UAF seeks sustainable methods of livestock production
September 28, 2011
907-474-5042
9/28/11
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will host the Sustainable Livestock Conference Oct. 13-14 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. The conference, which aims to help increase agricultural production in Alaska, will focus on sustainable red meat production.
“We know we have the potential to produce enough red meat to feed the people of Alaska but we don’t do it. Why not?” said assistant professor and conference coordinator Jan Rowell. “What would it take to develop this industry?”
The conference will draw producers, researchers, retailers, policymakers and students, who will work toward identifying:
• practices that work, from the production of healthy meat to environmental compatibility.
• barriers to sustainable red meat production, from animal production to market issues and consumer attitudes.
• how the university can support the development of sustainable agriculture through research, education and extension.
“Alaska is positioned to design and develop a sustainable agricultural system unique to our situation, incorporating practices and attitudes different than those used elsewhere in the U.S.,” Rowell said. “Developing sustainable food systems is the first step on the path to food security and demonstrates a significant investment in Alaskans.”
The keynote speaker is John Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural and applied economics at the University of Missouri Columbia, and author of “Small Farms are Real Farms,” “A Return to Common Sense,” “Revolution of the Middle and the Pursuit of Happiness” and “Sustainable Capitalism.”
The UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and the UAF Cooperative Extension Service are hosting the conference. To register, visit www.uaf.edu/snras/dslp/ or contact Rowell at 907-474-6009 or jan.rowell@alaska.edu.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Jan Rowell at 907-474-6009 or jan.rowell@alaska.edu.
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