By Aiden Willis, Lopez Horse 4-H Club Secretary

On May 7, Brook Brouwer, the director of the San Juan County Washington State University extension office, presented an informational talk to the Lopez Horse 4-H Club.

Brook talked about different types of hay and how to judge hay quality. He also demonstrated how to take samples of hay bales in order to send them to a lab for nutritional testing. Pasture management practices discussed included: managed grazing, using sacrifice areas, weed control, and soil quality.

Brook demonstrated how to take a soil sample to send for testing. He also provided club members with a guide to plants that are toxic to livestock. The county’s noxious weed program was discussed as a resource. The club is thankful that Brook was able to visit and share his knowledge with us.