Reflecting on Another Year of our Scholarship Program
By Katherine Hoke, Humane Farming Program and Communications Assistant
Odyssey Farm
As we approach the end of our fiscal year, which turns over in July, we are reflecting on all of our farmer programming. If you don’t already know, we have a scholarship program for farmers and ranchers to attend conferences and workshops that relate to humane animal management, business and farm finance, and/or value-added production processes. Each fiscal year, farmers can apply for a scholarship for up to $400 to cover their registration fees for one conference or workshop.
We reserve a certain number of scholarships for conferences we partner with, like the annual American Pasture Poultry Producers Association (APPPA) Conference and the Grassworks Grazing Conference. We also set aside funds for “Farmer Suggested Conferences and Workshops” so that you can apply for reimbursement for an unlisted event you would like to attend, like a local, humane chicken processing workshop, or an online farm business course. If you have your eyes on an educational event you would like help attending, make sure to get your applications in as soon as registration opens! You can get all the details on our scholarships page.
Farmer Reflections
MoSo Farm
CJ Morgan of MoSo Farm in Athens, Ohio, was awarded a scholarship to attend the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association Conference. He had the following to say about his experience:
“The conference was great and we made many connections with graziers across the state. Jim Linne's presentation on rotational grazing was incredibly informational, with practical ways we can graze in order to increase the microbial activity in our soils. The humane livestock session was also very helpful, as we learned about the Five Freedoms and how to scientifically understand animal welfare. “
Treva Wetherell of Odyssey Farm in Sun Prairie, WI, was awarded a scholarship to attend the Grassworks Grazing Conference. She said:
Odyssey Farm
“I knew I would learn a lot by attending, but I learned so much more than I imagined I would. I also have areas where I now know I need to do some more research to answer questions that have come up as I review my notes. I am looking at our farm with new eyes and thinking about different ways to ensure that we are doing things in ways that are good for the animals, the land, and people.”
Help Us Keep This Program Strong
We love hearing these stories from farmers and knowing we are making an impact on their farms. If you want to help us continue to fund farmers to attend these valuable, educational experiences, make a monthly or a one-time contribution to FACT. When farmers get access to the educational experiences they need, they are able to improve the welfare of their animals and thus produce even healthier, tastier meat, eggs, and dairy. I’d say that’s a win-win-win!