Progress report for ENC22-215
Project Information
The Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) aims to improve the quality of advice farmers receive from agricultural professionals trained in organic field crop production practices. In order to realize the many environmental and profitability opportunities of organic field crop production, farmers need more robust access to high quality one-on-one support from agricultural professionals trained in science-based organic methods. This project will expand the OATS training pathway for agronomists, Certified Crop Consultants, ag. service employees, extension educators, NGO program staff, and NRCS employees to deepen their knowledge of the science of organic field crop production so that they can meet the advisory needs of transitional and certified organic farmers.
This project will achieve three top-level outcomes: 1) reduce barriers to training on organic field crop production for advisors, 2) deepen the content knowledge of agricultural professionals, and 3) strengthen connections between advisors working in the organic field crop industry. We will achieve these outcomes by: 1) expanding the topics of our trainings with more entry-level and advanced content, 2) host eight in-person on-farm training events that feature locally adapted content, 3) foster connections and peer learning between agricultural professionals through monthly Q&A calls with experts, and 4) connect participants to additional comprehensive training opportunities.
|
Output |
Description |
Goal |
|
Presentation Materials |
Locally-adapted content on learning outcome areas organized into presentations for use at on-farm trainings |
8 topics |
|
Hands-on Learning Activities |
Design hands-on learning activities to complement content delivered in presentations at on-farm trainings |
4 activities |
|
On-farm Training Participants |
Agricultural professionals participating in each of eight local on-farm trainings, includes agronomists, Certified Crop Consultants, Extension educators, NRCS staff, ag. retail consultants, private consultants, NGO educators |
30 participants in each of the eight trainings, 240 participants in total |
|
Organic Advisor Call Series |
Monthly informal Q&A with content area experts, conducted over zoom and facilitated by the OATS Training Specialist |
30 participants on each of the 24 monthly calls, 720 participants in total |
|
Partnerships |
Total number of members of the OATS consortium and regional advisory committees |
40 consortium members |
Cooperators
Education
OATS takes a holistic approach to our training programs. We recognize that organic farms are complex systems and that each decision affects numerous other aspects of the farm. Because of the complex nature of organic farming, organic producers often need one-on-one guidance. We aim to train advisors in all aspects of organic farming (production, agronomy, marketing, record keeping, certification, etc) so that they can better advise their clients and thus ensure optimal outcomes for producers. What’s more, working with agricultural advisors results in compounding effects. When one producer attends a training, one producer is affected. Our past-program evaluation data shows that when an agricultural advisor attends a training, on average 43 producers are affected.
The project described in this proposal is an integral component of our broader strategy to increase the accessibility of organic technical support opportunities for farmers in the North Central Region. We are building a pathway for agricultural professionals from curiosity to trusted advisor and we seek to provide educational opportunities along each step of this path:
- Complete an OATS training
- Earn the certificate
- Work one-on-one with farmers
- Network with peers
- Access continuing education toolbox
In 2020, NCR-SARE funded a portion of the development of The Organic Field Crop Course by OATS, an innovative in-person/distance learning hybrid training program for agriculture professionals. This program is comprehensive and high quality, providing mid-level competency in all aspects of organic grain production and consulting. Because of this, the hybrid course requires a significant commitment of time and resources to complete. The OATS pathway needs more training opportunities that address both entry-level and advanced topics, continuing education topics, and require lower levels of investment of time and resources for the participant. It is our intention that this proposed project serves as a gateway to bring more agricultural professionals into the OATS training pipeline so that they are set along the path to serve transitional/certified organic farmers.
We are taking a distributed approach to the training methods that we provide. We offer online self-paced courses, a facilitated hybrid training course, durable resources such as fact sheets, and in-person stand-alone training. With this proposed project, we aim to provide high impact, in-person professional development training because we believe in-person interaction is vital to increasing the adoption of organic methods and creating a robust organic community among agricultural professionals.
Through equipping advisors with the tools, knowledge, and support systems necessary to facilitate farmer success, we are increasing the United States’ capacity to grow substantially more organic grain and ensuring a future where families, farms, and ecosystems are viable, healthy and resilient.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
Explore options for contract grazing on row crop acres
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
October 19, 2022 - Contract Grazing of Organic Cover Crops” with Meghan Filbert (Nofence) https://youtu.be/nUEKeesra1A
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 34 views on YouTube.
Explore options for organic seed production
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
November 16, 2022 - “Organic Seed Production” with Matt Leavitt (Albert Lea Seed) https://youtu.be/dk0ElqddCcM
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 18 views on YouTube.
Explore cooperative marketing strategies for organic grain crops
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
January 18, 2023 - “Selling the whole organic crop rotation: cooperative marketing” with Mike Schulist (NFOrganic) https://youtu.be/f03vTwidovc
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 21 views on YouTube.
Explore crop insurance options for organic farms
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
February 15, 2023 - “Simplifying Crop Insurance for Organic Farmers” with Megan Vaith (Northbourne Crop Insurance) https://youtu.be/Qb7aBFa7rhY
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 25 views on YouTube.
Explore ways to improve ingredient sourcing from organic farms
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
March 15, 2023- “How companies are looking to improve sourcing from organic farms” with Charlotte Vallaeys (General Mills) https://youtu.be/rfJ9tzZy9ac
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 13 views on YouTube.
Exploring options for expanding crop rotations with short season grains
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
April 12, 2023 - “Short Season Grains: Buckwheat and Millet” with John Strohfus https://youtu.be/25NMehb8Lw8
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 66 views on YouTube.
Explore options for diversifying crop rotations through gluten free ingredient production
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
May 17, 2023 - “What is the gluten free market in organics?” with Berklee Welsh (Simple Mills) https://youtu.be/58feWoUyKsw
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 11 views on YouTube.
Explore the organic oat production and processing industry
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
June 14, 8am CT - “OATS: who are the players in the organic oat scene” with Julie Kunen (Oatly) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvWtHYwz3Dg
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 35 views on YouTube.
Explore expanding crop rotations with field peas
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
September 6, 8am CT - “Harvesting Two Crops: the promise of organic field peas as cash crop and fertility booster” with Brent Reck (PURIS) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzlDrY3iOww
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 20 views on YouTube.
Explore ways to improve organic systems through on farm research trials
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
October 11, 8am CT - “On Farm Research Trials - how organic farmers can collaborate to make great science on their farm” with Casey Bailey & Cathy Zabinski https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zArbZeaawk
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 22 views on YouTube.
Explore options for improving organic supply chains through expanding offtake facilities
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
November 15, 8am CT - “Bringing The Elevator Back to Life - Organic Offtake” with Clint Jessen (Jessen Wheat Company) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DB81oTImsQ
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 19 views on YouTube.
Explore the benefits of adding clover to a crop rotation
Once a month, OATS hosts a facilitated discussion on Zoom on a topic relevant to organic agriculture advisors. The discussion was facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. Participants who join live can ask questions and engage in discussion with the guest speaker, facilitator, and other participants. These are designed to foster interaction between agricultural professionals, as well as providing opportunities for them to get questions answered on many topics associated with organic field crop production. The calls are recorded and posted to the OATS YouTube channel for asynchronous viewing.
December 13, 8am CT - “Biannual Promise: Utilizing clover to minimize tillage, build fertility, and increase crop diversity” with Casey Bailey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05CWap9J-RA
316 individuals registered to attend the 2022-2023 Organic Advisor Call Series.
The recording of this call has received 17 views on YouTube.
Maintain core partnerships that advise the development of OATS programming so that it is regionally adapted and relevant
OATS programming and management is governed by a consortium of university researchers, agronomists/crop consultants, nonprofit educators, and industry representatives from throughout the country. These partnerships are a core aspect to our approach to agriculture advisor education.
OATS programs are regionally adapted to provide the most relevant and appropriate content to each training participant. Each of the five OATS service regions are represented by a committee of local representatives that inform program content, recruit local experts and speakers, and assist with promoting upcoming trainings. The members of these regional committees form the body of the OATS Consortium. The chairs of these regional advisory committees form the OATS National Steering Committee which is the governing body of the consortium.
Midwest East
- Julia Barton, OEFFA (chair)
- Ashley Adair, Purdue Extension
- Cassidy Dellorto-Blackwell, The Land Connection
- Erin Harper, University of Illinois Extension
- Andrew Westfall, Purdue Extension
- Michael O'Donnell, ag advisor
Midwest Central
- Kathleen Delate, Iowa State Extension (co-chair)
- Matt Leavitt, Albert Lea Seed (co-chair)
- Erin Silva, University of Wisconsin-Madison (co-chair)
- Chuck Anderas, MOSES
- Roz Lehman, Iowa Organic Association
- Craig Tomera, Grain Millers
Midwest West
- Clair Keene, North Dakota State University (chair)
- Stephanie Blumhagen, FARRMS
- Brad Brummond, North Dakota State University
- Dan Folske, North Dakota State University
- Jamie Good, North Dakota Department of Ag.
- Mark Kopeky, Agronomist
- Mike Sides, KAM Ag Services
- Steve Zwinger, North Dakota State University
Outside the North Central SARE Region:
Rocky Mountain West
- Jamie Ryan Lockman, Montana Organic Association (chair)
- Patrick Carr, Montana State University
- Doug Crabtree, Vilicus Farms
- Lance Lindbloom, 406 Agronomy
- Randy Olstad, Columbia Grain
- Nate Powll Palm, Cold Springs Ranch
- Jeff Schahczenski, NCAT
- Sam Schmidt, Montana Milling
- Timothy Seipel, Montana State University
- Georgana Webster, Montana Dept. of Ag.
Mid-Atlantic
- Andrew Smith, Rodale Institute (chair)
- Mary Barbercheck, Penn State University Extension
- Erich V. Bremer, New Jersey Department of Agriculture
- Kristy Borelli, Penn State University Extension
- Lamonte Garber, Shroud Water Research Center
- Joseph Heckman, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Sam Malriat, Rodale Institute
- Emily Newman, Rodale Institute
- Dean Painter, The Fertrell Company
- Maria Pop, Rodale Institute
More information about the partnerships of the OATS consortium: https://www.organicagronomy.org/consortium
40 individuals make up the body of the OATS consortium. They met monthly during the period of this project and advised on the development of the project materials.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Project Outcomes
In year 1 of this project, we have hosted 12 installments of the Organic Advisor Call Series. These calls are facilitated discussions between our host Nate Powell-Palm, and guest speakers invited to address topics of interest to organic ag advisors. The video-calls are held on Zoom where participants call in and join the discussion to get their questions answered. The calls are recorded and posted to our YouTube channel. In year 1, 316 people registered to attend the live sessions, and the recorded videos have received 301 views on YouTube.
Information Products
- Contract Grazing of Organic Cover Crops with Meghan Filbert (Nofence)
- Organic Seed Production with Matt Leavitt (Albert Lea Seed)
- Selling the whole organic crop rotation: cooperative marketing with Mike Schulist (NFOrganic)
- Simplifying Crop Insurance for Organic Farmers with Megan Vaith (Northbourne Crop Insurance)
- How companies are looking to improve sourcing from organic farms with Charlotte Vallaeys (General Mills)
- Short Season Grains: Buckwheat and Millet with John Strohfus
- What is the gluten free market in organics? with Berklee Welsh (Simple Mills)
- Oats: who are the players in the organic oat scene with Julie Kunen (Oatly)
- Harvesting Two Crops: the promise of organic field peas as cash crop and fertility booster with Brent Reck (PURIS)
- Bringing The Elevator Back to Life - Organic Offtake with Clint Jessen (Jessen Wheat Company)
- Biannual Promise: Utilizing clover to minimize tillage, build fertility, and increase crop diversity with Casey Bailey