Organic grain, livestock outlook meeting Saturday

The second annual Organic Grain and Livestock Outlook meeting in Fairfield is set from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the Argiro Student Center on the Maharishi University of Management campus.

The meeting, sponsored by the Iowa Organic Association, offers an opportunity to learn more about market demand and managing risk in organic farming operations.

This year?s meetings will provide an overview of the organic industry for 2012 and discuss Farm Service Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service programs for organic farmers, as well as National Organic Standards Board actions.

Speakers include Joe Klein of Organic Valley/CROPP Coop; Bill Evans of Kalona Organics, who will speak about the retail side of organics and how it relates to business opportunities for organic farmers in Iowa; Beth Larabee, executive director of the Iowa Organic Association, who will give an overview of the organic market; and Cherie Johnson of Blue River Hybrids, who will talk about organic seed.

Last year?s Organic Grain and Livestock Outlook meeting was attended by more than 40 area farmers.

For more information contact Larabee by calling 515-291-5457 or emailing blarabee100@gmail.com.