Puyallup Speaker Spotlights: Kirk Haffner, Solar Power Expert and Jeff Swotek of the USDA

Tell us about your background with your particular topic.

I own and am the the lead engineer and founder of South Sound Solar, an Olympia-based full service solar installer.

Why should fairgoers attend your presentation?

It’s not a sales pitch, it’s the information you need to decide if solar is right for you, from an environmental, financial, and scientific viewpoint.

How will you get to the FAIR, and how far do you have to travel?

I will be driving, but hopefully by then in the electric car our company is building, from Olympia, so about 45 minutes.

What are you most looking forward to at the FAIR?

Seeing so many people so passionate about protecting our planet.

What advice do you have for attendees?

Bring a reusable water bottle!

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one thing, what would you choose?

A satellite phone.

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What are you going to speak about at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?

I will be providing an overview of the wide variety of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) programs that provide financial and technical assistance to land owners and land users.

What are you most looking forward to sharing with FAIR attendees?

I want fair goers to be aware of the many fabulous opportunities the USDA NRCS have on offer and how these programs can benefit their operations and their land.

Tell us about your background with your particular topic.

I have worked in the agricultural industry all my life and specifically 24 years with USDA NRCS.

Why should fairgoers attend your presentation?

Let us show you how by Helping People Help, the Land USDA NRCS can improve profitability and viability of your agricultural operation well into the future.

How will you get to the FAIR, and how far do you have to travel?

I am fortunate to be close to the Fairgrounds. I will be driving from Olympia, Washington to the Fairgrounds.

What are you most looking forward to at the FAIR?

The people and the opportunity to help them be successful.

What advice do you have for attendees?

Ask questions and make the most out of every session you attend!

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one thing, what would you choose?

Sounds so good to be stuck on a deserted island right now with sun, sand, and surf but I probably would want a satellite phone eventually so that I could get back to reality or to ship my gear!

Thank you both. We’ll see you at the FAIR!

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Please visit the FAIR website
for more information about the Puyallup, Wash. FAIR June 4-5, and
upcoming FAIRs in San Rafael, Calif. and Seven Springs, Penn. Tickets are on sale now for all fairs.

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