If you’ve read “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan, you might know the name Joel Salatin.
It was on Salatin’s idyllic, amazing, pasture-based, closed-loop Polyface Farm in Swoope, Va., that the ideals of sustainable agriculture became clear to me, thanks to Pollan’s wonderful writing.
Salatin, who raises grass-fed beef, pastured poultry, rabbits and more in the Shenandoah Valley, will speak from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 4 at Olympic College in Bremerton.
Salatin’s “beyond organic” methods include not just organic and sustainable farming and ranching but also the use of sustainable forestry. I can’t believe what a treat it will be for him to visit our state with its own locavore movement taking shape and the many farmers I’ve met who say they’ve been influenced by his work and his “Christian-libertarian-environmentalist-lunatic farmer” writings.
“He is really great,” said Monty Mahan, who heard Salatin speak in January and who is helping organize the event. “I’m getting calls from all over. I had someone calling from Minnesota the other day.”
Salatin is the author of “Salad Bar Beef,” “Pastured Poultry Profits,” “You Can Farm” and “Family Friendly Farming.” I highly recommend a look at his 2003 essay, “Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal,” for a sample of his style.
Salatin’s public appearance will follow three strategic planning sessions with him and leaders and citizens of Kitsap and Pierce counties. It’s all part of a collaborative effort led by the Pierce Conservation District to help landowners protect natural resources and support local farming.
“If you wonder where your food comes from, have a backyard flock, maintain a back-40 herd or are just interested in supporting local agriculture, the public event featuring Joel Salatin is geared towards you,” Mahan, district manager with the Pierce Conservation District, said in a full press release available on Mahan’s blog.
It will cost you $5 to hear Salatin speak, plus that pesky trip to Bremerton, but I bet his talk will be inspiring and most definitely worth it.
Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Contact Monty Mahan at 360-710-1506 or write montymahan@gmail.com to register.
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