This is a conference for those in the food growing/production industry and those who support them

For more details and to register go to: www.centralontarioagconference.ca

Supplement to 2013 COAC Program

Central Ontario Agricultural Conference
Thursday January 3, 2013

Simcoe County Farm Fresh Marketing Assoc. & the Organics Program have partnered to bring you this one day line-up of speakers and events to help you improve YOUR business:

Room 2 – 9:00 AM – 9:55 AM: “Simcoe County Farm Fresh Annual General Meeting”.

- Be sure to attend to learn what has taken place in 2012 and exciting plans for 2013. Meet your Board of Directors and fellow members and partners!

Alumni Hall – 10:00 AM – 11:55 AM: “Farm Smarter, Not Harder”

Richard Wisall – Cate Farm, Vermont U.S.
Richard Wiswall is the owner of Cate Farm, a family owned and operated organic farm in Central Vermont. He and Sally Colman and family cultivate 22 acres and seven 100-foot long greenhouses of organic vegetables, medicinal herbs, and flowers. Everything they sell is certified organic and always their own.

From his thirty years of experience at Cate Farm in Vermont, Wiswall knows firsthand the joys of starting and operating an organic farm—as well as the challenges of making a living from one. Also, check out his new book, The Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook, where he shares advice on how to make your vegetable production more efficient, better manage your employees and finances, and turn a profit. This is a valuable book for any beginning or seasoned farmer! www.catefarm.com

Room 3 – 1:00 PM – 2:55 PM: “Move your Business from Good to Spectacular”

Steve Smith – Smith’s Apples & Farm Market, Port Elgin, ON
Steve Smith enthusiastically grows, sells and teaches about foods, especially apples, as Smith’s Apples & Farm Market located on the scenic River Road near Port Elgin in Bruce County. The business started as a retirement project after 27 years teaching high school biology, horticulture and woodworking and has grown to include 6000 dwarf apple trees with pick-your-own apples, a Farm Market featuring local products, a “from scratch” bakery, a corn maze, and a school tour program.

Steve studied horticulture at the University of Guelph and later taught greenhouse science. Besides their store and apple orchard operation, they have also touched on the agri-tourism business. Steve will talk about moving your business from good and ordinary to spectacular and extraordinary. Learn from Steve who managed to turn a “supposed to be” retirement project into a very prosperous business. www.smithsapples.com

Room 3 – 3:00 PM – 3:55 PM: “CSA’s and the Future of Farming”

Harry Stoddart B.Sc. (Agr.) M.Sc., Guelph -
After graduating with a master’s degree in agricultural economics, Stoddart purchased his parents’ hog farm. He and his business partner converted 2,000 acres of crops to certified organic. In 2008 the farm had become so large that they decided to split the land. They continued to share a grain processing plant to prepare and package grain for millers and pasta makers. On this farm, he has switched from growing grain to producing meat, including grass-fed beef and lamb sold directly to consumers. The farm also raises White Park cattle, a rare breed that dates back to ancient Rome.

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