North American Devon Association Conference
October 2007

Auction Brings Record Prices

Some 150 hearty souls attended the North American Devon Association (NADA) conference recently, at various farms in the Albany (NY) and Hardwick (MA) areas. The focus was all you need to know about raising top-quality grass fed beef. The program wass funded in part by a grant from the New York committee of the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative.

The day began with a classroom session from the top people in the field: Jim Gerrish on the right pastures, Gearld Fry on the right animals, and Jerry Brunetti on healthy farming. The attendees then moved on to six hours of practical experience. The meeting concluded with the auction of cows genetically suited for grass fed herds.

At Harrier Fields Farm at nearby Schodack Landing in the afternoon, Gearld demonstrated work in the chute and close examination of what works in the pasture. The natural beef experts were there to expand on their morning talks and to answer questions. Harrier Fields Farm has been in continuous operation for more than 100 years and its heritage barns match the beauty of the setting near the Hudson River. Owner Mike Scannell’s herd consists of grass-fed devons. At right is a photo of the scene at the First NADA Devon sale on a rainy October day; the auction was held under the tent. In addition, we had a bus tour to Bakewell’s Farm in Hardwick and Folly Farm.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Jim Gerrish, the originator of Management Intensive Grazing, is a retired professor of agriculture at the University of Missouri. He now lectures and consults across the country and authors a monthly column in the Stockman Grass Farmer. More info: www.grazeonline.com/gerrish.html

Jerry Brunetti literally wrote the book on the relationship between healthy farming and healthy eating, and is probably the top expert in the field of sustainable, profitable farming. More info: www.agri-dynamics.com

Gearld Fry certainly is the acknowledged leader in the study of grass-fed genetics, and he has launched the resurgence of Devon cattle in this country. The field day concluded with the auction of a select number of Devon cattle.

Ken McDowall: rotokawadevons.co.nz

Jerry Engh of Lakota Ranch: www.lakotareddevons.com