By SUSAN MYKRANTZ
Ohio Correspondent

HIRAM, Ohio — The business of farming will be the topic of the 2011 Innovative Farmers of Ohio annual meeting and conference on Feb. 26, at Hiram College in Hiram.

Dr. Susan Beal, agricultural science advisor with the Pennsylvania Assoc. for Sustainable Agriculture, and Robert Perry, from the University of Kentucky (UK), will highlight the conference. Beal will discuss the health and nutrition benefits of grass-fed poultry, beef, sheep and swine and how these benefits can serve as a marketing tool to help producers sell more product.

Perry will discuss the Retail and Restaurant Ready Program – now known as the Market Ready Program – developed by the UK to provide producers with the tools they need to market their products to restaurants and food service institutions.

The conference will also include a panel of Ohio producers who will share their success in using direct marketing, value-added products, season extension and partnering with schools and restaurants.

Registration for the conference is $25 for members and includes meals, materials and breaks. Membership is $35 for individuals, $25 for students and $65 for businesses or organizations (includes two memberships).

For more information on the conference, or to join Innovative Farmers of Ohio, go online to www.ifoh.org or write: Innovative Farmers of Ohio, P.O. Box 161, Powell, OH 43065-0161; or, telephone 440-423-0859.