8/1/2012
NOFA-NY is happy to announce two upcoming on-farm field days: "Fencing Types and Techniques for a Diverse Farm with NOFA-NY's 2012 Farmers of the Year" and "Advantages of Pasture Raised Pork"
The
"Fencing Types and Techniques for a Diverse Farm with NOFA-NY's 2012 Farmers of the Year" attendees will join NOFA-NY Farmers of the year Paul and Maureen Knapp at their farm, Cobblestone Valley Enterprises in Preble, NY, on Thursday, August 9th from 10:00 AM-1:30 PM. Participants will tour this multi-generation dairy and crop farm committed to maintaining a diverse, organic family-led operation. After an introduction to the farm, the Knapp family will give an informative lesson on appropriate fencing for poultry and dairy animals. Species-specific requirements, proper construction, reliable materials sources and the expected investment and replacement timeline will be covered in detail. All attendees will be guided through a fencing needs calculation activity to apply this information to their own situation, be it an upgrade, installation or a design idea for this crucial infrastructure on their own farm. Experienced and aspiring farmers, especially mentor farmers and their apprentices are strongly encouraged to participate. The presentation will be followed by a potluck lunch.
"Advantages of Pasture Raised Pork" will take place on Wednesday, August 15 from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at The Piggery in Trumansburg, NY. During this field day Casey Oxley, farm manager, will lead a discussion on pasture vs. barn raised pigs, and the advantages of pasture raised pigs. Casey will show attendees how The Piggery's pasture rotations work, describe their fencing techniques, and talk about the magic of pigs. Owners Heather and Brad Marshall will also take part and share the history of the business, their processing, and their marketing.
Registration: Please register by calling Stephanie Backer-Bertsch at NOFA-NY at (585) 271-1979 ext. 509, or by registering online at
http://www.tinyurl.com/nofanyevents. Registration is FREE for NOFA-NY members and $15/ non-members. See
http://www.nofany.org/events/field-days/ for more information.
"Fencing Types and Techniques" is supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant #2009-49400-05878. "Advantages of Pasture Raised Pork" is supported by USDA Risk Management Agency, Education and Community Outreach Program
