Farmers invited to attend grass-based dairy tour in Berkshire County

(AMHERST, MA) Aug. 31, 2005 -- Farmers interested in learning more about grazing dairy cows are invited to attend a free day-long tour on Thursday, September 29, featuring two grass-based dairy farms in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Both farms had previously been conventional feed-based dairy operations.

The tour will start at 9:30 am at Cricket Creek Farm, 1255 Oblong Road, Williamstown, Mass. Highlights will include a new swing milking parlor and cheese-making facility.

After lunch on your own in New Lebanon, NY, the tour continues at 1:30 pm at Morvin Allen’s farm, Hewins Avenue, Sheffield, Mass. This long-time dairy farmer has recently relocated his operation to a farm protected under the state Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program, with more land and better facilities.

DIRECTIONS
Cricket Creek Farm: At the intersection of Routes 7 and 43, turn west on Sloan Road and continue to the stop sign. Go straight into Cricket Creek Farm.
Morvin Allen's farm: From Route 7 in Sheffield, take Maple Road east and cross over the Housatonic River Bridge. Continue to the Y in the road and bear right on Hewins Avenue. The Allen Farm complex is approximately 1 mile on the left.

The tour is sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the New England Small Farm Institute, the USDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, University of Massachusetts Extension, conservation districts and local graziers.

For more information, contact Barbara Miller, NRCS, 413-253-4380 or barbara.miller@ma.usda.gov. 

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Media Contact:

Diane Baedeker Petit
413-253-4371
Diane.Petit@ma.usda.gov

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