Presentation on Producer-Led Organization
The Lebanon County Extension office is set to host a discussion this week, focusing on the necessity for a producer-led organisation to manage contracts for grazing sheep under large-scale solar arrays.
This comes in the wake of a study by Cornell University’s Cooperative Enterprise Program, titled “New Dawn for Shepherds,” which explored the challenges and opportunities of this practice.
Survey Findings
The Cornell study surveyed over 600 farmers and found that nearly 70% of them see a need for a producer-led organisation.
Such an organisation would negotiate contracts, provide insurance, and manage transportation and on-site care of the sheep. The majority of those surveyed believe that this need is likely to grow in the future.
Public Forum Details
The results of this survey will be presented in a public forum at the Lebanon County Extension office, located at 2120 Cornwall Road. The event is scheduled for Thursday, 19 October, at 7:30 p.m. Online registration for the event is requested by Tuesday, 17 October.
Opportunity for Farmer Input
The session aims to give farmers an opportunity to share their views on the potential value of a cooperative in this emerging and rapidly growing industry.
Additional Information
For more details about this free event, interested parties can contact Melanie Barkley, an agricultural extension educator, via email at meh7@psu.edu or by phone at 814-623-4800.To learn more about the Cornell project, you can explore their official website for details.
