Michigan State University Extension will be offering a one-day seminar on Organic Production Methods for livestock and crop farming on January 8th, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This Organic Production program will be held at the Dowagiac Conservation Club which is located at 54551 M-51 Dowagiac, Michigan. Resources, refreshments and lunch will be provided for program participants free of charge. Current organic producers, as well as those looking at other marketing options and people interesting in learning about organic standards are welcome to attend this education program and networking opportunity. Industry experts will be on hand to discuss topics such as, the organic certification process, current status of organic production in Michigan, the financial implication of growing organic products and production methods for growing organic livestock and grains. Representatives from Organic Valley and Organic Prairie Cooperative will be available to discuss marketing options open to producers and participants will be able to hear a producer's viewpoint on converting his conventional farm to an organic production facility for crops and livestock. Don't miss your chance to learn about this non-traditional market. Reservations for this meeting are required in order to ensure an adequate supply of materials, refreshments and meals will be provided. Please reserve your spot at the Organic Production Program by calling the Cass County Extension office at (269) 445-4438. For more information about this program please contact Beth Franz at the Cass County Extension office or by email at [log in to unmask] Vicki Morrone Organic Vegetable and Crop Outreach Specialist Michigan State University C.S. Mott Sustainable Food Systems 303 Natural Resources Bldg. East Lansing, MI 48824 517-353-3542 517-282-3557 (cell) 517-353-3834 (fax) http://safs.msu.edu/ http://www.mottgroup.msu.edu/ If you would like to access previous postings to the Mich-Organic listserv you can copy and paste the following URL into your browser address bar http://list.msu.edu/archives/mich-organic.html