Growing Stronger: Collaborative Conference on Organic & Sustainable Farming combines the MOSES Organic Farming Conference, GrassWorks Grazing Conference, Midwest Organic Pork Conference, OGRAIN Organic Grain Conference, and Organic Vegetable Production Conference into one 6-day, multi-topic, must-see event for the organic and sustainable farming community. This virtual mega-conference took place Feb. 22-27, 2021.
We are excited to announce we will be involving some of our 2020 MOPC speakers below in the Growing Stronger Conference.
Jude Becker with Becker Lane Organic
Profitable Production Flow for the Organic and Pasture Based Pork Producer: For experienced producers and newcomers alike, scaling up a swine enterprise to include farrowing can be challenging. In this workshop, we will hear how Jude manages his organic farrow-to-finish operation. He will highlight sow scheduling, controlling herd size, establishing a steady production flow, and tips on farrowing.
Ty Gustafson with Story City Locker
Becoming and Organic Processor: The need for organic processing is growing in Iowa and in many other states. This workshop will discuss the steps to become certified as an organic processor. Ty Gustafson of Story City Locker will share why he decided to become certified, the certification process and how he will manage organic processing along with his current processing.
Diane Dewitte with University of Minnesota
Parasites in Pasture Raised Pigs: Lessons Learned So Far: This is a University of Minnesota, Rodale Institute and Kutztown University collaboration to learn more about and quantify the prevalence and severity of parasite infections in pigs raised organically. First year results of this study identified three common internal parasites in organic pigs on eight farms in four states. Winter and Summer bed pack compost study evaluated the amount of heat needed to neutralize parasites in pig bedding. Spring and Fall bio-fumigation research provided needed details to determine the effectiveness of bio-fumigant plant species in controlling parasites. This collaborative study is funded by a Unites States Department of Agriculture NIFA grant.
Dr. Pete Lammers with University of Wisconsin - Platteville
Hazelnut-Finished Pork in the Upper Midwest: Hazelnuts have potential as a perennial crop in the Midwest, but not all products grown will make the grade for human food streams. Acorn-fed Iberian ham is renowned for flavor and other quality attributes which command a premium price. Although different, hazelnuts and acorns are similar in several aspects and feeding hazelnuts to pics may results in a distinct and desirable product. This presentation will share results of a pilot project examining feeding undersized hazelnuts to finishing pigs. Local results wil be contrasted with a summary of acorn-fed Iberian ham production in Southern Spain and discussion of next steps for this project.
Dave Stender with Iowa State University
Economics 101 for the New and Transitioning Producer: Not all herds will be profitable. This session will cover the ten areas of financial management that are the keys to overall success. Learn how to do acrual swine effectiveness of bio-fumigant plant species in controlling parasites. This collaborative study is funded by the United States Department of Agricultural NIFA grant.
Dr. Paul Dettloff (round-table)
The 10 Alternative Veterinary Tool: Dr. Paul Dettloff will discuss alternative veterinary tools and their uses to keep your herd healthy and productive. His discussion will utilize years of research on different herbs and combinations of herbs to develop a complete line of tinctures and botanicals to treat various ailments organically/naturally