FAIRFIELD, Iowa -- Organic dairy farmer Francis Thicke will host an on-farm milk processing workshop followed by a field day Sept. 19 near Fairfield.
The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to noon and includes lunch. The workshop and field day are part of the Practical Farmers of Iowa annual field day schedule.
Thicke's organic grass-based dairy farm produces bottled milk, cream, yogurt, and cheese for sale to local grocery stores, restaurants and a university. Encompassing 236 acres of rolling ground, Thicke's Radiance Dairy is the only on-farm bottling operation in Iowa. The farm is planted to forages and has 60 paddocks for controlled grazing.
Pre-registration and a $25 fee are required. Send a check to PFI, PO Box 349, Ames IA 50010, or telephone (515) 232-5661.
An afternoon schedule of field day activities is free and registration is not required.
ADVERTISEMENT
From 1 to 3:30 p.m. a farm tour will focus on controlled grazing, renovation of fescue pastures and pasture management. An update on the Conservation Security Program will be discussed along with how the program will apply to the Thicke farm.
To reach the Thicke farm, take Highway 34 to the west edge of Fairfield; turn north on Brookville Road and go 3 miles.
For more information call (515) 232-5661.
