Learn how to cash in on sustainable farming practices with courses and workshops at The Kerr Center
By Stephanie Staton
Are you interested in upping your sustainability and increasing your bottom line all at the same time? Then check out the educational courses, conferences and workshops available through The Kerr Center for Agricultural Sustainability at www.kerrcenter.com/HTML/events.html. Located in Poteau, Okla., these opportunities emphasize both new farming practices and sustainability to help save you money.
The Kerr Center is named in honor of Senator Robert S. Kerr. It was established in 1965, two years after Kerr’s death, as a nonprofit foundation by his family to encourage scientific, educational and charitable activities in agriculture. The foundation provides farmers and ranchers with free technical assistance and information on how to improve their farm operations. The Kerr Center added "Sustainability" to its name in 1986 and turned its attention toward finding new farming practices and improved marketing and food distribution structures. It’s goal: to aid in the preservation of natural resources and the protection of the environment while positively impacting the quality of life for farmers and ranchers.
Through grants and programs, the Center has worked to expand its reach both in geography and learning. The Kerr Center sponsors and organizes educational courses, conferences and workshops such as the upcoming workshop, Natural Livestock: Production, Care, and Marketing, and field days, like From Field to Buyer: Making the Most of Your Growing Crops.
Field days are just as informal as they sound: Come prepared for the day-long excursions by donning appropriate outdoor attire and wearing comfy shoes for walking through the fields! And don’t forget a folding chair!
The Center also presents other activities in cooperation with the USDA Risk Management Agency for area farmers and ranchers, such as the SARE 20th anniversary conference (202-720-5384; www.sare.org/events/show_events.asp)--The New American Farm: Advancing the frontier of sustainable agriculture--and the Milking and Cheesemaking Workshop in May (www.hobbyfarms.com/farm-resources/calendar/upcoming-events.aspx).
For more information on The Kerr Center for Agricultural Sustainability, visit www.kerrcenter.com.