Friday, October 4, 2019
Hamilton County Extension 311 Bank St, Webster City

AGENDA

• 9:00-9:15 - Welcome and Introductions (All attendees)
  
  
• 9:15-10:15 - What is “Organic”? (Ben Bowell, Oregon Tilth - history of National Organic Program, basic steps to certification, benefits and challenges of organic, trends, and resources)
  
  
• 10:15-10:30 - BREAK
  
  
• 10:30-11:45 - Organic Regulations and Production Overview (Ben Bowell - organic regulations and production considerations for crop production including nutrient management, pest/weed management, rotations, buffers, land transition, and natural resources/biodiversity)
  
  
• 11:45-12:00 - Organic Resources in Iowa (Roz Lehman, Iowa Organic Association)
  
  
• 12:00-1:00 - BREAK FOR LUNCH

• 1:00-2:15 - Organic Research in Iowa (Kathleen Delate, Ph.D., Professor of Agronomy and Horticulture Iowa State University)

• 2:15- 2:45 - Organic Producer Presentation (Margaret Smith, Ph.D., Agronomist with Albert Lea Seed, IOA board member, organic farmer - producers describe their operation, why they farm organically, challenges, opportunities, and open Q&A)

• 2:45-3:00 - BREAK
  
  
• 3:00-4:00 - Organic Livestock (Ben Bowell - organic regulations and production practices including outdoor access, pasture, origin of livestock, and livestock healthcare)
  
  
• 4:00 - Adjourn