The Small-Scale Meat Producers Association and Central Cariboo Community Food Hub invites TRU students, faculty, and local livestock producers to a fun and informative day of presentations, discussions and Q&As on a range of timely topics including rotational grazing, farmgate licenses, emergency preparedness and climate resilience. The day will be followed by the opportunity to network at a casual pub night. The event will be held inside the campus gymnasium. A light breakfast and lunch with refreshments is included for participants.
Click here to reserve your spot!
Principles of Rotational Grazing
Rotational grazing is a management practice that can bring benefits to your operation including improved soil health & water holding capacity, reduced costs, ecosystem services and more. In this session, we will discuss the principles and benefits of rotational grazing, electric fencing and other infrastructure options, as well as funding and learning opportunities.
Farmgate Licenses: A Path to Growth for Small-Scale Meat Producers
New meat inspection regulation greatly expanded opportunities for on-farm slaughter in October 2021. We’ll lay out the facts, dive into lessons learned, bust some myths, talk about insurance, discuss the business and economics of Farmgate facilities and look at some exciting examples of how this opportunity is being used to help meat producers and processors scale their businesses.
Emergency Preparedness: A Look Back and a Glance Forward
This session will take a look back at what has worked to effectively safeguard agricultural workers and their enterprises, effectively ensuring ongoing operations and minimal disruption to the agricultural food chain.
Climate Resilience through Livestock Production
The best time to prepare for challenging weather is BEFORE you find yourself and your livestock in an emergency. In this session we will discuss how beneficial management practices like rotational grazing can build resilience into your operation and help to reverse the impacts of climate change. We’ll dive into the carbon cycle and how well-managed grazing can actually be a valuable carbon sink. We will also discuss systems you can implement to care for your livestock during heat, wildfires, drought, cold and other extreme weather events.
