The Dirt on Organic Farming

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 supported by The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research under award number Grant ID: TOCFFAR-EXT-002. The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.

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 publication was supported by The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research under award number Grant ID: TOCFFAR-EXT-002. The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.

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 Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research under award number Grant ID: TOCFFAR-EXT-002. The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.

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 Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research under award number Grant ID: TOCFFAR-EXT-002. The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.

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 by The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research under award number Grant ID: TOCFFAR-EXT-002. The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.

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: Research reported in this publication was supported by The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research under award number Grant ID: TOCFFAR-EXT-002. The content of this publication is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of The Organic Center and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research.  

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 confidence.

Guest: Megan Vaith, Ben Polczynski, Eli Dean, Julia Barton, Brian Carlson

Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org.

Funder Acknowledgement: This material is funded in partnership by USDA, Risk Management Agency, under award number RMA22CPT0012393.

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.

Guest: Julia Barton, Eli Dean

Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org.

Funder Acknowledgement: This material is funded in partnership by USDA, Risk Management Agency, under award number RMA22CPT0012393.

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 material is funded in partnership by USDA, Risk Management Agency, under award number RMA22CPT0012393.

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 material is funded in partnership by USDA, Risk Management Agency, under award number RMA22CPT0012393.