Livestock and Poultry
Friday
Workshop Session I: 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Evaluating and Marketing Animal Welfare
Lauren Cain, Find Hope Farm
The term “animal welfare” has negative connotations for some producers who associate this with animal rights activists and a general negative view of animal agriculture. Learn the science behind evaluating animal welfare, how improving it can help you meet your production goals, and tactics to implement your own welfare monitoring system for your livestock.
Workshop Session II: 10:45 a.m.-Noon
Organic Pigs on Pasture
Shara Trierwieler, Agape Organic Farms
Delve into the unique challenges and rewards of raising pigs in a sustainable and natural environment, understanding the benefits of pasture-based pig farming. From improved animal welfare to enhanced meat quality, gain valuable insights and tools to enhance your farming practices and maintain compliance with organic standards.
Building Soil Organic Matter Through Rotational Grazing
Jim Linne, White Clover Farms
Using rotational grazing techniques on well-managed grasslands is an excellent way to increase organic matter and improve soil health. Hear about personal experience with this technique and its efficiency in capturing carbon.
Workshop Session III: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Introduction to Dairy Goats
Lauren Cain, Find Hope Farm
Dairy animals provide an incredible opportunity to add endless varieties of fresh food to your family’s table, but getting and caring for them can be intimidating. Learn the basics of selection, care, and management of a dairy goat and how they can be an ideal fit for your homestead.
Workshop Session IV: 3-4:15 p.m
Organic Mite Control in Hives
Ross Conrad, Dancing Bee Gardens
The Varroa mite is a ubiquitous challenge for today’s beekeepers. Delve into Varroa identification, monitoring, and control techniques, as well as sugar dusting, essential oils, organic acids, herbs, screened bottom boards, genetic tolerance, breaking up the brood cycle, and more.
Saturday
Workshop Session V: 10:45-Noon
Moved on Pasture Poultry
Eric and Kayla Gibson, Sugar Butte Farms
Moving poultry on pasture for profit and for self consumption has many challenges. Learn about organized systems to mitigate errors that cost money and animal welfare. Explore and discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of how and why two first generation farmers started farming with zero experience.
Workshop Session VI: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Fiber Farming and Diversification
Dianne Ganslein, Ohio Valley Farm and Fiber Mill
Learn how small growers can drive more profitability by diversifying their fiber farm’s offerings to include raising animals, commercial processing, and value-added products.
* This session was not recorded due to its conversational aspect.
t This session's recording had technical issues.

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
NEW ADDRESS
150 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Suite 230
Worthington, OH 43085
OEFFA: (614) 421-2022 (614) 421-2022
OEFFA Certification: (614) 262-2022 (614) 262-2022