Carolina Meat Conference

This past week-end was the first Carolina Meat Conference held in Concord, North Carolina.

While we were unable to be there all week-end Lee was a participant on Sunday in the Session on Setting Up an Outdoor, Pasture-Based Hog Operation (see below):

Setting Up an Outdoor, Pasture-Based Hog Operation Demand for pasture-raised pork continues to increase. This workshop is intended for farmers new to raising hogs outdoors. A panel of experts will share critical information about start-up and maintenance costs, equipment needs, labor requirements and marketing strategies.

Lee Menius, Wild Turkey Farms, China Grove, NC Dr. Niki Whitley, NC A&T University, Department of Animal Science & CEFS Swine Unit Coordinator Renee Parker, Parker Farms, Hurdle Mills, NC Bailey Newton, Triple B Farm, Bullock, NC Jeremiah Jones, President, NC Natural Hog Growers Association, Grassroots Pork Co, Beulaville, NC Moderator: Chris Bordeaux, CEFS’ Conservation Innovation Project

and the Pastured Poultry Genetics & Mobile Processing Demonstration (see below):

Pastured Poultry Genetics and Mobile Processing Demonstration This workshop is for new and experienced poultry producers. Local pastured poultry experts present findings on the impact of outdoor access and genotype on pastured broiler performance, meat quality, and sensory attributes, including a recent carcass evaluation comparing fast-growing Cornish Cross to a slower-growing hybrid “Freedom Ranger.” Representatives from NC’s two inspected poultry processing facilities will be available for questions about their facilities and services.

This will be followed by a demonstration of best management practices for on-farm slaughter of poultry, including small-scale humane stunning and a discussion of enterprise budgets for building your own rentable Mobile Processing Unit for exempt, on-farm poultry processing in North Carolina.

The Wild Turkey Farms Mobile Processing Unit will be on-site.

Dr. Doug Smith, Associate Professor, NC State University Dr. Anne Fanatico, Assistant Professor, Goodnight Family Sustainable Development Program, Appalachian State University,Boone, NC Lee Menius, Wild Turkey Farms, China Grove, NC Renee Elkins, Chaudhry Halal Meat Processing, Siler City, NC Smithson Mills, McDowell Foothills Pilot Plant, Marion, NC

First, let me say that the Conference was great! It was very informative, I saw a lot of old friends & met some new friends. The food was delicious! On Sunday lunch was provided by the Farmhand Foods Sausage Wagon. If your in the Durham area you must find them!! I had the polish sausage with pimento cheese...yummy!

The MPU demonstration went well. It had been raining & it was cold so we only "dispatched" two birds but thanks to all who braved the conditions & were out there for the demo.