You're Invited
Join viewers nationwide for the second organic agriculture satellite broadcast produced by Washington State University Extension. This broadcast follows the highly successful national broadcast produced in March of 2003 on the National Organic Standards. The focus of this broadcast is organic livestock production practices, issues, and resources.

This 2 1/2 hour broadcast will feature a panel of experts in the field (see Program Guests) in a discussion of the following topics:

• What does “organic livestock” mean? — the National Organic Program, livestock standards, certification process, key differences between organic and conventional livestock production
• Trends and opportunities in organic livestock production – statistics on organic livestock, consumer demand, markets, price comparisons, economic studies
• Barriers to organic producers – processing, regulations
• Key factors for success for organic livestock producers
• Unique challenges for organic livestock producers
• Infrastructure and support for organic livestock
• Animal health care
• Feed supply and sources and animal nutrition
• Living conditions and housing
• Post-harvest handling, processing, and marketing
• Information resources
• Two live Q & A sessions

There will be opportunities for questions and answers as part of the broadcast and toll-free numbers will be provided to all registrants for phone and fax questions. In addition, an email address will be furnished for email questions to the studio.

How You Can Participate

The Organic Livestock training is available in two ways—via satellite or a videostream on the Internet. The satellite downlink option is best for viewing by a group. It requires steerable satellite dish capable of receiving a C-band satellite signal. Many Extension offices and community colleges have this type of equipment.

The broadcast could be used as a stand-alone event or incorporated into a larger educational event that day on livestock, organic farming, value added, or similar topics.

For individual viewers or people in locations where satellite reception is not available, the broadcast will also be accessible via the Internet using videostreaming technology. You will need an Internet connection that's better than a 56K dial-up connection and a personal computer that is loaded with RealPlayer or Windows MediaPlayer.

Prior to the broadcast, specific satellite and videostream viewing instructions will be sent to those who have sent in a paid registration.

See a current list of downlink sites