The fifth annual conference is for those interested in organic grain production in the Upper Midwest and will feature 25+ expert farmers, researchers and industry representatives sharing their knowledge, along with ample opportunity for networking and discussion. Workshops and discussion will highlight issues important to organic grain farmers. Over 25 businesses will provide educational tables and conversation about products and services useful for organic grain operations. 

Keynote speaker and special 2020 guest will be Thor Oechsner, founder and owner of Oechsner Farm in South Central New York where he manages 1,200 acres, raising a wide diversity of organic grains primarily for food-grade and craft beverage markets. Farmer and philosopher Fred Kirschenmann will also inspire us with his thoughts.

For more information or to register:  https://ograin.cals.wisc.edu/events/ograin-winter-conference/.

The Iowa Organic Association and regional partners will deliver a series of organic workshops to provide the information, tools and resources for ag service providers (NRCS, Extension, FSA, SWCD, RCD, County Conservation), crop insurance agents, farm lenders, farming organizations, farmers and others to support farmers interested in organic transition, diversification and expansion.  

This full day workshop will provide an overview about the National Organic Program, information about organic certification and transition, organic standards and production practices and insight into current organic market trends and demands.  Lunch will be included.

Registrations must be received by Friday January 31.

The Organic Grain Conference & Trade Show returns to Champaign, IL February 5-6, 2020! With more than 200 participants and 20+ exhibitors, the Organic Grain Conference is Illinois’ premiere event dedicated to organic grain education and networking!

For more information: https://thelandconnection.org/event/ogc2020/ 

Cost: Early bird: $55/day or $100 for both days | After January 19: $75/day or $125 for both days

Keynote Speaker: David Vetter, Grain Place Foods:  Transitioning to regenerative organic: the first 45 years. What’s next?
The Journey of our family farm “The Grain Place” to regenerative organic.

David Vetter, President and CEO of Grain Place Foods, has been living an ongoing experiment in how to grow food in a way that is both regenerative to the soil and economically viable for the people who farm.

He originally pursued a call to missionary service after college, which eventually led him back home to the family farm in Marquette, Nebraska to try farming methods that would improve the quality of the soil. That was 1975.

His steadfast commitment has driven him past innumerable challenges and obstacles to develop an infrastructure for the marketing of organic grains in our area.

The mission of Grain Place Foods is to provide to its customers grain products that are grown and produced in an ecologically sustainable and socially responsible manner – with the conviction that how your food is produced does matter!

The Iowa Organic Association and regional partners will deliver a series of organic workshops to provide the information, tools and resources for ag service providers (NRCS, Extension, FSA, SWCD, RCD, County Conservation), crop insurance agents, farm lenders, farming organizations, farmers and others to support farmers interested in organic transition, diversification and expansion.  

This full day workshop will provide an overview about the National Organic Program, information about organic certification and transition, organic standards and production practices and insight into current organic market trends and demands.  Lunch will be included.

Registrations must be received by Monday, Feb 3.

The Iowa Organic Association and regional partners will deliver a series of organic workshops to provide the information, tools and resources for ag service providers (NRCS, Extension, FSA, SWCD, RCD, County Conservation), crop insurance agents, farm lenders, farming organizations, farmers and others to support farmers interested in organic transition, diversification and expansion. 

This full day workshop will provide an overview about the National Organic Program, information about organic certification and transition, organic standards and production practices and insight into current organic market trends and demands.  Lunch will be included.

Registrations must be received by Friday, February 7.

The Iowa Organic Association and regional partners will deliver a series of organic workshops to provide the information, tools and resources for ag service providers (NRCS, Extension, FSA, SWCD, RCD, County Conservation), crop insurance agents, farm lenders, farming organizations, farmers and others to support farmers interested in organic transition, diversification and expansion. 

This full day workshop will provide an overview about the National Organic Program, information about organic certification and transition, organic standards and production practices and insight into current organic market trends and demands.  Lunch will be included.

Registrations must be received by Friday, February 14.

The annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference is the country’s largest conference on organic and sustainable farming. The MOSES Conference draws 3,000+ people each February to La Crosse, WI for more than 60 workshops, inspiring speakers, a two-floor Exhibit Hall, and organically grown food. 

Details about the MOSES Conference: https://mosesorganic.org/conference/

After a successful inaugural Midwest Organic Pork Conference, where over 120 people attended from 10 different states, we are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Midwest Organic Pork Conference will be held at the Hotel Julien in Dubuque, Iowa on March 13 and 14.  We will continue to present the best resources and information available to help expand opportunities for organic pork production and distribution. Speaker proposals, sponsor and exhibitor applications are now being accepted.  For more information, visit MidwestOrganicPorkConference.org or call Kris at 515.276.6010.

The Midwest Organic Pork Conference brings together those conducting research (academic and non-academic), expert organic and niche hog farmers, industry experts and others to share current organic hog research and first-hand experience with new and advanced organic farmers from across the Midwest and other states from across the country. Topics include background and benefits of organic hog production, information for transition, expansion or improving organic and pasture-raised hog production, systems for maintaining animal health and pest management, and methods for economic viability and success within an organic hog production system. This conference will continue to support further academic interest and farmer-researcher interest in identifying challenges in organic hog production and new research opportunities to help solve those challenges.

Regenerative Farming & Ranching Wisconsin *TBD; March 31 - April 2, 2020

The primary goal of the Soil Health Academy Scholarship Program is to inspire, educate, and equip both current and future generations of regenerative farmers, ranchers, and educators by providing scholarships to subsidize their tuition to attend a Soil Health Academy.

The Soil Health Academy Scholarship Program is available for the following groups of individuals:
1) Beginning Farmers or Ranchers
2) Student/Intern/Young Farmer/Rancher
3) Military Veteran Farmers/Ranchers
4) Agricultural Educators/Influencers - Institution, Agency, NGO, Ag Consultants, and others

Learn more: https://soilhealthacademy.grazecart.com/upcoming-schools 

Apply for a scholarship

Regenerative Farming & Ranching with Scott Gonnerman in Waco, Nebraska; June 9-11, 2020

The primary goal of the Soil Health Academy Scholarship Program is to inspire, educate, and equip both current and future generations of regenerative farmers, ranchers, and educators by providing scholarships to subsidize their tuition to attend a Soil Health Academy.

The Soil Health Academy Scholarship Program is available for the following groups of individuals:
1) Beginning Farmers or Ranchers
2) Student/Intern/Young Farmer/Rancher
3) Military Veteran Farmers/Ranchers
4) Agricultural Educators/Influencers - Institution, Agency, NGO, Ag Consultants, and others

Learn more: https://soilhealthacademy.grazecart.com/upcoming-schools 

Apply for a scholarship