Upper Northeast Pasture Center Teleconference

June 20, 2006

Teleconference participants: Sue Ellen Johnson, Carl DeMatteo, Rick Richardson, Don Minto, Holly Burdette, Joyce Meader, Janet Clark, Kenneth Miller, Barbara Miller, Masoud Hashemi, Stephen Herbert and Carrie Chickering-Sears.

Start time: 12:35 PM

First item discussed were possible dates to hold an on-site meeting at the UMass South Deerfield Ag Center mainly for the private sector – dates discussed were August 15, 16 and 17. If you have a preference, please email Stephen Herbert at sherbert@pssci.umass.edu Suggestion was made to start around noon. A light lunch will be served. An agenda will be drafted and sent out prior to the meeting.

Janet Clark asked for a brief overview on what our vision is for the center. How will this information support farms in our state? Will the private sector work with the regional center?

Sue Ellen said our goal is to formulate a plan with the private sector and also gain political support. At this point, we are the only New England state that would have a grazing center. New Hampshire (UNH) is developing an organic dairy and this would not be the focus at UMass since UNH will be supplying research information related to organic dairying and pasture. Doug Gillespie will work with other state ag commissioners to gain their support for the center. The UMass Vet & Animal Science Dept. has faculty members with strong parasitology background.

Carl DeMatteo suggested that we reach out to the other state Farm Bureaus for support. The MA Farm Bureau Annual Meeting is scheduled 11/30-12/01 in Northampton. He would like to see the committee present in the morning and give an update to the members on the center. This would be an ideal place to get additional input from farmers. Time frame would be 2-3 hours in length with a strategic plan focus.

Carl: Need to look at logistical issues. Major obstacle for grazers is finding USDA inspected slaughter houses in southern New England.

Barb: A new Yahoo group has been formed called graze it up. You do need to set-up a yahoo account. Contact Barb Miller for additional information – barbara.miller@ma.usda.gov Ideas for research: Small scale paradigm and feed and forage conversion ratio. Additional contacts: Brian Stone, Williamstown farmer, and Dole & Bailey (Boston based food supplier) since they want to purchase locally grown food and need a steady supply.

Sue Ellen: Need to decide where we want to go for funding. A SARE proposal was submitted.

Carl: Any questions on the farm bill?

Stephen: Farm Bureau needs to take a look at the state’s invasive species list. Reed Canary Grass is now listed and farmers are unable to purchase the seed in the state.

No teleconference will be scheduled in July 2006 due to vacations and conferences.

Call ended at 1:22 PM