6th Annual FARM TOUR
Another great line-up of farms with special guest speakers Will Winter and Chris Kerston
Monday, November 12, 2012
7:45 am – 5 pm (please make flight arrangements accordingly)
Cost including lunch and transportation: $75/person
Space is limited. Registration required.
Bring coolers (if you will purchase farm items), comfortable, closed-toe shoes, water
Attendees
We always have a great mix of people – farmers and non-farmers. We have in common a desire to eat quality food and want to learn how good soil management and farming principles are used to produce it. You will be impressed with the knowledge and dedication of these farmers.
Speakers
In addition to our farmers, we are happy to announce that Will Winter and Chris Kerston will join our tour this year. As we drive to the farms they will cover many aspects of farming that will be of interest whether you farm or not. With their wealth of knowledge and pleasant manner, they are able to explain soil management and farming in a way that is understandable.
Will’s has broad experience as a veterinarian, founder of the American Holistic Livestock Association and consulting on livestock and forage issues. Chris works at Chaffin Orchards, a 2,000-acre diversified farm, and is on the forefront of the collaborative process with state and federal regulators to get them to recognize alternative ecological agricultural models and the consumer’s right to healthy local food. They are both excited to get out of the classroom and speak about what they love while visiting farms where it is happening.
Farms
Each tour teaches us general principles about farming as well as aspects peculiar to the area based on climate, soil, etc. We will be visiting three farms, each offering a different focus. First, we will tour a large ranch that raises dairy cows to learn about the production of raw cow milk and raising sheep. Next we will visit another large ranch that produces grass-fed beef and specializes in grazing practices appropriate for this area. After lunch we will visit a 20-acre farm which is modeled after Joel Salatin’s farm raising chickens, turkeys and pigs.
Bring your comfortable shoes and coolers (if you want to purchase items). Be ready to have fun learning while meeting interesting speakers, farmers and fellow-convention-goers.
Itinerary:
Registration & load bus at hotel 7:45, DEPARTURE 8:00
For the good of the trip and the group, please be prepared to follow the schedule.
First Stop: 9:30-11:00
Erik and Doniga Markegard
Markegard Family Grass-Fed
10080 Cabrillo Hwy S
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
(650) 747-0205
info@markegardfamily.com
markegardfamily.com
Markegard Family Grass-Fed is a family ranch, providing pastured, locally born, raised and processed meats and herdshare dairy. The 100% grass-fed beef and lamb are moved through areas of pasture employing grazing methods that improve the biodiversity and productivity of the land. Their grazing philosophy is to manage the cattle herd to simulate the large herds of elk and antelope which once roamed the area. They put the focus on heritage breeds and raise primarily Belted Galloway Cattle for beef. The small herd of Jersey and Milking Shorthorn cows part of a co-ownership herdshare where families purchase a share in the herd and are able to provide their family with local, fresh, raw milk. The pasture raised pigs are rotated through the ranch and supplemented with raw milk and grains.
Grass-fed cattle and lamb and pastured pork and – providing beef, lamb, pork and dairy.
Primary topics:
Dairy, pigs and sheep
Second Stop: 11:20 – 12:50
TomKat Ranch
PO Box 726
Pescadero, CA 94060
(650) 879-2147
info@leftcoastgrassfed.com
leftcoastgrassfed.com
TomKat Ranch is a 2,000-acre cattle ranch raising grass-fed beef. They are dedicated to the health and preservation of the land and the community. Using solar-powered electric fences, the land is monitored carefully using rotational grazing practices to avoid overgrazing. This has brought back native grasses, helped reduce erosion and decreased their carbon footprint. Their priority is to raise cattle in the most socially aware, morally conscientious, sustainable grass-pasture environment possible. Their mission includes avoiding the use of antibiotics and hormones as well as any chemicals that would adversely affect the health of the ecosystem. They raise cattle in accordance with the highest animal welfare standards and provide them with a 100% grain-free diet. Frozen beef will be available for purchase.
Topics:
Pasture grazing of cattle; grass-fed beef
LUNCH 1:00 – 2:00
Third Stop 2:30 – 3:45
Kevin and ShaeLynn Watt
Early Bird Ranch
PO Box 293
Pescadero, CA 94060
info@earlybirdranch.com
Earlybirdranch.com
Early Bird Ranch is a 20-acre multi-species farm raising turkeys, chickens, rabbits and pigs. Their animals are raised outside in fresh air and sunshine, in low-density populations, with a diverse and nutrient-dense pasture-based diet. Mobile pasture shelters are used to maximize the chickens’ access and ingestion of fresh pasture and ensure their safety from wildlife. The birds are processed on the farm and sold directly to customers. Kevin is a former Polyface and he and ShaeLynn interned at Bobolink Dairy. Items available for purchase at this time: eggs, chicken and pork sausage.
Topics:
Mobile chicken coops and processing of birds. Raising turkeys, rabbits and pigs.
RETURN TO HOTEL 5:00
Questions: Contact Kathy at info@westonaprice.org