The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar about the previously announced USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers, and a training opportunity for women in the Northeast.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program (LPS) Quality Assessment Division (QAD) is pleased to announce an informational webinar about the USDA Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers that was announced in May 2014 for cattle. AMS plans to also add sheep to this program this summer.

During the webinar, we will provide an overview of the USDA Grass Fed program, website, and detailed information about the application (including how to apply), and evaluation process for gaining approval for the livestock to the Grass Fed Standard. The presentation will be followed by a Question and Answer period.

WEBINAR DETAILS

This is a one-hour, listen-only webinar that you attend using both a phone and a computer. You will be able to send an instant message/chat to the presenter using your computer. The webinar will be recorded, and a link will be posted on the QAD webpage for those that would like to listen in at a later date. You are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to be answered during the webinar, please email your questions to Jennifer Turpin.

Date/Time:

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

11:00 AM-12:00 PM Eastern Time

Dial In by Phone:

Toll-Free (U.S. & Canada): 866.740.1260

Access Code: 7202000

AND

Meeting URL: http://www.readytalk.com

On the left side of the screen, enter

Participant Access Code: 7202000

Test your computer for compatibility in advance.

OTHER RESOURCES:

Grass Fed Program website:

Holistic Management International (HMI) is currently accepting applications for its successful Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Women in the Northeast and Texas Program in the states of New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine.

Funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the program is open to beginning women farmers and ranchers in the above states with less than 10 years of farming and ranching experience. Program graduates will gain the network, skills and confidence needed to build successful, sustainable agricultural enterprises. The training focuses on business planning skills, time management, soil fertility management, and profitable sustainable livestock and crop farming practices.

Learn more about the program and how to apply at HMI's website.