VALUE-ADDED OPPORTUNITIES IN AGRICULTURE - Agricultural ...

An Organic Production and Processing Cooperative
Tim Griffin, CROPP, LaForge, WI
Moderator: David Coltrain, KSU Agricultural Economics Department
The demand for organic food products has greatly increased. Tim Griffin will provide an
overview of the development of the CROPP organic cooperative and the market potential for
organic products in the Upper Midwest. He will discuss organic production in general and
specifically describe organic dairy production, which has been a topic of interest for Kansas
producers.
Cattle Performance and Cattle Improvement Programs
Brian Bertelsen, U.S. Premium Beef, Dodge City, KS
Moderator: Dixie Russell, KDOCH Ag Products Development Division
Brian Bertelsen will discuss U.S. Premium Beef's philosophy that quality beef begins at the
ranch and ends with satisfied consumers. This philosophy is a commitment to select the right
genetics and to use the best possible production practices (beginning from the ranch and ending
at mealtime) to produce consistent, high-quality beef.
ALTERNATIVES SESSIONS
Industrial Uses of Agricultural Products
Holly Born, Program Specialist, AATRA, Fayetteville, AR
Moderator: Deanna Gerhardt, USDA Rural Development
Hoily Born will describe the services provided to producers by ATTRA and provide specific
examples of adding value to agricultural commodities. ATTRA provides the latest information
about sustainable agriculture free of charge to U.S. farmers, researchers, extension personnel,
agribusiness and others. Information Specialists answer requests with individualized research in
horticulture, agronomy, livestock production, integrated pest management and agriculture
information transfer.
Agricultural Merchandising on the Internet
Jennifer Mathes, Mathes Farms, Bartlett, KS
Moderator: Lee Masenthin, KDOCH Ag Products Development Division
Jennifer Mathes will explain how her family farm is using the Internet as a wonderful marketing
tool. This session will provide you with the opportunity to see what avenues are available in e-
commerce. Learn how to use the power of the Internet to market your product.
Hunting, Recreation and Agritourism
Keith and Debra Houghton, Ringneck Ranch, Tipton, KS
Moderator: Megan Kilgore, KDOCH Ag Products Development Division
Keith and Debra Houghton will tell about the exciting and increasingly important value-added
business of agritourism. Ringneck Ranch is a family-run business that was established in 1983.
Great hunting, pleasant accommodations, outstanding home cooked family-style meal service
and Kansas hospitality combine as a memorable experience for their customers.
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