The Chequamegon Organic Research, Education, and Training Group held the 3rd Annual Chequamegon Organic Conference on March 15th. The conference was  held for the first time at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center on US Hwy 2 just west of Ashland.


This year's program was designed to provide  information needed  to operate successful organic farm. Much of the information presented was also applicable to those home gardeners who want to garden organically. The keynote session this year was made  four very different farmers that will shared their stories of how they got started and what they've learned along the way.


 

Agricultural Agent Jason Fishback Introduces first speaker Chris Duke of Great Oak Farm. Who was the first of 4 speakers discussing Real Life farming lessons.	A question and answer session was held after the five organic farm owners had finished their presentations. Pictured left to right speakers; Doug Anderson, Chris Duke, Landis Spickerman, Kim Cassano and Rich Toebe.
Robert C. Willging a Wildlife Damage Biologist with the USDA, Wildlife Services, gave a great presentation on strategies  for minimizing animal damage to crops.	Doug Anderson from Beaver Creek Ranch gave a lecture on his decades of experience in organic farming. Doug is a certified organic farmer who raises what seems to be everything. His Highland beef cattle are USDA inspected and his farm products all over the world.
Mark Ehlers, CPA who gave the attendees some very sound financial and bookkeeping advice. Mark is located in Ashland.	Mark Hart owner of Mt. Ashwaybay Vineyard and Orchard displayed preferred varieties of grapes for our area. His vineyard is used to produce grapes and fruit for research only. Mark is said to be Wisconsin's number one authority on the subject.
	Not  pictured is Steve Stoner food and dairy specialist WDATCP Division of Food and Safety. and Dr. Dick Wolkowski, Soil Scientist for the U.W. Acedemic staff. He is the statewide contact for soil and water management. Ironwoodinfo, considers Dr. Wolkowski presentation most valuable to local gardeners as well as local farmers. We are attempting to aquire a copy of his invaluable presentation so we can publish here on ironwoodinfo.com.
John Hendrickson of Stone Circle Farm, offered a presentation of small scale farming equipment. Much of which would be considered very interesting by local master gardeners.