Volume 23 | Number 4 Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service July | August 2015

Common sense biosecurity steps help keep organic livestock healthy By Jen Burton, DVM, and Guy Jodarski, DVM The recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian As with any management strategy, biosecurity influenza (HPAI) affected conventional confine- actions make sense when the benefits outweigh ment poultry farms to a much greater degree than the costs. Sensible biosecurity addresses legiti- organic operations. Because organic methods lever- Avian Influenza Facts mate risk. Two questions should come to mind age synergies between soil management, forage when assessing risk: how likely is the undesirable quality, nutrition and animal health, organically First detected 12/19/14 outcome, and how bad would it be if it happened? managed animals are primed to resist invasion by Last detected 6/17/15 We tend to put our efforts into preventing dis- disease-causing pathogens—but that doesn’t mean eases that are both very common and very bad. we can be complacent in the face of serious ill- Frequently underestimated, however, are those nesses like HPAI. As veterinarians serving 48,091,293 Birds Affected diseases that are either widespread or potentially organic livestock farmers, we have experienced 223 Operations Affected ruinous, but not both. This includes moderate severe disease outbreaks on several farms. Poultry, diseases, common enough that one may begin to dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants, and swine accept their negative impacts as normal or can and have become ill on farms under organic Hardest Hit: expected, even though significant losses accumu- management. The origin of these events often Minnesota late over time. It also includes diseases that are traces back to a breach in biosecurity practices. devastating, but so rare they “probably won’t Prevention of infectious disease is a matter of 105 Operations — 8,996,050 Birds happen to me.” Sadly, management changes may keeping the host’s immune system ahead of envi- Iowa come too late to prevent disaster once a devastat- ronmental challenges. Organic methods do a 75 Operations — 31,723,300 Birds ing disease is recognized in your region. It is in great deal to provide advantage to the host. To these two areas—common-moderate and rare- get the most out of organic management efforts, ruinous disease—that we see the most room for though, livestock farmers should examine current USDA is preparing for even significant improvement. practices regarding biosecurity and consider the harsher outbreak this fall. If you are monitoring animal health and pro- risks inherent in the way they manage their ductivity, you are more likely to notice changes operations. Many procedures and practices for Source: USDA APHIS that could be related to these types of disease. preventing the introduction and spread of disease Thoughtful management at key points in the to groups of animals are inexpensive and follow a movement of animals and people can greatly common sense approach. Biosecurity is not some- detail and due diligence at all times but, once one reduce your losses and risks, and prevent you thing to dread, nor does it have to be complex or gets in the habit of exercising good biosecurity, from becoming a risk to others. difficult to implement. It involves attention to the effort involved is not taxing. To Biosecurity on page 6 Nominations accepted now through Sept. 15 Organic Farmers of Year model excellent land stewardship By Eric Hatling Thirteen deserving farmers/farm families Don’t miss an issue! have earned the MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year award since it was first presented in Check the date in the address box below. 2003. Nominations are due Sept. 15 for the 2016 Renew online or call Carly at 715-778-5775. title, which will be presented Feb. 25 at the 2016 MOSES Organic Farming Conference. Recipients of this prestigious award are cer- tified organic producers who have established Picked up this newspaper at an event? a successful farming system with innovative practices that honor and improve the land, and Subscribe now — it’s free! who are committed to outreach by example and through education. The current year’s winners Greg and Mary Reynolds of Riverbend Farm in mosesorganic.org/sign-up Delano, Minn., fulfill all these criteria in spades. Greg and Mary operate an organic vegetable and small grains farm and have worked hard

to improve the biodiversity and fertility on their Mary and Greg Reynolds accept the Organic Farmers 30 acres. They market their vegetables through of the Year award at the 2015 MOSES Conference. a handful of wholesale accounts in the Twin Photo by Laurie Schneider Cities including restaurants, food co-ops, nurs- ing homes and hospitals, and also sell through Fisher-Merritt, Food Farm, Wrenshall, Minn.; and Eau Claire,Eau WI PERMIT # 203 a CSA. Though they have been using organic David, Ginger, Theresa and Dan Podoll, Prairie NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID practices practically “forever,” they have been Road Organic Farm and Seed, Fullerton, North certified since 1994. Recently, Greg’s interest has Dakota. been in growing and selecting seeds that demon- We’ve recognized dairy farmers Dave and strate hardiness and resiliency to varied weather Florence Minar, Cedar Summit Farm, New conditions. Prague, Minn.; and Francis and Susan Thicke, “Our seeds must be able to thrive in both Radiance Dairy, Fairfield, Iowa. Small grains and

cold and wet and hot and dry—this is the polar row crop farmers Carmen and Sally Fernholz, opposite of what genetic engineering is breeding A-Frame Farm, Madison, Minn., and Charlie John- for,” Greg said. “They breed to encourage one son, Johnson Farms, Madison, South Dakota also specific trait, while we need more general adapt- earned the honor. ability. We can no longer plan on stable growing MOSES has recognized livestock and crops

Please renew Please your free before subscription expires! it conditions.” farmers Stan Schutte, Triple S Farm, Stewardson, Over 13 years, MOSES has recognized vegeta- Ill.; Tom and Irene Frantzen, Frantzen Farms, ble and market farmers Linda Halley and Richard New Hampton, Iowa; Gary, Rosie and Nicholas De Wilde, Harmony Valley Farm, Viroqua, Wis.; Zimmer, Otter Creek Farm, Avoca, Wis.; and the 715-778-5775 | mosesorganic.org 715-778-5775 PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767 Spring Valley, 339, PO Box Martin and Atina Diffley, Gardens of Eagan, Vetter Family, Grain Place Foods, Marquette, Neb. Farmington, Minn.; John, Jane and Janaki To Award on page 8 Notes from the TM Executive Director’s Desk Volume 23, #4 July | August 2015 Farmers learn best from other farmers—that’s one of MOSES’s core Executive Director Faye Jones operating values. Summer field days are a great opportunity for farmer- Managing Editor Audrey Alwell to-farmer learning, and MOSES has a great lineup! The turnout at the field day last month at Harold Wilken’s farm in Contributing Editors Harriet Behar northeastern Illinois was amazing! There were more than 140 farmers— Jody Padgham mostly non-organic—on hand to hear how organic works on a large-scale grain farm. Moving more Advertising Coordinator Eric Hatling farmers over to the organic side of the fence is central to the work we’re doing. Harold did a fantastic job Online Coordinator Carly Stephenson explaining organic management to these curious farmers. Cover crops are a good gateway to organic. Two of our field days will focus on cover crops: one at MOSES Senior Organic Specialist Harriet Behar’s farm on July 21, and the other July 31 at Standard Process near The Organic BroadcasterTM is a bimonthly Palmyra, Wis. Harriet and Christine Mason (Standard Process) are National Wildlife Federation “Cover Crop newspaper published by the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), a Champions!” Our In Her Boots workshop July 31 at Christensen Farm near Browntown, Wis. also will feature nonprofit that promotes organic and sustainable tips for using cover crops to improve soil fertility. agriculture through education, resources and We’re excited to showcase all these great farms—especially that of our 2015 Organic Farmers of the Year, practical advice. Greg and Mary Reynolds. Greg and Mary welcome us to their farm near Delano, Minn. Sept. 15. Our field Opinions expressed by the authors do not day schedule is on page 7. I hope you can make it to one or more of these inspiring events. necessarily reflect those of the publisher. MOSES is proud to partner on additional field days with other groups, including Practical Farmers of Inclusion of an advertisement does not imply Iowa. See the Community Calendar on our website—under Events at mosesorganic.org—for details about endorsement of a product. We reserve the right the many field days happening all over the Midwest. to refuse inappropriate advertising. To run our summer field days and our farmer-focused services, such as the Organic Answer Line, we rely © 2015 MOSES on the support of people like you. A huge THANKS to all of you who support MOSES. You really do make a Content may be reprinted with permission. difference to our work. It’s such a boost to all of us in the office to see the donations come in from our spring Contact [email protected]. appeal. If you haven’t had a chance yet to make your donation, please take a moment while you’re reading Display Advertising: this newspaper. Our secure online portal makes it simple to do: mosesorganic.org/donate. [email protected] or 715-778-5775 A love of good food and healthy farming is what connects us all. Lisa Kivirist’s story on page 7 about growing the organic movement over potlucks is a testimonial to the power of sharing a meal—and how Content Submissions or Inquiries: farmers learn best from each other. [email protected] We’ve added two more farmers to our staff to help facilitate that farmer-to-farmer learning. Lauren Free Subscription: Langworthly is the new Office and Events Manager, and Jennifer Nelson is the new Organic Specialist. mosesorganic.org/sign-up or 715-778-5775 Read about them on page 17. And, please join with me in welcoming Lauren and Jennifer. Wishing everyone a summer that’s not too wet, not too dry, but just right. ~ Faye Jones, MOSES Executive Director MOSES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit qualified to receive tax-deductible donations. Please support our programs and this MOSES Staff: Board of Directors: FREE publication with a donation: Faye Jones, Executive Director | [email protected] David Abazs, Treasurer MOSES, P.O. Box 339,Spring Valley, WI 54767 Round River Farm, Minn. Audrey Alwell, Communications Director | [email protected] Mike Bollinger | River Root Farm, Iowa Online: mosesorganic.org/donate Harriet Behar, Senior Organic Specialist | [email protected] Sylvia Burgos Toftness, Vice President Sarah Broadfoot, Registration Coor. | [email protected] Bull Brook Keep, Wis. MOSES educates, inspires, empowers Eric Hatling, Business Relations Coordinator | [email protected] Dave Campbell | Lily Lake Organic Farm, Ill. farmers to thrive in a sustainable, Lisa Kivirist, Rural Women’s Project Coor. | [email protected] Darlene Coehoorn organic system of agriculture. Lauren Langworthy, Office & Events Manager | [email protected] Viewpoint Organic Acres, Wis. Jennifer Nelson, Organic Specialist | [email protected] Carmen Fernholz, President A-Frame Farm, Minn. Cathy Olyphant, Administrative Assistant | [email protected] Melinda Hemmelgarn, Secretary Jody Padgham, Financial Director | [email protected] Food Sleuth, LLC, Mo. Carly Stephenson, Communications Coor. | [email protected] Nick Olson | Prairie Drifter Farm, Minn. 715-778-5775 • mosesorganic.org Carla Wright | Savanna Hill Farm, Wis.

2 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 INSIDE ORGANICS

Organic certification needed to reclaim ‘organic’ label By Harriet Behar Being a certified organic farmer or certified results in products and a verified production ensure the promotion of healthy and respectful organic operator of any type is an achievement system that provides the only sustainable future interactions within an agricultural production that reflects a producer’s commitment to a for agricultural production. system. healthy planet and is one that deserves its excel- Are the organic regulations perfect with no Those who “follow organic practices” but lent reputation in the marketplace. The strict yet gray areas or inconsistencies? No, this relatively choose not to join the community of certified practical standards that are followed, and the young regulatory system has had some rough organic operations have many reasons, and feel exceptional traceability of activities, inputs and patches in implementation, but we have also con- somewhat cheated they cannot use “organic” to ingredients, results in a high quality finished tinually been improving the standards to close describe their activities and finished products. I product that is sought after in the marketplace at loopholes, and still provide farmers with stan- have no doubt that many meet the organic regula- a premium price. However, while we find farmers dards that are practical and achievable. Things tion in their fields, although perhaps not all of the and consumers still attracted to organic practices could have been much different. The standards documentation requirements. and products, organic certification does not carry However, it is the traceability and accountabil- the same attraction that it once had. It is time to ity of certified organic production that provides re-energize the certified organic brand and recog- The traceability and accountability of consumers with the confidence they seek when nize the superior stewardship and accountability purchasing something with the organic label. of producers who go through this rigorous process certified organic production provides Maintaining detailed records helps the farmer to use the organic label. develop healthy crop rotations and track produc- For many years the organic community has consumers with confidence when tion problems, and tweak the farm system over stated that organic is the gold standard of agri- purchasing something with time to deal with these issues. Having more cultural production. Our attention to protecting “eyes”—those of the organic inspector and certify- and enhancing the natural resources of the land the organic label. ing agent—can be useful in finding areas that we steward, coupled with the avoidance of apply- need improvement and dealing with problems ing toxic materials to our land and the crops we from a systems-based approach, not just substi- produce is the foundation of what we do as certi- tuting an organically approved product in place of fied organic farmers. As an organic inspector in could have been very weak, with little to no differ- a non-organically approved one. the 1990s and 2000s, I would visit many types of entiation between organic and non-organic prod- Improving the certification system to lessen organic farms in the Upper Midwest and see the ucts, or minimal to no accountability that organic the “hassle factor” is a focus of the NOP’s Sound organic certificate proudly displayed in a place of operators were meeting the standards. Or there and Sensible initiative; I can say that, as a certi- honor on the wall with the wedding pictures and could have been exceptionally elite or impractical fied organic producer, I have recently experienced other family photos. rules that only a very few could accomplish by a more producer-friendly inspection and certifica- However, in the past few years, I have seen spending a lot of dollars or by implementing com- tion renewal. less enthusiasm among those who are certified plicated management tools. The relationship between certifier and opera- organic, even to the point of some seeing it as a Our system of organic certification, with tor is essential to keeping up with changing necessary evil whose only value is that it offers the accompanying organic certification cost organic regulations and clarification of existing access the organic marketplace—some even share is accessible to any farmer or operator ones, from systems to allowed inputs. The verifi- appear to be ashamed of their participation in the who is willing to follow the foundational prin- cation that branded inputs do not contain nondis- certification system. Many noncertified farmers ciples of organic management, and maintain basic closed problematic and toxic materials can only be state that they are “beyond organic” or “better production and sales records to prove their activi- done by an organic certification agency or an than organic,” confusing consumers and lessening ties. These records also help farmers improve entity such as OMRI (Organic Materials Review the value of the organic certificate for those who their operations by maintaining historical records Institute). These government-accredited busi- are certified. they can use when making current and future nesses can enter into confidentiality agreements Even some longtime advocates and allies of management decisions. The continual improve- with manufacturers, so the company releases the organic agriculture are stating that the organic ment and experimental nature of organic farming full list of ingredients and the certifier can then certificate no longer has the same meaning, due encourage organic farmers to be the heart and verify compliance to the organic law. Those who to concerns relating to governmental oversight of hands of a system that seeks out solutions that are not certified organic are relying on incomplete the organic standards and the lessening of trans- actually improve our ecosystems—from the soil information when making input or ingredient parency in decision making. I have at times below our feet to the crops, livestock, humans and choices. called for changes to the National Organic Pro- wildlife that rely on a complex and interrelated Agricultural inputs do not have the same gram’s implementation of the Organic Food Pro- use of natural resources for their sustenance. ingredient label disclosure laws that human food duction Act and the regulations, but I still have a Soil, water, air, plants, wildlife, insects, reptiles, does; it is surprising how many toxic materials deep belief that our certification system and the bacteria, etc. are all important to a biodiverse can be included, for instance, under the “inert” rules under which all organic farmers and handlers ecosystem. It is the certified organic label and its designation on pesticides. Even human food must operate in order to carry the organic seal governmental enforcement capabilities that To Inside Organics on page 8

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mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 3 Hail insurance provides protection, peace of mind By Matt Oppriecht In a season marked by unusual weather, crop hail insurance protects farmers’ investment and Crop Insurance Scenarios offers peace of mind. A crop hail insurance policy provides coverage by the acre and allows farmers These are real-life examples to illustrate how to insure up to 100 percent of the value of their hail insurance can work. Rates may vary based crops against hail, fire, wind and vandalism, on county, yield, provider and more factors. as well as providing coverage as grain is trans- Sometimes organic farmers want higher coverage ported to its first place of storage. In other words, than company limits—since coverage is relative it covers more than just hail and more than your to the premium, sometimes these additional multi-peril crop insurance policy. limits need to be requested and approved. Most farmers don’t realize that hail coverage is inexpensive and very customizable, allowing Multi-peril policy, premium example: them to choose exactly the coverage per acre La Crosse County Corn they would like for each individual crop. Unlike Farmer chooses to insure his corn at 75% multi-peril crop insurance, which annually has a revenue protection and has 60 acres of corn. March 15 sign-up deadline, most crop hail cover- $14.73/acre premium x 60 acres = age can be secured online up to just a few hours $884 premium before a storm hits. This helps give farmers Hail can cause significant crop damage and economic Assuming 85 APH (Actual Production peace of mind as they watch the storm roll in. loss. Hail insurance can help farmers face severe weather with fewer worries. History) and 75% revenue protection with a Rather than waiting for severe weather, spring price of $7.81/bushel for organic corn, though, most farmers purchase hail insur- farmer would be covered for $498/acre. ance from mid-April to mid-June, prior to crop emergence. However, crops can be insured any Hail insurance policy, premium example: time up to the specified harvest date. Crop hail For those farmers who already have multi- Hail insurance is a private product, not subsidized premiums are set per acre and due October 1, peril crop insurance, a companion hail plan by government and can vary by county. with a cash rate discount for premiums if paid by protects the uncovered portion of crops covered La Crosse County Corn August 1. by multi-peril or crop revenue coverage. Hail ($1/acre per $100 of coverage) I prefer to review the different hail insurance insurance also protects against spotty hail dam- options with farmers in my area during the early age that may not reduce yield or revenue enough If a farmer wants $1,000 per acre spring months. This provides additional peace of to trigger a multi-peril crop insurance loss. Hail coverage, premium is $10/acre. mind knowing that their investment is protected policies and multi-peril policies can also both be Farmer chooses to insure for $10/acre prior to the hectic planting season. Plus, there paid out—so if you get 100 percent loss, you can and has 60 acres of corn. is no premium difference if the product is pur- get 100 percent payout on your hail policy and up $10/acre premium x 60 acres = $600 premium chased in March or in July. to 85 percent payout on your multi-peril policy. A hail policy with no deductible pays losses at Losses are usually paid within 30 days of final Hail loss insurance payment example: the first percent of loss, though crop hail insur- adjustment. Insured has a hail storm come through, ance can be purchased with zero to 10 percent If adverse weather events have been his- damaging the crop. The crop adjuster, deductibles. This differs from a multi-peril policy torically common in your area, or if damaging an unbiased third party, assesses the which has at least a 15 percent deductible. An storms have been getting a little too close for damage at 10 percent loss on 20 acres added feature of hail policies will provide replant comfort, you may want to discuss a hail insur- of the crop. Loss percentages can vary coverage if you have an early hail storm at the ance policy with a knowledgeable crop insurance per acre and for multiple events. time of emergence. Additional endorsements can specialist near you. also be elected for many hail policies to protect 10% loss x $1,000 coverage/acre = against things like wind damage, green snap, Matt Oppriecht is a Senior Crop Insurance Specialist at $100 loss/acre loss of corn fodder for bedding, replant, and extra Badgerland Financial, a member-owned Farm Credit $100 loss x 20 acres damaged = harvest expense for harvesting a crop due to System institution in southern Wisconsin. $2,000 hail insurance payment prior wind damage.

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4 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 ASK A MOSES SPECIALIST

“My neighbor sprayed some sort of pesticide today. I could acres. Even if you only farm 5 acres, you are still a smell it, and got a little dizzy and had a dry mouth. My farmer and have a right to farm as you wish. crops in the adjoining field were just coming up, so I am Many landowners have leased out their land to not sure if they were damaged. The neighbor is not willing a farmer and that farmer may hire someone else to tell me what he sprayed. What can I do, and will this to spray. Figuring out who is responsible for that affect my organic certification?” activity early in the season can save you valuable time if and when you wish to discuss a drift inci- Answer by Harriet Behar dent with the person who did the application. The landowner may not know who is doing the spray- If you can smell the pesticide, it has drifted to ing, nor what is being sprayed. The farmer renting MOSES Organic Specialists answer your questions your farm. If you are not feeling well, immediately the land might not even know exactly what the see your family doctor or go to the emergency about organic production and certification. applicator is using until presented with the bill. room. Pesticide exposure should not be taken When drift occurs, it is important to report the lightly. CALL: Organic Answer Line incident to the state so their statistics on pesticide The second thing you should do is contact your 888-551-4769 or 715-778-5775 drift incidents and possible negative human health state’s pesticide enforcement agency—it’s usually effects reflect what is happening in the real world. within your state’s department of agriculture. SUBMIT: Send us your question— click When incidents are not reported, it appears that Call the agency as soon as possible, ideally within the “Ask a Specialist” button at there are no problems, and unfortunately, we all 48 hours of the incident. The agency will send out mosesorganic.org/ask. know that is not true. an investigator to verify the drift incident, usually Your organic documentation is invaluable if you by the next day unless it is a weekend. Because it READ: Browse answers to previously are requesting monetary compensation for your is difficult to find pesticide residue on soil or crops asked questions at loss of organic premium or if you could not sell after a few days, you can help the investigator mosesorganic.org/ask. your crop for a variety of reasons. Most insurance verify drift if you can locate a hard surface (such companies do not seem to know that there is a rig- DOWNLOAD: Organic Fact Sheets at as a vehicle) where droplets of drift are collect- orous third-party review within the organic certi- mosesorganic.org/publications/ ing. Then protect that surface from rain until the fication process. The fact that your yield and sales organic-fact-sheets. investigator arrives. records are verified yearly by an objective third All licensed applicators are supposed to keep party, who is approved by the USDA to perform written records of what and when they spray. this work, adds credibility to the dollar amount When you contact your state’s pesticide enforce- for crop loss or medical bills, it is very important you may be requesting. Since some organic crops ment agency, staff will contact your neighbor to to have an objective third party verify the drift have very large differences between the organic find out what was sprayed, and they can then let incident. Doctors don’t usually attribute illnesses and non-organic price, you will probably get some you know what it was. They will also review if the to pesticide exposure. However, if you have proof pushback from the responsible party or the insur- pesticide was applied correctly, such as when wind that you had a negative health incident right after ance agency when you first present your request speed was not excessive. To my knowledge, all exposure, it is easier to claim you have a problem for compensation. states have some rules governing drift, and most than if you did not go to the doctor at the time of For example, some specialty organic potatoes states consider it a violation of the law if pesticides your exposure. could be sold for $2 per pound, and conventional cross a property line without the permission of Certification agencies vary in how they deal potatoes at times sell for 10 cents per pound. Be that landowner. with pesticide drift. Some may only decertify that prepared to have many conversations and letters If the agency finds that the product drifted, year’s crop within the drifted area, requiring a with the responsible party or insurance company. and/or that the applicator sprayed when condi- 25-30 foot buffer zone from the end of the drift to You will probably need to compromise on your tions weren’t right, and/or he did not document the crop you can continue to sell as organic. The requested compensation, but do not give up! Other his activities, and/or he were supposed to be drift investigator may help you establish where organic farmers before you have received compen- licensed to apply the product and he wasn’t, there the edge of the drift incident is in your field. If the sation. You can get a reasonable settlement if you is a pretty good chance the applicator will be drift was highly concentrated, the organic certifier stick to the facts and remain steadfast even when fined. The amount of fines varies widely. These may decertify that land for two or three years. they do not seem to accept the credibility of your fines go to the state. If you want monetary com- Many producers do not want the incident to request. pensation, you will need to discuss this with the create hard feelings with their neighbors. To avoid The Pesticide Action Network of North Amer- farm operator, their insurance agency or, depend- drift incidents, talk to your neighbors early in the ica, PANNA, has an excellent website with links to ing on the circumstances, other responsible par- season to explain the organic status of your land each state’s pesticide enforcement bureau and the ties including the custom applicator or landowner. and the economic loss you will incur if prohibited state’s pesticide-use rules. See www.panna.org/ If these negotiations are not acceptable, you may substances drift over the property line. Most subscience/if-youve-been-drifted. PANNA’s Mid- need to take legal action. farmers will respect another farmer’s farming sys- west office is located in Minneapolis. The phone If you became sick or your crops were dam- tem. Drift is especially problematic on vegetable number is 510-788-9020. aged, and you hope to get monetary compensation and fruit crops, which often grow on just a few

mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 5 Biosecurity — from page 1 Movement of Animals weren’t done prior to moving the animals. herd on your own farm, the following guidelines In order to choose biosecurity practices that An alternative approach to quarantine is to can minimize the risk that you will help patho- will provide the most benefit, it’s important to practice “all in, all out” management. Egg farm- gens do their dirty work: have a basic understanding of common diseases ers often do this with laying hens—culling the 1. Visit the cleanest sites first and dirty sites for the type of livestock you have, to know entire flock of birds in a building after they reach last whenever possible. whether your current farm is free of the disease- an age when production has declined. Facilities 2. Carry clean coveralls and disinfected or causing agent or not, and to have some idea about are cleaned out, disinfected, allowed to remain disposable boots. the likelihood of exposure from neighboring empty for a period of time and then restocked for 3. Wear a light nylon shell alone or over a farms, farm traffic, or wildlife. Exposure of the the next production cycle. This periodic emptying, regular coat if needed. flock or herd to new, potentially disease-carrying cleaning and disinfection of a building breaks the 4. Remove and bag dirty boots and outerwear animals increases disease risk. chain of infection from disease-causing germs. (inside out) before entering your vehicle. Testing animals for disease before purchase The principle can be applied on a smaller scale on If you suspect contact with a pathogen that and movement to your farm is a good practice and other livestock farms. We have seen dairy farms could cause serious harm, the safest course of is required to move animals across state borders. that provide individual pens for calving inside action is to launder all outerwear, shower, and An accredited veterinarian must inspect the during winter. Each cow and newborn calf are minimize farm contact for a day or two. While animals, do the required testing and complete an provided with a pen that’s been completely this is seldom considered practical, it’s good to be interstate health certificate prior to sending ani- cleaned out and disinfected prior to the cow giv- aware of the “gold standard” course of action, so mals to an out-of-state destination. The require- ing birth. This breaks the cycle of exposure to that any deviation from that best practice can be ments for testing vary with species and differ bacteria like E. coli and viruses such as coronavi- done thoughtfully. depending of the state of origin and ultimate rus that cause calf scours. Neighbors and visitors can do their part by destination for the animals. A local veterinarian Limiting contact with other animals is an using common parking areas, away from farm- can assist you with completing this process. important strategy to consider if wildlife in your related traffic, and by staying out of animal areas Even when testing is not required, it can be region carry infectious organisms that are likely unless there is a need to enter those areas. Some extremely useful. For example, cows carrying the to affect your livestock. As organic farmers, we callers may wish to act appropriately, but lack mastitis-causing bacteria Staphylococcus aureus consider the complex interactions between species knowledge about biosecurity or about specific may not show any signs of disease. However, the in an ecosystem to be important. We value diver- pathogens present in your area. A biosecurity bacteria can be transferred to other cows by sity and “being in touch” with soil, plants and sign with simple instructions to clean boots and equipment at milking time. Cows that develop animals, working to promote harmony and syn- avoid animal areas can provide guidance for Staph aureus infections can be difficult to cure, ergy between all members of an ecological com- those individuals and help prevent trouble. eventually leading to significant losses. Testing munity. Keeping animals confined (as in the case milking cows for Staph aureus infection before of HPAI “bird flu”) goes against our nature as it Disinfect Boots, Vehicles and Equipment buying them is a good practice if you are unsure probably well should. If wildlife disease in your Disinfectants should be chosen for effective- whether the herd of origin or individual cows may area becomes a significant concern for your ani- ness against the target organisms in the environ- be carrying this infection. mals, you may be able to reduce risks to an ment in which they’re used. Other considerations We often talk about having a “closed herd” to acceptable level by removing clutter and cleaning include safety, convenience, environmental minimize exposure to disease-causing organisms up feed storage areas to minimize rodents, man- impact, and cost. In many cases, basic cleaning —bacteria, viruses or parasites—being carried by aging outdoor access areas and planning grazing removes most of the infectious agents present, infected animals. A truly “closed” herd raises all rotations with consideration for wildlife migration and disinfection simply finishes the job—so it’s of its own replacement animals, never takes ani- patterns and life cycles. important to clean regularly with soap or deter- mals to shows or fairs and uses male breeding Vaccination is another important biosecurity gent, in addition to using the right disinfectant. animals raised on the farm or artificial insemina- practice. It does more than just protect the ani- (See the chart on page 14 for help choosing a tion for breeding. Farmers often overlook the mal receiving the injection. By reducing the num- disinfectant.) purchase of breeding males as a potential carrier ber of pathogens that animal sheds into the Oils and organic materials such as dirt, feed or of disease. Dairy farmers, for example, frequently environment, vaccination helps prevent disease in manure can extend a pathogen’s lifespan from say they keep a closed herd and forget the fact other herd members and reduces the odds that hours or days to months or even years. Such sub- that they purchase bulls for breeding. There’s people or animals will spread the pathogen to stances provide a safe haven for bacteria and nothing wrong with bringing in new animals to other areas. For example, bovine virus diarrhea viruses, protecting them from chemicals, sun- provide genetic diversity or improvement; it’s the (BVD) is very common in cattle, and is easily light, and dessication. Organic material can also way new additions are brought into the operation transferred by infected animals or people who deactivate many disinfectants. It is critical to that’s important. move between farms after working with or being remove grease and organic material before apply- The introduction of new animals to a farm near cattle. Regular vaccination for BVD can be ing most disinfectants! At the same time, some should include a period of isolation from the herd an important tool in a biosecurity program that disinfectants are inactivated by detergents or or flock during which the newly acquired animals considers neighbors as well as one’s own farm. other chemicals, so it’s also important to rinse are observed for disease problems. Ideally these away other cleansers before disinfecting. animals would be kept in facilities away from the Movement of People When mixed at an appropriate concentration— main herd for a period of three to four weeks. People who work in agriculture transport about 1 cup of 5.25% commercial bleach per gal- This quarantine period allows time to make sure pathogens on their boots and outerwear, on vehi- lon of water—bleach is one of the most practical the new animals are healthy, and provides the cle tires or in footwells, in their hair and even in and efficacious disinfectants for footwear. Its opportunity to complete testing for specific dis- their nostrils. Whether you’re moving between broad-spectrum effectiveness is not reduced by ease and/or vaccination if these procedures farms, or between the sick pen and the rest of the To Biosecurity on page 14

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6 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 Potlucks help women network, grow organic movement locally By Lisa Kivirist Ask an organic farmer what was his or her First, Lindsey Morris Carpenter stood up Organic best source of information on farming, and you and introduced herself as from Monroe and run- probably won’t get a book or website recommen- ning Grassroots Farm. Later, Lori Stern said she dation. Undoubtedly, it will be another organic and her partner had just moved to the area with field days farmer. From the serendipitous conversation you visions of launching a farm stay. The introduc- have with the person you sit next to at lunch at tions wrapped up with Katie Lipes, a new chicken 2015 the MOSES Conference to questions answered at farmer in my area. I thought, “Who are these a field day, the strength of this movement deepens interesting women, located within 30 miles from and widens through our support of each other. me, and why haven’t I met them before?” That Registration is open! See Organic Field Days Take those connections a step further, and intrigue lingered as I drove the hour home, up under the Events tab at mosesorganic.org. Call you can create a local farmer network right in and down the hilly rural roads. Somewhere in the 715-778-5775 to request the event brochure. your community. That’s exactly what seeded five middle of those cornfields, I decided to throw a These events are free unless noted. years ago when a group of women committed to potluck. sustainable agriculture started meeting regularly I emailed an invite for the first Sunday night for potlucks here in my south central area of Wis- in December and left it at that. And, come 2015 Schedule: consin, specifically Lafayette, Green and Iowa together we did. As homegrown dishes passed counties. This area sits in the heart of America’ around, a welcoming warmth filled the room. Wednesday, July 15, 9 a.m. to Noon conventional dairyland, where organic farmers Early into the evening, folks already started Beaver Creek West Farm, Caledonia, Ill. are still the underdog minority. For that underly- shouting out “When are we doing this again?” ing reason, it quickly became apparent that our Today, our South Central Wisconsin women’s This field day will showcase 44 acres of spring fledgling group shared a priority to connect regu- group boasts over 50 active members who gather wheat: Orleans, Red Fife and Wilken wheat from larly and support each other. at six on-farm potlucks throughout the year. Fields Best Seeds. Also on the farm this sum- Flash forward to 2015 and our “South Central What continually amazes me is the long, growing mer is 1.5 acres of red clover seed and 3 acres of Wisconsin Women in Sustainable Agriculture” list of tangible outcomes that come out of women diversified vegetable production. group’s impact can be felt locally, both from an informally but regularly gathering over supper. economic and educational perspective. Our flag- A beginning farmer connected with a woman Tuesday, July 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ship annual event, Soil Sisters, now lures both with extra land to lease, and a partnership Sweet Springs Farm, Gays Mills, Wis. tourists and locals to over 12 women-owned formed. Some women started a chicken feed buy- Harriet Behar and her husband, Aaron Brin, have farms to experience sustainable agriculture and ing co-op to enhance buying power. Countless a 216-acre certified organic farm where they rural living at its finest. Soil Sisters: A Celebra- baby goats, heritage hogs, and local insurance grow a variety of vegetables for wholesale and tion of Wisconsin Farm and Rural Life, now a agent recommendations are shared. retail markets. Their fields feature both standard project of the Wisconsin Farmers Union along “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the and unusual cover crops. They also have veg- with MOSES, Renewing the Countryside and the support of other local women farmers,” shared etable fields with living mulches and rye mulch. Wisconsin Department of Tourism, consists of a Lori Stern, a local friend who moved to our area full weekend of engaging and interactive activi- in 2010 with her wife, LeAnn Powers. Now suc- Friday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ties, July 31 through Aug. 2. From our MOSES cessful local food entrepreneurs, Stern and Pow- Christensen Farm, Browntown, Wis. In Her Boots workshop for aspiring women farm- ers first launched Lucky Dog Farm Stay, which In Her Boots workshop: $50 (includes lunch) ers to culinary events to a free tour day involv- included converting their barn into a yoga studio Katy Dickson has a diversified farm with over ing eight women-owned farms, our local farmer where Stern teaches classes. The next entre- 80 varieties of vegetables, plus berries, eggs network’s impact now goes beyond dishes served preneurial chapter involved starting Cow and and honey. Morning workshops will cover CSA around a potluck table: we’re positively impacting Quince in her small rural town of New Glarus, management, cover crops for specific benefits, our community. creating the Community Supported Restaurant family-friendly farming, and affordable equip- Soil Sisters and the South Central Wisconsin (CSR) and local food hub in our county. ment. Lunch is provided by MOSES and Organic Women in Sustainable Agriculture group took “When I needed anything, from contacts for Valley. The afternoon tour includes the growing root on a November evening five years ago in suppliers to advice on dealing with state inspec- fields, cover crops, hoophouses and packing Madison, when I taught an introductory begin- tors, I knew who to talk to,” Stern said. “That system. Kicks off the Soils Sisters weekend! ning farming workshop for women through the kind of support and knowing someone is on your MOSES Rural Women’s Project. About 30 women side is priceless, especially in our traditional rural July 31-Aug. 2 gathered that night, none of whom I knew. After a community where male-run, conventional agricul- Soil Sisters Farm Tour, South Central Wisconsin brief welcome, I kicked things off as I always start ture is still the norm.” my workshops with everyone quickly introducing Over 20 farms offer tours, food and craft demos, herself—name, where you’re from, and what farm tastings, and more during this family friendly To Potluck Networks on page 12 dream brought you here tonight. weekend at women-run farms.

Thursday, Sept. 10, 1 to 4 p.m. Standard Process, Palymra, Wis. Standard Process grows the pure ingredients for its whole food supplements on a 450-acre certified organic farm between Madison and Milwaukee. Crops include alfalfa, barley grass, beets, Brussel sprouts, buckwheat, kale, kidney beans, oats, pea vine, Spanish black radish, and sweet potatoes. See how the farm uses cover crops, manages weeds organically, and com- posts on the farm.

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 1 to 4 p.m. Greg Reynolds, Riverbend Farm, Delano, Minn. MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year Greg and Mary Reynolds, the 2015 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year, grow vegetables and small grains on 30 acres that have been certified organic since 1994. Their four-year rotation features cover crops, such as buck- wheat, peas, rye, and yellow sweet clover. Their markets include an 84-share CSA and wholesale The Soil Sisters host their annual weekend of on-farm food and fun July 31-Aug. 2 in South Central Wisconsin. to restaurants, food co-ops, nursing homes, The “sisters” are: (back row from left to right) Lori Stern, Cow & Quince and Lucky Dog Farmstay; Jen Riemer, hospitals and schools. They will talk about fresh Riemer Family Farm; Katy Dickson, Christensen Farm; Dela Ends, Scotch Hill Farm; Lindsey Morris Carpenter, market organic vegetables, seed saving, farming Grassroots Farm; and, Kriss Marion, Circle M Market Farm; (front row) Erica Roth, Windy Hill Farm; and, Lisa efficiency, and soil health. Kivirist, Inn Serendipity. Photo by John Ivanko

mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 7 Award — from page 1 Along with well-deserved public recognition for nominations representing fabulous farmers in their land stewardship, the Farmers of the Year our region. It is inspiring as a beginning farmer receive a monetary award, an engraved plaque to learn about all the amazing farmers who are Nominate an and a prize package that includes admission and passionate, innovative and leaders within the lodging for the MOSES Conference. organic farming community.” inspiring farmer! Once the nomination period closes, all nomi- Having to decide among so many good nomi- nees are interviewed by Harriet Behar, MOSES nees is a tough job for the board, though your job Senior Organic Specialist. The interviews, nomi- is easy. Simply go to the MOSES website, moses- “2016 MOSES nations, and any supporting information that was organic.org, and choose “Organic Farmer of Year Organic Farmer of the Year” provided then is reviewed by the MOSES Board Award” from the dropdown menu under Projects. of Directors. The board chooses the MOSES You may fill in the simple online form before Organic Farmer of the Year in November. The September 15. If you don’t have internet access, Nominate by Sept. 15, 2015! winner is notified, but not announced until the call our office at 715-778-5775 to request a form. MOSES Conference KickOff, when the board “The Farmer of the Year award gives all of Nominees must be certified presents the award. us on the board and in the broader organic com- organic and farm in the Midwest. “One of the most enjoyable aspects of being munity a reason to celebrate organic farming!” a MOSES board member is to be able to select Olson added. See mosesorganic.org/projects the Farmer of the Year,” said Nick Olson, a or call 715-778-5775 Minnesota farmer currently serving on the Eric Hatling, MOSES Business Relations Coordinator, MOSES board. “Each year we receive numerous manages the Farmer of the Year project. to request a nomination form.

Inside Organics — from page 3 labeling does not always require listing all items it does not mean that every organic producer is private labeling systems because consumers and included as sub-ingredients, such as synthetic using it or even mandated to use it, and that farmers are not truly understanding the depth flowing agents in salt, on the final consumer since he is not certified, there is no oversight that and breadth of our organic certification system label. The fact that sewage sludge might have his claim to not use this material is true. and the integrity that it represents. Signing a been used to grow the agricultural ingredients in So many claims in the marketplace have little form that you meet the requirements of a labeling a product is definitely not noted on a food label. to no standards, and many do not match consum- program, or having a neighbor who themselves is The consumer trusts the organic certification ers’ assumptions. Fresh eggs technically means not deeply versed in the details of the organic process to make sure the rules are consistently eggs that have never been cooked. Free-range regulation verify your compliance, does not pro- implemented across all organic products. chickens are not in cages, but they do not have to vide the same guarantee of integrity and best The word organic has a positive association in go outside and no one is actually verifying this practices to protect the environment and human the marketplace. Many who wish to ride those claim. “No-spray” on a farmers’ market sign does health as organic certification provides. coattails are doing this with a variety of words not mean a farmer was not using synthetically It is time for those who want to use “organic” such as natural, responsible, or simple. None of treated seeds, insect dusts or chemical fertilizers. to overcome their reticence and join with their these words have either the definition or force of Producers using these claims are nowhere near fellow organic producers and become certified. law behind them to verify their actual or assumed meeting the USDA definition of organic, but by It is also time for certified organic producers to claims. using the phrase “no-spray” they are playing to educate consumers about the many benefits and Consumers and farmers can be deceived that a the consumer’s desire to purchase something that guarantees of organic certification. Organic certi- product is comparable to one bearing the organic meets the organic regulations. fication is still the “gold standard” that ensures seal when labeled “natural” or perhaps even “bet- Various retailers are putting in place other the products being sold have been verified as ter than organic.” I had one noncertified producer “scoring” programs, which include fair trade, good being grown to nationally approved regulations. state that since a certain material he does not use employee policies and giving more points to the is allowed in organic, his product is better than score when pesticides are used according to EPA Harriet Behar, MOSES Senior Organic Specialist, answers that of certified organic producers. I had to clarify guidelines, even if these pesticides are not organi- farmers’ questions about certification and organic for him that just because a material is allowed, cally approved. There is an opening for these new practices. Email her at [email protected].

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8 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 BOOK REVIEW

Author offers sage advice for small-scale, beginning market farmers By Katie Bishop New Agrarians embody the movement for This book is valuable because these young local, small-scale and sustainable food systems. New Society Publishers farmers matter. Their commitment to small-scale These young farmers are passionate, resourceful 221 pages agriculture means maintaining biodiversity, and tech-savvy, but likely very new to farming. cultivating their communities’ values and econo- Jean-Martin Fortier’s The Market Gardener is $24.95 mies and aiding in rural re-development and undoubtedly written for these farmers. Impor- preservation. And, while directed towards micro MOSES Store: tantly, Fortier’s book speaks to aspiring farmers farmers, the book still resonates with “larger” who will farm on smaller parcels of land, provid- mosesorganic.net small farms. ing sound advice on how to profitably raise veg- The beginning farmer will find value in the etables on as little as 1.5 acres of land with only a functional way Fortier lays out specific crop infor- modest initial investment. The concept of “getting ahead” of weed pressure mation in the form of charts and graphs depicting Fortier’s business sense is right on. His before it becomes a problem is some of the most data such as his rotation plan, seeding dates, and approach to direct selling to consumers guides valuable information in this book. During my first pricing strategies. The content of this book resem- the reader in farming acumen and marketing year growing on my own 1.5 acre plot, a seasoned bles many conversations I’ve been lucky enough to know-how. For instance, his perspective on the farmer responded to my complaints by saying have with mentors, consultants and fellow farm- advantages of a CSA model is relevant to a young “Mulch, mulch, mulch.” Now I raise vegetables on ers. This exchange of information is so important farmer who may consider a CSA to help with the 10 acres and the advice still rings true. Similarly, for farmers, young and old alike. Given the rapid initial investment costs of starting a farm; the Fortier provides concrete, manageable and afford- emergence of today’s “new agrarian” movement, “Crop Planning” section of the book aids in the able ways to deal with weed pressure. I person- this book is timely, useful and valuable to small- important steps needed to ensure the CSA is ally needed the motivation and reinforcement scale farmers with limited access to land and successful. Fortier provided on this topic and hope to imple- financial capital to get started and for those with- The book is an excellent resource for market- ment his ideas on stale seed bedding with my out access to those intimate conversations with ing advice as well. Too often, farmers (both new onion crop next year. more experienced farmers. and experienced) underestimate the power of My only significant quibble with the premise of marketing their products; Fortier emphasizes the this book is the author’s insistence on non-mecha- Katie Bishop and her family own and operate PrairiErth need to understand which vegetables command a nization. Throughout this book Fortier argues Farm, a certified organic, diversified market farm in higher price over others, and provides strategies that small farms with no mechanization are more Central Illinois. for obtaining those prices from your customers. profitable. More experienced farmers may find He notes sagely, that “market gardening is as this claim to be less easy to swallow, since tem- much about selling as it is growing.” I nodded my pered mechanization aids with the inevitable head in agreement when I read his take on add- physical toll that organic farming takes on our ing value to crops, as this is something I person- bodies. Constant stooping, bending, and leaning ally spend countless hours contemplating. He is hard on the farmer’s body, and moderate, explains, “In 2012, a five pound bag of organic thoughtful mechanization in the form of an eco- carrots sold for $6 in the grocery store ($1.20/lb.), weeder or a mechanical transplanter supports while the same carrots in a bunch sold for $2.50 sustainability of the body for the farmer and per pound. The value of the carrots more than farmworkers. doubled simply by leaving the leaves on to indi- Also, with slightly larger acreage, the ability cate freshness.” to rotate fields—leaving some fallow or planted Sometimes it can feel like the weeds are chas- with cover crops—and integrating livestock ing you, and dealing with that chase is over- allows for greater soil fertility and is an economic whelming at best and - at worst - can be the benefit to the small farmer. At PrairiErth Farm, reason you don’t have carrots or salad mix to we are able to save money and add value to the bring to market or to put in CSA boxes. If you’re a farm through the sale of grains and beef, new farmer who hasn’t made enough capital to chicken, pork and eggs. Much of this is difficult invest in larger equipment, having an experi- to do with very small acreage. Nevertheless, it’s enced farmer like Fortier acknowledge the chal- clear that many new farmers will be raising lenges faced when farming organically, and then vegetables on small acreage farms; significantly, provide smart and inexpensive solutions is these philosophies of non-mechanization also extremely useful. address global warming concerns and the impor- An example of some of this great advice is tance of putting our food system in line with calls found in Chapter 9 “Weed Management.” to address climate change.

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To order call toll-free 800-355-5313 or shop online at www.acresusa.com mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 9 Research shows farmers use mob grazing for variety of benefits By Anders Gurda For those of us interested in grass-based agri- type, climate, breed, and vegetation, among many diet. If a thistle infestation is severe; however, culture, mob grazing is likely not a new concept. other factors. No two herd managers have identical utilization will decrease, and control may be nec- We’ve heard the mob-grazing gurus talk at confer- land, nor will they use identical management essary. If using non-chemical control, and if por- ences, read the articles, and listened to fellow strategies. Just as “weeding” can mean anything table fencing is available, we recommend farmers or agricultural advocates rave or rant from using your thumb and forefinger to pluck an strategically using a stocking density of at least about it. Although it has been the subject of much offending lambsquarter from a coddled carrot row 400,000 lbs. of live weight (our mob density) per discussion, there still seems to be a lack of consen- to pulling a field cultivator through a sprawling acre applied across the entire infestation. Infested sus about how mob grazing should or should not corn field, “mob grazing” can refer to high-density paddocks should be grazed when the thistle has be implemented. As is true for any production grazing at a variety of scales and intensities and reached flower-bud stage, or just before if forages strategy, there is no one, right way. Learning with any number of goals in mind. are getting overly mature, to maximize impact about the many right ways that mob grazing can and utilization. Animals should be left in the work for graziers has been the focus of my Research Focus paddock until thistle stems are severely damaged, research for the past few years. Farmers have been creatively implementing eaten, or trampled, after which pastures should be mob grazing for years as a practice synonymous rested for an extended period (60-90 days) to What is Mob Grazing? with or closely related to ultrahigh stocking den- allow for desirable forage to regrow and compete Mob grazing finds its inspiration in the behav- sity and holistic management. Not surprisingly, it with reemerging thistle shoots. One grazing event iors of wild, rangeland herbivores such as bison has taken researchers a while to catch up. in June (flower-bud stage), and another in Sep- and elk in the American West. Those lumbering In 2011, while working on my graduate degree tember when thistles may be flowering again may ungulates roamed in miles-long herds, grazing, in Agroecology at the University of Wisconsin- enhance potential control. This strategy should be trampling, and fertilizing the plains as they Madison, I embarked on a three-year journey used for at least two years, and more if possible, moved. The heavily disturbed path they left would through the pastures of Wisconsin, researching until acceptable control is reached. recover and regrow, likely not to be grazed again mob grazing and exploring an emerging practice for many months or years. It was exactly this still taking shape on the landscape. Farmers’ Experiences pattern of disturbance and rest, along with peri- The main thrust of my research focused on As mob grazing has primarily been a farmer- odic fires, that created some of the richest soils in mob grazing as a control strategy for Canada generated practice, we went right to the source, the world. If the Midwest owes its considerable thistle. However, I also conducted a series of inter- learning from producers not only their reasons for agricultural inheritance—a disappearing Loess- views with mob graziers throughout the Midwest using or not using mob grazing, but also how they rich nest egg—to this recurring interplay between to see the method in action. actually implement the practice. I was lucky forage and forager, then why wouldn’t we want to The field research compared three treatments enough to take a week-long road trip in the sum- mimic this system? and their impact on Canada thistle populations mer of 2013 through Iowa, Minnesota, and Wis- “That soil didn’t just happen,” says Cheyenne and forage production over three seasons: a one- consin—an experience that brought the practice to Christianson, a Wisconsin dairy farmer. “Some- time fall herbicide application followed by rota- life. Armed with a video camera and lots of ques- thing made that happen.” It’s mob grazing that tional grazing, mob grazing, and a rotationally tions, I spent time with 10 very gracious farmers Christianson thinks will keep this fertility-giving grazed control. Simply put, we found that mob who use mob grazing (and don’t mind cameras in process going into the future as we domesticate this grazing may be an effective control strategy if their faces) and was able to see, firsthand, what practice and scale it down from limitless prairie to used in diverse, productive pastures, but may mob grazing looks like on the landscape, why it fenced pastures. While bison were kept in a tight, increase thistle density in less productive swards. should or shouldn’t be used, and how best to imple- constantly migrating group by predators and food Although a moot point for organic farmers, the ment the practice. scarcity, in mob grazing, the electric fence replaces herbicide application, while effective, also killed At every farm, I was struck by how mob grazing the snap and snarl of a wolf, and the farmer moves all desirable broadleaf forages including nitrogen- was adapted for that farm, and the reasons for those the animals when fresh forage is needed. fixing, protein-rich legumes, and reduced the total adaptations. While some farmers were really just A grazier can be seen as the facilitator of an amount of available forage. “toying” with the practice, others had learned to be evolutionarily honed and ecologically defined rela- If grazed at vegetative-to-flower-bud stage, flexible, doing “what the environment, what the tionship between herbivores and grassland. How Canada thistle has good forage quality and can be weather, and what Mother Nature tell you that that interplay is choreographed depends on soil part of a well-balanced (protein:fiber) ruminant you have to do,” as one farmer explained. At the time of my visits, many of the grazing

Imagine how much you could grow with the Continued on next page Boost your farming skills. guidance of an experienced organic farmer —someone with “insider secrets” to move Apply now to get a farming mentor! your farm forward! That’s the kind of guidance you’ll get from the Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program. "After using one for a year I will never Apply online: farm again without it." mosesorganic.org/projects/mentor-program -H. Eichelkraut, Jr. Belleville, WI

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10 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 had to deal with the plummet as that maturity cycle increases.” summer slump in pro- Mob grazing may not be perfect for every type of duction that results from livestock; it also may not fit every environment. increased temperatures. Nortunen had some early challenges that resulted Some of the graziers from mismanagement and not destocking in time. saw decreased grazing “High density has some really good things,” he selectivity as a benefit. said. “You can really heal the land, and you can As Wayne Craig, a dairy wreck the land probably twice as fast.” These grow- producer in eastern Wis- ing pains are normal, other growers said, many consin, explained, relating that it may take a few years to see any of “Instead of the behavior the impacts from adopting mob grazing. where they seek out “Get ready to screw up!” an Iowa beef producer specific grasses they like, warned when asked what advice he would give to there’s so many cattle other farmers interested in experimenting with around them that they mob grazing. Another manager gave a more realize, ‘if I don’t eat this, nuanced view: “Take your time, and make adjust- somebody else will.’” A ments as you go. Watch the condition of the ani- large-scale beef grazier, mals.” These sentiments were echoed by all of the Matt Ludlow, found that farmers. Start slowly, ask lots of questions, focus on he was able to increase trampling forage to “jumpstart” the system, use it Beef cattle graze on Dave Nortunen’s farm in northern Wisconsin. Mob grazing his stocking capacity by in the spring, be flexible, and adapt. is similar to rotational grazing, but producers typically graze forage that is more mature with more animals per unit area, faster paddock moves, and a longer re- about 5% per year with growth period after grazing events. Producers find benefits include weed control, mob grazing, due to Video Series even distribution of manure, pasture resilience, decreased animal selectivity and decreased selectivity and With the annual organic farming conference, increased forage produc- this publication, and many other programs, improved soil health. Photo by Anders Gurda tion. “If you can do that MOSES facilitates an exchange that we all know without buying land, it’s to be the basis of effective agricultural education: farms were destocked to average rotational densi- a nice way to grow your business,” Ludlow added. that farmers learn best from each other. One of our ties. Using higher stocking densities in the spring Animal performance might not be the first goals as researchers is to facilitate these educa- and then slacking off as the summer heat came on benefit that comes to mind when grazing mature tional conversations. Realizing the videos I cap- was a common practice. I learned that mob graz- forage, but many of the producers insisted that the tured that summer might be valuable to other ing is a strategic tool that can be used for various increased fiber in the grass balances the protein- producers, we recently released a four-part series amounts of time and to various degrees depending fiber ratio and ensures that cows aren’t too loose titled “In Their Own Words,” which covers mob- on the manager’s goals. in the springtime and can utilize all of the energy grazing definitions, benefits, risks, and implemen- When asked to define mob grazing, most farm- in the forage. “It makes a perfect manure,” Craig tation tips. (See bit.ly/MobGrazing.) ers laughed. When pushed, however, the farmers said. These dairymen are also grateful for the These farmers’ stories provide the most compre- offered up that it generally includes higher stock- excuse to see their animals multiple times a day, hensive picture of mob grazing to date, revealing it ing densities, more frequent herd moves, shorter checking on watering systems, observing the as an emerging practice with considerable potential grazing periods, grazing more mature forage, animals grazing, and identifying problems pre- but with drawbacks that can be overcome with longer rest periods, and trampling much of the emptively. Craig finds that “seeing those cattle slow and strategic implementation by producers. available forage to “feed” the soil. more often per day is a better thing.” A refrain that I heard throughout my travels was that mob grazing is best used as a tool, not an Benefits Disadvantages inflexible rule. When asked to explain what benefits they’ve Although there appear to be considerable ben- If mob grazing is a tool, then I’d like to think of observed when using the practice, they couldn’t efits for farmers who have learned to adapt mob it as a Leatherman—an infinitely useful multi-tool. say enough. Many talked about soil health by grazing to their operations, nothing comes without From increased stocking capacity to soil health and relating observed increases in organic matter in its drawbacks. Beyond the increase in labor and resilience, mob grazing can be applied to the land- mob-grazed pastures, better manure distribution, time, with moves happening more often, some scape in any number of ways for any number of and the resilience of cooler, moister soils resulting farmers worried about animal performance. reasons. Mob grazing elegantly applies ecological from trampling. “If you keep them [in the paddock] for a longer principles in a way that honors the system while Dave Nortunen, a beef grazier in northern period of time and make them clean everything up, simultaneously seeking to maximize production. Wisconsin, took a thermometer out to his pastures you’re going to hurt some individual animal perfor- But don’t take my word for it—I’m just a a couple summers ago and found that the soil mance,” Ludlow explained. But, he contends that researcher—listen to your fellow farmers tell their under the mob-grazed thatch was 70 degrees the group will put on more total pounds in the end. own stories, in their own words. while the temperature of bare ground was 94 The dairy producers in the group emphasized degrees, a 24-degree difference. The cool season the importance of careful management, encourag- Anders Gurda is an associate researcher in organic and grasses that dominate temperate pastures are ing those interested in mob grazing to graze earlier sustainable cropping systems at University of Wisconsin- adapted to cooler, moister soils like those found rather than later. “Be on that early cycle,” Chris- Madison. UW Extension, Hay & Forage Grower, Center for under the trampled forage. Nortunen explained tianson recommended. “You can register it daily in Integrated Systems, Ceres Trust, and SARE provided that as soon as he went to mob grazing, he hasn’t the bulk tank—see how fast that milk starts to support for the videos.

mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 11 Potluck Networks — from page 7 These outcomes go beyond the sharing economy, her family, who moved to the Albany area from open to the public. Requests come through me. sparking new businesses and dollars flowing into Kentucky a year ago and started Windy Acres Our goal is to develop a tight local network of to our community. For example, Anna Landmark Farm. women who know each other individually. There- and Anna Thomas Bates met at a potluck and “I immediately felt completely empowered and fore, you need geographic ties and a kinship with eventually formed a strong business partnership. welcomed when I first moved to our property and shared values of sustainability and local food. Landmark was already on her way to earning her attended my first potluck hosted by MaryAnn Bel- Some women on the list may be looking to move cheesemaking license to launch her own operation lazzini of Campo Di Bella Farm,” Roth said. “The to the area, hoping to make connections and find but needed a partner to help with the business and lack of intimidation of this group immediately local resources before they buy a farm. marketing side. Bates, a food writer savvy on the struck me. No matter where you were on your Come visit during this year’s Soil Sisters week- food scene, gladly filled that role. The duo launched farming journey, others supported you and con- end and meet our network firsthand, and hope- Landmark Creamery, which is now an award- nected resources to help you further. I’m looking fully you’ll head home with inspiration to launch winning cheesemaking venture. forward to hopefully attending my first MOSES your own area gatherings, changing communities “We’re both moms with kids in the same school Conference next year, thanks to strong recommen- one potluck at a time. district, but we never met until these women-in- dations from all these local women farmers who agriculture potlucks,” Landmark reminisced. attend.” Roth also jumped in to be part of the Soil Lisa Kivirist coordinates the MOSES Rural Women’s “Even if we had met in a school setting, I’m not Sisters tour this year, hosting a family-friendly Project. She and her husband, John Ivanko, run Inn sure we would have had the opportunity to connect workshop Aug. 1. Serendipity Farm B&B near Browntown, Wis. in a way that we did over cheese and wine. The “The impact of these women farmers building potluck provides a welcoming, supportive setting local networks and resulting events like Soil Sis- through which women like myself and Anna feel ters bring strong economic ripple effects into our Local Women in Sustainable Ag Networks comfortable sharing our big picture visions and broader community,” shared Cara Carper, Execu- dreams.” tive Director of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce The MOSES Rural Women’s Project provides “Twenty years ago, I felt pretty much like the and Industry. “Soil Sisters lures tourists to the opportunities for women farmers to get together Lone Ranger when we started,” shared Dela Ends, area who specifically seek out local and organic and develop strong local connections and collabo- who runs Scotch Hill Farm with her husband, food options on the menu. This then prompts rations. Statewide networking sessions are held at Tony, a certified organic CSA in Brodhead. “It is so interest of other restaurants in the area to start the annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference. wonderful to see the growing number of sustain- incorporating locally-sourced produce and sea- Local networks meet regularly for potlucks and able and women farmers in our area thanks to this sonal items on their menus, which in turn grows farm tours. Potlucks are announced on the Rural network and the connections made. My youngest the successful businesses of our local farmers and Women’s Project Facebook page: son and daughter-in-law are planning on supply- restaurants, which brings more tourists.” ing goat milk to Landmark Creamery. We supply “Build it and they will come” may work for a www.facebook.com/RuralWomensProject. organic produce, meat and milk soap to Cow and baseball field of dreams in the middle of Iowa, but Quince. We have purchased two Oberhasli Bucks it also adds up to good advice when you harbor Contact the organizers below to be added we share with Lucky Dog Farm. Our South Cen- this need to connect with other local like-minded to that group’s email list. tral Wisconsin Farmers Union Chapter was born farmers. Start initiating, keep inviting and stay in out of this group of amazing people, too.” it for the long term, and you will amaze yourself South Central Wisconsin A local network can provide the support you with the women who show up around the table, Contact: Lisa Kivirist, [email protected] need when you perhaps can’t find it elsewhere. “It thanks to your leadership. General region: Green, Iowa, Layfayette, really helps me to receive back-up verbal support western Rock and southern Dane counties from other women farmers because I don’t always 4 Tips to Start Potluck Network get that from some members of my family or com- 1. Commit to lead one year. Southeast Wisconsin munity,” said Katy Dickson of Christensen Farm Make organizing a local network your personal Contact: Christine Welcher, christine.welcher@ in Browntown. Dickson will be hosting the In Her project for at least one year. While these networks gmail.com Boots workshop on her farm to kick off the Soil Sis- do not need to be formal organizations with elected General region: Walworth, Rock (eastern), Jefferson, ters weekend July 31, sharing her experiences over officers, bank accounts, and high commitments, Racine, Kenosha, Waukesha counties the past eight years running a CSA in a rural area. they still need consistent leadership to get success- Such networks also create an easy and acces- fully off the ground. Be that person to recruit other West Central Wisconsin sible means for new farmers to immediately feel potluck hosts, set a schedule, send out reminders, Contact: Teresa Davis, [email protected] connected. Such was the case for Erica Roth and and answer questions. General region: Dunn, St. Croix, Pierce, Pepin and Barron counties 2. Set calendar yearly. Given the demands of the growing season, it Great River Women in Sustainable Agriculture helps to set potluck dates for the whole year in Contact: Nad Geraldson, [email protected] January. This way, it’s much easier for hosts to General region: Vernon, Crawford and La Crosse commit before their schedules fill up. counties Our gatherings are usually a Sunday supper but sometimes brunch or lunch. Our format is Don’t see your area listed? typically the same. We start with a farm tour fol- Contact Lisa Kivirist at [email protected] lowed by an activity, and then we do introductions for help starting a network in your area. and eat. The activity could be anything from Anna Landmark giving a mozzarella-making demo to Lori Stern teaching a yoga class. At one potluck we did a “fermentation show and tell” because our group had both seasoned fermenters and begin- ners wanting to learn. The experts brought jars of their latest ferments and shared how they did it; questions and sampling continued until we all had

MADISON our fill. SOIL SISTERS We always have one co-ed summer gathering where women bring their spouses, partners, and kids. The annual event balances the women-only aspect of our other gatherings as it gives everyone a chance to meet the partners and kids in our lives.

3. Create communication channels. Create an easy way for folks to keep in touch, based on the media preferences of your group. Some like a Facebook page, but for us, a simple free email forum works well and serves as a means to find a home for extra piglets or to share information on a community event.

4. Keep it local. While we have a Yahoo email forum, it isn’t 12 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 Partners start open-sourced network to grow seeds for research, preservation By Jody Padgham Climate change and monoculture farming New Jersey which he said was once known as the “As the network develops, seed will be coming threaten the world’s food supply—it’s a food sys- “California of the East.” back,” Kleinman explained. “Saved seeds will tem “propped up by three inappropriate pillars: But, Kleinman said, his project needed to grow eventually go bad, they must continue to be grown GMO corn, GMO soy, and inbred wheat, all grown beyond what he himself could do and involve other out. A major goal is to get people growing seeds to with intense chemical inputs,” claimed Nate people. He also wanted to “expand beyond preser- preserve for future use. Even if it isn’t obvious Kleinman. Hoping to turn the tide, Kleinman and vation and into innovation.” Thus, the idea of EFN now, they may be important for some reason in his business partner, Dusty Hinz, have created was born. the future. There is great value in keeping them the Experimental Farm Network, an open-source EFN is an “open-source, participatory model” growing.” network to facilitate collaboration on plant breed- that creates collaborations between researchers While it’s too late to join for this year, it’s not ing projects and other agricultural research. and farmers to protect and develop plant germ- too early to start thinking about how you might Kleinman and Hinz believe that sustainable plasm. The network invites both Experiment like to use the EFN next year, whether designing crops and growing systems of the future—includ- Designers and Volunteer Growers, working experiments or taking part as a volunteer grower. ing those with the power to reverse climate together in participatory plant breeding, variety Even gardeners with only a few square feet to change—will only be developed through a large- trials on under-utilized crops, and seed-saving. spare—just enough to grow out a few plants of a scale effort that is open, transparent, and orga- “Anyone can design a project and recruit volun- rare landrace wheat from Syria, for instance— nized from the ground up. They started the teers through the network,” Kleinman said. can make a difference. Kleinman noted that those Experimental Farm Network (EFN) last year and There is much vision in the project. “To create with solid experience in successful organic grow- signed up 300 volunteer growers in every zone a new paradigm—to not only be sustainable, but ing are especially needed so researchers can be from Maine to Hawaii. restorative—we will need new crops, new meth- assured that their projects will unfold and viable “We plan for EFN to one day become the larg- ods, and plenty of new farmers, too. We are com- seed will be created. est ‘citizen science’ project in history. Our primary mitted to finding these new crops, new methods, Plant breeders and researchers are encouraged goal is to stop or even reverse climate change and new farmers, and we recognize that none of to think of how they can utilize dozens of volun- through agricultural innovation,” Kleinman said. us can do these things alone.” teers across the country willing and able to help. “We are sure this is possible, but ‘how’ remains an EFN was piloted in the growing season of Kleinman hopes that the EFN website will be open question.” 2015, and around 300 participants in 43 US open soon, with applications for Experiment Expanding an early passion for plant diversity, states and 4 Canadian provinces are currently Designers and Volunteer Growers later this fall. Kleinman discovered the USDA National Plant taking part as either Experiment Designers, Vol- He noted that a crowd-sourced fundraising effort Germplasm System (NPGS, www.ars-grin.gov/ unteer Growers, or both. Current EFN projects will soon be launched to help cover costs of the npgs) database. NPGS is a cooperative effort by involve quests for perennial wheat and sorghum, network’s development. public and private organizations to “acquire, char- and Dr. Frank Kutka’s “organic-ready” corn that “Neither giant agri-businesses nor the universi- acterize, preserve, document, and distribute to resists outcrossing. Kleinman hopes to see addi- ties and governments they bankroll will ever scientists, germplasm of all lifeforms important tional efforts to develop perennial grains and innovate a challenge to the dominant status quo, for food and agricultural production.” The data- oilseeds which would sequester carbon, preserve yet these same institutions conduct most agricul- base has over 12,000 plant species, which soil, and require fewer inputs. tural research today. If the EFN is successful, all researchers can request for genetic research and Kleinman expects that the EFN will breathe farmers will one day have free access to new crops other projects. USDA research facilities and gov- new life into long-running efforts that have yet to and systems, collaboratively developed for public ernment funds are used to do some research and live up to their potential. “It may take many more use, in the public domain, and to benefit the public grow out germplasm for ongoing preservation. years or decades still, before EFN innovations are good,” Kleinman concluded. Kleinman spent months exploring the database ready for wide use, but we are nevertheless cer- Contact EFN Co-Founder Nate Kleinman at listings from around the world—from Afghani- tain that our open-source, participatory model [email protected]. With the EFN web- stan to Iceland, and Indonesia to Syria. He was will yield innovations none of us can yet predict,” site still in development, follow progress, including especially drawn to plants from countries under he explained. the launch of the crowd-sourced fundraising effort siege either from human conflict, or environmen- In its first year, EFN relied on the labor of on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ tal conflict, such as rising sea levels. Kleinman and Hinz to create the matches between ExperimentalFarmNetwork. “There is so much genetic material there that growers and researchers and source the germ- could be important to our future,” Kleinman plasm material. The goal, though, is to have an Jody Padgham is the Finance Director for MOSES and a stated. He feels that government and big ag- interactive website where researchers (“Experi- contributing editor for the Organic Broadcaster. funded researchers can’t be counted on to protect ment Designers”) and growers can find each other. and explore the vast diversity and potential. He sees the government as being ultimately ineffec- tive at protecting and utilizing this vast and important resource. “The system relies on the support of the federal budget, so it is vulnerable.” For the past several years Kleinman has him- self been receiving seeds, tubers, plant cuttings and bulbs from the NPGS, which will distribute Natural Fish Fertilizers for them to “anyone with a legitimate research, edu- cation, or breeding purpose.” He is growing out numerous varieties in farm fields near Vineland, Organic Crop Production

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mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 13 Biosecurity — from page 6 temperature, humidity, or hard water. Bleach is effective lifespan and deactivation by organic mat- remain effective. While a boot bath can be a useful quickly rendered ineffective by evaporation or ter makes it a mediocre choice for use in a boot part of good farm biosecurity, it should not be the contamination with organic matter, so it should bath. Phenolic compounds tend to be preferred primary method for addressing dirty boots. be mixed just before use, and boots should be because they remain a bit more robust as the bath For passenger vehicles, tires are a primary cleaned before it is applied. inevitably becomes contaminated with dirt and biosecurity concern. A pressure washer may be While the bleach solution described above is manure. Even so, boots should be cleansed of needed to remove gross dirt and manure from appropriate for disinfecting boots, its short organic matter prior to entering the bath, and the treads. The entire vehicle should be washed with solution must be changed every 1 to 3 days to detergent before disinfectant is applied. Environ- mental impact of runoff is a significant factor when clean- ing vehicles, and iodophores (iodine-based products) tend to be used for this application. When washing and disinfect- ing a vehicle, be sure to include the undercarriage. While the products sug- gested are accepted in organic production for the general uses described here, it is recom- mended that you check with your certifier before using any product in a new way.

Best Management Practice: Adaptation One aspect of organic farm- ing that’s important to remem- ber is each region, farm and year are unique—we shouldn’t expect to have protocols, prac- tices or a strict set of rules that apply in all situations. This reality gives some farmers much discomfort as they search or long for “best management practices” that can be blindly followed. Instead, good organic farmers stay in touch with changing situations and adapt their efforts to balance what they are experienc- ing, with basic principles as their guide. Each of us must strike a balance between the extremes of livestock totally confined, isolated or controlled and being totally open, allowing unlimited access to the animals and free flow of all types of pathogens. As we watch for changes in animal health and productivity that could help shape bio-security practices, we have many tools at our disposal to help reduce the risk of disease transmission by either limiting exposure to pathogens or building resistance in our animals through genetics, nutri- tion, vaccination and stress reduction.

Dr. Jen Burton and Dr. Guy Jodarski are veterinarians with Organic Valley/CROPP Cooperative.

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14 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 Changing climate impacting agriculture, especially livestock production By Kelli Boylen “Thing are warming up,” said Bill Bland, Uni- Although the average temperature will likely That increase in major rain events in turn will versity of Wisconsin Extension Soil and Water be warmer than we have ever known, Bland said cause another problem for farmers. “Soil erosion Conservation Specialist, during his workshop on it’s the extremes of the weather that we are going challenges are only going to get worse,” Bland said. climate and agriculture at the 2015 MOSES Con- to have to figure out how to manage. Future crop production is likely to be impacted ference. “Yes, some places are cooler some years, He said what people now consider unthinkably in both negative and positive ways overall. Using but overall things are warming up.” hot in a given area will become more common, predicted temperature and precipitation models, Bland said there is often confusion between and that is a huge issue of animal welfare and it is possible that some grain production states weather and climate, and some people tend to public health. will lose up to 34 percent of their production of argue about global warming during really cold Currently in the Upper Midwest, the “warm- crops such as soybeans, while other states will see winters. He said the simple answer to that is, est day of the year” is usually in the mid-90s. By an increase of up to 22 percent. Overall, however, “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we mid-century, the warmest day of the year in the Bland believes the country’s ability to produce actually get.” He further explained as the number Upper Midwest is expected to be in the high 90s. grains will decrease. of extreme weather events accumulate it create That can make a big difference for those raising In the U.S., agriculture is responsible for 6 to new climate. livestock, Bland added. 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, compared Bland is based in Wisconsin, where he says the Using the Cattle Comprehensive Climate to 32 percent for electricity, 28 percent for trans- weather trends have followed global trends. From Index, the impact variations of temperatures can portation and 20 percent for industry. Bland said 1950 to 2006, the average year-round temperature be more readily understood when factoring in thus far organic cropping systems have not shown increased 1 to 2 degrees. The last day of spring wind, relative humidity and solar radiation. To a lower greenhouse gas emissions than conven- freeze now is 6-12 days earlier, and the date of the beef steer on a feed lot, an overcast 95-degree day tional. Dairy producers, however, may be able to first frost in the fall is 3-18 days later. with 20 mile-an-hour winds and 50 percent rela- reduce greenhouse gases by increasing cow lon- “Humans are changing the Earth’s climate. tive humidity will feel like 89 degrees. A sunny gevity and increasing milk production. That is well-understood and well-underway,” he 95-degree day with 2 mile-an-hour winds and 80 The complete recording of Bland’s workshop, added. percent humidity will feel like 125 degrees to a Climate and Agriculture: Our Evolving Under- Although climate statistical models can make steer. standing, is available on the MOSES store in predictions on growing season length and average At present in a typical summer, there may be Mp3 and CD formats. See mosesorganic.net/ temperatures, the changes are not going to be uni- just a few days that these temperature extremes product/climate-and-agriculture. form across all locations, especially when it comes cause issues in the Upper Midwest. In the future, to rainfall, Bland explained. Rainfall may increase there may be more than a dozen days above 100 USDA’s Focus on Climate by several inches in one region while an area 100 degrees each summer, which will cause signifi- Earlier this spring, Agriculture Secretary miles away will see a several-inch decrease. cantly more animal losses. In the South heat Tom Vilsack laid out a comprehensive approach Models are predicting that by mid-century the deaths have always been “part of the price of to partner with agricultural producers to address Upper Midwest will have up to four more inches of doing business, but it will become more common the threat of climate change. Building on the cre- rain a year on average, and the Southern Midwest here in the late century as well,” Bland said. ation of USDA’s Climate Hubs last year, the new will have two to three inches less. By the end of Dairy producers may see economic loss due to initiatives will utilize voluntary, incentive-based the century the models show Wisconsin summers increased climate temperatures as well. Bland conservation, forestry, and energy programs to will be 5 to 7 degrees warmer. Growing seasons predicts that within the next 15 years the Upper reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon may increase or decrease in length by several Midwest will see a .01 to 2.8 percent milk loss sequestration and expand renewable energy pro- days, depending upon location. Bland said he has due to heat, as well as an increase in heat-related duction in the agricultural and forestry sectors. “great confidence” in the models. death loss. Reproductive rates tend to have harsh Through these efforts, the USDA expects to Winters will not necessarily be warmer in declines in extreme heat as well, which also will reduce net emissions and enhance carbon seques- areas where it always snows, but Bland notes they impact the financial bottom line. tration by over 120 million metric tons of CO2 will be “less cold.” He explained that although tem- In some areas of Wisconsin, the number of equivalent per year—about 2 percent of economy- peratures will still get chilly, it is likely there will days with more than 2 inches of rainfall has wide net greenhouse emissions—by 2025. That’s be fewer nights with extreme low temperatures increased by 3.5 days. He explained, “The the equivalent of taking 25 million cars off the than in the past. The number of nights below zero amount of atmospheric moisture is going up road, or the emissions produced by powering has decreased two to 22 nights, depending on the because the warmer air holds up to 40 percent nearly 11 million homes last year. area of the Wisconsin, he said. more water vapor.” To Climate Change on page 16

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mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 15 Gift preserves farmland, creates legacy By Cissy Bowman Economic and environmental challenges have Understanding (MOU) with the Michael Fields are responsible for the pollination of at least 1/3 of led—or forced—many farmers to sell their land. Agricultural Institute (MFAI) in July of 2013. The the food we eat—without them, our Development encroaches even our best farmland; MOU states that MFAI intends to obtain organic plates would look very different. Their importance pesticides are killing off our pollinators; there are certification of the farm by October 2017. MFAI cannot be overstated. fewer farmers, yet we are faced with feeding a also is establishing pollinator habitat for native Betty’s gift of the Phelps farm to MFAI reaches rapidly growing population—it’s easy to feel there bees and honeybees. Through this agreement, farther than its 226 acres. It serves as a model and is nothing one person can do to turn this tide. How- Betty’s habitat for the bees is well on its way to inspiration for others. Farmers, as they reach an age ever, there are people who have stepped forward becoming reality. or situation when they no longer farm, must decide and chosen to take on these challenges as a per- Currently the farmland is in “transition year 2” what to do with their land. For some, selling is the sonal responsibility. One of them is Indiana native of organic production, and organic certification will answer; others want to honor the past and the future Betty Phelps Refior. likely be accomplished ahead of the agreed upon by providing a legacy. The Phelps farm transfer pro- Betty’s husband grew up on the Phelps family date of October 2017. The 20 acres of woods and cess can be a roadmap for these farmers. farm and, in her 93 years, Betty has witnessed area where the bee sanctuary will be located is in Such projects involve a great deal of research, firsthand the changes in agricultural practices the process of being certified organic. thought and planning. Betty’s vigor, enthusiasm and their impact on the environment. She is not In order to make sure that Betty’s vision is and passion have kept her actively involved in the the type to take things lightly. Her great love and realized, the agreement is written to ensure that process, making sure her voice is heard as the steps respect for both honeybees and native bees inspired the land remains in agriculture. MFAI is work- are taken to fulfill her dream. Her love for the soil, her and, after years of observation and research, ing with the NRCS Conservation Easement Pro- the bees and the environment will carry on past she developed a plan to address her concerns—a gram, which protects the long-term viability of the her lifetime as an example to all and as an outward plan which will carry on into the future. Her vision nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of sign of her personal dedication. The world—and the is to ensure that the 128-year-old Phelps fam- productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. bees—need more Betty Refiors! ily farm, located near Peru, Indiana, remains in Additionally, NRCS will be working with MFAI For more information on the NRCS Programs agriculture and that bees will enjoy a newly estab- under the Environmental Quality Incentive Pro- see www.nrcs.usda.gov. lished pollinator habitat. gram (EQIP) to assist in the creation of the pollina- Betty entered into a Memorandum Of tor habitat for the bees. Native bees and honeybees Cissy Bowman, Center Valley Organics, has been working on the Phelps Farm bee project.

Climate Change — from page 15 The USDA has outlined the following “Build- operations, including the installation of 500 new Community Forest and Open Space Conservation ing Blocks for Climate Action.” digesters over the next 10 years. Program, protect almost 1 million additional acres Soil Health: Improve soil resilience and Conservation of Sensitive Lands: Use the of working landscapes. Employ the Forest Stew- increase productivity by promoting conservation Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the ardship Program to cover an average of 2.1 million tillage and no-till systems, planting cover crops, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program acres annually (new or revised plans), in addition planting perennial forages, managing organic (ACEP) to reduce GHG emissions through ripar- to the 26 million acres covered by active plans. inputs and compost application, and alleviating ian buffers, tree planting, and the conservation Energy Generation and Efficiency: Pro- compaction. For example, the effort aims to of wetlands and organic soils. For example, the mote renewable energy technologies and improve increase the use of no-till systems to cover more effort aims to enroll 400,000 acres of lands with energy efficiency. Through the Energy Efficiency than 100 million acres by 2025. high greenhouse gas benefits into the Conserva- and Conservation Loan Program, work with utili- Nitrogen Stewardship: Focus on the right tion Reserve Program. ties to improve the efficiency of equipment and timing, type, placement and quantity of nutrients Grazing and Pasture Lands: Support rota- appliances. Using the Rural Energy for America to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and provide cost tional grazing management on an additional 4 Program, develop additional renewable energy savings through efficient application. million acres, avoiding soil carbon loss through opportunities. Support the National On-Farm Livestock Partnerships: Encourage broader improved management of forage, soils and graz- Energy Initiative to improve farm energy effi- deployment of anaerobic digesters, lagoon cov- ing livestock. ciency through cost-sharing and energy audits. ers, composting, and solids separators to reduce Private Forest Growth and Retention: methane emissions from cattle, dairy, and swine Through the Forest Legacy Program and the Kelli Boylen is a freelance writer with a farming background. She lives with her family on a homestead in Iowa.

16 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 NEWS BRIEFS

New Staff at MOSES opposition at noorganiccheckoff.com. Food Safety Decision Tools MOSES has hired Jennifer Nelson (left) as To learn more about both sides of the organic The national Good Agricultural Practices an Organic Specialist, and Lauren Langworthy check-off, see the MOSES Take Action page: (GAP) website has added farm food safety “deci- as Office and Events Manager. mosesorganic.org/policywork/take-action. sion trees” to help farmers identify risks and implement food-safe practices. Nine decision trees MOSES Mentoring Program are available, including worker hygiene, soil Want an experienced farmer to guide your amendments, wildlife management, and posthar- fledgling farm? Want to share your experience vest handling. Each decision tree includes sam- with a beginning farmer and encourage sustain- ples of recordkeeping logs and standard operating able, organic production? Sign up now to partici- procedures, as well as template farm food safety pate in the MOSES Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring plans. See gaps.cornell.edu/tree.html. Program. The 2016 program runs from December 2015 to February 2017—a bit more than one year. Origin of Livestock It includes admission to both the 2016 and 2017 USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Nelson and her husband, Michael Leck, grow MOSES Organic Farming Conference. Applica- seeks comments by July 27 on a proposed rule to organic flowers on Humble Pie Farm, which has tions close Nov 5, 2015. Find more information the clarify the requirements for the transition of been part of the incubator program at Gardens of applications online on the MOSES website dairy animals and management of breeder stock Eagan in Minnesota. They have nearly completed (mosesorganic.org) under the Projects tab. into organic production. The proposed rule organic certification. They plan to relocate their requires that milk or milk products labeled, sold, farm near Spring Valley, Wis. this fall. Nelson Organic Profitability or represented as organic be from dairy animals is on the board of the Riverwalk Market Fair Researchers at Washington State University that have been organically managed since the in Northfield, and was the market manager at analyzed the financial performance of organic last third of gestation, with a one-time allowance Rochester Downtown Farmers’ Market. She and non-organic agriculture and found that, in for a producer to convert conventional dairy ani- has a teaching degree in elementary education spite of lower yields, organic agriculture was mals to organic milk production after a one-year and middle school communication arts. She is significantly more profitable (as much as 35% transitional period. The rule also clarifies man- currently participating in the MOSES Farmer- greater, in some cases) for farmers. Moreover, agement of breeder stock for any organic edible to-Farmer Mentoring Program under the with its environmental benefits, organic agricul- livestock product or organic inedible livestock mentorship of Martha Smart of Conrath, Wis. ture can contribute a larger share in sustainably product, such as fiber. Read the proposed rule and Langworthy also participated in the MOSES feeding the world, the researchers said. Their comment at bit.ly/LivestockOrigin. Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program. She and findings were reported in the recent Proceedings her husband, Caleb, own and operate Blue Ox of the National Academy of Sciences, available at Prescribed Grazing Organics, a certified organic market farm near bit.ly/1eN1zxf. Grazing Native Plants in Iowa is a new publi- Wheeler, Wis. They raise pastured lamb, and cation from the Leopold Center at Iowa State grow hay, small grains and vegetables, selling New Fact Sheet University showing how farmers and land man- wholesale and direct to consumers mostly at MOSES has a new fact sheet, “How to Write a agers are using prescribed grazing for prairie Linden Hills Farmers’ Market in Edina, Minn.; Conservation-Focused Land Rental Agreement,” management and gaining agronomic, economic they plan to start a winter CSA later this that makes the case for landowners to find good and ecological benefits. The 16-page publication year. Langworthy’s background includes office land stewards to rent their land. The fact sheet includes information on how to incorporate prai- administration. She’s also an artist, selling felted includes tips for finding a farmer who uses ries into a grazing operation, why grazing prai- animal sculptures and illustrations at local organic/conservation practices as well as points to ries can be beneficial, and what questions remain shops, online, and at their market stall. include in a lease. Farmers who are looking for for future research. Find the publication at bit.ly/ land to rent can use this fact sheet to help them PrescribedGrazing. Organic Checkoff Deadline explain to landowners the benefits of working The USDA has extended the deadline to July with an organic farmer using a longer-term lease. Grass-Fed Lamb Report 20, 2015 to submit alternative proposals or par- This new fact sheet is on the MOSES website A new national monthly grass fed lamb and tial proposals for an organic research and promo- (mosesorganic.org) in “Organic Fact Sheets” under goat meat report is available through the USDA tion check-off program. In May, the Organic the Publications tab. Agricultural Marketing Service. The report covers Trade Association (OTA) submitted its proposal wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales informa- called GRO Organic (Generic Research and Pro- Online GAP courses tion plus market commentary for this expanding motion Order for Organic). The USDA isn’t taking Iowa State University Extension and Outreach livestock segment. See bit.ly/GrassfedLamb. comments on the submitted proposal at this time. now offers free online food safety training mod- A comment period will open when the USDA ules for farmers’ market managers and vendors. Farmer Podcasts Agricultural Marketing Service publishes a pro- The four modules cover good agricultural prac- Chris Blanchard, creator of the Farmer to posed order. See the proposal at groorganic.net. tices (GAP) for pre-harvest, post-harvest, market- Farmer Podcast, recently interviewed MOSES A coalition of organic farming groups and ing and best practices at the market, and value- board member Nick Olson on how he and his consumers opposes an organic check-off. The No added products. Participants receive a Certificate wife, Joan, balance young children, farming, and Organic Check-off group offers reasons for its of Completion to display at their market stall. finances. See www.farmertofarmerpodcast.com.

Identi ty Preserved Ingredients The Ahimsä Alternative, Inc. Certi fi ed Organic & Conventi onal Non-GMO For all things Neem & Karanja Call 1-877-USE-NEEM (873-6336) Neem Leaf, Neem Bark Powder, Soap Nut Powder, Contact us with your current availability and Skin & Hair Care products, Animal Care products. contracti ng interest for food grade 100% Cold Pressed, Wild Harvested Neem Oil, Karanja Oil • Soybeans • Peas & Lenti ls Neem & Karanja Cake • Dry Beans • Mustard • Wheat • Barley ® NEW Plasma Neem Oil EC • Millet • Buckwheat Biological Insecticide (3750 ppm azadirachtin) • Sunflowers • Corn Readily emulsifiable (no soap required) • Safflower • Flaxseed For sale in AK, CO, FL, GA, ID, MN, OR, TX, VA and WA Controls Aphids, Army Worms, Beetles, Stink bugs, Caterpillars, Leaf hoppers, Leaf miners, Whitefly, Mealy bugs, Midges,  High premiums paid. Nematodes, Spider mites, Weevils, Scale, Thrips. Order online @www.neemresource.com  Spot sale or forward growing contracts offered. BIOLOGICAL  Shipping and storage options available. INSECTICIDE (3750 ppm azadirachtin) Thank you for “growing with us” for more than 20 years. 100% Cold Pressed Neem Oil 4666 Amber Valley Parkway • Fargo, ND 58104 USA Controls Aphids, Army Worms, Beetles, Stink bugs, Caterpillars, Leaf hoppers, Leaf miners, Whitefly, Mealy bugs, Midges, 701.356.4106 TEL • [email protected] • www.skfood.com Nematodes, Spider mites, Weevils, Scale, Thrips. For sale in all US States except Alaska Distributors @www.nimbiosys.com Grow with us! mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 17 NEWS BRIEFS

Organic Research Industrial Hemp creating biodiverse landscapes. See the full report With a $1 million gift to the University of A bill has been introduced to the U.S. Senate at bit.ly/PollinatorReport. Wisconsin-Madison, Clif Bar and Organic Valley that would remove industrial hemp from the have created the nation’s first endowed chair Controlled Substances Act, and restore it as an Selling to Restaurants focused on plant breeding for organic crops. The agricultural commodity. Two Midwest Senators The Local Food Marketplace recently published endowment includes a $1 million matching gift have signed on as cosponsors of the Industrial the “Food Hub’s Guide to Selling to Restaurants,” from UW graduates John and Tashia Morgridge. Hemp Farming Act, S. 134: Sen. Tammy with tips on breaking into the wholesale market. The money will fund research to develop crop Baldwin, D-Wis., and Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn. The guide was written by Ryan Crum (a former varieties adapted to organic systems. Clif Bar is A summary of the bill is at www.congress.gov/ chef), who offers insights on approaching a working with other organizations to fund four bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/134/all-info. restaurant, developing a marketing plan, additional chairs at other universities. planning for growth, and a list of Dos and Don’ts. An endowed chair supports the research work Barnraiser See the report at bit.ly/SelltoRestaurants. of a faculty member through the fund’s interest The crowd-funding website Barnraiser supports income. UW-Madison will award the chair projects related to sustainable food and farming. Insect Search Tool Online position to a faculty member with an established With a 70% project success rate, Barnraiser is A new search engine for tree fruit diseases, record of crop development under organic helping farmers raise money to purchase items insect and mite pests, and beneficials is now conditions. In addition to conducting research, such as a walking tractor, new fencing, poultry online at the Michigan State University website, the faculty member will also mentor students in processing equipment or a wood-fired oven. www.ipm.msu.edu/search. Searches can be con- the discipline of organic agricultural systems. Funded projects range from $5,000 to over ducted by name or category. $30,000. Projects are only funded if the full goal Conservation Reserve Program amount is raised. Fees amount to 5% for Barn- Food Labeling The USDA will hold a general sign up from Dec. raiser and 4-5% for credit card and payment pro- A free ebook, FDA Food Label: Requirements 1, 2015 through Feb.26, 2016 for the Conservation cessing partners. See www.barnraiser.us. in a Nutshell, simplifies the complex FDA require- Reserve Program (CRP). Producers who have ments for proper food labeling for nutrition facts, existing CRP contracts expiring in September can Pollinator Report ingredients and other necessary information. See extend their contracts for one year. Enrollment A new report by The Organic Center shows www.foodpackaginglabels.net/food-labeling- in State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) that organic farms support significantly more requirements. This book doesn’t address use of and Duck Nesting Habitat initiatves also will be pollinators than non-organic farms. Based on the organic seal—for that information, see available through continuous sign up; producers more than 70 peer-reviewed studies, the report mosesorganic.org/whyorganic/organic-label. can enroll in the wildlife program at any time. For explains how organic farms protect pollinators by details, see the Natural Resources Conservation avoiding synthetic pesticides, many of which are Organic Commodity Pricing Resources Service website at www.nrcs.usda.gov. toxic to bees and other pollinators, and by Organic Milk Prices NODPA: www.nodpa.com/payprice.shtml 413-772-0444

Organic Livestock Prices CROPP Cooperative Organic Trader farmers.coop/feed-program/organic-trader 1-888-809-9297

Buyers and Sellers of Organic Products MOSES Organic Resource Directory: mosesorganic.org/publications/organic-resource- directory or call 715-778-5775 for print copy.

September Open House Come spend the day with Fertrell! Date: During our open house, we’d Saturday, September 12 like to invite you to come see Time: what we’ve been up to lately! 9:00am–4:00pm We’re opening the doors to our manufacturing plant, as Location: well as offering walk throughs The Fertrell Company of our fields to see our current 600 North Second Street research trials on corn, cover Bainbridge, PA 17502 crops, poultry, and turkeys! Cost: Free — lunch is included! We’ve also invited guest speakers Howard Vlieger RSVP: (GMO Feeding Trial Call 800-347-1566 Research) and Dr. Richard by September 4 Olree (GMOs & Human Health) to speak! No cost to attend! Please let us know if you plan to come!

The Fertrell Company • 800-347-1566 • fertrell.com

18 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015 CLASSIFIED ADS

EQUIPMENT Online Classifieds, John Deere 8rn front mount cultivator/$600.00. Job Postings, Land Link-Up: Ph. 712-298-1027. Chuck Duhn, Emmetsburg, IA. rve Find these at mosesorganic.org t Ha st Weed Badger implement-$4,700; 10x15 walk in under the Farming tab. ea cooler-$2,600; 3pt dry fertilizer spreader-$500; Gene, r G [email protected], 507-779-8091. OPPORTUNITIES s 20 foot Hatzenbichler tine weeder in very good c Remarkable Western Idaho opportunity, 26 acre O ni condition with extra tines. Call 608-863-2457. irrigated organic farm, all class 1 soils, orchard, truck rga TM garden, direct market demand/history, 2520 sq ft Howard Rotavator M130, 150” width, 4 standard traditional farm house/studio apartment, endless rotor speeds, good condition, Instruction/parts options, equipment included/available. Text e-mail Plant high yielding book $7,800/OBO, Mike 815-405-5377. to 208-949-4462 for link to details. Great Harvest Organics Wanted: 6 or 7 foot - 3 point rotovator in workable MISCELLANEOUS seed corn and soybeans! condition. 319-269-3904. Bovine Basics- composted cow manure available in bulk, totes and bags. Contact Ed Rudberg at We offer access to a LIVESTOCK 952-212-6576 or [email protected] and visit broad source of genetics. Organic grass-fed feeder beef cattle. Red Angus, us at www.bovinebasics.com. We are a bio-based Hereford, shorthorn crosses. GAP certified. Available certified product. Contact us to learn more. May to August. Weigh about 500# now, 750-800 in August. Pot load western SD. 605-685-3376. Mark- For Sale: ORGANIC FISH FERTILIZER 15-1-1, 100% [email protected]. dry water soluble, 5-7 times more nutritious than FOR A GREAT ORGANIC HARVEST, liquid fish. Will not clog drip irrigation. 1 lb or 55 Katahdin Sheep: meat breed, no shearing. 40+ lb packaging, can be shipped UPS. Frommelt Ag PLANT GREAT HARVEST ORGANICS! breeding ewes, $250 each. Ewe lambs, $180 each. Service, Greeley, IA, 563-920-3674. Call Dave@ 608-397-4979. Agricultural Grade Local Compost. 50 lb. N, 120 lb. FORAGES P, 60 lb. K per ton plus micronutrients and organic matter. Minimum purchase: 20 tons. Suståne Natural 866.834.7888 Organic Alfalfa and Alfalfa/grass 3x3x8 square Fertilizer (Kenyon, MN), 507-263-3003, Email: kylel@ bales. Test results available. Good quality and fairly sustane.com. ***OMRI certified granular, dry, GreatHarvestOrganics.com priced. Delivery available. Located in Linton, ND. organic fertilizers also available. Dave Silbernagel Organic Farms 208-867-9939. BMR84 Seed Corn For grazing under $40 per 50 For sale: organic hay, round bales, dry and silage pounds. Go to www.pageseedcorn.com for seeds- bales, 1st, 2nd and 3rd crops. Also oats straw. Deliv- man nearest you and prices. No computer? - call ery available. Sno Pac Farms, Pete, 507-725-5281. 507-645-6218. Classified Ad Placement Hay for Sale, MOSA certified organic alfalfa stand- Smart Organics offers 4 products to the Organic Reach 11,000+ organic-minded readers ing or made into large round bales. Between Clifton Farmer that are approved by the FDA and produce with a classified ad in this newspaper. and Wilton, 608-427-3534. a superior Non-Chemical alternative to Antimicrobi- als, Sanitizers, Disinfectants and Folier Sprays. Takes Includes free listing in the Organic Hay, big round or big square organic the place of Toxic Pesticides, Herbicides, Fungicides, Online Organic Classifieds at alalfa/grass hay, semi-loads, delivery available, will Algicides and Preservatives. For Dairy a Non-Toxic mosesorganic.org/farming/organic-classifieds. cut at bud stage. Call Mark 515-338-0151. Teat Dip that dramatically lowers Somatic Cell Count Submit ads online at organicbroadcaster.org. and replaces iodine. [email protected] or 414-732-7017. Or, complete this form and mail with your ad to: For Sale: Organic wrapped and dry hay, big bales, MOSES, PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767 can deliver, 608-574-2160. Garlic! MOSA certified. 16 varieties of hard neck and 2 varieties of soft neck. $12 per pound plus Ads must be submitted by the 25th of the month prior to For sale: MOSA certified Organic Baleage. Rough- shipping, $10 per pound on orders over 50#. E-mail Organic Broadcaster publication date. ly 200 bales at 60% moisture. Primarily alfalfa with [email protected] or call 507-259-1964. grass. A bit stemy, perfect for TMR. $100/ton dry hay Name: equivalent. New Holstein. 920-894-4201. Address: FOR SALE: 2015 organic straw. Oat, wheat or barley, MOSA certified. Net-wrapped 4X5 round bales. City: Transportation available. Kent Wolf 608-553-1136. State: Zip:

GRAINS Phone: HOBBY FARM FOR SALE Non-GMO oats, wheat, barley, rye feed mix (un- 120 ACRES AG & WOODED LAND Email: treated/cleaned) suitable for all livestock, $125/ton semi loads available. 507-373-3161 or 800-352-5247. Absolute Auction | No Minimum | No Reserve LOCATION: 1514 4 ½ Avenue, Dallas, Wis. $15 up to 30 words; $5/each additional 10 words. We buy organic: corn, wheat, soybeans. ONLINE ONLY AUCTION: Bidding ends Aug. 31, 2015 at Place my ad in (price is per insertion): Delivered to: Cromwell, IN. Contact: John 414-704- 8 p.m. www.hagerauction.com 1344, [email protected]. OPEN HOUSE: Aug. 6 from 5-7 p.m. January - February July - August MOSA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARM: Since 2004. Get your March - April Sept. - Oct. financing in order and invest in a unique property. FARMS/LAND PARCEL 1: 112 +/- Acres Productive Ag Land. 71.27 May - June Nov. - Dec. 80+ acre farmette for sale in Central Wisconsin. Acres Tillable. Balance wooded (last logged in 1988). A Word rate x number of insertions (above) = ______TOTAL DUE Mixture of trees and tillable acreage. Also included natural spring flows in the woods. is remodeled farmhouse with outbuildings. Call PARCEL 2: 7.96 +/- Acre Hobby Farm (will be surveyed). PAYMENT INFORMATION: 715-340-1966 for more information. Buildings include a 1991 14x70 Mobile Home with I’m enclosing a check made out to MOSES. 3-bed and 1 ¾ baths. A Farm House with 1 bath. A Please charge $ Fully certified organic crop land. Options open 40x80 Pole Shed. Great Views! This parcel will be (lease, 50/50,etc.-open to arrangements). 160-200 AFFORDABLE. Check it out! Card # acres of well-tended soil, in central Ohio. Older PLAT: Part of Sections 9 & 10, T32-R12W, Dallas Twp, Wis. Visa | Mastercard | Discover | American Express farmer needs less to manage. Certain dedicated TERMS: No buyer’s fee. Parcel 1 $25,000 down; Expiration: (mm/dd/yy) equipment available for use. 740 852 9289. Parcel 2 $5,000 down. Balance cash at closing. Signature: FOR MORE INFORMATION & FULL TERMS: See www.hagerauction.com or call Barry J. Hager, Broker & Auctioneer at 715-273-4638. This form good through September 2015. mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 19 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Organic Farming School See more on the Community Calendar conservation in organic livestock systems from both the Mondays through Aug. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Minneapolis, Minn. NRCS and producer perspectives. bit.ly/1Ic4quT Summer program includes lectures and hands-on work- under Events at mosesorganic.org. shops related to sustainable agriculture, food justice and Mother Earth News Fair today’s local food movement, bringing urban farming include: flame weeder, lilleston cultivator, tinny weeder, Aug. 8-9 | West Bend, Wis. and small rural farms together. bit.ly/1K9LI8Q and a couple others. bit.ly/1SGwVUE A sustainable lifestyle event featuring practical, hands- on demos and workshops, is coming to Wisconsin for Organic Field Day MOSA Organic Farm Field Day the first time. MOSES will be there with free resources July 15 | $25 | Lamberton, Minn. July 23 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Free | Coon Valley, Wis. and presentations. motherearthnews.com/fair/wisconsin Hosted at SWROC, the day will include a field tour Join MOSA for an in-depth look at St. Brigid’s Meadows highlighting the most recent and innovative research LLC operation, including intensive grazing, an on-farm Organic Dairy Day on organic crops being conducted at the SWROC, and a store, direct marketing, and meat processing. Contact Aug. 11 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Morris, Minn. speakers section talking about marketing organic crops. Joe Pedretti, 608-637-2526 x145, at MOSA to make your University of MN field day featuring a seminar on soil bit.ly/1TL60IH reservation. fertilty in dairy pastures and interpreting soil analysis. Field tour and a pasture walk with grazing and species Organic Spring Wheat Field Day Establishing On-Farm Pollinator Habitat selection. bit.ly/1Ic4yun July 15 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Caledonia, Ill. July 25 | 2-5 p.m. | Ames, Iowa Fields Best Seeds event on Beaver Creek West Farm PFI event on incorporating pollinator habitat into annual On-Farm GAPs Workshop will showcase 44 acres of Orleans, Red Fife and Wilken and perennial food production. Tour and discuss these Aug. 11 | Lake City, Minn. wheat. All spring wheat varieties Fields Best Seeds is habitats at Mustard Seed Farm. bit.ly/PFIfielddays Aug. 27 | Hutchinson, Minn. regionally adapting to better serve Midwest farmers and Aug. 31 | Duluth, Minn. their markets. Sponsored by MOSES. bit.ly/1Hk0fOS Humus Advantage Composting Workshop Hosted by UMN On-Farm GAPs Education Program, learn July 28-30 | $795 | Tampico, Ill. how GAPs can help minimize food safety risks with fresh A Vegetable Farm Start-Up: The First 5 Years Midwest BioSystems provides hands-on training at a produce. Workshops are intended for fruit and vegetable July 15 | 3-6 p.m. | Logan, Iowa compost production site about makeing humus com- farmers. safety.cfans.umn.edu PFI event about beginning farming experiences on post, the highest quality compost on the market. diverse vegetable and herb farm. bit.ly/PFIfielddays bit.ly/1Lzd7hN Wisconsin Cover Crops Conference Aug. 14 | East Troy, Wis. Webinar: Organic Labeling In Her Boots: Diversification 101 The theme is “Cover Crops and Agricultural Resiliency” July 16 | 11 a.m. Central | $20 July 31 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Browntown, Wis. and will feature a mix of general sessions and bus tours CCOF Foundation webinar on developing product Join MOSES and tour this highly diversified operation highlighting successful cover crop practitioners in south- labels that comply with organic standards provides in- with over 80 varieties of vegetables along with raspber- east Wis. in a variety of cropping systems. bit.ly/1CqMfLP sight on common mistakes and step-by-step process for ries, strawberries, currants, rhubarb, eggs and honey. developing labels that comply with the USDA National Katy will take us through the growing fields, hoophous- Pizza Farm Field Day Organic Program standards. bit.ly/1BJSMqj es and packing systems, explaining how she manages Aug. 15 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $35 | Wykoff, Minn. her CSA operation. bit.ly/RWPfieldday Aug. 22 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | $35 | Athens, Wis. Webinar: Fruit & Vegetable Organic Reporting RTC hosts a behind-the-scenes tour of successful pizza July 16 | 1-2 p.m. Central Soil Sisters Farms Tour farm operations, including the commercial kitchen set- AMS introduces the Fruit & Vegetable Market News: how it July 31-Aug. 2 | Southern Wis. up, wood fired oven and pizza preparation process. Host works; the scope of organic reporting capabilities; and how For 3 days and with 5 unique components and involv- farmers will share their start-up experience, challenges to put organic reports to work for you. bit.ly/1Jus5sg ing more than twenty farms, the jam-packed Soil Sisters and advice. bit.ly/1eFOOon culinary event celebrates Wisconsin’s family farms and On-Farm Safety for Agritourism and U-Pick rural life in and around the farming communities of Field Day at Otter Creek July 19 | 2-5 p.m. | Donnellson, Iowa Monroe and Brodhead. www.soilsisters.org Aug. 18 | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Free | Avoca, Wis. Hosted by PFI, learn about Harvestville Farm’s Midwestern BioAg event with on-farm demonstrations agritourism operation. Discussion will encompass the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Talk and Field Day including corn plots, soil health demonstrations, ag problem areas and best practices for keeping guests – Aug. 1 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Elkhart, Iowa technology review, cover crops, and dairy management. and your farm – safe. bit.ly/PFIfielddays NCAT explains the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection crop bit.ly/1HbAQHa insurance program, which offers a higher subsidy than MOSES Cover Crops Field Day previous crop insurance products for specialty crops, FarmStarts – Beginning Farmers Explore July 21 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Free | Gays Mills, Wis. organic, and diversified crop and livestock producers. Production, Business and Marketing Join Harriet Behar, MOSES Senior Organic Specialist and Includes tour of Tony Thompson’s farm. ncat.org/events Aug. 19 | 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Free | Bloomfield, Iowa her husband, Aaron Brin, to tour their 216-acre certi- Funded by USDA – NIFA, this program is designed to help fied organic farm. Field day topics will include: standard Organic Production Field Day beginning farmers learn more about organic dairy and or- and unusual cover crops, living mulches and rolled rye Aug. 1 | 1 p.m. | Bradford, Mo. ganic grain production. Open to conventional and organic mulch with organic vegetable production, soil health, Hosted at the University of Missouri Bradford Research producers, workshops cover grain marketing, budgeting, and finding grants to fund solar energy projects. Center, topics will include: weed & insect management, fertility and weed control, and more. bit.ly/1K8ruLi mosesorganic.org/events/organic-field-days/cover-crops/ compost and compost tea, soil fertility, companion plant- ing and rotation, marketing, and more. bit.ly/1LzcyVe Webinar: Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture Organic Field School Aug. 27 | 12 p.m. Central July 22 | $10 | Lamberton, Minn. Webinar: Opportunities for Conservation in Organic NRCS will present scientific research examining the This SWROC event consists of hands-on activity show- Livestock Systems benefits of organic farming practices to soil. Soil building ing/teaching how to deal with weeds in organic corn Aug. 4 | 2 p.m. Central practices such as crop rotations, cover crops, and organic and soybeans. The implements being demonstrated Oregon Tilth and NRCS will discuss opportunities for fertilizers are central to organic practices. bit.ly/1de1O2G

Soil Works LLC PO Box 119, Yankton, SD 57078 (605) 260-0784 1 (877) 886-5115 www.gsrcalcium.com

20 | Organic Broadcaster ­— July | August 2015