Calvert County, Maryland Agriculture Commission Co-Hosts Livestock Conference

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- October 09, 2004 -- The Calvert County, Maryland Agriculture Commission, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Southern Maryland Resource Conservation & Development, Inc., is sponsoring the conference, “Growing and Marketing Value-Added Livestock in Maryland,” on Saturday, October 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Isaak Walton League at 4200 Gardiner Road in Waldorf, Md.

Farmers will learn methods to evaluate and produce high value livestock products, hear detailed discussions of ultrasound testing of live animals to evaluate meat performance and the techniques used to produce high quality pasture to produce grass-finished beef. The conference will look at all types of value-added livestock products, from traditionally produced animals to grass-raised and finished beef. Several goat and sheep specialists will be available to discuss production and marketing opportunities of small ruminants and a local bison farmer will discuss growing and marketing bison in the Northeast.

Workshops will focus on the things needed to bridge gaps such as local USDA-approved processing sites and what farmers and agricultural supporters are doing in Southern Maryland to solve this problem. Representatives from the New England Livestock Association will also discuss how farmers in our area can participate in their value-added beef purchasing arrangements.

The cost of the conference is $15 dollars per person and includes lunch. The registration deadline is October 15 and flyers and maps are available at your local Soil Conservation District Office, County Extension Office and the Calvert County Department of Economic Development.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com