Livestock and Poultry

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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