Posted: 06.25.2010
As the public becomes aware of the impact that food choices have on the health of their families, their communities and the environment, they are seeking out local sources for sustainably produced meat, eggs and dairy products in increasing numbers. In order to help grazing farmers capitalize on this trend and connect with potential customers, GrassWorks, Inc., is launching a new feature on its website: "The Grazing Marketplace." This virtual marketplace will make it easy for graziers to promote their farms and their products and for consumers to find nutritious, locally produced, grass-fed food.
In addition to connecting producers and consumers, the Grazing Marketplace will list businesses that cater to grazing farmers, providing quick access to suppliers for graziers who otherwise might have to wade through print catalogues to find what they need. "We really want the Marketplace on the GrassWorks website to serve as one-stop shopping for graziers," says Valerie Adamski, Executive Director of GrassWorks and managed grazing dairy farmer. "Farmers will also be able to browse classified ads posted by our members who are buying or selling--livestock, equipment, feed, etc."
The Grazing Marketplace is part of an overall upgrade to the GrassWorks website (www.grasswork.org). The website has long been a resource for farmers interested in learning more about managed grazing. It has served as state-wide clearing house of information on pasture walks, grazing specialists and the annual Grazing Conference. The new website, although still under construction, is now available and has been reconstructed to make it more comprehensive, better organized and more accessible. Right now, graziers will be especially interest in the online Pasture Walk Calendar for 2010. To get more information about the calendar, the Grazing Marketplace or other features on the new GrassWorks website, contact Bridget O'Meara at info@grassworks.org.
And, more good news for graziers: Due to pressure from GrassWorks, as well as other organizations around the country, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has changed the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) to include a "Pastured Cropland" category. The final rule for CSP makes it clear that managed grazing lands provide substantial environmental benefits and should receive a higher payment than rangeland and other land that falls under the "Pasture" category. It's not too late to sign up for CSP in this ranking period! The deadline is Friday, June 25th. To find out more go to www.grassworks.org or contact your local NRCS office.
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