Wild Farm Alliance was thrilled to host our first Idaho field day this July at Gooding Farms. Along with our co-host Salmon-Safe and 34 participants, we toured the farm, encouraged networking, and heard from researchers and experts in farm conservation practices. 

Gooding Farms is run by sisters Michelle Gooding-Badiola, Diane Gooding, and Andrea Gooding. They primarily grow hops, but also incorporate vegetable row crops and raise livestock. Michelle and Diane opened up the event by introducing their operation and then we headed out on the tour.

Michelle and Diane highlighted the whole farm  practices they’ve adopted, such as planting cover crops between the hops rows, installing flowering habitat along field edges, using commercial bumblebee hives, and minimizing tillage. They also rotate crops and plant small, diversified fields of cover crops next to their cash crops to increase beneficial insect biodiversity and prevent large pest outbreaks. 

 Bumblebee hives and cover crop fields interspersed with row crops

Jemila Challappa, University of Idaho Extension, then presented on cover crops and soil health. She shared the benefits of cover crops and pointed out the species planted. Gooding Farms uses mixes of barley and rye for improving soil aggregation and building organic matter, mustard for scavenging leftover nutrients, daikon radish for relieving shallow compaction and improving water infiltration, and legumes for increasing soil fertility. To illustrate soil health differences, Jemila gave a demonstration by submerging two clumps of soil into buckets of water. The healthier soil with more structure was visibly slower to break down. 

Next, Armando Falcon Brindis, University of Idaho Extension, presented his initial research on the various preferences of beneficial and pest insects for different species of cover crops and for monocots versus flowers in farms of the Northwest. He finished by collecting insects with a sweep net in two different cover crop areas on the farm and we examined his catch. Attendees were able to see minute pirate bugs, big eyed bugs, lacewings and more. 

Armando Falcon Brindis collects insects with a sweep net and shows them to participants

Upon returning to the home site, participants circled up and shared information about their organizations and what services they offer to growers to foster new connections.

We finished out the day with a couple of powerpoint presentations in the barn:

Jo Ann Baumgartner, Wild Farm Alliance, gave a presentation on the importance of habitat for both beneficial insects and birds. She discussed how different types of birds and insects can provide different pest control benefits when supported by flower strips, habitat patches, cover crops or hedgerows . She also covered how habitat placement, plant choice, field edges, and nearby natural areas influence how beneficial insects move into crops and help reduce pest pressure.

Brian Muegge, Salmon-Safe, gave an overview of the Trout-Safe certification process in Idaho and their work with Gooding Farms. Salmon-Safe's peer reviewed standards focus on watershed impacts from farm operations, recognizing farms doing their part to protect water quality and wildlife habitat.

During lunch, networking conversations continued and we are excited to see new partnerships forming in the Treasure Valley. 

Wild Farm Alliance is grateful to the Gooding family for hosting the event and to all the speakers, partners, and attendees whose knowledge and enthusiasm helped make the day a great success.