Montana Organic Conference, Nov. 11-13, Billings, Montana

2005-11-11 08:00:00

Holiday Inn Grand in Billings, Montana

Contact: Judy Owsowitz Phone: 406-862-6362 [email protected]

Organic production systems represent the best future for preserving family farms as they quickly disappear, according to Montana Organic Association officials.

Organic farmers provide a tangible link between the grower and the consumer. They are true conservationists, promoting best practices in soil conservation, minimal inputs and premium products. And their successes are encouraging more and more conventional farmers to transition to organic every day.

Success stories such as these and others will be highlighted at the upcoming Montana Organic Association’s third conference entitled "Gathering Montana’s Organic Community: Farming for the Next Generation," scheduled for Nov. 11-13 at the Holiday Inn Grand in Billings, Mont..

MOA’s third annual conference explores many of the ways that organic farmers are working towards a future of sustainability and growth. And it provides a valuable opportunity for exchanging ideas between producers, vendors, buyers, researchers, consumers, and farmers. Lastly, it provides all of us time to celebrate our unique, diverse organic community.

This fall’s conference features presentations by Fraser McLeay and Jan Tusick on organic marketing opportunities, and Allen Moody and Eric Newman on how organic production has helped farms survive and thrive. Participants will be addressed by Montana Department of Agriculture director Nancy K. Peterson on family farms and organic agriculture, and Montana Senate President and organic farmer Jon Tester of Big Sandy, Mont., on organic farming as the future. Bob Quinn of Kamut International closes out the conference with a presentation entitled, "Drawing it all Together, Lessons for the Future."

MOA has gathered an impressive array of experts for the diverse breakout sessions such as Jim Gerrish and Dr. Steve Atchley on grass-finished beef, Matthew Dillon on organic seed, Terrence Fox on plant medicines for animals, Debbie Miller and Blaine Schmaltz on dryland farm systems, and Tom DeLuca on soil fertility considerations for Montana, just to name a few. MSU and U of M scientists and researchers will be available for a special session on organic research issues entitled, "What do Growers Need? You talk, We listen."

MOA continues its popular series of buyers’ panels with representatives on hand to discuss grain, livestock, vegetables, fruits and herbs.

All things serious will be followed by all things fun with evening festivities that include a no-host reception with live entertainment on Friday night and the ever-popular "Quarter Auction" on Saturday.