Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals across the Palouse region have an opportunity to get a firsthand look at dryland farming soil health practices later this month, as the Palouse Conservation District and University of Idaho Extension have joined forces to offer a free public tour on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and begins west of St. John, Washington, with additional stops planned near Rock Lake and Pine City. Participants will need to supply their own transportation between sites, and organizers recommend dressing appropriately for outdoor conditions and bringing a lawn chair. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at no cost.
Topics Designed for Working Producers
The tour is structured to address practical soil health challenges relevant to dryland agriculture in the Palouse. Scheduled discussion topics include crop rotation strategies, the integration of cattle into cover cropping systems, and the use of biostimulants to support soil biology. These subjects reflect growing producer interest in long-term soil productivity and input efficiency — concerns that matter directly to the wheat, lentil, and pulse farmers who form the backbone of Latah County’s agricultural economy.
The University of Idaho Extension has long played a central role in connecting research-based agricultural knowledge to working producers across northern Idaho and the broader Palouse. Pairing that expertise with the Palouse Conservation District’s regional conservation mission makes the joint event a natural fit for producers seeking practical, locally relevant information.
Registration Required Before June 10 Deadline
While the tour is free and open to the public, attendance is not unlimited — registration is required and must be completed no later than Wednesday, June 10 at 5:00 p.m. Interested participants can sign up at www.palousecd.org/post/soil-health-tour-06-17-26.
The June 10 deadline gives organizers time to prepare for the number of attendees and ensure adequate refreshments and materials are available at each stop. Those planning to attend are encouraged not to wait, as the registration window closes less than a week from today.
What Comes Next
For producers who register and attend, the June 17 tour offers a chance to observe soil health practices directly in the field rather than in a classroom or extension office setting. The Palouse Conservation District has indicated the event is open to anyone with an interest in dryland agriculture — whether experienced operators, beginning farmers, or landowners curious about conservation practices on their ground.
Those unable to attend but interested in soil health resources can check the Palouse Conservation District’s website for additional programs and information. The University of Idaho Extension also offers ongoing educational opportunities for producers across the region — including programs that give participants direct exposure to Idaho’s agricultural industries, such as a recent initiative that took U of I graduate students through the state’s potato supply chain.
With registration closing June 10 at 5:00 p.m., the window to secure a spot on the tour is short. Producers are encouraged to visit www.palousecd.org/post/soil-health-tour-06-17-26 to register before the deadline.