| The Iowa Organic Association (IOA) is a statewide, 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to organic education, advocacy and cooperation. Our membership is a diverse community of Iowa’s organic farmers, gardeners, food and farm businesses, advocates and consumers who are devoted to building a more sustainable Iowa. |
Latest News
Save the Date: 2024 IOA Annual Meeting
Each year, Iowa Organic Association's organic community gathers to celebrate the growing organic movement in Iowa with presentations that highlight new and emerging issues within the organic industry.
This year's event will be held on Tuesday, December 3 at the Story City Community Center, just 45 minutes north of Des Moines.
IOA Field Day: Cultivating Resiliency through Intergenerational Collaboration - Tour of Straw Bale House, Greenhouse, and High Tunnel at Rolling Acres Farm
What's it like to transition a farm to a new phase of sustainability and shared infrastructure to support future generations? Join IOA on Saturday, September 28 in Atlantic, IA (an hour east of Omaha, NE) for a FREE field day to see Rolling Acres Farms' collaboration with a young beginning farm family through the TOPP Organic Mentorship Program, as well as a tour of their straw bale house, greenhouse, and high tunnel.
OFARM 2024 Regional Meeting -- September 4-6
Transitioning to organic production can be easier with a mentor and the right resources. On Friday, Sept. 6th at 11:30 am, join the Iowa Organic Association and Organic Farmers' Agency for Relationship Marketing, Inc. (OFARM) for lunch, discussions, and cover various agricultural topics such as organic farming, the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program, Q&A with participants in the Mentorship program, as well as a tour of an organic row crop farm.
This event is part of a three-day OFARM regional meeting series, and you can register for one or all days at the link. See you there!
IOA Field Day: Driftless Seed Supply Farm Tour -- Thursday, August 29 in Spring Grove, MN
The field day includes a tour of Driftless Seed Supply co-founder Cody Egan's farm and a time for questions and answers about organic vegetable seed production. Cody, along with co-founder Dylan Bruce, will talk about how the source their seeds, opportunities to grow seeds, the importance of regional seed production for farms, and so much more. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the value of regional seeds to growers in the same region, and the importance of organic seed production.
IOA Field Day: Wholesale Organic Vegetable Production with Organic Valley -- Wednesday, August 28 in Decorah
Dive into the world of organic wholesale vegetable production with IOA, Patchwork Green Farm, and Organic Valley at our free field day. Erik Sessions, Patchwork Green Farm farm manager, will provide an immersive, hands-on farm tour and presentation about wholesale organic vegetable production. Following the farm tour, Organic Valley representatives will lead a discussion about organic vegetable production opportunities and resources, wholesale partnerships and the on-boarding process, and information about partnerships with Organic Valley. Mad Ag will also be providing a complimentary lunch for attendees, so please register today!
IOA Field Day: Wholesale Organic Dairy Production with Organic Valley -- Tuesday, August 27 in Decorah
Come learn about organic, grass-fed dairy production with Parker and Esther Beard at Canoe Creek Dairy. This free field day includes a demonstration of the pasture grazing system, and an engaging discussion about opportunities for organic wholesale dairy partnerships facilitated by second-generation dairy farmers. Mad Ag will also be providing a complimentary lunch for attendees, so please register today!
IOA Field Day: Grass-Fed Organic Dairy Production with Phil Forbes -- Thursday, August 15 in Kalona
Phil Forbes, Farm Liason, takes us on a tour of two dairy farms that produce organic milk for Kalona SuperNatural.
Our farm tour will include visits to Howard Nisley's organic dairy and Milford Ropp's organic grass-fed dairy. At each farm we will learn about their organic production models, herd health protocols, cow grazing and feeding, and how Kalona SuperNatural works with their small(er)-scale farmers to succeed in the dairy industry. If you are interested in organic dairy production, grazing, cow health, and even organic markets this will be a great field day to attend! Read the Press Release
IOA Field Day: Transitioning to Organic - Farm Tour and Discussion with Blake Hollis -- Monday, August 12 in Waterloo
Blake and Sally Hollis are inviting us to their farm for a hands-on opportunity to learn tips and tools to help with a successful organic transition. This free field day will include a tour of Lanehaven Farms, a cover crop demonstration, and discussions with the Black Hawk County NRCS and SWCD about resources available for new organic producers.
Meet Angie, IOA's New Organic Farm Advisor
We're excited to introduce Angie Richardson, Iowa Organic Association's new Organic Farm Advisor on staff. Angie will lead the TOPP Organic Mentorship Program and provide technical support to farmers seeking support, resources and information about organic certification, inspection, production, available resources, and more. Angie can also provide assistance with OMS 823, CAP 138 and Organic Systems Plan development for new and transitioning producers.
Angie grew up on a small farm near Rockford, IA. She then attended Iowa State University where she graduated with a bachelor's of Animal Science and a master's in Professional Agriculture. She has worked with USDA FSA and ISU Extension and offers a background that help advance the organic movement here in Iowa! She currently lives near Webster City with her husband and two children. There they manage their corn and soybean operation, and raise a few chickens, pigs and cut flowers.
You can reach Angie at [email protected], or 641-863-1676.
Jefferson County Farm Crawl Bus Tour -- Sunday, July 28 in Fairfield
Join the Iowa Organic Association on Sunday, July 28 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the Jefferson County Farm Crawl. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn about the many benefits of local and organic farming, explore Jefferson County’s thriving agriculture scene, and experience several successful organic and sustainable farming businesses serving Southeast Iowa and beyond.
Farm crawl will make stops at 4 local, organic farms in the Fairfield area and includes a locally curated lunch and transportation.
IOA Field Day: Organic Field Equipment & Technology Demonstration -- Friday, July 26 in Paullina
Jaron and Liz Wilson of Seven W Farm will share how they integrate technology on their multi-generational organic farm. Jaron will give an overview of the Ag Open GPS software that he uses along with a Guidance Hitch in his planting and cultivation. He will show how he uses precision ag tools to save money and influence results in the field! The Wilson family will also discuss how they work together as the each manage different aspects of the farm business.
IOA Field Day: Organic Dairy Processing at Kalona Dairy -- Thursday, July 25 in Kalona
Take a tour of the Farmers Creamery where Kalona SuperNatural processes their fluid milk and butter products, and the Kalona Creamery where they produce Cream-top Yogurt, fudge, ice cream, and their world famous Squeaky Cheese Curds. In addition to the the creamery tours we will also hear from Phil Forbes, Kalona SuperNatural Farm Liaison, about the farms that they work with and how Kalona SuperNatural is growing and excited to work with more farmers.
Registration for IOA Field Days now open
Spanning 11 unique events across the state, this year's Iowa Organic Association Field Days offer an incredible opportunity to explore a diverse array of organic farming practices and innovations. Whether you're just getting started with organic farming or looking to transition your operations, our Field Days cover essential topics to support your journey. Join us and connect with fellow farmers and experts as we celebrate and promote organic agriculture in Iowa.
SEE SCHEDULE
Field Day Recap: Organic Field Equipment with A&W Farm Operations
On Tuesday, July 10, Caleb Akin and Noah Wendt of A&W Farm led 28 attendees on a tour of their farm. They showcased field preparation, planting, weed management, and harvest equipment at three different locations. Caleb and Noah also discussed their four-year rotation of corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and small grains that they have developed through years of experience and experimentation. They emphasized their ongoing exploration of new crops and organic methods, such as this year's 40 acres of hemp.
READ SUMMARY
Field Day Recap: Tools and Techniques for Plan-Based Protein - Breeding Mung Beans at ISU
On Friday, June 21, Dr. Arti Singh and the group of ISU students working with her on mung bean research, Dr. Paul Scott with USDA-ARS, and Dr. Danny Singh’s group of ISU students working with him on millet research presented information about the research and opportunities for alternative, high-demand crops for Iowa and Midwest producers at the ISU Berkey Research Farm in Boone. We even connected with a few producers interested in researching mung beans in an organic rotation!
READ SUMMARY
Get exclusive IOA benefits as a Member or Sponsor
When you commit to a Membership or Business Sponsorship this Earth Day, you are demonstrating a commitment to advancing the organic movement in Iowa. Iowa Organic Association members help us deliver organic programs and resources across Iowa, provide a collective voice for organic advocacy, and foster community among friends, members, and stakeholder partners.
All members and sponsors get reduced pricing for programs and events like Field Days and Farm Crawls. All supporters also receive a free digital copy of the Iowa Organic Resource Directory.
Sponsorships start as low as $100 a year and come with MANY benefits for businesses and opportunities to engage with the IOA network.
SEE MEMBERSHIP LEVELS
Meet Ethan, IOA's New Education and Outreach Coordinator for TOPP
Ethan lives outside of Knoxville, IA. Ethan, his wife Rebecca, and their six children run Crooked Gap Farm, a 100 acre pasture based farm. They raise hogs, chickens, sheep, and cattle, and rabbits all on pasture, with their cattle and sheep being 100% Grassfed. They direct market their meat to customers through the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, a Meat CSA, restaurant sales, and other direct-to-consumer opportunities.
Ethan is a first generation farmer who loves to learn from other farmers and share his passion for sustainable and organic agriculture. Ethan has been a member of PFI since the beginning of his farming journey in 2007 and is excited to be working with the staff and members of the Iowa Organic Association.
You can reach Ethan at [email protected].
Latest edition of IOA's Organic Resource Directory now available
Almost every year, the Iowa Organic Association team compiles an Iowa-centric directory of listings that can help support you in your organic journey. Members will be receiving a full-size printed version soon but you can download one for FREE even if you're not a member.
The Organic Resource Directory includes a wide range of resources for organic and transitioning farmers to help encourage widespread success. Spanning 40+ pages, the Directory includes over 900 businesses, non-profits, educators and service providers, and serves as a valuable tool for Iowa's organic community to achieve growth and continued success within the organic industry.
GET THE PDF
Welcome new IOA Board Members
LONICA KUFNER
Lonica has 25+ years experience working with clients from the USA and internationally, including CPG food companies, co-manufacturers, brokers, grocery retail stores, ecommerce, technical scientists, farmers and consumers. Having started one of the first organic stores in the country. Lonica's passion has led her to enjoy working with entrepreneurs to help bring more organic products to market. As a consultant, Lonica's focus is on the area of sustainable business development strategy including: organic and non-gmo certification, product development, private label, sourcing, manufacturing, pricing, branding, marketing, retail and foodservice. Lonica is also an avid organic gardener, baker, and mother of 4.
NOAH WENDT
From a very young age Noah had deep ties to production agriculture through 4-H, FFA and being actively involved on relatives and neighbors farms. So it's no surprise he graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Ag Business and minor in International Ag. After working in the industry, Noah started farming together with Caleb Akin in 2006, forming A&W Farms. After transitioning to organic production in 2015, over half of their 3000 acres are now organic. Noah's passion for caring for the land and providing a safe food supply continues to be the driving force behind the transition, as well as being able to help others transition to organic, come up with production ag opportunities and solutions, and more. Noah is married to Erin Wendt and has two daughters, Harper and Daphne. In his free time, Noah and his wife enjoy attending their daughter’s events, spending time together, running, boating, snowmobiling, and relaxing.
New template tool for crop farmers transitioning to organic
The National Organic Program has posted a new Transitional Production Plan template that streamlines the organic transition process and helps producers take advantage of all USDA programs more easily.
The TPP template helps new crop producers who are transitioning to organic production to develop the supporting documentation needed to qualify for Organic Transition Initiative services provided through the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The template will also help transitioning farmers learn how to document their organic practices in preparation for the Organic System Plan process required when they apply for certification.
This template was created by USDA AMS and available for download on the IOA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) page.
If you have any questions about transitioning to organic or how this template can help, please contact Angie, IOA Organic Farm Advisor, at [email protected].
VIEW TEMPLATE
Upcoming Deadlines for New NRCS Conservation Contracts
Have you applied for the latest program from NRCS? OMS 823 offers technical and financial support for Certified Organic producers as well as those looking to transition to organic.
Deadlines for enrollment are March 1 (for those transitioning to organic) and April 5 (for certified organic producers)
OMS 823 offers both technical and financial support for those who meet the required criteria; incentives start at $210/acre for simple row crop operations, and go up to $1500/acre for more complex systems that can include livestock.
This practice is used to accomplish one or more of the following purposes: improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), reduce transport of pesticides and nutrients transported to surface water, groundwater and air, improve moisture management, improve plant productivity and health, reduce plant pest pressure, enhance habitat for wildlife, pollinators, and other beneficial invertebrates, improve livestock feed and forage imbalance, and improve or maintain quantity and/or quality of forage for grazing, browsing and productivity.
Contact your local NRCS office to apply, or email [email protected] if you need assistance through the application process.
SEE DETAILS
Registration now open for IOA winter webinar series
The Iowa Organic Association is facilitating webinars on a variety of topics relevant to organic farmers, producers, consumers, and advocates of the organic movement. The webinars are free to attend and offer a valuable opportunity to ask questions in a moderated forum.
1/17 - TOPP Program Objectives and Resources
1/24 - Tools for Organic Recordkeeping, with Ambrook Financial
1/31 - The Real Organic Project with Dave Chapman and Francis Thicke
2/21 - Organic Corn Breeding Partnership, with Dr. Paul Scott
3/4 - Learn about Seasonal Farm Labor through H-2A Program
3/20 - Options for Enhancing On-Farm Native Habitat in Organic Production Systems
3/25 - Learn about Regenerative Organic Agriculture with Steve McLaskey
3/27 - The Sustainable Iowa Land Trust with Breanna Horsey
SEE ALL WEBINARS
Thank you for attending the 2023 Annual Meeting
The 2023 IOA Annual Meeting featured presentations about regenerative organic production as a tool to address climate challenges; hemp regulations and new organic production opportunities for Iowa producers; and the importance and value of mentorship to successfully navigate and implement organic production.
SEE PHOTOS
TOPP Organic Mentorship Program: Seeking Mentors and Mentees
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Podcast: "Farming the Countryside" — Andrew McCrea interviews Noah Wendt
Is now the time to make the switch to organic production in Iowa?
In this episode of the Farming The Countryside podcast, Andrew McCrea explores this question during a visit with Noah Wendt, an organic farmer from Maxwell who has and continues to convert his acres to organic corn, beans and more. The podcast provides tips, tools and resources and for producers interested in organic transition and hear one producer's journey and partnership into organic production.
LISTEN NOW
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