Western New York will play host to the 15th Annual NODPA Field Days on October 1st and 2nd, in Pavilion NY, an active farming community south of Rochester, NY. This year, the critically important topic of how to attract and retain the next generation of organic dairy producers will be tackled. With the average age of a US farmer creeping up to the late 50’s, it’s time to figure out how to adapt the farm to the changing needs of our children and grandchildren if we hope to keep organic dairy alive in the United States. We are hearing a lot from this next generation, with some saying that they just can’t farm 24/7 as their parents and grandparents have done, and are seeking new ways of getting the work done, and others are saying that the lifestyle of organic farming is very important to their young families. They want to be able to support themselves without having to rely on off-farm income, and they want to utilize new technology to make their farms operate efficiently, less labor-intensively, AND allowing for regular time off. The NODPA Field Days program will explore the current obstacles and opportunities for the next generation of organic dairy farmers, and will present success stories where family farms are adopting new and creative practices for the 21st century, and will hear from young farmers who will inform the discussion.

The next generation won’t be the only topic on the program; participants will hear from a diverse group of national and regional leaders and educators who will share with producers and service providers their knowledge, ideas and business experiences that are relevant to the important topics facing organic dairy farm families, today. Participants will get an update on the grass-fed milk trend; have an extended, on-farm workshop on cow comfort; and will hear about robotic milking in the Netherlands, where it all began. Liana Hoodes, the founding director of the National Organic Coalition will be NODPA Field Days’ keynote speaker. She will share her experiences and observations about the future of the Organic brand, and following her presentation, everyone will have a chance to jump into the conversation during a discussion facilitated by Fay Benson, that we are calling Working Together for a Sustainable Organic Dairy Future.

This year, Field Days will wrap up with a special event. The New York Organic Dairy Initiative will host a cookout at the nearby Letchworth State Park, often called The Grand Canyon of the East, to conclude this year’s NODPA meeting. It’s a beautiful time of year to view the magnificent falls of the Genesee River.

Register and pay online here.