Livestock

Beef cattle finishing in summer/fall in a strip cropping system

In this project, we finished Texas longhorn beef cattle on the Sunshine Farm by using polywire (temporary electric fence) to break-feed crop residues and forages in a narrow strip cropping system without supplemental feed. To close the nutrient cycle between cattle and crops, the project was recommended February 1995 by the seven-member Farmer Advisory Committee for the Sunshine Farm.

Field Days for Women Organic Farmers: A Success Story

Summary

Educating women farmers about certified organic production

Coordinator: Melissa Matthewson, Southern Oregon Research and Experiment Station, Central Point, OR
Project location: Southwestern Oregon

Many women enjoy learning environments that are geared for women only. Recognizing this interest, the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Small Farms program, with OFRF support, sponsored four on-farm field days hosted by and for women organic and transitioning farmers.

Organic Livestock Handbook: a Canadian Organic Growers Practical Skills Handbook

Summary

Coordinator: Kristine Swaren, Canadian Organic Growers, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Stakeholders: Organic, transitioning, and conventional livestock producers

COG published the original Organic Livestock Handbook in 2000 (with OFRF funding) and this very popular book needs a complete overhaul for at least three reasons: