Join the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association for Pastured Pigs & Poultry Workshop and Field Day at Whiskey Creek Ranch in Rose Prairie, BC on September 14, 2024.
We’ll consider how rotational grazing principles, regenerative agriculture and good biosecurity can be applied when raising pigs and poultry in pasture-based settings. Innovative tools and technologies are making it easier than ever to implement successful grazing management plans and we will explore some of these exciting options as well as funding opportunities available to help implement these beneficial management practices. We will also hear from Julia Smith of the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, and Jerry Kit from First Nature Farms, a 3000 acre farm and ecological reserve where Jerry and his son produce cattle, bison, chicken, turkeys and Berkshire pigs. The farm has been certified organic for over 30 years and recently became Animal Welfare Approved, non GMO, certified Grass Fed, and Certified Regenerative.
With their young family, Whiskey Creek’s Michelle and Gaston produce eggs, turkeys, pigs, beef, and honey. Whiskey Creek Ranch is transitioning into a fully certified organic farm, a Farmgate Plus abattoir, and run an on-farm commercial kitchen for local fruits, vegetables, and retail products. Michelle and Gaston will take us on a guided tour of the farm, and participants will have the opportunity to engage with presentations, demonstrations and discussion on a variety of topics, including:
Moving pigs and poultry in a rotational grazing system
Fencing
Managing feed and water
Housing Infrastructure
Cover crops
Health considerations
Predation
Processing
Cover cropping to improve soil health and reduce feed costs
The Peace Region Living Lab
Brand new Rovabarn (a solar-powered chicken barn)
Everyone is welcome at this free event, but please leave dogs at home! They will not be permitted on the farm due to the presence of Livestock Guardian Dogs.
Lunch is available by preorder, please email info@smallscalemeat.ca to order.
About Whiskey Creek Ranch
Whiskey Creek Ranch is located in Northern BC and is named after ‘Whiskey Creek’ which runs through the community of Rose Prairie. Michelle and Gaston are deeply committed to responsible land stewardship, using organic principles and regenerative systems emphasizing animal welfare. Their beef, pigs, and poultry are raised with careful consideration and Michelle and Gaston have even become certified Animal Welfare Approved for several of the species they care for.
About the Small-Scale Meat Producers
The Small-Scale Meat Producers Association (SSMPA) was formed in 2018 in response to the difficulties farmers face raising meat outside of the conventional, industrial system. Through regional programming, online education, and our growing membership network, SSMPA supports farmers across BC in becoming successful small-scale producers. Whether you’re new to farming, or looking to learn from others in the community, join us for an eventful day of learning and networking.
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This event is supported by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF). Funding for BCCAF has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. BCCAF is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation.