Farmer’s reliance on frequent tillage for effective weed control remains a major concern for organic grain production. Conventional tillage practices severely disrupt soil structure, reduce soil organic matter, and increase soil erosion. In this webinar, Dr. Contina will discuss the benefits of using cover crops in organic no-till production as well as the challenges and opportunities for farmers and the public in general.

To register follow this link: https://rodaleinstitute.org/events/webinar-the-use-of-cover-crops-in-no-till-organic-production-in-the-us-midwest-a-case-study-with-dry-beans-in-iowa/

Allen Smith of Optimum Service Group is stopping by to discuss a range of crop insurance options available to organic producers.

Allen will share about available policies, products and dates relevant to organic growers, provide guidance on how to best choose your coverage, and how to report your production (planted or prevented planted acres) and losses at the end of the year.

Since founding Optimum Service Agency in 2009, Allen has experience in writing organic and specialty crop insurance policies in six states across the Midwest and is committed to understanding and supporting the needs of organic producers.

RSVP below to participate in this webinar. 

Funder Acknowledgment:

This material is based upon work that is supported by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the program agreement with the project number 15061 titled "Risk Management Outreach and Education for Beginning, Transitioning and Organic Producers". RMA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the RMA and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The consumer demand for local, organic food and products continues to climb year after year. Zoom in on Tuesday, February 14^th at 12 p.m., with Nick Wallace to learn about his farming background and the vision and motivation for 99 Counties -- a member meat cooperative founded in the fall of 2022 to elevate organic, regenerative agriculture practices and to provide products valued and desired by consumers.

Nick is an organic grain and grassfed livestock farmer and regional local foods distributor through Wallace Farms serving Iowa and Chicagoland since 2003. In September 2022, Nick co-launched 99 Counties, an Iowa-based meat marketing company focused on artisan local meat delivered within Iowa and the Chicagoland regions.

99 Counties was co-founded with a mission to change the relationship with farming and food by connecting local consumers with the highest-quality locally grown meat, and to be known as a regional food systems leader committed to farming practices that improve the health of humans, animals and the environment through regenerative agriculture. 99 Counties works with 23 family farmers, and five local processors in Iowa and Minnesota to offer consumers locally produced, high-quality meat located within a day’s drive.

RSVP below to participate in this webinar.

Funder Acknowledgment:

This material is based upon work that is supported by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the program agreement with the project number 15061 titled "Risk Management Outreach and Education for Beginning, Transitioning and Organic Producers". RMA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the RMA and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Workshop on Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Produce Safety Rule with Andre Salazar on Tuesday, February 21st, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Boone County Extension Office, 1327 SE Marshall St, Boone, IA.

RSVP below to participate in this workshop.

More details to come soon.

Register for the 34th annual Organic Farming Conference hosted by Marbleseed (formerly known as Midwest Organic and Sustainabile Education Service-MOSES), February 23-25 here.

This year's conference features inspiring speakers, educational workshops, Organic Universities, and farmer panels.  Each year the Marbleseed Conference offers a range of content for organic and sustainable farmers, homesteaders, food policy advocates and more. Dozens of transformative, skill-building workshops and roundtables will cover business management, soil health, and production to advance resilient organic farms and regenerative food systems. Learn more about Marbleseed's 34th Organic Farming Conference.

NEW THIS YEAR! Conference registration includes online access to workshop recordings.

Workshop and Roundtable submissions are closed for the 2023 conference, but Marbleseed would love your input for the 2024 conference!
Submit a 2024 Workshop proposal here.
Submit a 2024 Roundtable proposal here.

Get updates about the Organic Farming Conference and more when you sign up for Marbleseed's newsletter.

A virtual series of talks with more than 40 prominent organic farmers, scientists, chefs, and climate activists.

Session 1: How Does Regenerative Differ From Organic?

February 26, 3-5pm EST

Real Organic Project will discuss the history and meaning of the two terms. How have chemical companies worked to discredit “organic” while also embracing the term “regenerative”? Can both of these groups use the word without confusion and compromise? Finally, which version of regenerative are the billions of dollars in USDA funding for “climate smart” supporting? Can chemical companies that promote “no-till” practices using herbicides and fertilizers really be “climate smart”? 

In the face of powerful greenwashing, this session explores the question of how to promote a united, worldwide movement for a saner agriculture… and quickly!

Introduction to Organics Workshop with Jamey Meyer (IDALS) and Amanda Weigel (FSA), on Tuesday, February 28th, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Forest Ave. Library in Des Moines, IA. 

RSVP below to be part of this workshop.

Additional details to be added soon.

A virtual series of talks with more than 40 prominent organic farmers, scientists, chefs, and climate activists.

Sessions 2: Is Tillage Evil?

March 5, 3-5pm EST

There is a dogmatic push to move all farmers toward “no-till” practices for better soil health. But, are the concerns around tillage justified, given organic farmers have increased soil organic matter for decades with tillage and cover crops?  “No-till” outside of organic agriculture includes the termination of cover crops with herbicides, along with the continued use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. An unexpected side-effect of this chemical “no-till” includes increased run-off of surface applied fertilizers, soil acidification, and greater herbicide use. This has led some scientists to wonder whether the focus on soil health should be centered around the use of synthetics instead of tillage. 

In light of all these new findings, this session discusses what practices we should be encouraging farmers to adapt to mitigate climate change.