Pasture walk catersto consumer crowd

Billed at a "Know Your Farmer - A Consumer Pasture Walk" event, an outing at David Heidel's organic dairy farm on Saturday, July 14 is designed to acquaint non-farmer visitors with one approach to production.

For more than two decades, Heidel has relied on managed rotational grazing and organic practices to produce milk for the farmer-owned CROPP Cooperative (Organic Valley).

CROPP is sponsoring this now annual event along the Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development Council, Grassworks Inc., and the Eastern Wisconsin Sustainable Farmers Network.

Starting at 1 p.m., Heidel will guide the visitors on a walk through the pasture paddocks while explaining the philosophy, history, practicalities of his production methods, and how they create a natural cycle of conservation.

He vows to be able to give his milking herd a new break of pasture during the excursion and then to invite the attendees to listen to the unique sound of having the cows bite off the fresh forage.

Heidel believes that food quality is essential for consumers and that it starts with the integrity of the production practices. The event sponsors describe him as "a farmer who is compassionate about the food he produces."

To illustrate the diversity and quality of dairy products, Organic Valley will be providing samples to eat during the afternoon. In addition, attendees will be provided with a take-home gift bag of Organic Valley and other locally-produced food items.

There will be an admission fee of $15 per family or carload. Because of space limitations, persons who plan to attend are asked to reserve by calling 920-465-3006.

The Heidel farm is W6174 County Highway SS, west of Highway 57 in southern Sheboygan County. More information is available on the www.glacierlandrcd.org Web site.