1. Get an overview of the organic dairy industry in New England and the challenges the industry faces in our smaller states.
2. Hear how a dairy farmer of a 4-generation retail and delivery dairy farm transitioned to organic, and how he became a supplier of local organic milk to Whole Foods Stories in Massachusetts – the first farmer to do so.
3. Get the chance to interview dairy farmers from across the state about their farms and organic transition process, and MDAR officials, Brad Mitchell and Bonita Oehlke.
4. Learn what’s involved in the process of transitioning to organic and how it can benefit both farmers and consumers.
5. Understand the expanding options for selling and buying organic milk.
Event Details: Organic Dairy Farming Workshop Series
NOFA/Mass and Baystate Organic Certifiers, with support from Organic Valley and Stonyfield Farm, have organized the following series of organic dairy workshops in 2007. These workshops will introduce farmers to the process of transitioning to organic milk production and specific organic dairy practices.
All workshops will be held at the Brigham Hill Community Barn in Grafton, Mass., 10 " 2:30. The cost is $10 for each ($5 for NOFA/Mass members). Lunch will be provided.
Thursday, February 1, Introduction to Organic Milk Production
Organic dairy farmers, organic certifiers, and representatives from the organic milk markets (CROPP/Organic Valley, Hood and Horizon) will discuss organic milk market opportunities, certification requirements, USDA National Organic Program standards and the transition process.
Thursday, March 8, Introduction to Alternative Herd Health Treatments
Organic dairy farmers and Dr. Paul Detloff will discuss practical, alternative methods for preventing and treating illnesses. Dr. Detloff is Organic Valley’s resident D.V.M. and co-founder of Crystal Creek, a firm that supplies natural veterinary supplies and remedies, He is also author of the book, Alternative Treatments for Ruminant Animals: Safe, Natural Veterinary Care for Cattle, Sheep and Goats.
Thursday, March 29, Introduction to Organic Pasture Management
Grazing specialists Willie Gibson, NOFA-VT Organic Dairy and Livestock Technical Assistant, Stephen Herbert, UMass Extension Educator and Professor of Agronomy, and Larry Shearer, dairy farmer and SARE Grazing Educator, will discuss organic rotational grazing systems, management intensive grazing systems, pasture fertility and soil health.
For questions about the workshops and programs, contact Kate Rossiter, NOFA/Mass Organic Dairy Coordinator at krositer@nofamass.org and 413 625-0118 or Don Franczyk, Baystate Organic Certifiers, at baystateorganic@earthlink.net and 978 297-4171. For more info abou the NOFA/Mass Organic Dairy Program and the Organic Dairy Production Workshops see:
http://www.nofamass.org/programs/organicdairy/index.php