Come learn about organic, grass-fed dairy production with Parker and Esther Beard at Canoe Creek Dairy in Decorah on Tuesday, August 27 from noon to 3 p.m.

This free field day includes a demonstration of the pasture grazing system, and an engaging discussion about opportunities for organic wholesale dairy partnerships facilitated by second-generation dairy farmers. 

A complimentary lunch will be provided to attendees, courtesy of Mad Agriculture.

About the farm

Canoe Creek Dairy's 600 acres have been in the family since 1980, when Parker Beard's parents first bought the land and started converting it to pasture. Nestled in Decorah's hilly driftless region, the farm is particularly suited for grazing. Most of their land is now in permanent cover, which allows their grass-fed cows to harvest a majority of their own feed. 

In 2003, their dairy operation earned organic certification, marking the beginning of a lasting partnership with Organic Valley. Presently, Parker and Esther oversee approximately 115 milk cows and 25 nurse cows, along with a small assortment of crops, including corn, oats, rye, and a variety of forages. Their farm embodies the essence of a true family enterprise, as Parker and Esther work alongside Parker's parents, brother, and sister-in-law, both at Canoe Creek Dairy and on the family's additional farmland down the road.

Exhibitors

Email [email protected] if you wish to set up a table at this event.

Funding Acknowledgement

This material is based upon work that is supported by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the program agreement with the project number 15061 titled "Risk Management Outreach and Education for Beginning, Transitioning and Organic Producers". Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the RMA and U.S. Department of Agriculture.