Organic, Sustainable Crop Production Topics at Cheyenne Conference

A lineup of 28 speakers will present a mix of science-based, how-to information, producer talks and panel discussions at the sixth annual High Plains Organic Farming Conference Wednesday, Feb. 27, and Thursday, Feb. 28, at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.

The conference will appeal to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, says Jay Norton, University of Wyoming Extension soils specialist.

Registration for the organic certification workshop Wednesday is $35 and $40 for day two, or $60 for both days. To register and download the conference agenda, go to www.highplainsorganic.org/.

Wednesday activities start at 12:30 p.m. with the organic certification workshop by farmer/certifier Nate Powell-Palm, from Montana, and Michael Stein, of the Organic Farming Research Foundation. A marketing workshop and panel discussion follow.

Doug Miyamoto, director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, opens sessions Thursday with a welcome at 7:50 a.m., followed by producer talks related to organic production, marketing and management.

Talks and information should be of interest to anyone interested in sustainable agriculture or livestock production, Norton says.

Sessions range from nitrogen management for successful grain production to prospects for hemp production, low-stress livestock handling strategies and a workshop on basic marketing principles and strategies.

Attendees will break out and choose among a dozen talks related to dryland systems, specialty crops and livestock/forage systems. The conference concludes with an update on organic farming components in the new farm bill, a discussion of regional research needs and planning for the 2020 conference.

For more information, call Norton at (307) 766-5082 or email jnorton4@uwyo.edu.