To support local farmers, Small-Scale Meat Producers Association and The Farmland Trust are hosting two free workshops at Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island on March 8 and 9, offering practical solutions and gathering producer feedback.
Day 1: Principles of Multi-Species Rotational Grazing
This workshop will introduce rotational grazing, a management practice that enhances pasture quality, livestock health, and ecosystem resilience. Unlike traditional grazing methods, rotational grazing involves moving livestock through smaller paddocks, allowing pastures to recover and preventing overgrazing, soil erosion, and parasite buildup. Attendees will learn about electric fencing technologies and strategies to increase forage efficiency and drought resilience—an increasingly vital concern for Island farmers.
Day 2: Biosecurity Made Simple: Keeping Your Pigs and Poultry Healthy
With increasing threats like Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever, biosecurity is more critical than ever. This session will provide practical insights on minimizing disease risks in outdoor production systems, including infrastructure improvements, biosecurity planning, outbreak response, and evolving regulations. Farmers will gain actionable strategies to enhance the health and safety of their livestock. Both workshops will include hands-on demonstrations, networking opportunities, and shared experiences from local farmers tackling these challenges firsthand.
