Join the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association at Fresh Valley Farms for a fun and informative workshop/field day in Armstrong BC. We’ll consider how the principles of rotational grazing, regenerative agriculture and good biosecurity can be applied when raising pigs and poultry in pasture-based settings. Innovative tools and technologies are making it easier than ever to implement successful grazing management plans and we will explore some of these exciting options as well as funding opportunities available to help implement these beneficial management practices.

Fresh Valley Farms raises certified organic cattle, pigs and poultry, using rotational grazing and their new Rovabarn, a solar-powered chicken barn, to manage their multispecies, pasture-based operation. Steve and Annelise, Fresh Valley’s farmers, will take us on a guided tour of the farm and participants will have the opportunity to engage with presentations, demonstrations and discussion on a variety of topics, including:

 - Moving pigs & poultry in a rotational grazing system
 - Fencing
 - Managing feed & water
 - Housing infrastructure
 - Cover crops
 - Health considerations
 - Predation
 - Processing

Whether you’re new to farming, or looking to learn from others in the community, join us for an eventful day of learning and networking.

Please ensure clothing and footwear is clean and has been disinfected prior to attending.

About Fresh Valley Farms

Fresh Valley Farms is a 4th generation family farm located in the unceded Secwépemc territory, more commonly known as Spallumcheen BC. Fresh Valley has been Certified Organic since 2020, and farmers Steve Meggait and Annelise Grube-Cavers are committed to responsible land stewardship, using regenerative systems with an emphasis on animal welfare. On 300 acres of crop lands and mountainside pasture they produce pork, beef, eggs and broiler chickens in an outdoor pasture system where their animals are able to exercise their natural behaviours. Steve and Annelise direct-market their meat, much of which is processed on-farm using their Provincially Inspected chicken abattoir and their Farmgate Plus pork facility.

About the Small-Scale Meat Producers

The Small-Scale Meat Producers Association (SSMPA) was formed in 2018 in response to the difficulties faced by farmers raising meat outside of the conventional, industrial system. Through regional programming, online education and our growing membership network, SSMPA supports farmers across BC to become successful small-scale producers.

This event is supported by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF). Funding for BCCAF has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. BCCAF is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation.