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Midwest Small Farm Conference



This conference includes a presentation on CSA, as well as planning your
farm and developing a diversified organic production system.

SUSTAINABLE EARTH, INC.
a 501(c)3 not-for-profit dedicated to economic development through agriculture
100 Georgton Ct., W.Lafayette IN 47906
tel. (765)463-9366   fax (765)497-0164
e-mail sbonney@iquest.net  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    	FOR MORE INFORMATION
October 6, 1998
Steve Bonney, (765) 463-9366

	     MIDWEST SMALL FARM CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW

	Farmers and consumers will be converging upon the Hamilton County
Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Indiana, on December 5, 1998, for the Midwest
Small Farm Conference and Trade Show. Among the presenters are several
farmers who have authored numerous books and articles related to small farm
agriculture and their areas of expertise.
	A conference highlight will be a rare appearance of the noted small farm
advocate and author Gene Logsdon, who will deliver the keynote presentation
and be available to sign some of his many books, including The Contrary
Farmer, At Nature's Pace and his latest book due out soon.
	Andy Lee, author of Backyard Market Gardening and the recently published
second edition of Chicken Tractor, will offer cutting edge thinking about
permaculture and whole farm planning in his presentation entitled,
"Designing Your Farm as if the Future Really Mattered." 
	Low cost, forage based production strategies will be the basis of
presentations by dairyman Dave Forgey, pastured hog farmer Greg Gunthorp,
and free range poultry farmer, Herm Beck-Chenowith. Forgey is one of the
leading experts on managed intensive grazing that has broad applicability
to reduce the cost of livestock production while yielding conservation
benefits. Gunthorp and Beck-Chenowith have shown the way to lower
production costs and the differentiation of livestock that is in
ever-increasing demand by consumers.
	And how about a Midwest shrimp industry? Tony Musgrave will share his
experiences with this production strategy that has huge market potential,
linking farm profitability and good health for consumers. Also on the
agenda is Steve Bonney's session on how to develop personal and community
food systems by linking farmers and consumers in the local marketplace.
	Several sessions will feature organic production and marketing of
vegetables  and specialty crops that occupy niches for value-added
agriculture. A session on organic grain production and organic
certification will be offered for those looking for strategies that capture
a premium in the cash grain marketplace.
	The trade show will feature many exhibitors with tools, products and
information for small farmers and specialty enterprises. Additionally,
resource materials on a variety of subjects will be available.
	This is an opportunity for farmers and consumers to come together to learn
how to develop strategies that ensure the viability of small family farms
and food systems that support healthy people.
To receive registration materials and information about the conference,
contact the sponsor, Sustainable Earth, at 100 Georgton Ct, West Lafayette
IN 47906. Telephone (765) 463-9366 or email sbonney@iquest.net.
Registration cost is $15 per person or $20 for the entire family.