GREENFIELD – The organic ag industry continues to grow and was listed as a $50 billion industry in the U.S. in 2018, with a 7 percent increase in the number of organic businesses. Farmers across the Midwest are increasingly interested in transitioning to organic production to reap the premium prices and enjoy the environmental benefits organic has demonstrated, such as higher soil quality. Organic soybeans are currently priced at $19/bushel and organic corn is $10/bushel. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic farms across the U.S. are 35 percent more profitable than their conventional counterparts.
The Iowa State University Organic Ag Program’s (OAP) will discuss best methods for transitioning into organic corn and soybean production from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21, at the Neely-Kinyon Field Day in Greenfield, along with research results on the third and fourth crops required in organic rotations. A farm tour, followed by light supper and an after-supper Q&A with industry experts on certification, markets and strategies for success, will be included. The OAP has studied best management practices for maintaining high yields while enhancing soil and water quality for transitioning and certified organic farmers. Through timely weed management, longer crop rotations and appropriate manure-based fertilization, the program has demonstrated comparable organic corn, soybean, oat, alfalfa, vegetable and fruit yields compared to conventional crops. Greater soil quality has been shown through the use of extended crop rotations, cover crops and compost applications, in addition to organic no-till farming.
Speakers will include Dr. Kathleen Delate, ISU agronomy and horticulture, speaking on organic grain, forage and vegetable crops, and Dr. Cynthia Cambardella, soil scientist, USDA-ARS in Ames, will present on enhancing soil and water quality through organic practices. She has documented a 50 percent reduction in nitrate loading from organic vs. conventional fields at her Ames research site. Dr. Paul Scott, corn breeder from USDA-ARS in Ames, will discuss his efforts in breeding corn under organic conditions to develop high-performing hybrids. In addition to the organic cropping systems research, Mike Witt, ISU Extension, will discuss issues facing producers this summer, including insects and disease, herbicide drift and weather problems, which included a wet spring and drought in July, which affected planting and, now, potentially, yields from moisture stress in southern Iowa.
The field day will start at 4 p.m. with a light supper at 5:30 p.m. The farm is located at 2557 Norfolk Ave., in Greenfield. Directions – two miles south of Greenfield on Highway 25, one mile east and a half mile north. Contact Kathleen Delate at kdelate@iastate.edu or 515-294-7069 for more information. The Field Day is supported by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the USDA-NIFA-Organic Ag Research and Extension Initiative. Organic research information is available at http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/organicag.