The Hamiltons know a lot about pasture poultry. Although the Camrose, AB farm family has only been raising poultry for four years, they've made it their business to learn as much as they can about this growing, yet sometimes controversial, industry. Now the Hamiltons are gearing up to share their wealth of information with as many farmers who will come to listen. And they've called out some big wigs from across North America to help them. "We were always getting calls from people asking us questions about the industry," says owner Ron Hamilton. "And people in the industry were sending the questions our way, so we thought why not have a workshop?" The Pasture Poultry workshop 2000 is set for April 14 at the Camrose Arts Society, and while the price is right (producers get in for free), space is limited—and filling fast. Since the Hamiltons announced they would be hosting the workshop, 75 producers have signed up. That meant opening another room at the Arts Society, and the event will now hold up to 135 people.       "We can't believe the amount of response we've had in such a short time," says Hamilton. "Most of it has been by word of mouth and we're filling up quickly." Pasture poultry, unique in that the birds are raised out in the pasture in 11 x 11 foot pens, is definitely a growth industry, and a trend that seems to be catching on in Alberta, Hamilton says. In a conventional bar, Hamilton says the birds "never see the light of day," but his poultry are treated to sunshine, fresh air and new pasture every day. "There's a lot of ethics involved in this," he says. The Hamiltons are so serious about the way they raise their birds that next year, when their flock increases to 6,000, their farm will be certified organic. Although the Hamiltons plan on sharing some of the 'secrets to their success,' producers who attend the session can look forward to speakers such as Al Keshwani of Rochester Hatcheries, Miles Bell and Gwen Brown from Banner Feeds and Jeff Mattocks from the Fertrell Company in Pennsylvania. Their topics of discussion will include everything from poultry breeds and chick vaccination, to the differences in feed rations and the nutrient requirements of pasture poultry. For more information on the Pasture Poultry workshop 2000, or to register, producers are encourage to contact the Hamiltons at 780.672.9799.