This on-farm workshop for dairy farmers and those considering dairying in Massachusetts will include a pasture walk, tour of the farm’s dairy and yogurt-processing plant, and conversations with a range of experts in the field, including:

•        Host farmers Amy Klippenstein and Paul Lacinski, who will lead the tour and talk about their grazing practices, their commitment to organic management, their yogurt business, and raw milk sales. More information about their farm can be found at www.sidehillfarm.net.
•        Grazier Ridge Shinn, a pioneer in the modern grass-farming movement, who farms in Hardwick. He has written extensively on how raising livestock on grass can lead to improved human health, energy savings, and an increase in carbon sequestration, soil fertility, and biodiversity. More information about Ridge can be found at ridgeshinn.com.
•        NRCS Agronomist Tom Akin, who will talk about federal programs available to assist farmers with grazing.
•        Winton Pitcoff, Coordinator of the NOFA/Mass Raw Milk Network, who will discuss the regulatory, economic and management issues around producing and selling raw milk in Massachusetts. More information about the Network can be found at www.nofamass.org/programs/raw-milk-network.
•        Don Persons from Baystate Organics, who will be on hand to discuss the process of organic transition and certification
•        Representatives of organic dairy cooperatives will be available to answer questions about their contract and marketing processes.