Converting Cropland to Pasture for Sheep
Friday, October 20, 2023 · 1–3 pm
Kilmarnock, Virginia
Point Pleasant Farm is a new/old farm located in the Coastal Plain of Virginia. The land has been cleared and farmed for over 100 years. It was mostly crop-farmed until 2020 when Nan Harvey purchased several small adjoining parcels, added fencing and changed the land use to livestock farming. Nan will share the good, bad and ugly she had to face along the way. Raising sheep changed the crop from a bean/wheat/corn rotation cycle to a permanent grassland constrained by proximity to the Chesapeake Bay. With invaluable technical support from the Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program, VT Small Farms Nutrient Management Program and extensive research, the livestock operation is working towards sustainability. Elaine Shirley, President of the Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders Association, will also join us to address the special challenges and rewards of raising heritage breed sheep.
Space is limited to 20 participants.
For more information, contact Tammy Holler at 804-229-2730, or tholler@vsu.edu.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.