Nationally-Recognized Alternative Farmer to Speak at Webster University Oct. 5

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 24, 2009 - Farmer, lecturer and author Joel Salatin will speak at Webster University Monday, Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Grant Gymnasium, 175 Edgar Road, Webster Groves, Missouri. His speech is titled, "Ballet in the Pasture" and will outline the success of his creation, Polyface Farms, in Virginia. The event is free and open to the public but reservations are required by going to: http://www.webster.edu/salatin. A book signing will follow the event.    

Salatin produces “beyond-organic” meats on his 550-acre farm, Polyface, in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. A third-generation alternative farmer, he holds a B.A. in English. His books include You Can Farm and Salad Bar Beef. Salatin was recently featured in the film, Food, Inc., as well as Michael Pollan’s book, The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Salatin’s farming methods emphasize feeding cattle on healthy grass. He moves cows from one pasture to another rather than feeding them corn in a central location. Polyface farm serves more than 1,500 families, 10 retail outlets and 30 restaurants. Salatin sells only within a four-hour drive to his farm, and he advises consumers to buy from farms in their areas.          

“We do not ship food,” he said. “We should all seek food closer to home, in our foodshed, our own bioregion. This means enjoying seasonality and reacquainting ourselves with our home kitchens.”         
Salatin’s talk is sponsored by Webster University’s Campus Activities and the College of Arts & Sciences-based Year of International Human Rights: The Right to Food and Water.         

The success of the first Year of International Human Rights in the 2008-09 academic year prompted the College of Arts & Sciences to continue calling attention to the world’s pressing human rights problems. The surrounding community is invited to join in activities throughout 2009-10 that focus on the basic human needs for food and water. For more information, go to:  www.webster.edu/yihr2.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University’s core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, fully prepared to participate in an increasingly international society. Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978, Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global education, with an international presence that now includes campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands; Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am, Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with universities in Mexico and Japan.

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