by Meredith Raymond, Student, Washington State University
To support the future generation of sustainable agriculture, CSANR sponsors travel for students to attend the Tilth Conference. Over the next several weeks, we will showcase student experiences at the this year’s conference held in Vancouver, WA. View this year’s and previous years’ reflections via the CSANR Tilth page.
I am currently in my third year studying Organic and Sustainable Agriculture at WSU. During my time in CAHNRS, I’ve worked with the Crop and Soil Sciences Department on field and lab research with Rachel Wieme and at the WSU Eggert Family Organic Farm for Brad Jaeckel.
Thanks to financial support from CSANR and the Organic Agriculture Club, six other students and I had the privilege of attending the annual Tilth Alliance Conference in Vancouver, Washington, this past November. I had always wanted to go, and the experience did not disappoint. I’m incredibly grateful for the financial assistance that made it possible, as I wouldn’t have been able to attend otherwise.
Initially, I was hesitant about attending a formal conference, as I tend to prefer less formal hands-on learning on the farm. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the conference’s welcoming atmosphere. Though it took me some time to adjust, I grew to appreciate the countless opportunities to connect with others and exchange experiences.
The timing of the conference could not have been better. Following the recent election, I was in dire need of hope, inspiration and connection. Meeting so many people who share my values, specifically, environmental sustainability, connection to nature, and a sense of community, restored my motivation to one day manage my own farm with these principles in mind.
I attended several sessions, ranging from organic seed selection, farmland access, soil health in reduced tillage systems, climate resilience, and NRCS support for organic producers. A few key takeaways stood out:
- Many organic seed growers start with untreated conventional seed because organic varieties are often unavailable, highlighting the need for more resources in this area.
- Farmlink programs, particularly in Oregon and Washington, play a vital role in connecting aspiring farmers with available land, often matching participants based on shared values and goals.
- Helen Atthowe from Woodleaf Farm inspired me with her meticulous soil data collection and analysis. Her systematic approach demonstrated how informed decisions can lead to long-term success in organic farming.
- NRCS resources offer invaluable support for transitioning and organic farmers, giving me hope for my future endeavors.
Beyond the academic and professional benefits, this trip also had a profound personal impact. Spending time with my peers, mentor and advisor pushed me outside of my comfort zone and built my confidence in my networking abilities, a skill myself and many young people have struggled with since the pandemic.
Attending the Tilth Alliance Conference was a rewarding experience filled with learning, growth, and inspiration. I hope sharing my story encourages the university to continue supporting students to attend in the future.
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