OKMULGEE, Okla. – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Conservation District hosted their Second Annual Farmer to Farmer conference at the College of Muscogee Nation on May 30. This year’s conference featured local farmers and agriculture experts discussing how to raise livestock, grow vegetation, and house pollinators. It was open to seasoned farmers as well as those seeking to learn more about starting their own agricultural ventures in their own backyard.
The event allowed attendees to network with local agriculture organizations and universities. The Euchee Butterfly Garden, Langston University, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service were all present for attendees to learn more about the services they provide for farmers.
MCN Conservationist Julie Norem (Mvskoke) shared that the idea for a farming conference came at the behest of citizens wanting to learn more about agriculture. Last year’s event was so popular, the department decided to turn it into an annual event. This year’s conference featured additional speakers and a location change from Green Country Technology Center to the College of the Muscogee Nation. According to Norem, this year’s itinerary of speakers was full of variety.
“We have backyard chickens. We have a gentleman talking about meat goats. We have dairy goats and turkeys. We have some folks that are raising turkeys. We have wildflowers, using that as a business. Aquaponics, cow calf operations, bees, multi species. We have a guy coming out to talk about sweet potatoes and mushrooms,” Norem said.
The main hook of the conference encourages everyone to raise their own livestock. Attendees heard how the speakers started their own livestock ventures, and how they got to where they are today.
Speakers at this year’s conference were not only adults. 4-H students Kaitlyn, Elli and Natalie discussed their projects involving show poultry, sheep, show goats, and performance steer. Elli presented a demonstration on washing and wrapping sheep legs.
Goats and Chickens
Norem raises her own goats. Goats are typically used for milk, meat and land management. Norem’s daughter trains and presents show goats at competitions.
“She’s kept every show goat that she’s had since she was eight. She purchases a billy every year. She had 14 babies on the ground this year. We have about thirty goats all together right now,” Norem said.
An easy-to-raise livestock animal on a lot of people’s minds this year: chickens. High egg prices in part due to inflation and avian flu outbreaks have consumers seeking alternative methods of obtaining eggs. According to Norem, her department has received interest from citizens who want to learn how to raise chickens in their own backyard.
“We’ve gotten some calls. We did have a backyard chickens workshop earlier this month. A lot of folks have gotten into it. Our workshop gave the whole gamut from choosing your chicken, what to feed them and how to care for them,” Normen said. “It’s really amazing what you can do with just two or three hens. It’s enough to provide your family with eggs.”
She encourages any citizens with questions on agriculture, gardening, or conservation to call their office at 918-549-2609. Programming like conferences and workshops are designed to address topics that citizens have expressed interest in learning more about.
To stay up to date on workshops and other events hosted by the MCN Conservation District, visit their Facebook page, MCN Conservation District.
