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The Foothills Forage and Grazing Association (FFGA) is holding a Farm to Fork "direct marketing" workshop this Monday, Feb. 24 in Rocky View County.
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The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. at the Goldenrod Community Hall, which is just northwest of the Airdrie on Highway 772.
The keynote speaker will be Ingrid Johnson, the 2022 Nuffield Scholar.
Johnson is the co-owner of Onward Ranch, a cow/calf operation. Through their website, grass-finished beef is shipped across B.C. to doorsteps, which was the first in B.C. to do so.
During Ingrid's Nuffield experience, she studied "How primary producers can direct market their farm products from farm to consumer door through urban-rural connections," a topic which she will discuss at Monday's workshop.
The Producer Panel will feature Brandon Toews of Route 304 Cattle Co, Casey Toews of Fishburn Ranch, and Barry Doerksen of Gemstone Grassfed Beef.
As third-generation farmers and ranchers, the Toews have been immersed in rural life. The couple's upbringing on nutritious pasture-raised beef has fuelled their passion to bring that same quality to individuals seeking farm-to-table meats.
Fishburn Ranch is a family operation in Southwestern Alberta. They are passionate about how working in harmony with nature can maximize the potential of grasslands, provide nutrient-dense food for communities, and chart a sustainable path forward for the future of agriculture.
Gemstone is a fourth-generation farming and ranching family from Gem, Alberta. Gemstone Grassfed Beef prides themselves in producing high quality grass finished beef that is tender, nutrient-dense, and well marbled. They believe the combination of soils, pastures, crops, cattle genetics and management are unique to their farm.
These every day examples and experiences will be used to highlight how operations have been able to connect directly with consumers.
The cost to attend is $25 for FFGA or Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association (CAFLA) members and $35 for non-members.
People can register at https://www.foothillsforage.com/farmtofork
