If you are into commercial-scale organic production and want to meet others like yourself, there is no better place than the Carolina Organic Commodities and Livestock Conference, Jan 20-21, in Oxford, North Carolina.
The conference is designed to help commercial organic producers learn more about growing organic crops, including raising livestock sustainably, marketing organic products, and improving food safety and agricultural practices.
The first day of the event will be held on the campus of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co., 3220 Knotts Grove Road, in Oxford. On the 21st the conference will continue at Oxford's Comfort Inn, at 1000 Linden Avenue.
There is no charge for the conference, which includes presentations, workshops, a Thursday luncheon and a Thursday evening reception in the exhibit hall.
Topics covered during the two days include, among many others, a talk about plant disease management in organic vegetable crops by NC State University plant pathologist Frank Louws, and Seedway's Joe Jones and Debra Deis.
NCSU's Crop Science research associate George Place and Crop Science professor Paul Murphy will join Michael Sligh of RAFI to discuss varieties and hybrids for organic grain production.
NC State University crop scientist Jim Green and agricultural engineer Garry Grabow will discuss organic pasture management.
There will also be discussions about organic dairy production, the marketing of organic vegetables and food safety.
Panels will discuss organic grain buying and transitional markets.
Continuing education units are available for certified crop advisors at the conference.
Register by phone at 919-542-2402. To register online or to learn more, visit http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/oclc.shtml. Deadline for registration is Jan. 14.