The 34th Annual Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference wrapped up this past weekend in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The conference convened farmers, researchers, and agriculture professionals to learn the latest organic production practices and build a supportive community of resilient organic, sustainable, and regenerative farms.
The annual conference, organized by Marbleseed (formerly known as MOSES), featured more than 80+ speakers, 40+ workshops, full and half day Organic University classes, a two-floor trade show, organic meals, and round-table discussions, live music, and many opportunities to network. This year’s Marbleseed Conference offered content on business management, soil health, and diverse farm operations. Despite a historic snowstorm, the conference drew 1,800 attendees to La Crosse.
The three-day event commenced with in-depth Organic University classes.
Workshops were offered on both Friday and Saturday on a range of topics from nitrogen fixation to haying for ecological restoration, to establishing on-farm pollinator habitat.
The trade show featured more than 150 vendors—buyers, suppliers, and organizations offering services that support farmers. Admission to the trade show was included with conference registration. This year, Marbleseed also offered $20 Exhibit Hall only passes.
Keynote speakers Austin Frerick, Doug Crabtree and Anna Jones-Crabtree addressed cross-cutting issues that are critical for the organic movement: building resiliency on organic farms and in our food system.
Marbleseed also honored 2023 Organic Farmers of the Year, Ross and Harold Wilken of Janie’s Farm Organics and Janie’s Mill, and 2023 Changemaker Marcia L. Eiynck of Beargrease Botanicals.
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Crops