CARROLLTON, Ohio – Many farm families are feeling squeezed between rising prices for inputs and the stagnant prices they receive for their products. Many farm families are looking to increase their income through the use of alternative crops or livestock, the use of alternative marketing strategies, or alternative production systems.
Farm families wishing to explore alternative income opportunities should plan on attending the eighth annual Country Living Field Day Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kenwood Farms near Augusta in Carroll County.
The field day is coordinated by the Carroll County office of Ohio State University Extension. All events are free and open to the public.
Idea smorgasbord. The Country Living Field Day is nothing short of a smorgasbord of alternative farm income and rural living ideas, said Mike Hogan, OSU Extension Agent in Carroll County and Ohio State University’s statewide sustainable agriculture coordinator.
Whether you are considering joining a marketing alliance or cooperative to produce branded beef, considering transitioning some corn or soybean acreage into an organic production system, developing a managed grazing system, or adding a new enterprise such as hydroponic vegetables or even fresh water shrimp, you’ll be able to learn about it at the field day, said Hogan.
Seminars, exhibits. The Country Living Field Day will feature short seminars, demonstrations, displays, commercial exhibits, and farm tours on nearly 100 topics throughout the day. Five in-depth workshops running approximately 90 minutes in length will also be held.
Monte Swan of Evergreen, Colo., will present the keynote presentation at 12:30 p.m. Swan’s presentation will be on the topic of developing a positive farm and rural environment needed to raise a family.
Highlights of activities scheduled for the field day include the following:
In-depth workshops. Workshops will be offered on the following topics: Managed grazing at 11 a.m.; developing a grape vineyard at 11:30 a.m.; managing your woodlot at 2 p.m.; growing and using herbs at 2 p.m., and beef production and marketing at 2:30 p.m.
Introductory seminars. Nearly 30 different short introductory seminars will be offered on topics such as freshwater shrimp production, farming the Internet, truck farming, multi-species grazing, organic pork production, tree fruit production, pasture-raised poultry, entertainment farming and berry production.
These seminars will be held throughout the day.
New to the field day this year is the llama and alpaca area, which will feature scheduled seminars, demonstrations, hands-on activities, displays, opportunities for the public to handle llamas and alpacas, and individual farm exhibits by llama and alpaca breeders.
Safety programs. The field day will feature farm and home health and safety exhibits and activities, including a mock farm accident rescue demonstration and helicopter airlift at 1 p.m.
Mercy Health Center and Aultman Health Foundation will conduct free health screenings and health education programs.
Old and new horsepower. Displays of antique tractors and other farm equipment will be on hand at the field day.
A horse demonstration area will feature demonstrations with horse-drawn hay making equipment, horse-drawn bale feeders and plowing.
Other exhibits. A heritage breeds livestock exhibit will also take place at the field day to showcase breeds of livestock that are rare or endangered.
Children of all ages can learn about nature and agriculture through crafts, exhibits, puppet shows, wildlife demonstrations, and lots of other fun activities in the children’s activity area.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts from Carroll, Harrison and Jefferson counties will join the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to present information about natural resources such as forestry, wildlife, conservation and water quality.
Domestic arts such as spinning, quilting, soap-making, food preservation, cooking, and other topics will also be featured.
The Carroll County Farm Marketing Association will conduct a farmer’s market at the field day and will feature locally produced fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, cheeses, honey, plants, pumpkins, and other fall decorations.
For a program flyer and map contact the Carroll County Office of OSU Extension at 330-627-43 10 or visit the Country Living Field Day Web page at http://carroll.osu.edu/countryliving.htm for a complete schedule of events.
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Children will enjoy learning about farm safety at round-up
CARROLLTON, Ohio – The annual Country Living Field Day will include a Kids Safety Roundup that will feature fun, interactive learning opportunities on dozens of health and safety topics for all members of the family.
This year’s safety round-up will feature activities on sun safety, sports safety, poisonous plants, bicycle safety, seat-belt usage, farm safety, staying safe online, boating safety, lawn mower safety, and dozens of other topics.
The Carroll County Sheriff s Department will be offering free fingerprinting and photograph identification packets for children.
Free T-shirt. The first 900 children who complete nine safety stations at the round-up will receive a free T-shirt compliments of Progressive Farmer magazine.
All children who register at the roundup will also receive a free hat compliments of Carroll County Family and Children First Council. The council will also give a free soft-side cooler to each family registering children at the roundup.
