Expanding the OATS Training Pipeline for Organic Ag. Professionals with Locally-Focused On-Farm Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On February 7 & 8, 2024, OATS hosted the Advisor Track at the 2024 Organic Grain Conference in Champaign, IL. This track consisted of 5 one-hour sessions focused on educating ag advisors on how to better serve organic producers.

Presentation Topics and Speakers:

• "Want to Sell Products to Organic Farmers? Here's what you need to know!" by Mallory Krieger, OATS
• "Biological Inputs - A waste of money or printing money?" by Lea Vereecke, Rodale Institute and Connor Sible, UIUC
• "Drones in Organics - A business opportunity" by Sam Oschwald Tilton, OATS, and Seth Hesterberg, Drone Crop Services LLC
• "Wisdom from Organic Advisors" a panel discussion with Ashley Adair, Purdue Extension, Matt Gibson, Jam Enterprises, and Nic Podoll, Rodale Institute
• "From Fertilizers to Pesticides - What inputs are allowed in organics?" by Mallory Krieger, OATS

Event Registration Page: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events/organic-grain-conference

Held on March 19, 2024, in Fargo, ND, participants learned about the USDA National Organic Program and organic production practices in the Northern Great Plains from experienced ag professionals and successful organic farmers. The morning sessions provided the big-picture of organic farming: the USDA National Organic Program, how it functions for farmers, including its structure, regulations, eligibility for certification, material inputs, and more. After enjoying lunch and meeting new people, in the afternoon participants learned how organics works on the ground in the Northern Great Plains, including local success stories, challenges, common crop rotations, and profitability. This event was designed to help ag advisors talk with organic and transitional clients with more knowledge and confidence.

Presentations:

• "Foundations of the USDA National Organic Program: how the program functions, land eligibility, and allowed and prohibited practices" - Tessa Tripp, TOPP, and Nic Podoll, Rodale Institute
• "Organic Farming in the Northern Great Plains: How does it work? Equipment, Crop rotation, and Marketing" with panelists Mark Askegaard, Lynn Brakke, Kyle Scherweit, Nic Podoll, and Scott Sinner

Event registration page: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events/5utsh83rqskui6oxqkip05gb8eob22

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Agenda

This event held on July 18, 2024, in El Paso, IL, brought a wide variety of experienced organic farmers and ag professionals together to share what works in non-chemical weed management - including techniques that can be used on both organic and conventional operations. This event will helped ag advisors (CCA’s, NRCS, SWCD, Extension, Farm Managers, Ag Business, etc.) give their clients a wider perspective of weed management tools, a deeper understanding of organic principles, and an opportunity to network. Attendees will learned through presentations, facilitated discussions, and a farmer-led tour of fields and equipment.

Presentations:

• "Introduction to organic certification and agronomy " by Mallory Krieger, OATS
• "Ecological weed management" by Dr. Adam Davis, UIUC
• "European weeding tools and camera-guided cultivators" by Hans Bishop
• Farm Tour with Brett Krug

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Event registration page: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events/event-one-zyj7c-fn79h-nkh77-gpn2r

On August 19, 2024, in Blanchard, OH, we hosted a workshop for organic agriculture advisors. Organic grain can be profitable, but organic production and marketing is a lot different from conventional. Farmers look to ag advisors to offer guidance as they consider transitioning land to organic and in managing organic grain. This event helped ag advisors better understand organic grain production.

Greg and Blake Bishop hosted the workshop on their organic farm. Joined by other organic grain experts, this event focused on the practice and profits of organic grain. The morning featured talks and discussion from experienced farmers and grain marketers. After lunch, the focus was on organic weed management in grains, with machinery demonstrations and talks by farmers and experts.

Presentations:

• "What makes organic organic - regulatory overview" by Sam Oschwald Tilton (OATS)
• Farmer panel - Organic Mindset: Overcoming Transition Barriers, with Shane Meyer, Jeff Dean, Greg and Blake Bishop, moderated by Cassy Brown (OSU OFFER Organic Program)
• Farmer Panel - Organic Marketing, with Steve Turnow, Bridget Burgess, and Brad Johnson – moderated by Eric Richer (OSU Extension)
• Principles of Integrated Weed Management – Dr. Eugene Law (OSU) 
• Equipment Discussion and Demos - Blake Bishop, Dr. Law, Sam Oschwald Tilton

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Event Registration Page: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events/event-one-zyj7c-fn79h-nkh77-zegz2-rzs8c-jymz9

On August 28, 2024, in Glencoe, MN, we hosted a workshop on introductory topics for organic grain production. Organic grain can be profitable for farmers, but weed management and understanding marketing are common challenges. Participants learned directly from Matt Fitzgerald and other organic ag professionals in hands-on field walks and presentations. This event was useful for all types of ag advisors who work with organic farmers or would like to, and those who want to broaden their weed management toolbox. (NRCS, Extension, CCAs, agronomists, etc.)

Matt Fitzgerald will walked through his line of weed management equipment, discuss helpful techniques, and demonstrate the pros and cons of a speed disc; UMN Extension soil health expert Dr. Anna Cates lead a field walk to explore balancing tillage and soil health; Craig Tomerra from Grain Millers will discussed how farmers can market a diverse rotation and how to market through organic transition; Matt Leavitt from UMN will talked about new organic support programs from the state and feds.

Presentations:

• Intro to Organic - Matt Fitzgerald
• Marketing presentation and panel discussion - Christian Reveland
• Soil health, Tillage field walk - Dr. Anna Cates
• Cultivator tour and talk, speed disc in the field - Matt Fitzgerald and Sam Oschwald Tilton

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Event registration page: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events/event-one-zyj7c-fn79h-nkh77

9/19

On September, 19, 2024, we hosted a workshop at Cattail Organics in Athens, WI. Controlling weeds is the biggest challenge on many vegetable farms, especially for organic farms and those transitioning to organic. Labor time used in killing weeds can be so hard for farmers' wallets and their backs. There are a wide variety of weeding tools available for all scales that can save farmers time and money - but it can be hard to choose the right weeding implement and to know how to adjust them in the field to be effective. Farmers also use different scales of machinery - hand tools, two wheel tractors, and 4-wheel tractors - and it is helpful for ag advisors to understand machinery options for different scales. 

This event brought together an experienced farmer and an organic weed control expert to guide participants into understanding the many weeding tool options and becoming familiar with how to use them. Participants took a farm tour to see how weed management is planned into every part of Cattail Organics farm, and then spent time in the vegetable field learning about weed ecology, seeing many weeding tools, learning how to adjust them to match field conditions, and trying them yourself in a demo plot.   

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Event registration page:  https://www.organicagronomy.org/events/event-one-zyj7c-fn79h-nkh77-zegz2-3d7k5

On September 28, 2024, we hosted a workshop for veterinary students at Ohio State University. When dairy farmers transition to organic both they and the veterinarians that support them often find challenges in animal care. This workshop brought veterinary students together to learn basic organic animal health regulations, tour two organic dairies, and meet with a panel of farmers and organic veterinary experts. This workshop helped veterinary students understand the challenges facing organic dairy farmers so that they can better support them as practicing vets. 

Presentations: