BURLINGTON, ON – May 10, 2019 – In April 2019, Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) hosted a series of Community Workshops for Artisanal Chicken Farmers in Peterborough, Woodstock, Kemptville, Mount Forest, and Sudbury.
The workshops provided an opportunity for farmers to hear from guest speakers on pertinent industry topics, and to share production and marketing experiences amongst fellow farmers. Over 70 Artisanal chicken farmers attended the meetings, which demonstrates the commitment these agricultural leaders have to continuous learning.
CFO was also pleased to welcome Perth-Wellington County MPP Randy Pettapiece, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, at the Mount Forest Workshop on April 25, 2019. Mr. Pettapiece attended a portion of the event to meet with local Artisanal farmers and to show support for the program.
The 2019 Artisanal Community Workshop highlights include:
- Building Value, Shaping the Future, Together – Ed Benjamins, Chair, and Rob Dougans, President & CEO, Chicken Farmers of Ontario
- Animal Care Program Changes – What to expect in your 2019 audit – Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO) staff
- Early Chick Performance, Spring Brooding & Poultry Nutrition - Dr. Scott Gillingham, Poultry Veterinarian
- The Importance of Humane Euthanasia: Implementing Best-in-Class Animal Care – Dr. Mike Petrik, Poultry Veterinarian
- Share your production & marketing experiences and learnings - Artisanal Chicken Farmer Round Table
Launched in 2015, the Artisanal Chicken Program permits non-quota holding farmers to raise between 600 to 3000 chickens for select markets. The program consists of small, independent, locally based farmers who meet local demands for safe, high quality, nutritious chicken.
CLICK HERE for additional details on the 2019 Artisanal Community Workshops.