Organic Dairy In Mifflin County To Host Conservation Workshop June 28

Mifflin County organic dairy farmer Andrew Batdorf will host a tour of the environmental and conservation practices implemented on his Bratton Township farm from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on June 28.
           Batdorf’s conservation practices including a windmill, solar powered watering system and rotational pastures, helped him receive a 2010 Sustainability Award from Pennsylvania Certified Organic, an organization which recognizes producers who conserve energy and resources on their farms and offers certification services for organic production.
            The farmer, who ships the milk produced on his farm to Horizon Organic, identifies his conservation efforts as ways to reduce negative environmental impacts and to be mindful of farmers and residents who share the watershed.  His farm comprises 100 acres he personally owns and another 150 acres of rental land.  
            Workshop participants will tour some of Batdorf’s fenced pasture systems, learn about the solar watering system which provides up to 500 gallons of water per day for pastured animals, discuss the crop rotational system and see the manure management facilities on his organic farm Hollow Brook Dairy.
            Additional speakers will answer questions regarding transitioning to organic production and utilizing available conservation technical and financial resources.
            The workshop and tour will begin promptly at 9 a.m. at the farm located at 646 Horningford Road, McVeytown.  The program is sponsored by Community Partnerships Resource Conservation and Development Council, Lewistown, in cooperation with Burnham Field Office, (Mifflin County) Natural Resources Conservation Service USDA-NRCS and the Mifflin County Conservation District.   
            Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs for the workshop portion of the program and to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.  Light refreshments will be provided.
            To RSVP or for more information, contact Melissa Piper Nelson, Community Partnerships RC&D by sending email to: mpipernelson@cpartnerships.com or call 717-433-8680 ext. 303.


5/30/2011

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