Grow profits and sustainability - organic grain field days

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin's wet weather challenges highlight the need for resilient farming practices. The OGRAIN Field Day Series showcases organic options for farmers seeking profitability and sustainability.

“While requiring different approaches to management as compared to conventional production, organic grain offers a profitable opportunity for Wisconsin’s farmers at both smaller and larger scales with the goal of creating a more resilient agricultural model,” says Kelly Debbink, outreach specialist with the OGRAIN program in the UW–Madison Department of Plant Pathology.

Events will be held in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, featuring innovative practices at working farms and research stations. Attendees will discover new crops, marketing strategies, and organic management tools.

Field Day Highlights:

• Organic Grain Equipment Showcase (July 11th): Learn about mechanical weed management with equipment demonstrations from various companies. (UW-Madison Arlington Agricultural Research Station)
• Cover Crop Conversations at Hoffman Organic Farm (August 20th): Explore the use of cover crops like red clover and buckwheat at this co-hosted event. (Earlville, Illinois)
• UW Organic Research and Climate-Smart Commodities Field Day (August 26th): Discover the latest research in organic grains and forages, including roller crimping and alternative crops. Funding opportunities for climate-smart production will also be discussed. (UW-Madison Arlington Agricultural Research Station)

These informative events cater to certified organic farmers, farmers considering transitioning, and those interested in cover crops, soil health, and weed management.

"Farmers are constantly innovating with organic methods for pest and weed control," says OGRAIN program leader Erin Silva. "We're excited to share these success stories and showcase advancements in organic production."

The demand for organic products keeps growing, reaching a record $70 billion in 2023. This series offers valuable knowledge for farmers to navigate the thriving organic market.

All field days are free to attend. Registration can be found at https://ograin.cals.wisc.edu/ograin-events/2024-ograin-field-days/

Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes