Forum for Rural Innovation

Livestock Update, March 2007

March 9, 2007
Best Western Lee-Jackson Conference Center
Winchester, Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    February 2007

CONTACT:  Gary W. Hornbaker   703-777-0426

Forum for Rural Innovation:
New Approaches for Agriculture and Rural Prosperity

The third annual Forum for Rural Innovation will be held Friday, March 9, 2007 at the Best Western Lee-Jackson Motor Inn & Conference Center in Winchester, Virginia. The purpose of the Forum is to showcase replicable innovative ideas, projects or programs that enhance farm or rural business profitability, conserve farm land and natural resources, or develop new approaches to rural prosperity that are viable in an expensive farmland-upscale consumer environment.

The Forum will feature a series of presentations, with an emphasis on farming for high-profitability by using innovative and sound business approaches particularly suited to the Mid-Atlantic region. Topics have been chosen to present practical examples of successful innovative operations that could be adapted to area farms.  The program will feature some of the most progressive and recognized farmers and researchers in the United States.
Forum topics will include:

• “USDA Beltsville Research and How it Directly Affects Your Production”, Dr. Phyllis Johnson, Director, USDA Beltsville ARC.  Dr. Johnson will highlight the educational and research efforts at Beltsville ARC.  Learn how USDA research is being conducted to support agriculture production, and examples of current projects that may have impacts to local farm practices.

• “Small Fruit and Specialty Crop Markets in Virginia – Results of a Statewide Survey,”
  Dr. Denise Mainville, Assistant Professor, Agriculture and Applied Economics, VA TECH. Specialty crop production and direct marketing efforts continue to grow in the mid-Atlantic region.  Learn how a market survey was developed and conducted in Virginia, and what the results were.  You may be surprised about marketing practices.

• “Internet Tools to Grow Your Business,” Janet Childs, Owner and Marketing Director of BreedersWorld.com.  Should you use the internet as another marketing tool?  What should your website include?  How much does it cost? Get a professional overview from a nationally recognized webmaster about internet marketing.

• “Preview of Summer 2007 Twilight Tours,” See three innovative agriculture businesses that will be highlighted with twilight tours this summer.

• “Marketing Opportunities and Alternative Enterprises for Small Scale Farming,”
  Andy Hankins, Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist, Virginia State University.  Andy Hankins is recognized as one of the most innovative specialist in alternative agriculture.  Learn about enterprises that show market opportunities in this region. From organic poultry and eggs, to natural beef and pork, to fresh cut flowers and specialty ethnic fruits and vegetables.  Andy will share his experience and expertise.

• “Wildlife Management – Developing a Plan for Your Operation,” Dr. James Parkhurst, Associate Professor, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, VA TECH.  Dr. Parkhurst is a foremost authority in wildlife management.  He will be addressing one of the most common problems (or resources) to agriculture in this region.  While Dr. Parkhurst may refer to other wildlife challenges, deer management will be the focus of this session.

In addition, exhibits by agricultural suppliers, support agencies, and area innovative businesses will be featured the entire day.  Area agricultural businesses are encouraged to participate with exhibits and displays.
A registration fee of $35.00 per person will include the forum program, morning refreshments, and buffet lunch featuring local foods.  Registration information is available on-line at www.LoudounFarms.org or by calling 703-777-0426. Pre-registration by March 2nd is required.

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension