Weather Challenges

Well, I wish I could say I had a terrific report from the Organic Seed Conference.....not so much.  I headed over from Pullman, Washington to Westport on Monday January 16.  My colleagues at work were along for the ride and we had some people to visit in Westport and Longbeach, Washington.  On January 17 we visited the Westport Winery. A very cool place.  They have 33 wines.  They are very congnizant of sustainable and local practices.  They hit a challenge in their vinyard to be organic because they used treated wood products for their posts.  Steel was too expensive and in the very wet climate they could not do it.  It really is an education to see just how difficult it is.  Anyway, Kim and Blaine the owners are amazing.  They are very philanthropic and help their community.  5% of each of their 33 wines sales goes to a charity!  Giving back.  Kim graduated from WSU in architecture and is basically an artist, designing the labels at the winery.  Their kids are in it too from wine making to sales.  I suggest having lunch there. http://www.westportwinery.org/ Yummy local incredients and a great atmosphere.

Later in the afternoon we visited the Cranberry Research Museum in Long Beach, Washington.  What a crew of characters!  The WSU Extension started the research station in 1924 dedicated to research and development of blueberries and cranberries.  This museum and frankly the research and extension work they do is cool.  They had a young couple who have started an organic cranberry farm come visit with us.  Jessika and Josh!  Pretty awesome, I'd say.  Despite the negative feedback they have been receiving about "how they can't grow cranberries organically."  They persist with optimism.  Fungi seems to be the culprit, what can help with certain types and maintain organic standards (if you know of people doing this, Jessika and Josh need mentors).http://www.starvationalleyfarms.com/  Anyway, I always find that going for it is pretty inspiring.  I will keep in touch with them and hope to share of what they learn.

So we were headed up to the Organic Seed Alliance conference....snow.  That night had to stop in Raymond, WA to stay in a local motel.  Nice people.  Left the morning of January 18 in a blizzard.  It was white knuckle for most of the drive between Raymond and Olympia, Washington.  We made it and then decided we better make our way out of "stormyville."  My colleagues sister lives in North Bend and we headed there to attempt the pass and a homeward stretch the next day.  After a day of driving we made it to North Bend.  Next day woke up to take off to Pullman.....NOPE!  Car stuck in driveway, no electricity.  Roughed it for night, played cards by latern.  Neighbor pulled car out of driveway and we made it home on January 20.  Have to hit Organic Seed another day....weather

2012-A Year of Learning

Well...I have only one submission on this blog and no followers and basically this is a journal until someone comments.  I am fine with that.  I wanted to first explan why I have selected "Organic Cougar" as my blog name.  First it is not some crazy thing.  I am working on a Campaign for funding the WSU Organic and Sustainable Agriculture programs.  Thus, I chose Organic and then in case you didn't know WSU's mascot is a Cougar.  "Organic Cougar."  Basically, I would like to document our campaign and my learning about family, food and farming throughout  this process.  I attended a training this week and was turned on to a couple of books to better understand food and farming.  I will report.  In addition I went and toured a farm in Oregon with one of our WSU Scientists.  First, it made me want to be healthier, and really made me want to connect my kids and husband to my work.  I want them to be exposed and inspired by truly connecting to the earth and the people who make a difference living upon it.  The farming operation in Oregon is owned by a couple who graduated from WSU!  Let's just say I am AMAZED by their philosophy, farm, business and ....until next time

Inspired

I started a new job in May.  I have been in Development (fund raising) for the past 15 years.  I was so excited to come home and work for the college where I received my undergrad, Washington State University.  I decided to start this blog because not only have I moved back "home" but the work that I am doing has really gotten me inspired.  I work for the college of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences.  My first assignment is to help with organic and sustainable agriculture research.  Hmmm? I am a social scientist, so what am I doing with this topic.  As I have learned more and hope to continue to learn, this is an important effort.  I hope through this blog I can help others find a connection.  Saw this on CNN.  Family, food and farming it matters. http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/07/14/cnnheroes.hirshberg.seeds/index.html