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Direct Seed Mentoring Program
In an effort to increase the adoption of direct seed operations in the region, the Spokane County Conservation is launching the Direct Seed Mentoring Program, as part of the Ag Pilot's project, which will partner novice producers with experienced direct seed mentors.
 The mentoring program will include on-farm demonstrations of direct seeding and the study of a side-by-side comparison with conventionally tilled ground.
Taking place in Spokane and Whitman counties, the program aims to show the benefits of direct seeding versus conventional tillage systems.
Those benefits include:
- Fewer passes over the field
- Increased production and profitability
- Reduced soil erosion
- Improved water quality
- Improved soil tilth
- Improved air quality
The mentors will provide education, as well as custom seeding using their own equipment. They will be compensated by a grant from the Washington State Governor’s Office.
Mentors are paid for:
- Providing custom seeding services ($30 per acre plus equipment hauling)
- Consulting with producers new to direct seeding ($50 per hour)
By utilizing the knowledge and experience of their mentor, the producers are given the best opportunity for success. The program will also allow the farmers to try out a piece of equipment before investing in it.
Mentors are sought based in part on providing the participating farmer with a choice of direct seed equipment; this will also allow for some comparison of crop yield, soil quality, and other factors between the different equipment.
Participating producers will select their mentor from among those signed up for the project, and will be asked to implement, with the help of the mentor, a side-by-side 50-100 acre direct seed trial on their farm.
An Agriculture Economist from Washington State University (WSU) will analyze the economics of both the conventional and the direct seed operations. There will also be tours involving other producers, professionals, lenders, and farmers to help increase the knowledge about direct seeding.
While the District will be handling the overall project management, it will partner with WSU, the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association, and the Spokane County Extension Office.
The Direct Seed Mentoring Program has their teams of mentors/Producers lined up and is slated to Begin in spring 2009!
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