News Release
January  16, 2008

UW workshop in Powell explains organic, natural production methods

A one-day workshop in Powell to provide ranchers, farmers and other producers information they need to decide whether to  adopt “natural” or “organic” production methods is being offered by the University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UW CES).

“Organic and Natural – What Are They?” is 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at the Park County Fairgrounds.

“Wyoming farmers and ranchers can add value to crops and livestock when products meet U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines for ‘natural’ or are certified ‘organic,’” said Sandy Frost, UW CES Northwest Area educator in Powell. “Switching from traditional farming and ranching practices to meet different standards requires planning and time. Topics to be covered will be of interest to everyone in northwest Wyoming.”

Northwest Area UW CES educators will present in the morning. Barton Stam, based in Thermopolis, will discuss differences among three programs available to add value: certified organic beef, natural beef and Wyoming Verified Beef. Dallen Smith, based in Greybull, will discuss management of manure in an organic operation. Feasibility of rural enterprises will be Jim Gill’s topic. Gill, who is based in Worland, will show producers how to analyze the viability of new enterprises.  Participants will be able to take home a risk analysis CD.

Keynote speaker at lunch is Margaret Scoles, an inspector from the Independent Organic Inspectors Association (http://www.ioia.net/). Scoles will discuss “Organic Inspection – What to Expect.” After lunch, Scoles will discuss organic production rules and regulations. A round-robin panel of local crop and livestock producers will share their experiences in making the changes necessary to be natural or organic.  Shelly Neff of Heart Mountain Valley Ranch will talk about raising certified organic beef.

Registration is $50, which includes lunch, and is due Friday, Feb. 8. Checks can be made payable to UW CES. Please mail to UW CES, 655 E. 5th St., Powell, WY

###

Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor
Phone: (307) 766-6342
E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu
Archived News Site http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/UWAG/news.asp