Discover innovative farm management practices that have produced positive environmental and financial results for the owners of Sweet Grass Beef Farm on Lopez Island.

Scott Meyers and Brigit Waring will discuss how they create a balance between the cattle, pasture and the business aspects of growing grass-fed and finished Wagyu, also known as Kobe, beef.

“We work to farm within our environment using no irrigation or fertilizer. Extending our grazing year through careful management allows us to reduce our use of hay in the winter,” said Meyers.

Environmentally friendly techniques allow the animals to be raised without hormones and receive only organic mineral supplements, grass grown in their our pastures, and hay from other local farms.

During the Farm Walk, Scott and Brigit will display in-field livestock sorting and share their management protocols critical to producing grass finished beef. Creative use of water and fencing systems to reduce labor and stress will also be demonstrated.

The farm tour is Monday, April 28 from 1:30-5:00. The cost is $10 for Tilth members and $15 for non-members. Register on-site or pre-register by mailing a check to Tilth Producers, PO Box 85056, Seattle, WA 98145. Beverages provided. Brown bag lunch recommended.

The Farm Walk is jointly sponsored by Tilth Producers of Washington and Washington State University Small Farms Team.

Sweet Grass Farm is located at 866 Bakerview Road on Lopez Island. For additional information go to: www.sgfbeef.com.

Details about all Farm Walks for the 2008 season are available at www.tilthproducers.org and smallfarms.wsu.edu.