RURAL VERMONT HOSTS FIRST IN “FREE ENTERPRISE FARMING” WORKSHOP SERIES:
From Brooder to Plate: Pastured Poultry Opportunities
On Thursday, August 26 from 11 am – 3 pm, Rural Vermont’s “Free Enterprise Farming” workshop series will commence with From Brooder to Plate: Pastured Poultry Opportunities at the scenic Chandler Pond Farm in South Wheelock, VT. The workshop is $10 for Rural Vermont members and $20 for all else. Space is limited! Register in advance by calling (802) 223-7222 or emailing shelby@ruralvermont.org.
From Brooder to Plate is the first in a series of workshops that Rural Vermont is sponsoring to engage farmers and consumers in the advocacy work that Rural Vermont has done and continues to do in pursuit of reasonable oversight and regulations for farms of all sizes. The workshops will highlight recent changes to poultry and raw milk regulations and feature farms that are reaping the benefits of these new economic opportunities.“By presenting workshops such as this, we can make sure that the work we do in the State House is making a positive difference on the farm,” says Rural Vermont Director Brian Moyer.
From Brooder to Plate will illustrate the options available to those current and aspiring farmers considering the production and sale of poultry. In 2007, Rural Vermont advocated for the Agricultural Viability Act, nicknamed the “Chicken Bill.” This law allows small-scale farmers producing uninspected poultry to sell to restaurants and farmers’ markets, in addition to selling from the farm.
Participants can expect a farm tour and discussion of production methods with farmers Rob and Tamara Martin. After lunch, Rural Vermont will provide an overview of state poultry regulations as well as some marketing tips. In the final portion of the workshop, participants will have a chance to get practical experience in on-farm poultry processing, so come with work boots on!
This workshop will be useful for anyone considering poultry as a profitable farm addition. Bring a brown bag lunch, work clothes, and lots of questions! Informational materials will be provided by Rural Vermont, including a quick-reference guide to processing and selling poultry in Vermont.
Chandler Pond Farm is sure to please, with 600 acres of beautiful Vermont countryside and a diverse CSA. Their poultry is pastured in moveable pens, where they raise 1,000 birds annually. The farm is also home to laying hens, pigs, a small herd of beef cattle, and two milking Jerseys. Check out their website for more information at www.chandlerpondfarm.com.
Following From Brooder to Plate, the “Free Enterprise Farming” workshop series will continue with three From Cow to Customer workshops: September 12 at Lathe Farm in Craftsbury, September 13 at Family Cow Farmstand in Hinesburg, and October 2 at the Bunker Farm in East Dummerston. Full details about the entire series available at www.ruralvermont.org.