We had a series of wonderful regional Gen-O Gatherings in 2018. Here’s a year-in-review of the times we spent together and the things we learned, from East to West.
East by Lauren Perkins
We held our 2018 East Gen-O Gathering in southcentral New York. We started at the Engelbert family dairy farm in Nichols. The group learned about the Engelbert’s diverse enterprises from the organic dairy to their farm shop. The Engelbert’s sell a variety of meats, cheeses and specialty items from community members as well as their own farm.
CROPP Soil Agronomist Mark Kopecky joined to discuss the importance of soil health and introduce some silvopasture concepts. After lunch, a panel of OV farmers from the surrounding counties answered questions pertaining to hiring farm employees, including recruiting and personnel management.
An open forum on farm diversification was next, and the Engelberts went in-depth about their process to incorporate new enterprises. On Saturday the group enjoyed a show-and-tell, where everyone shared fun, interesting farm “hacks” that make their lives more efficient or enjoyable.
Then the group headed to the MK Family Farm outside Owego to get a tour of dairy operations and discuss recent improvements and advancements, including recent parlor upgrades. We concluded the day at the Triple 3 livestock farm in Marathon, where we explored the dairy and learned about how the Phillips family incorporates multispecies grazing by adding goats and sheep, and how they use nurse cows to raise calves. With just over 20 members and guests, this year’s gathering was definitely one for the books! We sincerely thank our farm hosts, members and guests for joining us in a great weekend of fellowship and knowledge. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Mideast by Jamie Heckman
The Mideast Gen-O Gathering was held at our farm in Yorkshire, Ohio. The topic for the day was milk quality. Representatives from local dairy supply dealer Prengers, and farm reps from NFO and DFA attended. Organic Valley’s Mideast Milk Quality Coordinator Steve Gilland, and Consulting Veterinarian Dr. A.J. Luft lead the discussion. We started the day on the topic of milk quality, with a discussion on testing and environmental impacts. We toured our milking parlor and discussed how parlor maintenance influences milk quality. (News flash: Having a clean, tidy, updated parlor will improve your milk quality.)
Dr. A.J. focused on dairy cow health and the effect good animal care can have on milk quality. Our presenters were full of knowledge and willingness to share. It made for a very interesting day, filled with information that can be implemented on any farm.
Midwest by Jenna Miller
Last March approximately 25 members attended the two-day Gen-O Gathering in Door County, Wisconsin. The event included farm visits and panel discussions, with topics ranging from farm labor to milk management and grazing techniques. Representatives of CROPP’s Farmers in Marketing Program discussed hosting on-farm events and talked about the basic dos and don’ts of social media. We took in panel discussions, farmer-led farm tours and expert presentations. All of the speakers were engaging and drew lots of participant interaction.
In addition to the learning opportunities, we enjoyed each other’s company and the opportunity to socialize with other young farmers throughout the region. As always, Gen-Os talked shop and swapped stories about goofy farm things and common frustrations. We encouraged one another about the current state of the farm economy. We all left feeling refreshed, informed and ready to tackle the upcoming growing and grazing seasons.
Be sure to keep your ears and eyes open for information on upcoming Gen-O Gatherings in your region. The gatherings are excellent opportunities to meet people just like you – other young organic farmers! Lodging, meals and some transportation costs are covered. Contact Gen-O Program Coordinator Maija Haggith with any questions or if you would like to be involved!
West by Ben Turnbow
Another successful season of Gen-O gatherings is in the books. The Gen-O’s out west assembled in Tillamook, Oregon for their fall activities and a good time was had by all. Farm visits and workshops provided excellent learning experiences, and social activities strengthened friendships and further united Generation Organic.
Events began Thursday, August 16 at Bennett Family Farm, a conventional dairy that has adopted a compost-bedded pack system for their milk cows. A compost-bedded pack is a relatively new concept in the dairy industry, which many farmers have adopted successfully. The Bennetts have operated a bedded pack successfully for almost ten years. Cow comfort is the main driver, but the end result, a nutrient-dense fertilizer after compost is removed, is an added plus. Managing the pack can be a challenge, but when done correctly, it’s a great advantage for the dairy.
The next stop was the scenic Johnston Family Farm, tucked away in a beautiful setting surrounded by trees and green pastures outside Tillamook. Over lunch, the young farmers heard from Iowa State University Dairy Specialist Dr. Larry Tranel. Larry presented valuable information on production strategies, and encouraged the young farmers to take a deep look into their operation’s finances.
Dr. Tranel stressed that understanding your farms finances is critical to success. What is your money doing for you? Is it working for you? What is your return on assets? Are you tracking your net worth?
These are questions that each farmer must ask themselves regularly as they manage their finances. Dr. Tranel concluded his presentation with a discussion on labor efficiencies in the milking parlor. “High- profit farms have high labor efficiencies,” Tranel taught.
Following Dr. Tranel’s presentation, the group toured the Johnston’s farm and talked about pasturing techniques, dairy genetics, and the quality of life this small farm has provided for Devin, Elena, and their children. The evening was spent at Pacific Restaurant where the group enjoyed dinner and socializing together.
On the final day of the gathering, the group traveled north to Onion Peak Dairy in Nehalem, Oregon. Farm operator Mike Grauwen practices once-per-day milking, and a promotes the advantages of pre-clipping pasture grass before turning out cows.
The final workshop was directed by CROPP Staff Veterinarian and pasture expert Dr. Greg Brickner. Dr. Greg taught the group how to accurately measure pasture growth to insure a steady supply of high-quality grass. The group discussed the “take half/leave half” principle, and the Gen-O’s learned how to use a grazing stick to measure pasture density. Dr. Greg emphasized the harm caused by overgrazing and the importance of accurately assessing different plant leaf stages. He stressed the importance of beneficial legumes in the pasture mix, not only for milk production, but for overall soil health. “Be a grass farmer first and the cows will do their part,” he said.
The gathering unified young farmers from all over the region, inspiring everyone to appreciate and elevate the status of organic farming. Generation Organic would like to thank those involved in the organization of the event, with a special thanks to the families and farmers who opened their doors and kindly hosted the group for an inside glimpse of their operations.