Photo credit: Emily Decker
Land and feed costs are typically among the biggest expenses on a pastured livestock operation. That’s why we’re working with farmers across Pennsylvania to benchmark land and feed production efficiencies and explore ideas for developing more sustainable and profitable enterprises.
Bill Callahan, a contributor to our Pastured Livestock Land & Feed Efficiency Study, has pasture-raised poultry, pigs, and cattle at Cow-A-Hen Farm for more than two decades. During this field day, he will share his effective, low-tech approach to keeping the comprehensive records he needs to monitor and evaluate the efficiency of his operation.
We’ll also explore some of the opportunities and challenges at the farm for improving efficiency and profitability, including developing pig farrowing systems to reduce weanling mortality, cattle breeding strategies to help the herd adapt to the farm, and using an innovative pastured-broiler pen designed to substantially reduce predation on a farm surrounded by woodland.
We’ll conclude the day by reviewing Cow-A-Hen Farm’s finances and discuss what constitutes true profitability on a family farm.
Take a look at our frequently asked questions about our workshops and events. Otherwise, please contact this event’s coordinator, Franklin Egan, by email at franklin@pasafarming.org or by phone at (814) 349-9856 x707.