By Blake Jackson
The 2025 OGRAIN Organic Grain Conference is set for January 24th and 25th at the Monona Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin.
This two-day event offers a wealth of resources and networking opportunities for anyone involved in organic grain production across the Upper Midwest.
The OGRAIN program, hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides ongoing support to organic grain farmers throughout their journey.
Whether you're new to the field, transitioning from conventional farming, or a seasoned pro, the conference has something for you.
Attendees can choose from over a dozen sessions covering the latest advancements in organic grain production. Industry professionals, researchers, and experienced farmers will share their knowledge on topics such as:
- Technology and production approaches
- Organic grain science
- Food-grade grain production and market access
- Common challenges faced by transitioning farmers (weed and pest management, funding sources, profitability)
New for 2025, each session presentation will be followed by a panel discussion, giving you the opportunity to gain real-world insights and perspectives.
Ample time is dedicated to networking and knowledge exchange. Farmer-to-farmer roundtables, a buyer-seller mixer, exhibitor visits, and social hours provide excellent platforms to connect with peers, industry professionals, and potential buyers.
Over 25 organic grain businesses and institutions will be present, showcasing their services, equipment, and resources designed to support organic grain producers.
An optional pre-conference event on the evening of January 23rd delves into regenerative organic agriculture practices.
The conference features Wendy Johnson, a prominent organic and conventional grain farmer and grazier from Iowa, as the keynote speaker.
“The resources to support the transition to organic grain have never been greater than they are now,” says Erin Silva, professor and extension specialist in the UW–Madison Department of Plant Pathology, director of the university’s Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, and holder of the Clif Bar Endowed Chair in Organic Agriculture and Outreach. “Even if a farm only transitions some of their acres to organic, the benefits can still be seen like boosting soil health and reducing inputs.”
Visit https://ograin.cals.wisc.edu/ograin-events/2534-2/ for more information and to register. Don't miss out on the early bird discount of $120, valid through December 22nd. If you have any questions, contact Kelly Debbink at kelly.debbink@wisc.edu or 608-262-4592.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Crops