High Hope Farm in Cedar Bluff, Mississippi will host this event, in partnership with the Alliance of Sustainable Farms and MSU Extension. The program will feature “Small Farmers, Smart Practices” with three small producers sharing about their operations. Presentations and demonstrations will be provided by  1) Sam McLemore of Bountiful Harvest Farms, a fruit and vegetable grower out of Starkville, Mississippi, 2) Willie Huston of Pick ‘N’ Grin Farm located in Bowling Green, Kentucky who produces a variety of specialty products in addition to hogs, and 3) Johnny and Deb Wray of High Hope Farm who produce grass-fed beef and lamb. Producers will share their production practices, including resources conserving practices, as well as how they market and where they sell products.

We will demonstrate rotational grazing, utilizing electric fences, supplies, and techniques for small-scale growers. Presentations and demonstrations will include High Tunnels/Row Covers – extend the growing season for cold-hardy crops or overwinter them for earliest possible spring harvest. Planting Tools and Crop Rotation – increase efficiency and plant health with planting tools and crop rotations to enhance plant and soil health. Soil Health Management Practices – to cycle nutrients and increase soil fertility, while conserving resources. Rotational Grazing – with various livestock, rotation strategies, and goals of stocking densities. Soil Health – learn about soil health indicators to look for, in addition to soil testing procedures. Packaging, Market, and Selling Products – each grower will share their experiences in preparing products, marketing, and selling to local customer groups.

Our host, High Hope Farm is a regenerative beef and lamb operation in Cedar Bluff, Mississippi which is a 38-acre farm owned and operated by Johnny and Deb Wray. The farm produces beef and lamb, has done chickens in the past, and has hosted new and aspiring farmers through on farm interns.

Registration information:

Registration: 10:00am (CST). Program: 10:30am to 2:30pm (CST).

Free Lunch will be provided

There is NO COST to attend this event, but PRE-REGISTRATION is required!

Pre-Registrations can be done online: Registration Link