WI organic field days - build resilient farms

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin farmers are facing a challenging season due to excessive rain. This highlights the importance of adopting agricultural practices that promote resilience against extreme weather.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) is addressing this need with their Organic Agriculture Field Day Series.

The series focuses on practices that improve soil health and build resilience in organic farming systems. Organic grain production offers a profitable opportunity for Wisconsin farmers, with benefits like access to premium markets and higher prices. However, it requires different management strategies compared to conventional farming.

“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, OGRAIN outreach specialist.

These free events, held across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, will feature demonstrations at working organic farms and research stations. Attendees will learn about:

• New and diverse crops that can thrive in organic systems.
• Marketing strategies for organic products.
• Organic weed management techniques including equipment demonstrations.
• The use of cover crops to improve soil health and fertility.

The series includes three specific field days:

• Organic Grain Equipment Showcase (July 11th): This event focuses on mechanical weed management, featuring demonstrations and discussions with equipment vendors.
• Cover Crop Conversations at Hoffman Organic Farm (August 20th): Co-hosted by other agricultural organizations, this day offers field walks showcasing organic crops, livestock, and the farm's successful cover cropping practices.
• UW Organic Research and Climate-Smart Commodities Field Day (August 26th): This event, co-hosted by Marbleseed, highlights ongoing research in organic grains and forages. It will also explore funding opportunities for climate-smart production methods.

These informative field days are designed for:

• Certified organic farmers seeking to improve their practices.
• Farmers considering transitioning to organic production.
• Farmers interested in learning about cover crops, soil health practices, and alternative weed management techniques.

The growing popularity of organic products, with sales reaching nearly $70 billion in 2023, creates a strong market for organic grain farmers.

The OGRAIN Organic Agriculture Field Day Series equips farmers with the knowledge and tools to succeed in this expanding market while building resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. Registration can be found at https://ograin.cals.wisc.edu/ograin-events/2024-ograin-field-days/

Photo Credit: pixabay-franck-barske