Sep 17, 2026, 5:30pm - 8:30pm

This program is one of four statewide roadshow stops, offering farmers a full poultry processing experience. The class will teach skills that build confidence, reduce costs, and strengthen your farm’s independence. This hands‑on workshop gives farmers the chance to process a bird from start to finish, learning every step of the workflow used by small farms across the state.We will learn: Humane handling and proper dispatchingScalding and plucking using correct temperatures and timingEvisceration techniques and sanitation checkpointsChill tank management for food safetyShrink-bag packaging and labelingSafe transport and storage of your finished birdAttendees will get a bird and knife to take home!

Oct 22, 2026, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Livestock mortalities are a natural part of agriculture, but the sustainable management of animal losses can be challenging for farmers, especially larger operations. On-site composting offers an economically viable and safe management method that results in a valuable soil amendment. Join us for this in-person workshop to learn about best management practices for mortality composting on your farm.Topics will include:• Siting considerations• Sourcing wood chips• Proper compost pile construction • Moisture & temperature monitoring• Odor & scavenger prevention• Avoiding common mistakes• Using finished compost

Nov 07, 2026, 8:00am - 11:00am

Join us for our 2nd Pumpkin Smash, Compost Bash!Cooperative Extension in Partnership with County Sustainability and Solid Waste will be hosting a pumpkin collection event to help keep organic material out of our landfill.Bring your pumpkins and wear your closed toed shoes for some pumpkin smashing and composting education. We will have smashing zones set up for participants to smash their pumpkin and a few local robotics teams will be creating pumpkin throwing robots!Collection and smashing will happen from 8AM - 11AM at the Ontario County Fairgrounds.