Clallam Conservation District is offering three free workshops for horse and livestock owners geared toward improving pasture and hayland production.

All workshops will be held at Robin Hill Farm County Park, 141 Dryke Road, Agnew. Registration is required because of to space limitations. Register at clallamcd.org/2024-farm-workshops.

The first workshop, set for 10-11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 29, has a focus on improving the health of pasture and hayland soils. Planners from Clallam Conservation District will go through the steps of collecting soil to test for nutrient deficiencies, the impact different nutrients and amendments make on forage growth, and timing and application methods for fertilizer and amendments to maximize pasture and hayland productivity.

The second workshop is from 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 2, and will cover management techniques to improve the health and productivity of pastures and hayfields. Conservation district planners will lead participants through the pastures at Robin Hill Farm and talk about identification of common pasture grasses, utilizing seasonal management, rotational grazing, fertilizing, seeding and other management techniques to maximize forage production.

The third workshop is from 10-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, and focuses on identification and control of poisonous and noxious weeds commonly found on farms to help boost productivity of pastures and hayfields as well as protect horses and livestock from poisonings. Christina St. John, Clallam County’s noxious weeds coordinator, will bring dozens of plant specimens to show key identification features, talk about methods to control each weed, and speak on the toxic properties found in certain weeds. Participants are encouraged to bring fresh weeds from their farm for assistance with identification.

For more information, call 360-775-3747.