Doug Alert and Margaret Smith, Ph.D. will host NIACC students and others interested in learning more about the U.S. organic movement, the National Organic Program, Midwest organic production options and a range of resources that support organic transition and certification.

Doug and Margaret operate 600-acres of organic grain and seed crops and manage a cow/calf herd with a custom grazier in the summer months at their farm near Hampton, Iowa.

Margaret is also an agronomist for Albert Lea Seed and worked with ISU Extension as an Agronomy and Value Added Agriculture Extension Specialist for over 25 years.  Ash Grove Farm has been certified organic since 1997, however they began implementing organic practices such as diverse rotations and decreasing external inputs long before they were certified, and before some of the USDA organic standards were even developed.  Together they both offer a wide range of experience and knowledge about managing an Iowa organic farm.   

COST: Free | Open to the public

REGISTRATION is required for this event, please RSVP below.

FARM HOST: Doug Alert and Margaret Smith, Ph.D.

The Iowa Organic Association is working to advance organic agriculture and food systems in Iowa.  This field day provides an opportunity to learn more about the organic movement and organic practices, and to network with Iowa’s organic community.

Funder Acknowledgement: 

This field day is a part of the Growing Organic Expertise in Colleges across Iowa project funded by the Iowa DNR REAP Conservation Education Program.