Alabama's Teddy Gentry, U.S. Grass-Fed Society to Host Pasture-Based Farming Conference in Montgomery

Livestock producers can get a crash course in pasture-based animal agriculture, the public can graze on samples of grass-fed meats and everyone can enjoy the Southern rock sounds of country music icon Charlie Daniels and the Charlie Daniels Band at Grazefest Alabama 2004, set for Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 11- 12, at Montgomery’s Garrett Coliseum.

Billed as the nation’s first-ever conference and festival to increase awareness of pasture-raised foods, Grazefest is being sponsored by the U.S. Grass-Fed Society, a new nonprofit organization based in Fort Payne and headed by Teddy Gentry of Bent Tree Farms in DeKalb County and, more notably, of the legendary country music group Alabama.

Pasture-based farming, where cattle graze in pastures through the finishing stage instead of being fed high-grain diets in feedlots, is gaining momentum in the U.S., as consumer demand for grass-fed products slowly rises. As one who has converted his own livestock operation into a grass-fed cattle farm, Gentry says his goal with Grazefest is to promote the health, environmental and agricultural benefits of raising and eating pasture-raised meats and other products.

Day one of Grazefest will bring together producers who either raise grass-fed livestock animals or are interested in making the transition from conventional practices, along with young and future farmers, agribusiness representatives, nutritionists and chefs. The opening day will offer attendees a full schedule of educational sessions, including presentations by Auburn University meat scientist Chris Kerth and AU extension forage specialist Don Ball, and will wrap up with a chef-prepared dinner featuring pasture-raised foods. Admission to the opening day’s activities is free, but pre-registration is requested. A form is available online at www.eatingfresh.com.

Gentry said he is especially interested in encouraging young and future farmers to explore pasture-raised agriculture, and that’s why the U.S. Grass-Fed Society is awarding 200 scholarships of $100 each to agriculture majors currently enrolled in any college of university who attend both days of Grazefest Alabama 2004.

“We need to educate our youth about sustainable farming systems that will give them a bright, profitable and fulfilling future,” says Gentry. “The potential market for pasture-raised meat and dairy is huge. I want to see Alabama’s young farmers take a strong lead in meeting that growing demand.”

Scholarship applications must be submitted in advance. To obtain an application, contact Kathy Lacy at U.S. Grass-Fed Beef, (256) 845-3009; klacy@benttreefarms.com.

The second day of Grazefest will feature an open-to-the-public trade show and food festival. Admission is $10 for everyone over age 12.

Grazefest will close Sept. 12 with the 7 p.m. concert, in which Daniels and his band will be joined onstage at Garrett Coliseum by special musical guests. Separate tickets at $20 each are required for admission to the concert. For information on concert tickets, call the coliseum at (334) 242-5596 or Ticketmaster at 1-800-277-1700.

Cosponsor of Grazefest Alabama 2004 is Eating Fresh Publications, an information services firm that promotes locally grown and raised foods. For complete information on Grazefest, go to www.eatingfresh.com and click on the Grazefest link.

Grazefest is a registered trademark of Eating Fresh Publications.

-30-

News from:

Office of Ag Communications & Marketing

Auburn University College of Agriculture
Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station
3 Comer Hall, Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849
334-844-4877 (PHONE) 334-844-5892 (FAX)

Contact Jamie Creamer, 334-844-2783 or jcreamer@auburn.edu

08/30/04

For immediate release