HARRISBURG, Pa. — The second annual Growing Pennsylvania’s Organic Farms Winter Conference, focusing on advanced organic marketing and production, is slated for Dec. 15-16, at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey.
This year’s conference features Hannah Smith-Brubaker, deputy secretary for Pennsylvania’s Market and Economic Development, with the kick-off keynote address.
Included in the conference lineup this year are marketing sessions led by Lela Reichart, PDA bureau chief of markets; Brian Moyer, Penn State Extension program assistant; and Dr. Jonathon Campbell, Penn State University meats specialist.
Other sessions will cover dairy and livestock, vegetables and fruits, poultry, and field crop production.
Dr. Silvia Abel-Caine, Organic Valley veterinarian, will discuss dairy feed rations and milk quality, and Jeff Mattocks of The Fertrell Company will provide insight into organic poultry nutrition.
Dr. Keith Yoder of Virginia Polytechnic Institute is set to speak on organic control of fruit diseases, and Abby Seaman of Cornell University, will talk about biopesticide use for organic vegetables.
Cornell University’s Dr. Matt Ryan will lead a session on weed management and cover crops, and Dr. Heather Darby of the University of Vermont will provide details on organic grain and forage production, soil health, and nutrient management.
Early bird registration, by Nov. 30, is $86 and day of registration is $106. Participants can attend a single day for a reduced cost. To register visit www.gpofconference.org.
