov.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/stop-screwworm

We are just a couple of days away! Make sure to stop by and get the plants you need for your garden -- they make great Mother's Day gifts, too!

Give your garden a jumpstart by purchasing plant starts grown from our Ferry County Master Gardeners! There will be a wide variety of plants, and they'll make great Mother's Day gifts. Don't miss out!

Love fresh peaches? Make them even sweeter by supporting 4‑H! Now through May 31, when you purchase a box of orchard‑fresh peaches from The Peach Truck, $10 from every box will be donated to 4‑H. Visit http://4hpeaches.com/ to order today, enjoy delicious peaches, and help 4‑H’ers across the country build the skills they need to be Beyond Ready for tomorrow.

Forest and Range Owners Field Day
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Shea Family Ranch | 23405 W Shea Lane, Cheney, WA
Gates Open: 8 am | Program: 9 am – 4:30 pm

This full-day, out-in-the-woods educational event is designed for anyone who owns forested or range land — from a home in the woods to many acres. Attendees will have access to 20+ expert-led sessions covering topics such as:
• Forest and range health
• Wildfire protection
• Wildlife habitat and big game management
• Noxious w**d control
• Timber sales and forestry taxes
• Soils, reforestation, and thinning
• Chainsaw safety, prescribed fire, and much more

Youth activities are available throughout the day, and an on-site BBQ lunch is offered to benefit the Future Farmers of America.

Registration:
• $30/person or $40/family (before June 24)
• $40/person or $50/family (at the door)
• Register online at forestry.wsu.edu or contact WSU Chelan County Extension at (509) 667-6540 for more info

We had a blast at the Spring Conservation Fair, and we want to say a huge thank you to the Ferry Conservation District for making it happen! Thanks to WSU Associate Professor Dr. Don Llewellyn and WSU Extension Ag Educator Kathryn Hoogheem for leading community members in valuable livestock and agriculture clinics. Thank you to WSU Spokane County Director and Food Safety & Preservation Advisor Tammy Wilson for providing food preservation eduation and pressure canner gauge testing. And last, but definitely not least, thank you to our volunteer WSU Master Gardeners and 4-H Leaders and youth for all of your hard work to promote our programs and support the community through education. You are the best!

🌱 Find the perfect plants for your garden or a thoughtful Mother's Day gift at our Plant Sale Fundraiser! The fundraiser will be on Saturday, May 9, 10am-2pm at the Ferry Co. Courthouse parking lot. You'll find a great variety of plant starts grown by our own Master Gardeners, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, rhubarb, sorrel, watermelon, brussels sprouts, chives, herbs, and more. See you there!