Farm forum set Nov. 2

Forum sponsored by agricultural advisory committees of Hopewell, East Amwell and West Amwell townships and Montgomery Friends of Open Space

   The agricultural communities of Hopewell, Montgomery, East Amwell and West Amwell townships have organized a Regional Farm Forum for Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building.
   The forum will feature five speakers who will discuss topics related to farmland and agriculture in our area.
   The evening will begin with refreshments and a time to meet representatives from the NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service), the SADC (State Agricultural Development Board) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Bring questions about cost share grants, agriculture department programs and farmland preservation programs.
   Mike Westendorf, an animal scientist with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, will give a talk on the new animal waste management rules.
   Bruce Turner, member of the Hopewell Township Agricultural Advisory Committee, will talk about the intricacies of financing for farmland properties.
   John Drexinger Jr., president of New Jersey Solar Systems, will present a review of solar electric and solar water systems for farms.
   Sebastien Douville and Nate Lowery of Axios Energy will discuss business opportunities they envision for biodiesel and agriculture.
   Rob Garrett, chairman of the East Amwell Agricultural Advisory Committee, will draw upon his background in venture capitalism to describe his ideas for a new model for agriculture.
   There will be a question-and-answer period after each presentation and time at the end of the Forum for more discussion.