The Dirt on Organic Farming

Transitioning 5,000 acres to organic is no small feat. In this episode of The Dirt on Organic Farming, South Dakota farmer BJ McNeil shares valuable lessons learned from his efforts to transition 100 percent of his 5,000-acre operation. BJ offers a candid look at the realities of large-scale organic transition. Guest: BJ McNeil Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Researc...

Innovation drives organic farming forward. For Northern Illinois farmer, miller, and seed smith, Andy Hazzard, it’s all about hands-on experimentation. Andy shares her journey of developing DIY grain drying solutions and how trial and error has shaped her approach. Guest: Andy Hazzard Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publication was supported...

Some of the best farming techniques are discovered by chance. Michigan farmer Stan Kloc shares how an unexpected discovery revealed the full potential of a tine weeder—turning an accident into a breakthrough in his farming practices.  Guest: Stan Kloc Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publication was supported by The Organic Center and the Fou...

Managing organic farms comes with unexpected challenges. Manitoba farmer Don Rourke discusses the hurdles of managing 200 organic acres, including struggles with market access, weed control, and the unique climate in Southwest Manitoba. Guest: Don Rourke Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publication was supported by The Organic Center and the...

Taking risks is part of farming, but some gambles don’t pay off. Champaign, Illinois, farmer Wyatt Muse shares the story of a cover crop experiment gone wrong where he learned valuable lessons in planning, risk management, and the importance of seeking multiple opinions before diving in. Guest: Wyatt Muse Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publ...

Farming is more than just a job, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. In the final episode, Wesley Reith of Grainer Farms in Southwest Michigan reflects on the highs, lows, and unpredictable twists of farm life, offering an inside look at the realities of working the land. Guest: Wesley Reith Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publication was suppo...

Welcome to the second season of The Dirt on Organic Farming, where hosts Nate Powell Palm and Mallory Krieger dive into the world of crop insurance for organic farmers. In this episode, we hear from organic crop insurance agent and educator Megan Vaith of Northbourne Organic Crop Insurance as she breaks down the essentials of crop insurance, how it differs for organic farmers, and why a pretty sho...

We tackle the ins and outs of contract pricing for organic farmers in this episode. With insights from crop insurance agent Noah Wendt and organic farmer Herb Hasenkamp, this episode sheds light on how contract pricing can provide better crop coverage and financial security. Guest: Noah Wendt, Herb Hasenkamp Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder Acknowledgement: This material is funded in...

Explore the topic of written agreements with our resident crop insurance expert, Megan Vaith, and real-life experiences from farmers Noah Wendt, Eli Dean, and Amy Bruch. From successful coverages to cautionary tales of missing paperwork, we’ll explore how written agreements can help organic farmers insure their crops. Guest: Megan Vaith, Noah Wendt, Eli Dean, and Amy Bruch Learn more at www.organi...

We explore the specifics of hail and wind insurance for organic farmers with crop insurance expert Megan Vaith and seasoned organic farmer Amy Bruch. They explain how these add-on insurances work, the challenges specific to organic farming, and practical tips for navigating the claims process. Guest: Megan Vaith, Amy Bruch Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder  Acknowledgement: This materi...

In this episode, we delve into Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) as a potentially great option for diverse organic farms. Lane Webb, Risk Management Specialist at the USDA, and farmer Andy Getting explore how WFRP provides comprehensive coverage for farms producing multiple or specialty crops. Guest: Lane Webb, Andy Getting Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder Acknowledgement: This mat...

Innovative farming practices bring both challenges and opportunities when it comes to crop insurance. We talk to USDA Risk Management Agency representatives, Sarah Kliethermes and Anna Parker, and Brent Schlenker, an Iowa farmer who shares his experiences with no-till systems. Guest: Brent Schlenker, Sarah Kliethermes, Anna Parker Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder Acknowledgement: This...

Let’s dive into the complex world of Transitional Yields (T-yields). Featuring firsthand accounts from farmer Brian Carlson and insights from Amy Bruch of Cyclone Farms, the episode explores the significant hurdles that new and transitioning organic farmers face with crop insurance coverage. Guest: Brian Carlson, Amy Bruch Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder Acknowledgement: This materia...

Organic farmers face unique challenges with crop insurance, but advocacy efforts are pushing for change. In this episode, Julia Barton of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association and farmer Eli Dean discuss the challenges with current crop insurance systems, the advocacy efforts working to address these issues, and practical advice for organic farmers seeking better crop insurance options. Gu...

In the final episode of our organic crop insurance series, we wrap up our deep dive into crop insurance for organic farmers by breaking down the essential steps to getting covered. From choosing the right agent to understanding key deadlines, we explore what it takes to secure a strong safety net for your organic farm. Hear firsthand insights from farmers and experts on navigating the process with...

Organic transition is a three year gamble. Farmers battle weeds, low fertility, and equipment investments while selling crops at conventional prices. Is it even possible to get through transition without losing a bunch of money? Separate the wheat from the chaff and myth from reality with this episode's guests: Will Glazik, organic farmer Aaron Butler, organic farmer Ben Bowell, Oregon Tilth/...

Some scientists say that agricultural output must double by 2050 if there is hope to feed the growing planet. Yield in organics historically drags behind conventional crops, requiring more acres to produce the same amount of food. Can organic ever hope to feed the continually growing world population? Separate the wheat from the chaff and myth from reality with this episode's guests: Dr. John...

Conventional grain farms raise thousands of acres of crops and ship harvests to the elevator by the semitruck load. Can organic markets handle the harvest from a farm at scale? Agricultural commodity prices fluctuate up and down every few years. How can farmers hope to rely on the organic premium being there when they need it? Separate the wheat from the chaff and myth from reality with this episo...

The Dust Bowl looms large in the minds of many good farmers. Excessive tillage combined with a decade of drought sent many feet of fertile top soil into the air, gone forever. Today's organic grain farms use tillage to control weeds and prepare the field for planting. Will organics create another Dust Bowl? Are organic farmers putting the soil at risk? Separate the wheat from the chaff and my...

A good field is a clean field. Weeds are thieves that steal your yield and your profit.  How is it possible for organic grain farmers to keep a clean field without the use of modern herbicide programs? Isn't organic farming just a weedy mess? Separate the wheat from the chaff and myth from reality with this episode's guests: Dr. Adam Davis, University of Illinois Crop Sciences Dr. Kathle...

Scientific advancements like synthetic fertilizers and genetic engineering have made it possible for farmers to grow enough food to feed a burgeoning human population. Why does organic farming turn its back on these advancements? Is organic anti-science? Separate the wheat from the chaff and myth from reality with this episode's guests: Dr. Martin Bohn, University of Illinois Crop Sciences Dr...