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Arkansas Organic Dairy Field Day set for Aug. 7Arkansas If you're interested in organic dairy farming or organic production, you can see how it is done and learn how to do it by attending the Arkansas Organic Dairy Field Day on Aug. 7, at the Mike and Susan Fisher Dairy near Beebe (White County). "This is an excellent field day to see not only an organic dairy farm but also one of the best dairy farms in the state," said Brian Haller, White County staff chair with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Many conventional dairy and beef producers can learn from their use of rotational grazing and annuals for pasture management, Haller said. Since grain products are so expensive with organic production, the Fishers try to maximize production with pastures and minimize concentrates. This same principle of using less grain now applies on a lot of conventional livestock farms with the price of corn and related feeds being priced much higher than normal. "The field day will provide participants with the basic information they need for production of organic dairy or conventional dairy," said Dr. Jodie Pennington, extension dairy specialist. He said the Fisher dairy is an excellent organic operation with good results. "The main pasture is fenced for intensive grazing," Pennington said. "In the spring, the Fishers were able to use the improved pasture to produce over 70 pounds of milk per day per cow with 22 pounds of grain fed in the milking parlor." Topics will include a review of the management of the dairy by the Fishers to include breeding, milking, pasture management and fertilization, and organic certification and an update on markets for organic milk and conventional milk. Other topics include requirements to transition to organic production, challenges of organic dairy production, intensive grazing and fencing to minimize grains in the ration, use of parasites for fly control, cleanliness to minimize expenses and diseases, and brief talks/posters/displays pertaining to organic production (many of which will pertain to conventional production). Dr. Ann Wells, a holistic veterinarian who has worked with organic production for many years, will talk about the history of organic dairying and recent dairies that she has visited. Other extension speakers include Dr. Kelly Loftin, entomologist, and Dr. Karl VanDevender, waste management specialist. Dr. Ron Morrow, forage and grasslands specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Services, will discuss use of fencing and rotational grazing to maximize forages and minimize purchasing grains in the ration. Henry Caldwell of Caldwell Milling will discuss the costs of organic feed rations. The dairy is located in White County, one mile north of Hwy. 64 near Marvin Fisher Road, between Beebe and El Paso. The event is from 10:30 a.m., to 2 p.m. Lunch is provided. Contact your county extension agent for more information. The Cooperative Extension Service is the educational arm of the U of A Division of Agriculture. Date: 8/3/07
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