Livestock on Green Pastures Bring In Plenty of Greenbacks for Small Farmers

The growing market for local, pasture-raised meats is an exciting and profitable trend for small farmers in Florida. Want to get in on this action but don't know where to begin? Then you definitely need to come to the July 31-Aug 1 Florida Small Farms and Alternatives Conference.

The information offered at the Conference applies to long-time livestock producers and farmers who are looking to livestock for diversification and improved sustainability. Learn how to properly manage your pastures for optimum herd health, minimal weeds and robust beef, poultry, goats and sheep.

Come meet produers who have the experience and knowledge to tell you how it's done. For example, Brantley Ivey of River Ridge Land and Cattle Company, in Grayson
County, Virginia, will be a speaker at the session called "Grass-Fed Beef: How Do We Get There/". Brantley is the current farm manager and is managing grass-fed beef as an enterprise to achieve the vision of a sustainable agricultural enterprise that is creating profit centers to sustain the family farm and rural community.

Come meet experts who will share technical information about stocking rates, fertilization and rotational grazing to increase productivity. For example, Yoanna Newman of the UF/IFAS Soils & Water Department will share information on appropriate legume species for the use of a mixed legume-grass pasture as a sustainable and economical practice. In another session you’ll learn how to maintain a healthy and productive pasture by preventing and controlling weeds including common invasive, noxious and poisonous weeds.

Then, come to sessions on the other livestock – Poultry, and Small Ruminants. For example, you will hear Elena Tora and Brad Burbaugh, UF/IFAS Extension Agents and the recipients of the 2010 NACAA Search for Excellence Award in Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/Ranchers. They will show you how small scale poultry production for eggs and meat is profitable but there's a lot more to it than just turning chickens out to pasture.

Finally, come meet the animals themselves and their owners who are successfully raising them on small farms in Florida. Yes, there will be live animal exhibits on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am-12:20pm and 2:30-4:00pm. The animals include milking and meat goats, cattle, alpacas, and poultry.

With livestock ownership comes responsibility too, such as ethical responsibility, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and the responsibility of being a good neighbor. To keep you up-to-date, you can learn about the Florida Fence Law, Green Belt and Right to Farm laws, and liability issues associated with the ownership of livestock. You’ll also discover solutions to common disagreements with neighbors and regulators.

Remember registration includes two full days of educational programs including the opening address with the Keynote Speaker, Will Allen of Growing Power. It also includes networking opportunities with the conference exhibitors, early Saturday and Sunday morning refreshments, Saturday and Sunday lunches featuring products from Florida’s small farms, and all refreshment breaks.

Save $50 by registering by July 12, 2010. See ya' there . . .