UW Organic Agriculture Field Day to Highlight Organic Practices That Improve Soil Health

Drought conditions across the Midwest highlight the need for agricultural practices that promote resilience in the face of extreme weather. Farming strategies such as living covers, diversified rotations and drought-tolerant crop options can support resilient production approaches, particularly when incorporated with organic certification, which opens doors to expanded markets and price premiums. While requiring different management approaches compared to conventional production, organic grain offers a profitable opportunity for Wisconsin’s farmers at both smaller and larger scales with the goal of creating a more resilient agricultural model.

Research related to improving soil health and incorporating resilience in organic systems will be a key focus of this year’s UW Organic Agriculture Field Day, set for 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Arlington Agricultural Research Station.

Research at the station shows that integrating cover crops into the corn and soybean phases of rotations can help farmers build soil organic matter – a critical component of resilient, healthy soils – while reducing the need for tillage and cultivation in organic systems. With the increasing recognition of the value of soil health, these practices offer alternatives for farmers looking to reduce the need for soil disturbance within their organic grain systems.

“We continue to learn more about how to optimize the use of cover crops to reduce tillage in organic grains, including through roller-crimping and interseeding,” says event organizer Erin Silva, associate professor and extension specialist in the UW–Madison Department of Plant Pathology. “We’ve been focusing on accessible approaches to farmers so they can apply these practices on their farms through optimization of equipment, increasing the consistency of their success.”

The event will also feature presentations on research focused on cereal grains specifically for organic systems, including varieties adapted to the organic system.

“Breeding for the unique needs of the organic farmer and the unique environment created through organic management is critical,” says Silva, who is also the university’s Clif Bar Endowed Chair in Organic Agriculture and Outreach. “While there are many tools available for organic farmers to manage weeds, insects and diseases, adapted crop varieties – including for intensive cover crop systems and organic no-till management – are vital to ensure the success of the systems-based approaches needed for successful organic management.”

Researchers will also give updates on organic no-till corn and soybeans using a variety of cover crop and planting options; organic cereal grain breeding efforts; organic sunflowers; and organic corn grown on 60” rows at high seeding density.

All of the research projects featured during the field day are being conducted on certified organic land at the UW research stations, or on working organic farms with input from organic producers.

“The organic market continues to grow, with demand outpacing domestic supply, so the need remains for more organic farmers and more organic acres,” says Silva, who notes growth in organic sales continues to increase, breaking the $60 billion mark in 2022. “Wisconsin, with the second highest number of organic farms in the nation as well as a wealth of organic knowledge, expertise and infrastructure, is well-position to continue to help meet this expanding market opportunity.”

The registration table at the UW Organic Agriculture Field Day will open at 9:15 a.m. on Aug. 31. A lunch will be available around noon. Registration can be found at https://ograin.cals.wisc.edu/ograin-events/2023-ograin-field-days/

The address for Arlington Agricultural Research Station is N695 Hopkins Road in Arlington, WI. The station is located just off Highway 51, about five miles south of Arlington and 15 miles north of Madison. A map is available at http://arlington.ars.wisc.edu/facility/.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences will make a reasonable effort to provide accommodations for participants with disabilities when notified in advance. Request a disability accommodation when registering online. Efforts will be made to meet same day requests to the extent possible.