Purdue News

October 15, 1999 Purdue joins list of presenters at small-farm trade show WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Two Purdue University specialists will speak about issues affecting small farmers at the Midwest Small Farm Conference and Trade Show on Nov. 19 and 20 at the exhibition center at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds. Bruce Bordelon, an associate professor and Extension specialist in horticulture, will talk about small fruits for the small farm. Gerald Brust, an integrated pest management specialist, will discuss insect pests and alternative control methods. This is the second year for the conference and Purdue's first year of contributing. The sponsor of the event is Sustainable Earth Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring profitable family farms through the development of sustainable farm systems and community food systems. Co-sponsors are the Consortium for Sustainable Agriculture, the North Central Regional Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and Farmweek Newspaper. The conference is intended to confront the issue of profitability through diversification. Twenty-four workshops cover topics such as adding value to milk; profitable livestock production; marketing specialty crops; and diversifying the organic farm. Keynote speakers will be Joel Salatin, author of "$alad Bar Beef" and "Pasteurized Poultry Profit$," and Sally Fallon, author of "Nourishing Traditions." Salatin will speak about grass-based farming practices and marketing strategies; Fallon will discuss the roles of meat in human nutrition. Lodging and meals are the responsibility of each individual. Registration is due by Nov. 10. Two-day registration rates are $40 per individual or $55 per family. One-day registration is $25 per individual or $40 per family. Registrations accepted after Nov. 10 will be assessed a $5 late fee. Individual members of Sustainable Earth receive a $10 discount, and those with family memberships receive a $15 discount. Send registration and fee to Sustainable Earth, 100 Georgton Court, West Lafayette, IN 47906. Be sure to include name(s), address, phone, and e-mail address. CONTACT: Steve Bonney, (765) 497-0164 Compiled by Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page