Dairy/Grazing Workshops

Livestock Health Assessment 1: The Dairy Calf
Saturday 8:00 AM
Prevention is the best medicine! In the first of this 2-part series, Dr. Guy Jodarski, Organic
Valley/CROPP Cooperative, will discuss how to keep your dairy calves healthy and strong. Dr.
Guy will focus primarily on preventative measures that you can use to avoid having your
calves develop health issues that require treatment.

Livestock Health Assessment 2: The Dairy Cow
Saturday 1:00 PM
In the second of this 2-part series, Dr. Guy Jodarski, Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative,
will turn his focus to the mature dairy heifer. His focus again will be on preventative care that
could save you and your animals a lot of stress in the long run. 

Grazing Panel
Saturday 2:30 PM
With the variety of grazing systems out there these days, what will work best for your farm?
Will you feed 100% grass, or should you supplement with grain? What should your rotation
schedule be? Hear from some of New York State's finest farmers, including Maryrose Livingston, Northland Sheep Dairy, Will Berkemeir, Wiloakery Farm, and others.

Supporting Organic Producers: Two Dairy Cooperative Models
Saturday 4:15 PM
Organic dairy cooperatives offer producers the chance to access larger retail markets by
ensuring a reliable supply, but they can offer support in many other ways as well.
Dave Hardy, Organic Valley/CROPP  Cooperative, and Bill Eldrige, MOOMilk, will discuss the dairy
cooperative from two very different scales.

Making It Work On a Small Scale: Transitioning to Organic
Sunday 8:00 AM
Ten years ago, Will Berkemeier, Wiloakery Farm, was milking 140 cows and losing money
hand over fist. Today, after making the transition to organic, he and his brother milk 38, and
they would never go back. Join Will for a discussion of how to make it through the three-year
transition period. Resources for producers considering the transition will be provided.  

Mob Stocking Pigs?
Sunday 9:30 AM
Yes! Brad Marshall and Casey Oxley, The Piggery, have seen some very positive results
since switching to a mob grazing system. Come and hear about how they have adapted a
system commonly used for cattle to hogs and various other experiments that they’ve
conducted at their farm. Bring your questions and your passion for pigs; you’ll be among
friends!