In This Issue Robotic Milker Adds Flexibility to Dairy Farm Life The

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In This Issue Roundup Resistant Weeds...... 9 Resistant Roundup sharing Farmers Days...... 9 Field MOSES Radishes...... 8 Positive...... Proof GMO contamination and Aphids Specialist!...... 6 MOSES a Ask Hayseed Review...... MOSES Mark Shepard’s restoration agriculture Traveled...... 4 Less Road The roadblocks Label Organics...... 3 Inside MOSES...... 2 From News Calendar...... 24 Report...... 23 Grain Organic Classifieds...... 22 Briefs...... 20 News applications Taking Program...... 17 Mentor MOSES research MSU Wheat...... 17 Perennial Brandon and Heather Spotlight...... 13 Farmer New LSP Journeyperson course Corner...... 12 Farmer New Problems with new GMOs and pesticides Volume 21·Number5 Agreat fall cover crop management health Dairy

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y Periodicalof chased across from Pete’s home 1982. in farm The Ruegemers on farm acres 330 they pur herd size. anyone that is interested increasing in their Pete said. He recommended the systems for cow numbers without adding a lot more work,” robotic“The system has allowed us double to Hershey, Penn. September. in receive the award at the Farm concert Aid in Award last year, they could leave the to farm Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) the received Ruegemers the when that means That flexible.” more lot a are days “Our said. have really freed things up time-wise,” Pete hours for their 150 cows. robotic “The systems and Jeremy, no longer have milking regular Pete, and wifeAnita, his their children, Sara the spring of 2011, milking systems in two DeLaval robotic With the purchase of central Minnesota. mer in of Villard more for Pete Ruege cows. Not so any mitment to milking twice-a-day com around regular a revolves life son’s A typical dairyper of them people making sick. the While desired reduceto their presence, and reduce to the risk steps take can production fields, ourwe but in We’ll never eliminate the presence of pathogens fromrun-off adjacent an pasture. as wind-blown fecal material from afeedlot or green beans; sometimes your it’s more into subtle, such get sheep the when or field your in obvious, as when you notice apile of deer pellets are problems the Sometimes water. irrigation paying attention the to source and quality of nures and manure-based composts, as well as meansThis the managing application of ma emphasis is keeping the poop off of the food. Up the to point the crop is harvested, the main thething in poop from growing. gets on food from spreading, and keeping any keeping poop off food, keeping any poop that food safety come down three critical to factors: fecal material, the principles of microbiological Because these bacteria survive and spread in taminating fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. pathogensrial that make people sick from con has everything do to with preventing the bacte monocytogenes break of Listeria 0157:H7 outbreak from spinach, or the 2011 out- thein wake of troubles like the 2006 Food safety, as we’ve learned about talk to it The Pathogen Path: Water-Soil-Plant Robotic Milker Adds Flexibility to the Mid west - - - - Or ganic Cows becomecomfortablewithroboticmilkers. Dairy Farm Life and Sust in cantaloupes, in By Chris Blanchard Chris By By Jody Padgham Jody By ainable Educa E. coliE. - - - - -

of the work to kinks out of the robotic systems, Pete explained that it took about ayear for all work with and gave the kids agood deal.” tral Minnesota. The company has been great to cen in first the “and said, Pete farm,” organic Jeremy. an robot DeLaval on first thehad “We botic systems, milking purchased by Sara and the family decided go to with two DeLaval ro discussion, research and exploration of options, bot, and recommended that option. much After up they were using. Afriend was using aro sions of alternatives tie the to set stall 80-cow supportto the new partners farm led discus to operation. The need increase to cow numbers twenties, decided they wanted join to the farm the farm, Sara and Jeremy, now their in mid- soils. levels compared conventionally to managed tem, accelerate the decline coli E. in 0157:H7 and biologically active soils any in sys farming studies have shown that soils on organic farms, Several pathogens. foodborne for times survival andTillage the incorporation of manure reduce the time that it did at degrees. 60 F,grees coli E. of these pathogens. Studies show that at de 40 conditionsand dry likewise reduce the lifespan of colisurvival E. 0157:H7 and Salmonella ed compost. Heat and moisture extend can the 177to days the after application of contaminat the soil; it has been found on parsley leaves up has been shown survive to for updays 260 to in incursion. Once there,animal coli E. 0157:H7 based fertilizers, and intentional or inadvertent the application of irrigation water, animal- Foodborne pathogens get into the soil through Pathogens CanThriveinSoil decision-making. optimize growers individual human pathogens the in environment help can knowing more about the dynamics of food-borne of potential environmental and economic costs, degree of risk-reduction is up for debate because tion Serv ice 0157:H7 persisted for of a third Ruegemer children help on on help children Ruegemer Although of the all seven 2006. since shipping organic milk been They’ve acres. tillable crops raised on the 400+ andture home-grown feed tion, with 140 acres of pas focused on opera the dairy nent pasture. The is farm acres plus some perma They rent also another 160 To To on page 10 page on Safety Food To on page 16 page on Milking Robotic Sept. -Oct.2013 ; cold ------ORGANIC News From MOSES

With the dry weather no one has been doing as events organizer and sustainability BROADCASTER much out in the fields in my area—nothing coordinator at UW-River Falls makes him Volume 21 · Number 5 is growing enough to need much attention. a perfect fit for his new responsibilities in September · October 2013 The eerie quiet lets one know that things are HR management, planning and operations. not as we might wish out there. A welcome Hopefully you’ll get a chance in Feb. to say Editor thunderstorm dropped two inches of rain hi to Jerry at the 25th annual Jody Padgham—[email protected] yesterday afternoon. One of the first things I MOSES Organic Farming Conference.

noticed (after the return of smells!) were the Organic Broadcaster Mission sounds of crickets and grasshoppers. Yes, 25 years. Can you believe it? The The Organic Broadcaster provides farmer -focused, current news and information that Even they seem to have been conference shares it’s birth year with several assists farmers in successful organic pro- suppressed by the lack of moisture. others- including Organic Valley, USDA- duction and offers relevant updates about Hopefully we are on the crux of change. Sustainable Agriculture Research and the organic community. Education program (SARE) and the National We are in high season for field days. Read Sustainable Ag Coalition (NSAC), to name Advertising/Classifieds Angie’s report on page 9 to see what you’ve just a few. You can bet that we’ve been Support the Organic Broadcaster and reach missed, and what you can still catch. We’re doing a lot of scheming in the office about over 10,100 readers through three advertis- already thinking of more events for how to celebrate. Look for details in your ing options: next year if this one looks too busy. conference registration guide, arriving in your Support the Broadcaster through a busi- mailbox in early December. We’re already ness Patronage Package. Contact Luisa at Speaking of activities, we are planning collecting your stories and have conference 715-778-5775 or [email protected] for two repeats of our popular “Fearless memorabilia contests you can enter. more information. Farm Finances” 2-day workshop in both Check it all out now at Display Advertisers: Rates and size op- November and December, with a follow-up www.mosesorganic.org/conference.html. tions are available at www.mosesorganic. day in January. This event in 2010 drew rave org/ad_rates.html or by contacting the of- reviews from not-yet-on-the-ground farmers I hope you have enjoyed our expansion fice at [email protected]. Dis- to experienced growers who wanted to really to 24 pages. Did you notice? It’s been fun counts for multiple issue placements. dig into the numbers. See the calendar listing collecting and creating even more quality Classified Advertising: 25 words for on page 24, for details visit the web at www. content for you. If you have ideas of topics $12.00, 15 more words for an additional mosesorganic.org/farmfinances.html or you’d like covered, certainly let me know at $6.00. Submit ads online by going to www. give us a call at 715-778-5775. [email protected] or 715-778-5775. mosesorganic.org/ad_rates.html and click-

ing on “online form.” Or, mail in the classified ad form found on page 22 with your MOSES has exciting news—in late July we I hope your summer ends well, payment. hired Jerry Waller as Operations Director, a Jody Padgham, new position in the office. Jerry’s background Organic Broadcaster Editor Events/Calendar Items MOSES will publicize events that are of interest or relevance to our community. To MOSES Counts on Individuals, Families submit an event, go online to www.mosesorganic.org/eventform.php or e-mail a notice to [email protected]. We reserve the and Organizations for Support right to deny any submitted event for any One of the high points of my job is hearing • I want my kids to have a greener future, and reason. from folks who have given us a gift. I like to I know you help farmers grow their crops using ask them what prompted the gift. The answers methods I wish everyone would use. The Organic BroadcasterTM is a trade- are always heartwarming and fill us with grati- marked bimonthly newspaper of the Mid- tude. People give to support MOSES for as • We are donating because we have farmed many reasons as there are givers, but there are organically for years, and we know how much west Organic and Sustainable Education some broad categories: new farmers need support. Service (MOSES), a nonprofit organization working in the Upper Midwest to promote • I give because I attended several of your events We will be sending you the MOSES annual sustainable organic agriculture. Opinions last year, and came home revved up and excited fall appeal in November, which also provides expressed in the Organic Broadcaster are with new information I could really use. a number of ways to give. Feel free to write a note telling us why you support us--those those of the authors and do not necessarily • We signed up on your website to support you notes are guaranteed to make us smile! Thank reflect the opinions of the publishers. We each month because we want you to know that you. do not endorse the products of any adver- our family counts on your programs and infor- tiser, and we reserve the right to refuse mation all year long, and giving a little every Feel free to contact me if you have questions, inappropriate advertising. We reserve the month is easier for us to budget. Luisa Gerasimo, MOSES Development Director, right to change our advertising policy. [email protected] Submissions, inquiries, ads, and calendar items may be mailed to: MOSES, P.O. Box MOSES Staff: Keep in touch: 339, Spring Valley, Wisconsin, 54767. Rel- Faye Jones, Executive Director | [email protected] Help us save trees and use your evant calendar items will be printed with- donation dollars for programs rather out charge, space permitting. Organic Specialists: Harriet Behar | [email protected] than mailing. Get news by email! Joe Pedretti | [email protected] Choose what goes to your inbox: Please contact us for a writer’s guide. Angie Sullivan | [email protected] MOSES P.O. Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767 (715)778-5775 Audrey Alwell, Communications Director | [email protected] Monthly Organic Link eNews [email protected] Luisa Geramiso, Development Director | [email protected] Bi-monthly Organic Broadcaster www.mosesorganic.org PDF Jerry Waller, Operations Director | [email protected] Jody Padgham, Financial Manager | [email protected] Periodic notifications of Organic SAVE PAPER Field Days and other events Read the OB Online Eric Hatling, Public Relations Coordinator | [email protected] happening in your area This newspaper is available as a download- Jessi Padellford, Project Coordinator | [email protected] able pdf and as an html document from www. Information about the MOSES Carly Stephenson, Communications Coor. | [email protected] mosesorganic.org/broadcaster.html. If you Organic Farming Conference prefer not to receive a paper copy in the Andrew Violet, IT Coordinator | [email protected] To change what you get by email mail, please contact us and you will be Lisa Kivirist, Rural Woman’s Project Coor. | [email protected] from us, call us at 715-778-5775 or removed from the OB mailing list. email [email protected].

2 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 INSIDE ORGANICS Efforts to Strengthen Organic Label Hit Roadblock By Harriet Behar

The regulations governing organic agriculture Although our regulation clearly states that continually improve, in a practical way, so the in the United States, while being unique in poultry must have access to the outdoors, a organic community can be proud of our produc- some of their strict provisions and oversight, 2002 NOP determination, allowing porches as tion systems, and consumers can be assured of are still part of the overall U.S. legal system. an acceptable form of outside access, has led to the strength of the organic label. Organic pro- The legal system mandates a review of the eco- very large organic hen houses that have either ducers are constantly learning better methods, nomic impact any proposed or changed regula- a few small porches, or none. This clearly does and replacing current synthetics with natural tion would have on those operating under the not meet the spirit or letter of the law. alternatives or improved practices. Recognition regulation. Recently, this mandated review of these efforts, and the extra value any stricter has made it difficult for the National Organic Unfortunately, the recent economic impact standard may bring to the marketplace, must Program (NOP) to implement decisions made analysis on poultry did not review what the be part of any economic impact study. by the National Organic Standards Board law mandates, but instead looked at what is (NOSB) to strengthen the organic standards. currently being allowed. This was compared to In April 2011, the NOSB voted to completely ban the use of sodium nitrate in organic pro- How Changes to the Law are Made duction, matching bans currently in place in The 1990 Organic Foods Production Act in- It is important that organic Europe and Asia. The previous U.S. NOP regu- cluded a provision dictating continuous review standards continually lation allowed sodium nitrate only to meet 20% and improvement of the regulations written to of the nitrogen needs of an organic crop. Since implement the law. Materials on the National improve, in a practical there has been no action by the NOP, sodium List of approved and prohibited substances are way, so the organic nitrate has now been relisted without this re- mandated to be reviewed every 5 years by the community can be proud striction, and can technically be used to meet National Organic Standards Board. This al- 100% of the nitrogen needs of an organic crop. lows for items to be removed from the list if of our production systems, circumstances have changed, such as better al- and consumers can be It is my understanding that the lack of action ternatives found or the substances have nega- by the NOP on sodium nitrate relates to con- tive effects found to be unacceptable. assured of the strength cern over the economic impact non-allowance of the organic label. would have on producers currently using it. The NOSB works diligently, with significant This lack of action has basically resulted in public input, to respond to consumer and pro- the NOP allowing a substance that the NOSB ducer demands for clarification, improvements what a stronger regulation with specific sizes of has voted to remove entirely from organic pro- and additions to the organic regulations. Stel- indoor and outdoor poultry living areas might duction. This action does not meet either the lar examples include a more prescriptive pas- require. The analysis found that the NOSB spirit or letter of the law. The NOP has, to their ture regulation and clarification of animal recommendation would increase production credit, issued guidance warning producers to welfare standards. The law clearly gives the costs of large hen houses that currently offer be prudent in their use of sodium nitrate. But NOSB exclusive power to add or remove mate- little to no outside access. However, this deter- technically, unless there is a published regula- rials from the National List. The NOP cannot mination did not account for the fact that these tion that bans it, it is allowed. add or subtract an item without NOSB discus- operations are not meeting the current regu- sion and a publically viewed vote. lation by not allowing the birds outside. The In another decision, the NOP decided to ignore report did mention that it appears consumers an annotation to the carrageenan listing. This Recent Troubles would be willing to pay higher prices for poul- notation, restricting use in infant formula, An economic analysis was recently done on try products produced using higher standards, was voted in by the NOSB when carrageenan NOSB-approved recommendations to oversee but this was not a “factor” when assessing the was being reviewed at its 5-year sunset date. the stocking rates and outside access for poul- negative economic impact. try. These have been contentious issues since To Inside Organics on page 23 the organic regulation was implemented in Economic Analyses Have Limitations 2002. The U. S. law for organic poultry is very A key weakness of these economic impact as- different from Canadian and European stan- sessments is that they only take into account dards. These other countries have very pre- the dollars it might cost to meet a new regula- Thanks to our scriptive guidelines for numbers of poultry per tion, without assigning any “value” to the posi- square foot, both inside and outside. There has tive impact on an organic label with more con- Organic Broadcaster been pressure on the NOSB to solidify the U.S. sistent and transparent standards for animal organic poultry laws. welfare. It is important that organic standards PATRONS Our Patrons contribute generously so that the Broadcaster can be widely distributed at no charge. Contact [email protected] to learn more about becoming a MOSES patron

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www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 3 The Road Less Traveled By Joe Pedretti Mark Shepard is a unique farmer. In fact were a dozen glaciers visible from our land. “farmer” might not really be the right term. There was frost and snow every month of the Part ecologist, part forester, part farmer, part year,” recalled Mark. pioneer, part experimenter, Mark is really better served by the title “Restoration Agricultur- The time there allowed for a lot of reflection alist,” a title based on his book Restoration Ag- and thought. “What kind of life would it be to riculture, published this year by ACRES USA. work three months a year and then work on so- This book, which focuses on real-world applica- cial justice and environmental movements? We tions of permaculture concepts for farmers, has had a lot of time to be fulfilled human beings. generated a lot of buzz and attention for Mark’s We were poor, but we were OK. We had what work on his farm in the Kickapoo River Valley we needed. I did a lot of reading. I got more of near Viola, Wis. Mark’s workshop at the 2013 an education in Alaska than in college.” MOSES Organic Farming Conference was one of the best attended and evaluated workshops Mark started experimenting with planting MOSES has ever coordinated. His calendar Mark Shepard explains his philosophies at a nursery stock next to each other; making an is full of tours, trainings, consultations, and recent MOSES field day at New Forest Farm. edible property. He removed the non-edibles. presentations, balanced with tending his own He took a lot of notes about the results and farm and a new hard cider enterprise. Many That was very influential. Having read that what he was trying to do. “I thought I might people are very interested in what Mark has and growing up the way I did--I decided to quit make a book. I took the idea and notes to a to share. my job. I literally stood up, yelled an expletive friend who said ‘that book has already been and then walked into the boss’s office and quit.” written,’” laughed Mark. After a MOSES farm tour at Mark’s New That is when Mark decided to homestead in Forest Farm in June, I found myself wonder- Alaska, at least until he panicked and decided That book was Permaculture: A Designers’ ing what inspired, motivated and led Mark to it would be more practical to go back to school Manual by Bill Mollison. “I ate that thing up. his unique vision for the future of agriculture. to be an ecologist. He picked Unity College in Here was a practical application of ecological Rather than write about his methods (read the Maine, at the time the only 100% environmen- principles in the human sphere. I committed to book for that), I thought we all might enjoy an tal program in the country. He chose to study the idea that every piece of green should be do- exploration into the twisted path that has led forest ecology. He wanted to study how forests ing something for us. I was in landscaping and him to this place, and what guides him into work. “I ate it up. This really interested me. I wanted to use permaculture in my business, the future. graduated with the highest GPA in my class,” so I decided to take the permaculture design said Mark. “Unity College was a really cool course at Central Rocky Mountain Permacul- The Beginning place. When President Reagan pulled down ture Institute in Colorado. Once there, I ended Mark was not raised on a farm. He was born the solar panels from the White House, Unity up teaching the soils and agroforestry sections and lived in the inner city when very young. College was there to take them and put them of the course.” When he was 7, Mark and his family moved back up.” to his grandmother’s 10-acre hobby farm in “The Nearings [Living the Good Life] were self- Lancaster, Mass., about 40 miles from Boston. Alaska and the Book that Changed sufficient in vegetable production, but they still Mark’s mother was raised on a Vermont farm Everything had to buy their proteins and oils, just like we and his father was a Maine woodsman in his Mark never gave up on his Alaska dream did when I was growing up. But permaculture youth. “Their dream was to get back to the while at Unity. During his first summer break, allows us to design a farm that can grow all farm,” noted Mark. Mark’s grandmother was he hitchhiked to Alaska to look at some land the food crops, including proteins and oils, in a seamstress at a factory and his grandfather 3500 feet up a mountain and five miles from a sustainable way. Two of the guys that were worked at a cannery, but they also worked on the nearest road. “How else was I going to get at the course with me were enthralled with the their large vegetable gardens, chickens, an or- land? I was 22 and buried in debt, and at the idea of such a farm. We wrote up a partner- chard and had a family cow. time, there were no jobs for ecologists.” ship agreement on a napkin in the sauna at 2 a.m. One of them ended up coming up with the “My grandma was always doing something– Immediately after finishing at Unity, Mark down payment. The other guy chickened out. gardening, cooking, processing. I learned a lot married his sweetheart, Jen, and they both My new partner was from Milwaukee and sug- of my work ethic from her. This was the time of moved to Alaska. They each claimed five acres gested the driftless area of Wisconsin as the the 70s oil embargo; we all pitched in to make of land next to each other. To claim their land, best place to find land. He found the farm, and ends meet.” they had to build a cabin and live in it for five we went through with the purchase. We never months out of the year for three consecutive saw the land before arriving.” The whole family joined in to grow food. They years. They would spend five months in one added goats, bees, a two-acre garden, and a cabin and then switch, all while working in The New Farm composting enterprise. “Everyone came to my town. Mark worked at a tree and shrub nurs- “My wife, my infant son and I moved to Wis- dad to learn how to compost.” ery and in landscaping. They stayed for eight consin in the middle of winter. We were even years. “The place was barely sub-arctic. There more in debt now. Within six months my part- “The area was all apple orchards and dairy To Shepard on page 19 farms with very few houses when I was young. As I got older, the first subdivision went in. By the time I was a junior in high school, the first McMansions started going up. By college, the area was totally developed–all farmland to suburbia in the course of a few years,” Mark remembered. WANTED: College and Early Professional Career ORGANIC DAIRY FARMERS Mark did well in high school and went on to Horizon® is Seeking New Farmer Partners attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute on a for the #1 Organic Milk Brand* scholarship where he majored in mechanical Richard Klossner (Midwest) 303-319-6899 engineering. His first civilian job was for a company where he helped develop the Kevlar www.horizonorganic.com infantry helmet. He stayed a year and a half. “I Find us on , and hated it. I had a 45-minute commute each way. It was good money, but a lot of it got sucked up in the clothing, a car and the engineer lifestyle. It was a shallow and expensive way of life that was so much different than what I grew up with. Around that time I began reading Liv- Primus Farm, Melrose, MN ending 3/3/2013 past 52 weeks IRI data *Source: Keri Pickett by Photo Organic. ©2013 Horizon ing the Good Life by Helen and Scott Nearing.

19113_HO_MOSES.indd 1 5/15/13 4:10 PM 4 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 MOSES REVIEW Hayseed By Susan Werner

“With your eyes to the west, You keep watch- and murderous.” Underneath its glib, satiri- ing the sky, While the leaves start to curl, cal wash, Hayseed is tender and benevolent, ‘Cause the crops are so dry. It’s like everyone an homage to her upbringing. “Growing up says, Does no good to complain, But it gives on a farm is part poetry and part child labor,” you something to do, While you wait for the she jokes.“But it’s the landscape, the land it- rain.” –While You Wait for the Rain. self, your love for that that stays with you–the fields, the fences, the creek. And I’ve found you Susan Werner’s rich voice, accompanied with can love a place as much as you can love a hu- a wry smile, settled on my soul as I shared a man being.” beautiful concert space with farm neighbors and co-workers on a recent hot, sunny Sunday “There’s a changing of the guard taking place afternoon. The insightful singer-songwriter in American agriculture,” Susan explains. clearly knew what our days in the fields have “Farmers like my father and mother are retir- been like this summer. ing, and new farmers are starting out. I wanted to honor my parents and their way of life, Proud of her eastern Iowa farm heritage, Su- and I want to be part of the conversation about san packs concerts promoting her recent re- what happens next, what farming looks like cording, “Hayseed,” with evocative, funny, this year, next year, ten years from now.” touching, and bittersweet songs about farm- A classically trained vocalist, Susan master- ing, soybeans, corn, eggs, Iowa, the land, her- fully uses both the guitar and piano to create The ultimate purpose of making Hayseed, bicides, and childhood jealousies of “city kids.” moods that enhance the lyrics of her songs. It’s though, is broader, more light-hearted. “Maybe rare to find such a talented songwriter and the reward of it all is just this simple: to write “All the city kids, They never did no chores. singer who is also such an outstanding musi- a song like ‘Egg Money’ or ‘City Kids,’ to see We were baling hay, Milking twice a day, They cian. a song like that make my parents laugh, my were making smores. All the city kids…” –City brothers laugh, my cousins, my high school Kids. The Hayseed album was commissioned by the friends, and see people all across the country University of Nebraska’s Lied Center for the laugh,” she finishes. “Well, there you have it. Using her voice like an instrument, knowing Performing Arts and the Institute for Agricul- Mission accomplished!” when to bang out the lyrics and when to fade ture and Natural Resources. The project began to soft, Susan is an in-your-face performer in with seed money from fans during a success- I’m thrilled to find a musician that is not only the best sense of the expression. She made us ful PledgeMusic campaign. Susan rewarded incredibly talented, but also sings about my laugh and almost cry, sharing a perfect mix of pledgers with unusual treats, such as signed life and my neighbors’ lives. What greater sat- fun and sentiment. She obviously carries the ears of corn from her folks’ farm. A percentage isfaction than tapping one’s foot along to a song fun with her from the farm fields of her youth. of the money raised was donated to three farm- titled “Barbed Wire Boys”? Susan’s dedication ing organizations: Practical Farmers of Iowa to organic production and local marketing offer “There’s a certain sense of humor that goes in Ames, Iowa, The Land Institute in Salina, additional reasons to support her. along with farming because things don’t al- Kansas, and MOSES in Spring Valley, Wis. ways turn out the way you expected,” Susan The MOSES staff attending Susan’s recent says. “If you can’t laugh about it, you might be Hayseed is the fourth in a series of concept al- show highly recommend our readers follow this in the wrong line of work.” bums. “I like concept albums because they give bright star’s career. You can purchase “Hay- the audience and the artist a place to meet, seed” or one of her other recordings and check something in common to talk about, right from out several music videos at http://susanwerner. the word ‘go,’” Susan says. “And it seems ev- com. erybody–from the First Lady to Dodge Trucks –has something to say about food, farms and Review by Jody Padgham, with contributions farmers these days.” from Susan’s web bio, and MOSES colleagues Audrey Alwell and Eric Hatling. “I wanted to show that farmers are just like everyone else,” she says with a laugh, “Hon- est, hardworking, kind, generous, resentful,

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www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 5 ASK A MOSES SPECIALIST

In this column we provide answers to common questions received by MOSES organic specialists. Feel free to give the MOSES Organic Answer Line a call at 888-551-4769 with any questions about organic agriculture you’d like answered…We will do our best to help!

Question: I shipped one load of organic ing and readying for sale. However, most plants. The cards are coated in sticky glue, corn, and it was rejected by my buyer as livestock feeds are not tested for GMOs. In which traps them. Check cards at least weekly having GMO contamination and was then 2011, a report by the Office of Inspector Gen- for signs of adult aphids. Sticky cards need to sold to a conventional buyer. What should eral noted this lack of GMO testing of organic be replaced frequently to work well. Fortunate- I do for my next load? livestock feed, and encouraged the National ly they are cheap and available through any Answer: by Organic Specialist Harriet Behar Organic Program to require more testing of greenhouse supply company. livestock feeds, especially those sold to organic Under our organic regulation, the GMO con- dairy farmers. At this time, there is no specific If you have any infested plants in a greenhouse taminated organic corn is still certified or- direction from the NOP on GMO testing of or- or high tunnel, you should begin control op- ganic, although your buyer may have stricter ganic livestock feeds. tions since their numbers can explode quickly. purchasing preferences that include a specific tolerance level for GMOs, such as less than It is unfortunate that the organic farmer bears Here are your options as an organic farmer: 1%. It would have been a good idea to send the brunt of the weakness of GMO technol- a sample to your buyer before you shipped the ogy; that it is promiscuous and does not stay Biological control entire load to make sure it would not be reject- on the user’s side of the fence. Depending on There are a number of predators and parasites ed. Once it has been loaded and shipped off the the amount of GMO contamination, you may available for purchase and release. Ladybug farm, it is difficult and expensive to bring it have the option of selling your crop as organic larvae are the most familiar, but there are par- back to your farm. to another buyer with lower requirements, tell- asitic wasps, lacewings and others available ing that buyer about the GMO contamination. now as well. Biological controls work best to Before signing a contract for purchase of your keep aphid levels down, but may not give good crop, or selling a crop on the spot market, it Question: I read your article on sprouted control if you already have a problem. They would be a good idea to find out what, if any, barley fodder, and I would like to know if simply cannot reproduce as quickly as aphids GMO testing is done and what level of GMO I have to use certified organic barley seed (which can actually reproduce without males- contamination would cause the load to be re- to do this? females give birth to clone daughters). Benefi- jected by the buyer you are considering. You Answer: by Organic Specialist Joe Pedretti cial insects work best as preventative controls. can also find out what level of GMO contami- A number of companies sell beneficial insects, nation your previous load had, and try to take Yes, you must use 100% certified organic seed including: some precautions next year when planting corn to grow any sprouted fodder used to feed or- www.arbico-organics.com/category/beneficial- to lower your risk and level of contamination. ganic animals. Sprouted fodder falls under the insects-predators-parasites/49 You might try planting later than your neigh- 100% certified organic feed requirement and www.buglogical.com bor to avoid cross pollination, increasing the not the crop seed exemption for commercial size of your buffer strip, or choosing to grow availability. The USDA National Organic Pro- Non-Chemical Spray corn where it is more isolated from neighboring gram recently clarified to all the certifiers that Soapy water will kill aphids. The soap strips GMO corn. Even though corn pollen will travel any seed used to produce sprouted fodder must away their waxy cuticle and they die of dehy- great distances, higher levels of contamination be certified organic. dration. In order for this to work, they must be will occur when the non-GMO and GMO corns directly sprayed with the soapy water. Use a are grown in close proximity. Question: I have been having problems sprayer and mix one tablespoon of liquid soap with aphids in my high tunnels. What can per gallon of water. (Dr. Bronner’s is pure soap. Typically, all organic crops sold for direct hu- I do to control them? Be careful not to use soaps with perfumes, man consumption are tested for GMOs, some- Answer: by Organic Specialist Joe Pedretti dyes or other synthetic additives.) There are times numerous times in the process of clean- also many ready-to-use brands that are OMRI Greenhouses and high tunnels are great tools, listed including the common Safer Insecticidal but they also provide a nice protected environ- Soap. ment for certain insect pests. Normally, aphids are kept in check by predators, parasites Allowed Chemical Sprays and by wind and rain which can knock them Remember that all insecticides approved for off plants. In the protected environment of a organic use are “restricted use” products. You greenhouse or high tunnel, they can become can use them only when your other control op- a problem because there are few or no natu- tions have failed, and you must notify your cer- ral controls. In the right conditions, aphids tifier if you intend to use a new product and the and other pests, such as whiteflies and spider reason you must use it. Pyrethrum/pyrethrin- mites, can explode in numbers very quickly. based sprays will work on aphids, but have a very short residual effect and must come in Aphids are sucking insects that weaken plants contact with the aphids. The product Pyganic by sucking up sugars and other fluids from works well, since it is pyrethrin mixed with oil, crops. They are not easy to see, since they are which coats and kills aphids and many other the same color as the plant stem and generally insects. Your certifier should be able to provide like to feed on stems, buds, and underneath a list of approved pyrethrum/pyrethrin sprays leaves. or check the OMRI website for a list: www. omri.org. Step one for control is to monitor your crops on a regular basis. Infested plants are often Aphids also love plants that are over-fertilized Belstar F1 broccoli stunted and can be a lighter green or yellow. with nitrogen. If they are a constant problem Look closely at the stems under the leaves for despite other control efforts, you might be add- aphids. A magnifying glass or loop can help. A ing too much nitrogen to your potting mix or 100% organic seeds from an good approach that saves time is to flag “senti- through fertilizer applications. A tissue test to independently-owned, farm-based seed nel” plants. Mark plants in a grid pattern and determine nitrogen levels may be in order if company with a commitment to quality, only monitor those specific plants on at least a you are having ongoing issues with aphids and customer service and healthy communities. weekly basis. If you find significant numbers of other sucking pests. aphids on these plants, you know it is time for control options. Yellow sticky cards are another As always, crop rotation and good sanitation To request a free catalog visit good monitoring device. Adult female aphids practices can help control aphids in the long www.highmowingseeds.com have wings and are strongly attracted to the run. or call 802.472.6174 color yellow, which mimics the color of sickly

6 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 MosesOrganic.indd 1 6/23/13 8:40 PM Assessment of herd Health and management on PROOForganic dairyPOSITIVE farms Because of the increasing number of certified organic dairy farms and associated milk production, the need for established best organic management practices and overall herd health information is growing. Although several studies have compared organic and conventional dairy management, this is the first large‐scale, multistate study to investigate the healthcare practices and wellbeing of organic herds compared to size‐ and geographically‐matched conventional dairy herds in the U.S.1 ImpactData from organic, of conventional Organic‐grazing and conventional Management‐nongrazing dairy herds were collected throughout New York, Wisconsin and Oregon to better understand the management practices of dairy farms on the national level. During each visit,on researchers Dairy interviewed farmers Animal about herd characteristics, Health milk production, reproduction, housing, feed, milking procedures, disease and treatment, culling, vaccinations and veterinarian involvement. Herds were scored based on body The long-term, multistate re- Comparisonscondition and hygiene, of herd and bulk health milk samples to management were tested for foodborne of organic and environmental and conventional pathogens, mastitis dairy infection farms search project aimed to iden- and milk quality. Comparisons of herd health to management of organic and conventional dairy farms are shown below. tify organic management fac- Herd Characteristics and Performance ORG CON-GR CON-NG P-value* tors influencing dairy herd Total lactating and dry cows Small: 20‐99 cows 76 75 56 <0.001 health and milk quality is (% of farms) Medium: 100‐199 cows 13 11 13 complete. Led by University Large 200 or more cows 11 14 23 of Wisconsin dairy science Prominent breed ≥50% Holstein 63 72 86 <0.001 professor and extension milk (% of farms) ≥50% Jersey 10 17 5 quality specialist, Dr. Pamela ≥50% Crossbreed/other 27 11 9 Ruegg, researchers from Cor- Mean percentage of first‐lactation animals 31.6 33.9 37.3 0.002 nell University, Oregon State Mean lactation number 2.6 2.6 2.3 <0.001 University and UW-Madison Mean milk per cow per day (lbs) 42.9 54.0 61.5 <0.001 collected animal health and Milk composition Mean protein percentage 3.12 3.19 3.13 ‐‐ management data on nearly Mean fat percentage 3.98 3.92 3.86 ‐‐ 200 organic and 100 size- Nutrition and Grazing ORG CON-GR CON-NG P-value* matched conventional dairy Amount of grain fed (lbs/cow/d) 11.4 19.4 19.8 <0.001 farms across the U.S. Data Mean number of days grazed (d) 190 182 ‐‐ 0.041 included herd health records, Mean DMI from pasture: heifers 50% 21 33 ‐‐ 0.058 milk samples, body condi- (% of farms) 51–75% 7 14 ‐‐ ≤76–100% 72 53 ‐‐ tion scores, production and Mean DMI from pasture: adult cows 50% 51 69 ‐‐ 0.003 herd characteristics, disease (% of farms) 51–75% 24 31 ‐‐ treatment and diagnostic ≤76–100% 25 0 ‐‐ methods, veterinary usage Use of rotational grazing (% of farms) 95 81 ‐‐ <0.001 and vaccinations, livestock Regular use of a nutritionist (% of farms) 46 89 97 <0.001 housing, feed, and routine Preventative Management ORG CON-GR CON-NG P-value* milking procedures. Routinely scheduled veterinarian visits No visits (% of farms) 64 44 23 <0.001 (per 100 cows per year) Few: 0.5 to 7.5 12 11 13 The findings present new in- Some: 7.6 to 19 17 39 33 formation about the percep- Many: 20 or more 7 6 31 tion of disease and treatment Vaccination of adult cows (% of farms) 64 100 97 <0.001 strategies among convention- Vaccination of calves (% of farms) 67 100 98 <0.001 al herds in confinement, con- Use of DHIA testing services (% of farms) 53 69 70 <0.001 ventional grazing herds and Written records kept of health treatments (% of farms) 79 28 30 <0.001 certified organic herds. As- Replacement stock from outside sources (% of farms) 15 36 36 0.001 sociations of risk factors for Measures of herd health ORG CON-GR CON-NG P-value* mastitis, bulk tank somatic Mean reported bulk milk SCC (1000 cells/mL) 221 208 213 0.171 cell count and the role of Median reported bulk tank plate loop count (1000 cfu/mL) 4.9 4.2 6.8 0.216 veterinarian care were also Mean rate of clinical mastitis (cases per 305 lactating days) 0.193 0.284 0.238 0.018 identified. Mean percentage of herd culled 6.4 7.1 10.6 ‐‐ *P‐value <0.001 represents statistical significance.

Overall, the outcomes indi- 1. Stiglbauer, K.E., K. M. Cicconi, R. Richert, Y.H. Schukken, P.L. Ruegg and M. Gamroth. 2013. Assessment of cate that dairy animal well- herdK.E. Stiglbauer,management K.M. on Cicconi organic‐Hogan, and R.conventional Richert, Y.H. dairy Schukken, farms P.L. in theRuegg, United and M.States. Gamroth. J Dairy 2013. Sci Assessment 96:1290-1300. of herd management on organic and being was not compromised 1 conventional dairy farms in the United States. J. Dairy Sc. 96:1290‐1300. by use of organic management practices. farms, coupled with comparisons to benchmark- Small- to medium-sized organic dairy herds ing data from other conventional and organic enrolled in the study produced less milk, but herds participating in the study. These reports used similar definition and disease detection collectively became the database for a suite of strategies compared to similarly sized conven- interactive herd health and performance tools tional dairy herds. Organic dairy producers now available online for all dairy farmers to ac- also identified fewer production-related dis- cess. Using the web-based management tools eases in their herds compared to convention- allows farmers to track herd progress over al herds in their region. In general, although time compared to other farms around the coun- approved treatments are limited for organic try. The benchmarking approach helps farmers dairy producers, mortality rates and culling of identify areas of strengths and weaknesses in cattle in organic herds were similar to those in their own system and set performance goals. conventional herds. Dairy herd management tools and other re- The lack of resources for organic farmers to source materials from the project, including prevent and effectively deal with several ani- published peer-reviewed journal articles, fact mal diseases caused by bacterial infections sheets presenting the analyzed results and (such as pneumonia and subclinical mastitis) educational videos, can be found on the UW as well as the need for increased communica- Milk Quality project’s website: http://milkqual- tion between dairy veterinarians and the or- ity.wisc.edu. ganic dairy community was apparent from the results of the research. Funding for this project came from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. With the goal to develop and disseminate rec- Additional support was provided by the Uni- ommendations for cost-effective, preventative versity of Wisconsin-Extension. Participants health management programs, the project pro- include: P.L. Ruegg, M. Gamroth, Y.H. Schuk- vided participating farmers with diagnostic ken, K.M. Cicconi-Hogan, R.M. Richert, K.E. animal health and milk quality data on their Stiglbauer, and N. Lennart. www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 7 Radishes – A New Cover Crop for Organic Farming Systems By Dr. Joel Gruver, Dr. Ray R. Weil, Charles White, Dr. Yvonne Lawley

The following is condensed from an acticle pub- in 60 days, with the thickened storage portion Effects on Weeds lished in July 2012 by eOrganic, where univer- of the root (commonly referred to as the tuber, A good stand of radishes can eliminate nearly sity content providers gather and produce new though not botanically correct) extending more all weed growth both during and for some time educational and information resources. than 12 inches. Plants with roots more than 1 after active radish growth. To obtain near- inch in diameter normally have a significant complete weed suppression, radishes should be Over the past decade, radishes have been rede- portion of the root exposed above ground (often planted early (6 or more weeks before frost), at fined; once known almost exclusively as a pun- more than 4 inches, even in uncompacted soils) a relatively high population (more than 5 plants gent vegetable, radishes have recently gained (Fig. 1). per square foot) into a clean seed bed. Weed recognition for their cover cropping potential. suppression from fall planted radishes typically lasts into April, but does not extend much Radishes have made rapid inroads as a cover into the summer cropping season. Researchers crop for several reasons. First, the radish phe- at the University of Maryland have concluded notype is well suited to perform many valuable that rapid and competitive fall growth, rather cover crop functions—provide soil cover, scav- than allelopathy, is the primary mechanism of enge nutrients, suppress weeds, and alleviate weed suppression by radishes. (Lawley et al., compaction—while creating few of the residue 2011) management challenges associated with many other cover crops. Second, recent research in- Effects on Seed Bed Preparation cluding many on-farm trials has documented After winter-kill (or other causes of mortality), beneficial effects of radish cover crops on soil radish residues deteriorate rapidly. As a result, properties and subsequent crops. Third, the fall biomass production is unlikely to interfere seed industry has ramped up production of with spring field work. Typically a good stand radish seed, brought new branded products to of winter-killed radishes leaves the soil surface market, and promoted radish as a cover crop. weed free and perforated with open root holes Fourth—but perhaps most important in terms in early spring. As a result, the soil warms up of the exponential growth in interest by farm- and dries out faster than soils covered by ei- ers—radish cover crops have become a hot ther winter weeds or a growing cover crop and topic of discussion in rural coffee shops and on- is conducive to earlier spring planting. line agricultural forums. Figure 1. Typical above ground growth of the storage root after 60 days. Effects on Soil Nutrients Radish Seedstock Photo: Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University. Because of their deep root system, rapid root Most of the radish varieties currently mar- extension, and heavy N feeding, radishes are keted for cover cropping (e.g., GroundHog rad- After radishes winter-kill and their large excellent scavengers of residual N following ish™, Nitro radish, Sodbuster, and Bio-till fleshy roots desiccate, the channels created summer crops. Radishes take up N from both radish) are large rooted selections of daikon- by the roots tend to remain open at the soil the topsoil and from deeper soil layers, storing type oilseed or forage radishes, but are not the surface, improving infiltration, surface drain- the N in their shoot and root biomass. With fa- product of formal breeding programs. All are age, and soil warming. Radish rooting effects vorable fall growing conditions, radishes typi- morphologically similar to the large white dai- on soil porosity also extend into the subsoil. cally take up more than 100 lb/ac of N. Early kon radishes traditionally used in Asian cook- This general process, called bio-drilling, can planting promotes high biomass production and ing. Hybrid daikon-type culinary radish seed improve root growth by subsequent crops and associated nutrient accumulation but research is prohibitively expensive (more than $100/lb access to subsoil. at the University of Maryland has shown that for bulk seed) for use in cover cropping, but late planted radishes can still take up substan- open pollinated culinary daikon varieties may Research at the University of Maryland has tial quantities of N despite low biomass produc- have some potential with bulk seed available shown that radish roots have greater ability to tion due to shifts in plant C:N ratio. (Dean and for about $5/lb. Standard oilseed radish culti- penetrate compacted soil than cereal rye and Weil, 2009) vars (e.g., Adagio, Colonel, and Defender) tend rapeseed. (Chen and Weil, 2010) Subsequent to have a stubbier, more branched taproot, research found twice as many corn roots pen- Unlike cereal rye and other small grains greater winter hardiness, and lower seed cost etrated compacted subsoil after radish cover whose residues decompose slowly and continue than larger-rooted daikon types. (Ngouajio and cropping as compared to cereal rye, with both to immobilize N for an extended period, rad- Mutch, 2004) cover crops promoting more rooting than bare- ish residues decompose and release N rapidly. fallow. These results suggest that radishes Timely crop establishment following radishes All radishes are insect pollinated and cross- may be useful as a biological alternative to can result in an early boost in growth and N pollinate easily, increasing the likelihood of ge- deep ripping and other mechanical methods of uptake similar to following a legume cover crop netic variability if not grown in strict isolation. alleviating soil compaction. To Radishes on page 14 In recent years, some farmers who purchased inexpensive radish seed have reported high levels of variability including early bolting.

In response to the growing interest in radishes for cover cropping, some public and private Special Offer! breeding programs are starting to select for radishes with superior cover crop attributes. HAY & PASTURE BOOSTER More research is needed comparing radish varieties with respect to traits such as winter- Dirt Cheap Fertilizer hardiness, hard-seededness, seedling vigor, Fertrell is offering a great deal nutrient scavenging, root penetration strength, on a Hay Field and Pasture and biofumigation potential. Booster specifically blended for top dress use after Hay The information that follows should be gener- Cuttings or Grazing Cycles. ally applicable to all radish cultivars used for $300/per ton in 50# bags cover cropping unless otherwise noted. $250/per ton in 2000# bags Benefits of Radish Cover Crops $230/per ton loose bulk (plus freight) Effects on Soil Structure The radish attribute that has captured the Plus Shipping and Handling most farmer interest is their robust rooting ability. Under favorable growing conditions, For the dealer nearest you, contact Hall Robert’s Son at 800-234-7421. radish roots can extend more than 3 feet deep 8 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 Farmers Share What Works through MOSES Field Days By Angie Sullivan

We’re halfway through our field day season, We filled two tour buses for the field day at Next up on Aug. 27 is “Grass-fed Beef, Row and already have learned how to: “hack” tools Charlie Johnson’s farm in Madison, South Crops and Poultry,” a triple-header at Sandy to make farm chores easier; choose plants that Dakota! Over 115 people saw first-hand what Ridge Farm in Tampico, Ill. The Shrock fam- thrive in permaculture; rotate and cultivate large-scale organic crop farming looks like, and ily has 140+ cattle, 15,000 certified organic to yield abundant row crops; steps to make an learned what the 2013 MOSES Farmer of the layers, and 1,200+ acres of row crops. Bovine organic dairy more profitable; and, establish Year and his family do to farm organic success- genetics expert Gearld Fry, who helped guide on-farm entrepreneurial businesses run by the farm’s cattle program, will join us on the women. It has been quite a season! pasture walk.

Our field day season started with “Farm Hack” In September, we head to Iowa for two field in May at Gardens of Eagan, in partnership days with Practical Farmers of Iowa. The first with the Organic Field School. Grant Schultz is on the Rossman Family Farm in Harlan, and Lindsay Rebhan discussed resources and Iowa and the second at Radiance Dairy in Fair- how-tos for farmers interested in designing field, Iowa. On Sept. 6, the Rossmans will be and building their own implements. Partici- discussing outcomes from the many research pants brought some of their own designs and projects conducted on their certified organic described how these tools help to make their farm. On Sept. 14, Francis & Susan Thicke, farm more efficient. Grant brought his Allis 2012 MOSES Farmers of the Year, will show Chalmers G that he converted to electric power us how to use alternative energy on a farm. and taught the group how to accomplish something like this on their farm. Women’s farm-based businesses will be fea- Participants at the Charlie Johnson field day viewed a tured on the Sept. 8 Soil Sisters farm tour. diversity of fields and organic management systems. In June, we toured New Forest Farm in Vio- Seven farms in south central Wisconsin will la, Wis. and listened to Mark Shepard as he fully. With over 2,500 acres of organic crops, open to the public for this free event. walked the group around his farm and taught this was a model farm to show attendees that us about restoration agriculture. To see the organic can be accomplished on a large scale. On Sept. 16, we will visit PrairiErth Farm in progress Mark and his family have made over Charlie is a third-generation farmer. His fam- Bloomington, Ill. Hans Bishop will show us the last 10+ years was inspiring. The group got ily farm has been certified organic since 1976. how to scale up a vegetable operation and di- plenty of chances to ask Mark questions to help versify to include small-scale livestock or value- them accomplish similar endeavors on their Lisa Kivirist of the MOSES Rural Women’s added products. In addition to vegetables, this own farms. Another highlight for the group Project led three In Her Boots–Sustainable two-generation operation raises poultry, beef was the chance to see Mark’s home and learn Farming for Women by Women workshops in and pigs. Marketing outlets include a CSA, first-hand all the ways his family uses alterna- August. What a great place for women to come farmers’ market and other direct-to-consumer tive energy, both in the home and on the farm. together, learn from each other and open up channels. The Bishops will show how farming many networking opportunities. This informal can be a viable career option, especially when setting opens the door for women to sit and ask there are a variety of income streams. all sorts of questions about farming, business, family and life. With a complete mix of ages, Learn more about these field days on our web- life-stages and experience, the women at these site, www.mosesorganic.org. Choose one or Organic Field days events are eager to share their stories to help more that suit your schedule, and join us to see 2013 other women feel confident about dipping their what works on the farm! toes into the farming world. Current events: Angie Sullivan is a MOSES Organic specialist. Also in August, we toured an Organic Calley [email protected] Grass-fed Beef, Crops & Poultry dairy farm in Minnesota. Dennis and Ruth Sandy Ridge Farm, Tampico, Ill • $30 Buck showed us their new free stall barn, bio- Tuesday, Aug. 27, 8–4:30 fuel trailer, and corn test plot. Tour 1,200+ acres of certified organic crops plus 15,000-hen poultry and 140-head grass-fed beef operations. Gearld Fry, reknowned expert in cattle genetics, leads the pasture walk.

Decades of Research & Improvements Rosmann Family Farm, Harlan, Iowa • Free Friday, Sept. 6, 1–4 for more than a century. The Rosmann family discusses results of various research trials on their certified organic farm. Always as promised...

Soil Sisters: Farm Tour South Central Wisconsin • Free ORGANIC Sunday, Sept. 8, 11–4 Certi ed Since 1995 Experience the bounty produced on small family farms run by women committed to a healthy future.

Harvesting Energy: Wind & Solar Radiance Dairy, Fairfield, Iowa • Free Saturday, Sept. 14, 2–5 See how the 2012 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year, Francis and Susan Thicke, put alternative energy to work on their farm.

Vegetable Diversification PrairiErth Farm, Bloomington, Ill. • Free Monday, Sept. 16, 12:30–4:30 See how to diversify your vegetable operation with We know your business. small-scale livestock, value-added products and more, while marketing directly to consumers. It’s our business as well.

To register or get details, (800) 488-3500 • Omaha, NE call 715-778-5775 or visit [email protected] • www.scoular.com www.mosesorganic.org.

www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 9 Food Safety... from page 1 water from a deep well tends to have a rela- streams can be extremely effective in reducing Once in the field, pathogens don’t move freely tively steady water quality, while the bacterial the potential impact of their manure on the mi- in the soil. While irrigation and fertilizer ap- load of a shallow stream changes frequently crobiological quality of the water. In pastures, plications spread contamination evenly around with changes in upstream livestock location perennial grasses can filter up to 99.995% of the field, spot applications of manure–such as and local weather events. A testing program leached E. coli in just four inches, and con- those performed by deer or errant livestock– could help establish whether rain events result tinue to reduce bacterial load with additional don’t get spread around by themselves. Work- in higher fecal bacteria counts, and sampling distance. Creating buffers of perennial grasses ers, equipment, and overland water movement schedules could be adjusted accordingly. between grazing areas and water sources can can spread bacteria, so manure should be re- dramatically reduce the potential pathogen moved from the field if it’s present, and a no- Sunlight penetration and a lack of nutrients load of run-off. harvest buffer of five feet established around help to reduce the bacterial load in a body of any manure incident. water. Turbulence can cause bacteria to settle Irrigation application methods, such as drip or furrow irrigation, that don’t contact the The Path from Soil to Plant edible portion of the plant can also reduce Pathogens do move from the soil onto foodborne illness risk; however, research and into plants. Rain and heavy irriga- has demonstrated the potential for root tion droplets can cause soil containing the crops to be contaminated when grown in pathogens to splash onto the above-ground contaminated soil. portion of the plant, and roots are clearly susceptible to colonization by these bacte- Most of this is good news for organic and ria. It is unclear whether E. coli 0157:H7 conservation-minded farmers. Biologically and Salmonella that have been internal- active soils and leaf zones combined with ized in the roots can move into other parts tillage and cover crops reduce pathogens of the plant. in the soil. Good pasture management in- E.coli is a bad guy for food safety. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons. creases filtering of manure run-off. And While one study showed that 90% of ro- good stream-bank management reduces maine lettuce leaves inoculated with E. coli into the mud, as well as bringing bacteria pre- sediment flow and disruption. All of these con- 0157:H7 had fallen below normal detection lim- viously in the mud up to the surface. E. coli can tribute to an improved farm as well as an im- its in just 7 days, advanced lab work was able survive for months in stream sediments, and proved food safety environment. to detect its presence up to 35 days after inocu- has been shown to overwinter in streambeds lation. Because it only takes a few live cells of when embedded in the underwater sediments. Chris Blanchard provides consulting and edu- E. coli 0157:H7 to make a person deathly ill, cation for farming, food, and business through any survival presents a potential health risk. Fortunately, following a contamination event, Flying Rutabaga Works. He has worked in the majority of the pathogen load dies off in a farming for the past 24 years, managing farms The surface of a leaf is a very active place bio- short time. E. coli counts increase in streams and operations around the country. As the logically, and field-grown romaine lettuce has closer to feeding operations, so irrigation owner and operator of Rock Spring Farm since been shown to have bacterial populations that pumps should be located at a distance wher- 1999, Chris raised 20 acres of vegetables, herbs, keep E. coli 0157:H7 from growing; presumably ever possible; for example, you might consider and greenhouse crops, marketed through a this would also be true of other pathogenic bac- locating an irrigation pump at the downstream 200-member year-round CSA, food stores, and teria. On the other hand, plant diseases extend end of your property (assuming you don’t have farmers markets. chris@flyingrutabagaworks. from the outside of the plant to the inside of the a feedlot contributing to the problem). com, www.flyingrutabagaworks.com plant, making it easier for human pathogens to get inside the plant. For example, if a bird Holding water, as in a pond, can increase con- does its business on a chard leaf with cercospo- centrations of foodborne illness organisms. ra leaf spot, the bacteria in the dropping has Ponds also invite contamination by livestock a much greater chance of getting to the inside and wildlife, unless they are fenced out; geese of the leaf–which is full of stuff that can help can be a particular concern because they are the pathogens grow–than if that dropping had known to land in sewage treatment ponds and landed on a disease-free plant. Healthy plants, can transfer bacteria to clean sources via their grown in a biologically rich environment, can feet or feathers. be an effective food safety strategy. Keeping livestock out of both ponds and

Human pathogens can be transmitted to plants by more incidental means as well. Flies Now you can efficiently keep the have been shown to harbor and transmit E. Organic Certification? detailed records required to be a coli 0157:H7, and bacteria can be transferred certified producer of organic crops up to 600 feet by wind from feedlots. For both of these means of transmission, air movement or livestock— from headache to and proximity matters. Wind breaks can cut Problem Solved. problem solved. down air movement, reducing the movement of both flies and dust. Pollinator habitat may also Developed by farmers for farmers, reduce the incidence of contaminated flies con- COG Pro makes collecting your tacting vegetable plants. agricultural data and generating reports for certification inspection Water Moves Pathogens Irrigation water has been implicated in food- a snap— right from your laptop, borne illness outbreaks, which isn’t surpris- tablet or smart phone. ing when you consider the number of cows that spend hot days standing in rivers and Visit www.cog-pro.com to find out streams. The Proposed Produce Rule for the more about COG Pro’s low cost, easy- Food Safety Modernization Act establishes a to-use online notebook— try it out standard for fecal bacteria in irrigation water; for free by logging in as a guest! testing would be required to demonstrate the water’s suitability for irrigation. The Proposed Rule would require weekly testing during the growing season for systems using water from streams, rivers, and lakes; and monthly testing for water transferred into a man-made on- farm reservoir. Now with GAP COG Pro records! Organic certification… Developing a testing program to evaluate the simplified. food safety implications of a given irrigation source requires an understanding of the risks inherent in that body of water. For example, www.cog-pro.com

10 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 Organic, Specialty Crops, and Gardens Caught in the Crossfire: The War on Roundup Resistant Weeds Threatens Impending Harm By an anonymous organic grower

Amid reports of an “explosion” of glyphosate- “Environmentally-induced” plant diseases are resistant weeds, such as kochia, waterhemp an “understood outcome” of off-target herbicide and ragweed, Monsanto Company, BASF, spray drift (Walker 1969). “The well-known Dow AgroSciences, and Bayer Crop Science history of disease syndromes caused by off-site are ramping up the corporate chemical war on movement of 2,4-D, dicamba and glyphosate Roundup resistant weeds with serious implica- is such that many specialty crop growers fear tions for organic and specialty crop producers, that their crops cannot be grown in a future CSA and farmers market growers, and garden- landscape that will be inundated like never be- ers. fore with all of these active ingredients.” (Park- er, 2011, pg. 12) Glyphosate and GE-Roundup Ready technol- ogy is the principal method of weed control Petitions for Deregulation on 90% of the nation’s 60 million acres of soy- Dow Agroscience and Monsanto both peti- beans, and more than 70% of corn and cotton, injury has not been satisfactorily mitigated. tioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Parker, 2011, pg. 11). 404 million more pounds “Organic and specialty crop grower concerns (USDA) for deregulation and release of their of pesticides have been applied since GE herbi- over crop damage and damage to non-crop veg- new generation, GE, herbicide-resistant crops. cide-resistant (HR) crops were first introduced etation are ‘well-founded.’” (Parker, 2011) Dow petitioned for deregulation of its Enlist in 1996. (Clark, 2012) Intensive, wide-scale corn, hoping to release it in 2013. Monsanto adoption led to rapid selection of 21 species of Dicamba and 2,4-D mimic the plant hormone petitioned for deregulation of dicamba-resis- glyphosate-resistant weeds. (Parker, 2011, pg. auxin, causing uncontrolled cell division and tant soybeans (MON 87708) with a target re- 11) Biotechnology companies’ propose to “fix” growth, damaging the vascular tissue. These lease date of 2014. the weed resistance problem with new GE two herbicides are similar in structure and crops resistant to even more toxic herbicides by mode-of action. All herbicides have the poten- In May 2013 the USDA announced it will con- stacking the herbicide resistant traits. tial to drift during application. However, 2,4-D duct full Environmental Impact Statements and dicamba can volatilize days after applica- (EIS) for 2,4-D- and dicamba-resistant crops 2,4-D, Dicamba, Isoxaflutole and the tion and move long distances, killing, deform- rather than the less stringent Environmental Threat to Specialty Crops ing, and causing bloom drop. 2,4-D and dicam- Assessment. Both the Center for Food Safety Dow AgroSciences is developing 2,4-D toler- ba cause injury to broadleaf (non-cereal) crops, (CFS) and the SOCC were calling for a full ant corn, soon to be followed by cotton and like soybeans, dry beans, green beans, peas, EIS. The CFS sued the USDA in the past for soybean, designed to be used in combination tomatoes, grapes, cucumbers, squash, melons, failure to conduct a full EIS during the ap- with its new Enlist herbicide which combines pumpkins, and other fruits and vegetables, proval process for both Roundup Ready alfalfa 2,4-D and glyphosate. Dicamba tolerant crops particularly at flowering stage. (SOCC, 2013) and Roundup Ready sugar beets. CFS won the being developed by Monsanto are stacked lawsuits and the courts ordered the USDA to with glyphosate tolerance as part of their new According to the Save Our Crops Coalition conduct an EIS. Bill Freese, a CFS Science Roundup Ready Xtend program. In the line of (SOCC), a grassroots coalition of specialty crop Policy analyst, states, “This is the first time fire of these new threats are broad-leaf plants producers, a survey of state pesticide control of- that they’ve done an EIS voluntarily.” in neighboring fields, gardens, orchards, shel- ficials listed 2,4-D as the herbicide most often terbelts, hedgerows, and yards in rural com- involved in pesticide drift incidents and dicam- Slow “Roll-out” munities. ba as the 3rd most commonly involved. This Despite the delay, Monsanto has begun a “slow incidence far outpaces the relative use of these roll-out” of its new program, planting large, Potential for Non-target Injury herbicides. 2,4-D ranks as 7th on EPA’s list field-sized “Ground-Breaker” demonstration Felsot (2005) purports, despite efforts to train of most commonly applied pesticides; Dicamba plots in North and South Dakota and in re- pesticide applicators, spray drift and non-target did not even make the top 25 list. (SOCC, 2013) search plots in undisclosed locations. Steve Valenti, a Monsanto weed management techni- Implications of Stacking and Tank- cal representative for North and South Dakota, mixing told AgWeek they are “confident that a ‘good, A significant complication will be the stacking sophisticated’ clientele of farmers will be able of new herbicide-resistant traits with glypho- to safely and effectively handle the complex- sate resistance, necessitating the use of mixes ity.” Valenti said Monsanto is working to de- with glyphosate. (Wright et al. 2010, Seifert- velop [herbicide] products that are less volatile, Higgins and Eberwine 2010) “Research indi- so they won’t accidentally drift to non-target cates that injury resulting from very low-dose crops, even at low-wind speeds. The company combinations of 2,4-D or dicamba with glypho- recommends nozzles that deliver coarser spray, sate can be more damaging than with either spraying at no more than 15 mph, 20 inches herbicide used alone. (Wolfe et al. 2011)” above the weed canopy.” (Pates, 2013)

(Parker, 2011, pg.11) Monsanto and BASF have entered into a li- censing agreement to commercialize use LIQUID FISH INC. CoOrganicntact He Hardsco i fRed you Winter are in tWheatereste d BASF’s new proprietary “lower volatility” dicamba herbicide formulation, EngeniaClarity, in forward contra cting your 2013 Selling Ocean Fish since 1988. for use with Monsanto’s GE dicamba-tolerant soybeans. We spray products and service for just--- Steve Smith, Director of Agriculture for Red “Make sure you have a solid $30/acre! OMRI approved. Gold, a tomato processor, is not buying it. “Di- outlet for your crop each year Spray your hay fields in the fall, camba is one of the nation’s most dangerous fish has been proven to save herbicides for non-target crop damage. Mon- plants from freeze out during winter. and Hesco can provide that for santo and BASF have not offered sensitive crop

For more informationyou ”please contact Jay Call now at 715-758-2280 growers effective measures to protect against Johnson or Kevin Darling at 1-605-884-1100 PO Box 99, Bonduel, WI non-target crop damage.” (SOCC, 2012) Smith 54107 is President of the Board of Directors, Chair- man of the SOCC. “I am convinced that in all www.hesco-inc.com We also sell bulk fish. my years serving the agricultural industry, the widespread use of dicamba herbicide poses the 1-605-884-1100[Type text] single most serious threat to the future of spe-

To Crossfire on page 21

www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 11 NEW FARMER CORNER Land Stewardship Project Course is Raising Farmers to the Trade By Parker Forsell The New Farmer Corner highlights issues of particular interest to those new to farming, no matter what age. If you have an idea for an article, contact Lindsay at [email protected]. See the New Organic Stewards webpage www.neworganicstewards.org.

“Contrary to popular assumption, good farm- The course would not be possible without the ers are not in any simple way part of the ‘labor added community of other organizations that force.’ Good farmers, like good musicians, must LSP has looked to for support and training in be raised to the trade.” the past. The MOSES Organic Farming Con- (Another Turn of the Crank–Wendell Berry) ference, Organic University, Mentorship Pro- gram and field days have been invaluable to The Minnesota-based Land Stewardship Proj- Farm Beginnings graduates. LSP is excited ect (LSP) is excited to announce the Farm to further solidify our long-time partnership Beginnings Journeyperson Course, a new through the Journeyperson Course–where opportunity planned to help beginning farm- each farm participant will be paired with an ers succeed through the middle years of farm experienced farmer mentor in the MOSES start-up. Sign-up for the 2014 program closes Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring Program. on Sept. 16, with spots for up to 15 farms. Minnesota and Wisconsin Farm Business Identifying the Need Management advisors have been a key asset LSP’s Farm Beginnings® Program is a train- for many Farm Beginnings graduates in set- ing program for new farmers that is farmer-led, Sara Morrison of Bayport, Minn. enjoyed ting up and monitoring record-keeping and being a 2012 LSP Journeyperson community-based and focused on sustainable financial systems. The Journeyperson Course agriculture. Since its start in 1998 in Min- Association (MOFGA), a new member of the will provide access to both a financial advisor nesota, Farm Beginnings has graduated 622 Farm Beginnings Collaborative. MOFGA’s and an experienced farmer, which will provide beginning farmers and farmers transitioning Journeyperson Program, started in Maine in a solid foundation for beginning farmers ready from other production models. In the 10-month 1999, has been a core component in their suc- to plan their next stage of growth. course, farmers learn firsthand about whole cess in getting more farmers on the land. farm planning, low-cost, sustainable farming With these key partnerships, LSP is able to do methods, and develop a strategic farm plan. Modeled after MOFGA’s successful program, what we do best: organize the community, as- For many of these individuals, the Farm Be- the LSP Journeyperson Course has been cre- sure networking is occurring between mentor ginnings course represents the beginning of a ated to fill the continuing education gap be- farmer, financial advisor, and peer farmer, and 5-10 year journey toward establishing a viable tween farm start-up and farm establishment. facilitate connections in a way that moves the farm enterprise. The goal is to provide resources and opportuni- Journeyperson nearer to his or her farming ties for beginning farmers who have completed goals. Although satisfied with Farm Beginnings’ suc- some initial farm planning and have gained cess, LSP staff wanted to do more to help new some experience on their own, but feel a need Capitalizing the Farm farmers succeed. In July 2012 Farm Begin- to further develop the skills to farm indepen- Journeypeople will also be able to enroll in nings graduates completed a survey that iden- dently and successfully. The program is large- a Matched Savings Account through LSP, to tified their needs as they begin to farm. This ly shaped by the farming interests and goals help in building assets that can allow them to survey confirmed LSP’s observation that there of the participants, and is intended to enable scale-up their new farm businesses. A matched are unique challenges for beginning farmers in aspiring new farmers to gain advanced farm- savings account for Journeypersons offers a years 3 to 5 of their farm start-up. Specifical- ing experience, skill, and perspective in the combination of money and education. Partici- ly the survey showed that beginning farmers relatively safe and supportive environment pants save a given amount during the life of in this phase of development need one-on-one of a peer-to-peer learning network. Journey the program, while completing a detailed fi- mentoring, farm-based production skills and people also benefit from participating in the nancial plan that helps them determine where financial management skills (recordkeeping, LSP Farmer Network, which includes over 150 best to invest their matching fund at the end of accounting, etc.). These three areas were close- farms with everywhere from one year to de- the course. The Matched Savings Account will ly followed by securing financing and capital. cades of experience. help beginning farmers develop good record

The survey results didn’t surprise us as, in 15 It Takes a Community To LSP Course on page 13 years of running Farm Beginnings and over 10 One of the successes of the Farm Beginnings years of administering a Livestock Loan pro- training program is an intentional approach gram, we have learned that long-term success to connect participants as peers, through one- for beginning farmers must be based on good on-one and group work throughout the course. financial management practices. We know that With the majority of presenters being farmers, the best way to learn these practices is with the peer networking that happens during Farm support from mentors and resource people who Beginnings separates the course from other will sit down at the kitchen table to look over farm planning or business planning courses. numbers. When students graduate from the course, an For strategies on how to respond to these needs, informal community is maintained through LSP gathered ideas and inspiration from our field days, workshops, and farm visits avail- farmer steering committee, in conversations able through the farmer network. The new with organizations like MOSES and Minne- Journeyperson Course aims to build on this, sota State Colleges and Universities - Farm creating a more formal continuing community Business Management educators, and through through peer-to-peer networking and one-on- the Farm Beginning Collaborative, a nation- one mentoring from an experienced farmer al alliance of independent regional groups of and a financial advisor. Each participant in the farmers and farmer-training support organi- program will network with another participant zations working together to promote Farm Be- through monthly phone calls and periodic vis- ginnings. We learned about a unique approach its. LSP staff will organize two group retreats, to supporting 3-5 year beginning farmers from one around winter planning and one around the Maine Organic Farming and Gardening seasonal wrap-up.

12 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 LSP Course... from page 12 New Farmer Spotlight: keeping practices while saving money for an important asset and developing a record of the actual performance of their business. Are You Ready to Work on the Land!? By Lindsay Rebhan The Farm Beginnings Matched Savings Ac- Have you felt the urge to working odd jobs in the count will provide a 100% match of up to work outside, provide for city, and then living in the $2,400. The participant is expected to save your community and build a country in the summer. It on a monthly basis, up to $100/month over a resilient local economy? The was very inconsistent. We 24-month period. During that period, the par- New Agrarian movement is needed a place to continue ticipants are required to participate in and here, and now is the time to the operation, but also have complete the educational requirements within farm. Listen to that calling a home. An opportunity to the Farm Beginnings Journeyperson Course, and take a step--or leap--into farm as the dedicated sup- and to develop financial plans for each year it! No money, no capital, no plier for a restaurant came during the course. land? Join the club. Join the up. We made our plans to growing community of those move, and wrote business Becoming a Journeyperson seeking creative solutions plans for the restaurant LSP expects all people who go through the and opportunities to enter farm, but in the end it Journeyperson Course to enter into an agree- into farming. didn’t work out. We were ment with us describing their goals and objec- Heather and Brandon are in an extraordinary posi- tives for the course; to complete full farm plans; I’ve had the pleasure to get developing Sleepy Root Farm. tion in February 2013: no and to participate in a loose curriculum that to know an amazing group of farm, no prospects. includes regular mentor, financial advisor, and individuals building a local food community in peer meetings and workshop attendance. Par- Amery, Wis. It’s a story of hope, community, There’s an awkward situation in the farm- ticipants pay tuition and assume additional ex- determination, and ultimately the ancient eth- ing world where you don’t want to go work on penses for food and lodging connected to the ic of hard work and perseverance. the conventional farm, aren’t making enough two planning retreats. money on your pilot operation yet, not making Meet Heather Saliba and Brandon Wiarda enough to get capital or loans, and trying to While graduates of the LSP Farm Beginnings of Sleepy Root Farm, a young couple making move to a more permanent position. You need Course are in the best position to take the next their way as beginning farmers. money to amend the soil, and work the land. It step with the Journeyperson Course, it is not a could all go away when you move. We want to requirement for application. Farmers with 2-3 When did you start farming, do you come have money to get land, to have a small farm, years of production and planning experience from farming backgrounds? and produce on scale. are also encouraged to apply. The application Brandon: I started farming with Kevin Karl in is detailed and requires a certain level of com- the spring of 2011. I come from a conventional Around this time my original farming part- mitment to farm planning (http://landstew- corn and soybean operation in South Dakota, ner, Kevin, had decided to continue his educa- ardshipproject.org/repository/1/822/web_jour- and also lived in La Crosse and went to col- tion, starting with a natural building course neyperson_application_2013.pdf). lege at the University of Minnesota. I wanted in Canada. He had made a contact with a cou- more practical skills, and to get back into the ple, Kari and Peter, in Amery, Wis., who were The application cycle runs May 1 to Sept. 16, countryside. I interned for two years at farms looking for people interested in permaculture 2013, and starts with a meeting with your around Minnesota. We started renting land in and sustainable farming. When the restaurant Farm Business Management advisor and a Howard Lake, Minn. with Jerry Ford of Living deal ended up not working, we called Peter winter planning retreat Dec. 14-15, 2013. Up Song Farm. and Kari. We explained our plans had fallen to 15 farms will be accepted to the program Heather: I grew up in Oklahoma riding horses through, and we had heard they wanted peo- each calendar year. and helping my parents grow large vegetable ple to work the land. They asked for business gardens. I met Brandon and began helping him plans. We went through a vetting process, and Anyone considering applying for the course farm on nights and weekends. In 2013 I gave it felt like we could work well together from a should feel free to get in touch with LSP staff up my career as a head chef. It was a beautiful shared vision. Within two weeks, we visited, members Richard Ness (rness@landstew- natural transition from making food to really met, and signed a lease! ardshipproject.org, 320-269-2105) or Parker making food. Forsell ([email protected], Brandon: Even though Heather does not have Tell us how this emerging incubator mod- 507-523-3366). Visit our website for more in- a formal farming background, she has brought el works? formation on the LSP Journeyperson Course to the table things that most new farmers don’t: Brandon and Heather: Kari and Peter run an (http://landstewardshipproject.org/morefarm- managerial skills, timeliness, and efficiency. organization called Resilient Northern Habi- ers/lspfarmernetwork/lspjourneypersonfarm- tats. They are taking steps to build a local food trainingcourse ) How did you come to find your current economy around Amery, to provide the ability farming opportunity? for farmers to get set up and farm sustain- Parker Forsell is the Land Stewardship Proj- Brandon: We were renting land at Living Song ably. The farmers all own their own business- ect’s Farm Beginnings Organizer. Farm at a very fair rate, with water and equip- es, markets, marketing. We are independent. ment sharing. The main issue was that we They want people on the property to get certi- didn’t have any housing. In the winter we were To Spotlight on page 18

www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 13 Radishes... from page 8 or N fertilizer application. In contrast, Radishes grow best when planted early enough if planting is delayed (e.g., northern lo- to allow 6 weeks of growth before regular cations) and weather/soil conditions are frosts. Later-planted radishes tend to be more conducive to leaching or denitrification, cold-hardy and less likely to winter-kill. When the availability of N scavenged by rad- planted in the spring, most radishes bolt quick- ishes to subsequent crops may be limited. ly producing much less root and shoot biomass than fall plantings. Radishes are excellent accumulators of P and K (root dry matter commonly con- Winter Hardiness tains more than 0.5% P and 4% K), and Radishes are tolerant of light frosts but gener- elevated levels of soil test P have been ally show injury when temperatures drop be- measured following radish cover crop- low the mid-20s. In regions where winter tem- ping, particularly within 1–1.5 inches of peratures regularly drop below 20 F, radishes Figure 2. Impact of 3 cover crop systems: volunteer oats radish root holes (White and Weil, 2011). De- (O), volunteer oats with radishes planted on 30-inch normally winterkill but it should be noted that spite radish being a non-host of mycorrhizal rows (PRO) and volunteer oats with radishes drilled on overwintering was reported at some northern fungi, mycorrhizal colonization of corn follow- 7.5-inch rows (DRO) on the relative yield of a following locations in 2010 and 2012, likely due to early ing radish does not appear to be suppressed corn crop. Corn yields were not significantly different and persistent snowcover and unusually mild (White and Weil, 2010). with radishes drilled at the two different row widths winter conditions, respectively. Young radishes (a=0.05), but corn yields with radishes at both row widths were significantly greater than with oats alone. in the rosette growth stage are more winter Effects on Soil Erosion, Runoff and Figure credit: Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University. hardy than radishes that have developed a siz- Organic Matter able storage root. Radishes grow rapidly when planted in late Cover Crop Radish Seeding summer or early fall and 10 lb/ac drilled on 7.5- Good stands of radishes can be established by inch rows can provide full canopy closure in drilling 6–10 lb/ac or broadcasting at 8-12 lb/ about three weeks. This canopy intercepts rain ac. When using a drill, seed should be placed drops minimizing surface impact and detach- ½–1 inch deep. When broadcasting, establishment of soil particles. Even after radishes are ment is enhanced by culti-packing or light till- killed by a hard freeze, a layer of decomposing age. Aerial seeding has been successful using residue remains on the soil surface through- 10–16 lb/ac broadcast into standing corn and out the winter and into the early spring pro- soybean canopies when soil surface moisture viding erosion control. In addition, runoff and was favorable for germination for several days. sediment transport are reduced because of the It is important that the seedlings quickly have rapid infiltration facilitated by open root holes. access to light so aerial seeding should not oc- For more complete protection against erosion, cur until the crop begins to senesce (~50% yel- radish can be mixed with other cover crops lowing of lower leaves), early harvest also im- Cultivation may be needed to control weeds in radishes that are winter hardy (e.g., cereal rye) or win- proves growth. Mixing radish seed with other planted on 30-inch rows without a companion species. ter kill but leave more persistent residue cover cover crop species (e.g., oats, annual ryegrass Photo by Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University. (e.g., oats). and/or crimson clover) can improve seed distribution and stand establishment and reduce Crop Rotations Total dry matter production by radish cover total seed cost. Radishes fit well following small grains, corn crops can exceed 3.5 tons/ac (5000 lb/ac aboveg- silage, and early harvested vegetable crops round and 2,000 lb/ac below ground) after 2 There is growing interest in planting radishes (e.g., sweet corn) that allow cover crop plant- months with favorable growing conditions (1.1 on wider row spacings, often in combination ing before September 1. Later plantings can lb fresh weight per square foot at 90% mois- with other cover crop species. This can be ac- scavenge significant amounts of N but may ac- ture = 5000 lb/ac dry matter). It is important complished by blocking off rows in a drill or us- complish little biodrilling or weed suppression. to keep in mind however that radish biomass is ing a planter with appropriate plates or anoth- Nutrients scavenged by radishes are released highly decomposable and increases in total soil er seed metering system appropriate for radish rapidly making radishes a good fit ahead of organic matter (SOM) levels following radish seed. early planted crops with high nutrient require- cover crops are unlikely. ments. Caution should be taken when adding Radishes germinate rapidly, emerging within radishes to rotations that already include bras- Effects on Crop Yields 3–4 days when environmental conditions are sicas. On-farm comparisons and limited replicated favorable. Seed broadcast on the surface can trials in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and establish well if seeding is followed by a timely Cover Crop Mixtures Illinois (Fig. 2) have reported significant in- rain or irrigation. Radishes have a very flexible Many farmers and researchers are experiment- creases in corn and soybean yields following and aggressive growth habit and will spread ing with cover crop mixtures that combine rad- radishes as compared to fallow or other cover out in a rosette to fill available space. Radish ish with other cover crops that fix N, provide crops. These yield increases are likely the com- plants (roots and shoots) grow much larger at more persistent residues or simply have cheap- bined result of multiple effects described above. lower plant densities but it is not clear that gi- er seed. As a general rule, radish rates should ant specimens (e.g., greater than 3-inch diame- be cut by at least 50% when included in cover ter roots) have any advantage over good stands To Radishes on page 15 of radishes with 1-inch diameter roots. Identi ty Preserved Ingredients Certi ﬁ ed Organic & Conventi onal Non-GMO

Contact us with your current availability and ™ contracti ng interest for food grade NATURAL ORGANIC PRODUCTS • Soybeans • Peas & Lenti ls AND • Dry Beans • Mustard • Wheat • Barley • Millet • Buckwheat • Sunflowers • Corn • Safflower • Flaxseed SOFT COLLOIDAL PHOSPHATE  High premiums paid.  Spot sale or forward growing contracts offered. CANTON MILLS, INC.  Shipping and storage options available. P.O. Box 97 Minnesota City, MN 55959 Thank you for “growing with us” for more than 20 years. 4666 Amber Valley Parkway • Fargo, ND 58104 USA www.cantonmills.com 701.356.4106 TEL • [email protected] • www.skfood.com Grow with us! 1-800-328-5349 14 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 Radishes... from page 14 Lastly, be forewarned that rotting radish resi- munity. Always check with your organic certi- crop mixtures because of their capacity to out dues produce a powerful rotten egg-like odor, fication agency before adopting new practices compete other species. particularly during winter thaws. or using new materials.

An alternative method of managing radish Summary This entire article can be read at www.ex- competition in mixtures is to plant separate Radishes have much potential to perform valu- tension.org/pages/64400/radishes-a-new- rows of radishes and companion species. This able functions within organic cropping sys- cover-crop-for-organic-farming-systems#. can be accomplished by blocking off or com- tems. Realization of this potential depends UgqZnG1Z_cM partmentalizing the rows in the seed boxes of upon timely establishment, favorable envi- a grain drill or by attaching an additional seed ronmental conditions, and adequate fertility. Authors: Dr. Joel Gruver, Western Illinois metering/distribution system (e.g., Valmar air- As described in this article, a solid research University, Dr. Ray R. Weil, University of flo or Gandy Orbit-air). In addition, some farm- foundation supports the value of radishes as a Maryland, Charles White, Penn State Univer- ers are using split-row planters to plant alter- cover crop but farmer innovation is needed to sity, Dr. Yvonne Lawley, University of Mani- nating rows of radish and companion species on fine-tune strategies for integrating radishes in toba 15-inch spacing or planting twice on 30” rows specific organic cropping systems. with a 15-inch off-set using GPS guidance. Citations Spring oats and sorghum-Sudangrass (Sudex) Chen, G., and R. R. Weil. 2010. Penetration of cover compete well with radish and provide longer crop roots through compacted soils. Plant and Soil 331: 31–43. (Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/ lasting residues to immobilize some of the N s11104-009-0223-7) (verified 21 Feb 2011). released from radish residues in the spring. These additional residues may also help main- Dean, J. E., and R. R. Weil. 2009. Brassica cover crops tain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and for nitrogen retention in the Mid-Atlantic coastal plain. Journal of Environmental Quality 38: 520–528. (Avail- reduce erosion during the next growing sea- able online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2134/jeq2008.0066) son. When cereal rye is mixed with radish, (verified 21 Feb 2011). DON’T FEEL GUILTY IF the rye overwinters and scavenges N released by the decomposing radish. Hairy vetch is a Lawley, Y. E., R. R. Weil, and J. R. Teasdale. 2011. For- YOU WANT MORE. winter-hardy legume that has also performed age radish cover crop suppresses winter annual weeds in fall and before corn planting. Agronomy Journal 103: well interseeded with radish (both mixed and 137–144. (Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2134/ in separate rows). agronj2010.0187) (verified 21 Feb 2011). INTRODUCING: • More biomass Potential Problems Ngouajio, M, and D. R. Mutch, 2004. Oilseed Radish: A KODIAK • More disease-killing new cover crop for Michigan. Bulletin E2907. East Lan- MIGHTY MUSTARD® glucosinolates Radishes have little tolerance of wet soils, so sing: Michigan State University Extension. (Available • More nitrogen cycling planting in fields that collect standing water online at: http://www.covercrops.msu.edu/pdf_files/ex- or are prone to prolonged wetness should be tension_bulletin_E2907.pdf) (verified 13 Feb 2012) KODIAK IS PROVEN TO: avoided. Enhanced growth directly over tile • Reduce soilborne pathogens • Increase nutrient cycling lines is common and plugging of tile lines has White, C. M., and R. R. Weil. 2011. Forage radish cover crops increase soil test P surrounding holes created • Reduce harmful nematodes • Improve water penetration been reported but appears to be a rare occur- by the radish taproots. Soil Science Society of America • Suppress weeds • Increase organic matter rence. Journal 75: 121–130. (Available online at: http://dx.doi. org/10.2136/sssaj2010.0095) (verified 21 Feb 2011). ® Radishes are very responsive to N, and N de- ALSO TRY ALL MIGHTY MUSTARD IS: White, C. M., and R. R. Weil. 2010. Forage radish and • 100% Certified Seed ficiency limits their ability to compete with • Proven effective for organic cereal rye cover crop effects on mycorrhizal fungus colo- & sustainable farms weeds, grow through compacted soil, and per- nization of maize root. Plant and Soil 328: 507–521. • Non-GMO Project Verified form other potential functions. (Available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11104- • Grown on Pacific Northwest 009-0131-x) (verified 21 Feb 2011). family farms • Backed by university research Radishes are only moderately cold hardy and & in-field results need about 6 weeks of favorable growing condi- - distributed by - tions to produce sufficient biomass to achieve Call today Like us on Facebook This is an eOrganic article and was reviewed for more information! most potential benefits. for compliance with National Organic Program DAVIDSON COMMODITIES, Inc regulations by members of the eOrganic com-

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www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 15 Robotic Milking... from page 1 parts need to be replaced more frequently than TMR is fed in the feed alley free choice, which in a traditional system. There’s only been one the cows can get to after they go through the but he is now very pleased with the way things occasion when both robots were not working, robotic milker. Pete noted that the cows tend to are working. An 88 x 188 foot free-stall barn is and that was for just a few hours. Pete ex- choose to be milked most often in the morning a key element. The free-stall houses the cows, plained that “the cows will back up a bit if one and late afternoon—tied to when there is ac- the two robots, holding areas, an office and robot goes down, but they can catch up pretty tivity in the barn that gets them moving, such a milk house. The cows are allowed free ac- quickly.” as cleaning and feeding. cess to the outdoors and pasture year- round, unless the Minnesota weather One caution Pete had for other farm- dictates closing them in the barn. ers using robotic systems or not, is Roll-down sides allow free flow of air, to watch for stray voltage, which he’s with fans to help with circulation on seen significantly affect their cows. really hot days. Luckily, a fellow handy at helping di- agnose stray voltage has helped solve The robots run “24/7,” Pete explained, several issues not caused by the ro- and the cows themselves choose when bot, but affecting it. At one point the they want to get milked. A computer cows wouldn’t go into the robots, but system identifies each cow as she after a stray voltage issue related to comes through a sorting “smart gate,” a bad switch was solved, they were and decides if it is appropriate for her soon back in service. Pete pointed to go into the robot. “The robot is set out that you can have a bad breaker to allow fresh cows to get milked as or compressor with no other negative often as every six hours,” Pete noted. symptoms that will be creating volt- “And, we have some that choose to be age problems. The only way you know milked that often.” Members of the is by observing animal problems and farmer team check the robots a couple testing for stray voltage. of times a day, where they get a listing of number of hours since each cow Computerized readout gives a lot of detailed informaiton Pete didn’t have figures about how has been milked, showing the longest much the system cost. He did note that time first. If any cow hasn’t visited the robots Heifers coming into the system are first the operational costs for energy and water for within 12 hours, she will be rounded up and brought into a holding pen in the free-stall for cleaning (the units self-clean twice per day) are put through the system. “If a cow doesn’t come a few days, so they can get used to the smells about the same as what a “high-end automat- in, it may mean she has a sore foot or health in the barn. They are isolated, as Pete has no- ic parlor” would see. The robots must be kept issues, which, though rare, does happen. The ticed that the older cows “like to push the heif- above freezing, and the Ruegemers are able to computer helps us keep on top of things.” The ers around a bit.” A new heifer will be walked keep them warm with the heat generated from farmers also walk amongst the cows a few around the barn four times, in and out of the the other equipment in the area, saving some times a day to monitor them. robot holding areas and gates. Pete said that expense there. Coming from the minimal costs it takes most animals a week to 10 days to of a tie-stall, investment obviously went up for After the first nine or ten months of adjust- get comfortable with the system. Some cows the robotic system. ment, Pete said that milk quality and quantity are more nervous than others, and will kick are more or less the same as in the old tie-stall or resist the milker arm, but this will be seen Though there were significant set-up costs, system. Their yield is 55-60 pounds of milk per in any milking set up. These animals will be overall Pete feels that it has been a very worth- cow, which Pete is OK with, but would like to managed for a period of time when they come while change. He likes that the cows get to increase. “We had some trouble with PI at first, into the milking system to help them adapt. choose when they get milked—and when they mainly due to some early equipment misfunc- Ruegemers have only had one cow in the 2 ½ get to move around. tion and adjustments needed,” Pete explained. years not adapt to the system, she ended up dy- “But, milk quality is pretty steady now.” The ing of an unrelated injury. Pete feels the cows “We went from 80 cows to 150 without adding Ruegemers ship milk to Horizon Organic, actually seem more comfortable coming into a lot of labor,” he added. This has freed up a which has been very supportive through the the robot system than they did coming into the lot of time available for other things, especially robotic transition. tie-stall. more family time–a priority for the Ruegemers. “There’s always more to get done on the farm, Being the first organic system for DeLaval Cows receive 1/2 to 2-1/2 pounds of protein though,” Pete said. “I haven’t run out of things meant the company representatives were on a feed table in the milking system–gener- to spend time on.” In fact, he mentioned that learning, too, as they were setting up. Lower ally ground flax and soymeal. They’ll also get now that he doesn’t have the regular hours average yield than many large operations that 3-1/2 to 5 pounds of a grain—such as shell milking used to dictate, he’ll often find himself push cows meant the refrigeration in the tanks corn, barley, peas–whatever is available from in the barn later than before, puttering on one needed to be set differently; at first there were the farm. The grain draws the cows in, with thing or another. “We’re not ‘done,’ like we used struggles with milk freezing. But, the systems quantities auto-customized for each individual to be,” he chuckled. are working fine now. Pete’s son is learning by the computerized system. The feeding sys- how to do routine maintenance, and has had tem is what led the Ruegemers to the DeLaval Jody Padgham is the editor of the Organic good luck troubleshooting problems over the system. Another system they were considering Broadcaster. Photos contributed by the Ruege- phone with the local DeLaval tech person. required pelletized feed, which they’d have to mer family. With the systems running 24 hours every day, purchase off-farm at a high cost for organic.

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16 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 Perennial Wheat Shows MOSES Potential as a Versatile Crop Farmer-to-Farmer By Vicki Morrone Mentoring Program

Organic farmers know there The Ceres Trust Foundation The MOSES Farmer-to-Farmer Mentoring is no silver bullet to address all is supporting MSU to move Program is now taking applications for the crop and soil needs. But, what this project on-farm, working 2014 session. In this effective training pro- if you planted a crop that one with organic farmers to study gram, experienced organic farmers provide year produced grain and straw p-wheat. Since it is still an ex- guidance to farmers who have a year or two of and the next year provided perimental crop, the farmers farming experience. The formal partnerships grazing for your sheep–without that test it may see some less help the new operations grow into economically having to replant? A new crop, desirable characteristics, such viable businesses, obtain organic certification, ‘perennial wheat,’ may have as inconsistent regrowth. We and improve production techniques and crop that potential. are looking forward to testing quality. this new type of crop, seeing Perennial wheat is a crop now how it performs on organically Both mentors and mentored farmers have under development by plant managed soils and how it fits expressed enthusiasm for the quality of the breeders. Winter wheat that is into different farmers’ opera- relationships developed, and information ex- commonly grown is an annual tions. Several Michigan organ- changed through the program. crop. This new crop was devel- ic farmers have agreed to grow oped by crossing annual winter this grain on their fields along- wheat with several perennial Perennial wheat at Kellogg side intermediate wheatgrass grass relatives using conven- Biological Station. and annual wheat for compari- tional breeding and selecting son. techniques. Multiple crosses were made with annual wheat, introducing the ability to re- Farmers who are collaborating with us are not grow after the grain is harvested. The new seeking a silver bullet, but are keen to share crop, ‘perennial wheat,’ has about 75% genetic their expertise to resolve production issues material from annual wheat, and about 25% and learn about the potential of this new crop. from Intermediate Wheat Grass (Thinopyrum Farmers will implement different management intermedium) and other perennial grasses. systems on test fields so everyone will learn how the new perennial wheat lines perform Cecilia Coulter learned how to plant elderberry At Michigan State University (MSU) we have in different soil types, and how management cuttings on one of her days at Natura Farms. grown perennial wheat for the last five years practices impact the growth and regrowth, at Kellogg Biological Station to test how well it grain, fodder, and overwintering capacity of 2013 Mentored farmer Cecilia Coulter says does under low organic matter and sandy soil perennial wheat lines. this about the program and her mentor, Paul conditions. The “p-wheat” (as it is called) lines Otten: “Participating in the mentor program is were developed at The Land Use Institute in Cooperating farmers are considering inter- a great opportunity all on its own; being men- Kansas and at Washington State University in cropping p-wheat with white clover, and under- tored by one of the premier berry growers in Pullman, Wash. The Snapp lab at MSU, which sowing sorghum-sudan grass in the second the area is a dream come true. I am sure that focuses on systems to provide agro-ecological year of p-wheat to prevent weeds from estab- for many mentees the chance to be able to ask services, has been testing the top 15 lines to lishing. The cover would winter-kill, allowing questions and request the mentor’s presence compare economic and ecological features in- the wheat to regrow with less weed pressure. at their farm is a huge bonus. Oftentimes, be- cluding grain weight, heading uniformity, ero- The killed sorghum-sudangrass residue acts ginner farmers are reluctant to ask questions sion control capacity, ability to prevent nitro- as a mulch. These are just two examples of in- or take an experienced farmer’s time; through gen loss, and regrowth potential. novations proposed by farmers who will par- this program, the mentee almost ‘owns’ the ex- ticipate in the on-farm research beginning this pert. I don’t feel I need to curtail my questions Thus far, the greatest challenge farmers face fall. or limit my requests for visits. Of course, Paul with p-wheat is its regrowth vigor in the sec- is amazing as a mentor anyway, but I do think ond year. Following harvest, the p-wheat lacks We look forward to sharing results through being part of a program makes it so much eas- ability to outcompete weeds. The plant is a field days in the future. If you want to keep up ier to impose on the experts!” bit slow to regain its “strength” and shade out with this work, you can visit us at www.pgrain. weeds. anr.msu.edu. This website offers an opportuni- All participants attend the MOSES Organic ty to share your thoughts and questions. Farming Conference at the beginning and end It is important to be aware that the lines de- of their year in the program. Participants also veloped are experimental; they are not yet va- Vicki Morrone is the organic farming special- receive admission to a pre-conference Organic rieties, and sometimes they produce a variable ist at the Center for Regional Food Systems University course at the start of their program. crop, with grain heads that are inconsistent in at Michigan State University, East Lansing, size, shape and maturity. Mich. Now in its 7th year, the MOSES Farmer-to- Farmer Mentoring Program has helped hun- dreds of farmers who are new to organic, or new to farming, establish a strong foundation We’re always looking for for future farming success. Mentored farm- We’re always looking for ers pay a $200 fee. Mentors receive a small good farmers. stipend. Both mentors and mentored farmers good• Stable farmers Organic Premium. must complete applications to be considered for • Veterinarian & the program. Farmers are paired based on the farming specialty and location. The program Agronomic Support covers farms in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Min- • Transition Assistance nesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wis- • Feed & Forage Sourcing consin.

To be considered for the 2014 Farmer-to-Farm- er Mentoring Program, please complete the appropriate application on the MOSES website: www.mosesorganic.org/mentoring.html. If you do not have Internet access, you may call Har- riet Behar at 608-872-2164 or 866-632-9992 to have an application mailed to you. Applications Call our Farmer Hotline today! are due by Nov. 15, 2013. Participants will be (888) 809-9297 • www.farmers.coop notified of their acceptance in the program by mid-December. www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 17 Spotlight... from page 13 around ideas. At some point someone will pick culations. This infrastructure, if it exists on a up that ball and run with it. farm, has often been run down or repurposed fied organic. We all have fertility goals, com- beyond its needed purpose. What I am talk- posting goals–it was in the business plan we What are your thoughts about your future ing about is fencing for animals or vegetables, agreed upon. So they feel good about the future in farming? wells to water plants and animals, pack shed care of the land. Heather and Brandon: For the foreseeable fu- for safe food handling, refrigeration, outbuild- ture it would be fantastic to stay here. We’ll ings for equipment, tools, hay, and trucks/trail- Kari and Peter own land, have built infra- stay as long as we can make it economically vi- ers to haul food and animals. No easy answers. structure, have equipment, and are willing to able here. If we can’t make it here, I don’t know My current belief is that clean, nutrient-rich acquire more equipment for the needs of a gen- how we can make it anywhere else!! The price food has to become a priority for a community. eral vegetable operation. We get general use as of land would be a limiting factor, but there is The community builds, protects and makes part of our rental contract for the house, land, potential access to other land nearby. available organic farmland in an Agricultural most of the equipment. Anything we use that Land Park. Communities make infrastruc- has an engine, we pay an hourly fee. Any of the We committed to 2 years on this property, ture, financial assistance, and land available implements we use for free, (hand tools, etc.). working to establish a small farm and creat- in Business Parks again because of the high We can rent a larger pick-up truck--we pay the ing systems around it: irrigation, crop rotation, barrier to entry. It addresses many challenges gas. They needed to put in a bigger well from a management system, bookkeeping, record for rural communities: attracts young families the house to irrigate the fields, and so they put keeping, and tools/equipment sharing system. to the community, brings healthy food to food in a 50/gal/minute well for everyone to use. It Anyone who comes after us will have a system deserts, and keeps money in the local economy. will always be here for future farmers. set up, and built-up soil. We currently have a hoop house on the property and plan on build- Peter: We believe in the power of business to What does your current Sleepy Root Farm ing a greenhouse next to it. Eventually an edu- make things happen, as opposed to the govern- operation look like? cation center will be built–so stay tuned! ment or nonprofits. The reason is simple: that’s Brandon: We are a 100-member CSA with a the way our economy and our society functions small amount of restaurant sales. We also Meet Kari Wenger and Peter Henry: best over the long term. Small markets and participate in the Amery Saturday farmers’ small businesses are creative, resilient and market (which Peter and Kari established this What is the vision and scope of your work? continually adjusting their practice to the re- year). We are running our farm on 5 acres, Kari: Our organization is Resilient Northern alities of their customers. We believe in all of with 3 of us working full time. Brian Mitchell Habitats (RnH). The project started with a de- that. And, as we have seen with government is our third farmer, working the high season sire to re-establish and protect nutrient-rich, crises and political conflicts, you have to be in- mid-May through mid-September. high-organic-matter soil for organic/ecological dependent, carve out a niche and make money farmers and the nutrient-rich, fresh food they to be sustainable over the long term. In any What is the dynamic with the other farm- produce. Then, create a way that this lovely soil case, a farm business needs to make money in ers involved in this grand experiment? is passed from one organic farmer to the next order to continually improve, raise a family, Heather: The other farmers are good to know. I organic farmer, rather than being bulldozed for pay its people and bills, and transfer owner- was worried when I left my family and friends a housing development or re-chemicalized for ship to another generation. in the city. I knew we might be the only people conventional corn. The belief is that by having under 40 for miles around. We are very blessed several farms close together synergies between The real story out here is in the farmers them- to know Kari and Peter. They’ve helped many farmers can happen and the farm community selves–hardworking, knowledgeable, coura- other young farmers in the community. Al- may eventually attract the next set of farming- geous–and, the variety of the different op- though we are all independent businesses, it’s related entrepreneurs as well as more farmers. erations, their skill and creativity, and their an instant community, within a few minutes’ personal stories. We do not hold up ourselves drive of each other. I understand this is pretty Peter: The main entity here is Resilient North- as anything other than people who believe in rare. Unofficially, it is a support network. Offi- ern Habitats. Hungry Turtle is the name of the importance of healthy, organic food for ev- cially, we share the large equipment, Skidsteer, our main farm and education center, but it’s ery human being and have the ability to put tractor, implements and wood chipper. There kind of in mothballs right now, waiting for the our money where our mouths are. Over time, are monthly potlucks that happen. Where right people to breathe life into it. another narrative might emerge. We are es- there are people getting together on a regular pecially hopeful about what might happen in basis, something’s going to happen organically. Kari: RnH helped five farms get going this year terms of creating a food hub, but it is just too for a total of four farm couples with six to eight early to tell what will, may or won’t happen There are opportunities for a distribution cen- interns working on these farms. All the farm- with that. Sure, we have hopes and dreams, ter in the future. Right now we are kicking ers have multi-year farming experience and es- but as we have discovered, just because we can tablished farm entities, but differing levels of imagine it does not mean it is going to happen. customer base–from a couple who just moved to the region to a couple with an establish cus- We don’t really want to talk very much about tomer base. I don’t know if I’d call them begin- what we are doing, mainly because it is so ning farmers as much as looking for “good land experimental and expensive. There’s just not & good community” farmers. much for people to learn in all this right now, except: Do not try this on your own! I’ve heard you are restoring a building in downtown Amery. What are your plans? What this is, no one really can say. But, we Kari: The building in Amery is for some of need more organic producers. We need chefs, 800-352-5247 these farm-related entities that build on the entrepreneurs, visionaries, leaders–there’s no 1923-2013 products and/or needs of this budding farm- limit to what we need, not just here, but across Providing Quality ing community and bring back some of the lo- America. This is the new food economy. It is Seed for 90 Years! cal food culture that has been lost in the last not premised on corporate concentration, gov- 50 years in this rural community. We are not ernment handouts, or farm consolidation. We sure who will show up. Some of our imaginings believe that the new small producer-local food are: green-grocer, deli, restaurant, value-add- economy is a better model for the 21st century: ed production, brew pub, creamery, butcher, resilient, collaborative, creative and grounded baker or combination or something we haven’t in a long-term consideration of what makes a thought of.... lasting contribution to human welfare. And, it is a far better bet to withstand the ravages of You are demonstrating a diversified re- climate change and energy shocks. sponse to the immediate needs of farmers. Certified Organic Farm Seed We know that in general, capital, land Follow the farming adventures of Sleepy Root

and resources are the biggest hurdles for Farm at www.sleepyrootfarm.com and Resil- Viking Corn & Soybeans beginning farmer. Can you give us a little ient Northern Habitats at resilientnorthern- Alfalfa ♦ Red & White Clover insight from your research/work in finan- habitats.com. Small Grains ♦ Hay/Pasture Grass cial structures that could leverage new farmers? Lindsay Rebhan works with Renewing the Annual Forages ♦ Cover Crops Kari: The capital costs of farming versus the Countryside in partnership with MOSES on Sweet Corn ♦ Garden Seed income potential is an equation I haven’t been the New Organic Stewards project.

able to make work. The small-farm infra- www.alseed.com structure is a cost often forgotten in the cal-

18 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 Shepard... from page 4 reality-based. I wanted to distance myself from that permaculture and get more science-based ner’s wife’s grandfather died, and they moved tenets of permaculture and ecology,” noted to Italy so we had to buy out their share. We Mark. were now 100% in debt,” remembered Mark. “Restoration agriculture to me is about using What Mark and his family ended up owning plants that thrive in the ecosystem without a was a seriously abused farm. Renters had al- lot of inputs, and it is about farm enterprises lowed erosion to eat away many of the hillsides, that are sustainable and profitable. My farm and most of the rest was overgrazed by cattle. gives evidence that we can revegetate the plan- “We were living in a trailer. We had no jobs. No et in 15 years with what we need. We do not well. No money.” need to wait for a perennial small grain pipe dream; we have the ability to do it now,” stated Fortunately, Mark discovered that his new Mark emphatically. 106-acre farm was very near a new organic cooperative called CROPP (Coulee Region Or- Mark believes that any farmer wanting to in- ganic Produce Pool at the time). “I signed up corporate permaculture concepts should start with alley cropping and silvo-pasturing, which to grow squash and Jen got a job at a bakery. Mark talks about diversity and the role I also took on two part-time jobs trucking and of his pond at the June field day. are simple systems that can be kept simple. bartending to make ends meet. While working, we started building a house and a chicken he started ordering larger quantities of plants Mark’s final suggestion, “Plant trees every- coop. I also started designing our keyline wa- and then breeding his own nursery stock. where and save the seeds from everything that ter management plan for the farm.” thrives.” In 1996, Mark took a new job as the produce Keyline water management was originally de- pool coordinator at CROPP/Organic Valley. “I To Learn More about Mark Shepard and signed by Australian farmer and engineer P.A. knew we could sell larger quantities of vegeta- Restoration Agriculture: Yeoman. The keyline is a topographic feature bles, so I came up with a new concept. Instead Restoration Agriculture Institute of a farm “key” to water flow. Through careful of everyone growing many crops, we all could http://restorationag.org/ design of fields and by capturing water with focus on 2-3 crops in larger quantities. This al- Forest Agriculture Enterprises swales, berms and ponds, which Mark calls lowed us to sell boxes to wholesalers. We made www.forestag.com “pocket ponds”; rainwater is carefully redi- less per box, but we sold a lot more boxes. You rected back into fields instead of running off. need scale. What had started small grew to a Permaculture Resources: “Once the keyline was in place, it set the pat- point where we couldn’t keep up with demand. Geoff Lawton www.geofflawton.com/sq/26801- tern for the rest of the farm. Each field has a The produce pool grew into a monster. I didn’t absolute-in-abundance swale with a berm on the downhill side. In be- move to start a career. I moved to start a farm,” Sepp Holzer www.holzeragroecology.com tween is the alley. We grew as much produce stated Mark. and cover crops in these alleys as we could Agroforestry: handle. All the while, we were planting trees, With nursery sales picking up, the farm gen- National Agro-Forestry Center shrubs and other edible plants.” erating more income, Jen beginning work as a http://nac.unl.edu/ massage therapist, Mark’s parents moving to Mark’s plan was to imitate the oak savannah the farm to help with childcare, Mark decided Association for Temperate Agro-forestry biome native to the area: chestnuts, apples, to quit his off-farm job. “I had been teaching www.aftaweb.org/ hazelnuts, cherries, grapes, raspberries, cur- workshops since my time in Alaska. By 2006, University of Missouri Center for Agro-forestry rants and perennial grasses for livestock. “I speaking and teaching became a significant www.centerforagroforestry.org/ was after something radically different–not an part of my income. I was ready to devote as orchard, but a farm as an ecosystem.” much of my time as possible to the farm.” Books: The Resilient Farm and Homestead, Ben Falk Mark was not interested in the traditional Permaculture Refined Tree Crops, J. Russell Smith Extension-recommended varieties. He wanted “I have not diverged from the original intent Permaculture: A Designers’ Manual, Bill Mol- varieties that could survive under his S.T.U.N. of permaculture which is as Bill Mollison said, lison philosophy–sheer, total, utter neglect. For the ‘observe nature and imitate nature.’ The main Restoration Agriculture, Mark Shepard (avail- first few years, he planted fewer trees as he problem I saw was that it started moving to- able from MOSES, www.mosesorganic.org) searched for the best sources of nursery stock. ward ‘feel-good’ design, not redesigning human Once he found stock that thrived on his farm, habitats. Permaculture got ‘fluffy’ and was not Joe Pedretti is a MOSES organic specialist.

www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 19 NEWS BRIEFS

Minnesota Offers Organic Transition Sustainable Vegetable Production Website USDA Organic Milk Audit Report Cost Share Program A new Sustainable Vegetable Production web- The USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG) The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is of- site from Iowa State University Extension shares National Organic Program (NOP) - Organic Milk fering a pilot program to assist farmers transi- the results of research by Ajay Nair of the ISU Operations audit report shows that the NOP has tioning their land or livestock to certified organic Department of Horticulture. Nair has explored generally successfully implemented the access status. The program helps fund USDA-accredit- the use of soil amendments such as compost to pasture rule for organic dairy cattle. The OIG ed organic certifying agencies to visit farms and and biochar, various ways to extend the growing offers six recommendations to build on existing verify that the farmer’s practices comply with season, cover cropping systems, and transplant NOP oversight controls. The report is available federal organic regulations during the 36-month production. Project results, publications, videos, at www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/01601-0002-32. transition period. Other reimbursable costs in- and other resources can be found at the site. pdf. clude soil testing and registration fees to attend www.extension.iastate.edu/vegetablelab. an organic education conference. Info at www. mda.state.mn.us/organic or 651-201-6012. New Publication on Organic Plums, Apricots New NOP Fact Sheet Summarizes A new publication from NCAT/ATTRA titled Allowed and Prohibited Substances “Plums, Apricots, and Their Crosses: Organic Organic Farming Systems The USDA National Organic Program has re- and Low-Spray Production” focuses on organ- Research Proceedings leased a two-page fact sheet that offers sum- ic and reduced-spray management options for Symposium Proceedings of the 2011 “USDA Or- maries and direct links to lists of allowed and disease and pest problems of plums, apricots, ganic Farming Systems Research Conference: prohibited substances in organic crop and live- and their crosses (pluots, apriums, etc.). It also Exploring Agronomic, Economic, Ecological, stock production and processing. www.ams. relates progress in broadening the practical cli- and Social Dimensions” were published in the usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELP matic adaptability of the apricot. Download at journal Crop Management, and available for re- RDC5104464 www.attra.ncat.org. view at www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/ cm/symposium/organic/farm. Knowledge Exchange for Food Plant Publications at Organic Eprints Production: PlantVillage A number of reports from the OrganicDataNet- USDA Approves Non-GMO Label for Meat Penn State has developed a new platform on the work Project are now available online at the Or- USDA Food Safety Inspection Service has ap- web called PlantVillage at www.plantvillage.com. ganic Eprints Archive. http://orgprints.org/view/ proved the first label for meat and liquid egg prod- The goal is to create a place where people can projects/eu-OrganicDataNetwork.html ucts that includes a claim about the absence of exchange knowledge on growing food plants. genetically engineered products. The label claim PlantVillage allows people to post questions, al- attests that meat certified by the Non-GMO Proj- lowing the “crowd” to come up with very specific Comment Period for FSMA Extended ect came from animals that never ate feed con- answers that draw from our collective knowl- The deadline for comments on the Food Safety taining genetically engineered ingredients. The edge. Modernization Act regulations was extended USDA vetted the Non-GMO Project’s standards, from Sept. 16 to Nov. 16, 2013. The National requirements and auditing processes before giv- Sustainable Agriculture Coalition has launched ing its approval. www.nongmoproject.org Sales of Organic Products up 13% in the US a new webpage with information and talking Sales of organic products rose 13% to $11.2bn points for writing comments on this regulation in the year to July 6 in the US retail market. The that will impact all aspects of food production in SARE Celebrates 25 Years highest growth was in shelf-stable meats, poul- the United States. http://sustainableagriculture. In celebration of 25 years of activity, the USDA’s try and seafood (+61%); baby food (+34%); and net/fsma. first program dedicated to sustainable agricul- shelf-stable beverages (+33%). ture has issued a new brochure titled “25 Years of SARE.” The brochure highlights the Sustain- Monsanto Withdraws EU GMO Request able Agriculture Research and Education pro- Organic Research Grants In July, Monsanto Co decided to withdraw all gram’s groundbreaking contributions in cover The Ceres Trust is accepting applications for pending approval requests to grow new types cropping, rotational grazing, local and regional the Organic Research Initiative (ORI) program of genetically modified crops in the European marketing, and agro-ecosystem research. The through Sept. 25. Grants of up to $60,000 per Union due to the lack of commercial prospects document also highlights recent SARE grants to year for up to three years will be awarded to for cultivation there. The decision covered five promote small-scale meat processing, energy universities and other nonprofit applicants in EU approval requests to grow genetically modi- independence, water conservation, and the next the North Central Region. Applicants must be fied corn, one soybean and one sugar beet. The generation of farmers and researchers. Read based in the region to be eligible. A copy of the company said it would not withdraw its applica- more at www.sare.org. Request for Applications can be found at http:// tion to renew the approval for MON810 corn–the cerestrust.org/organic-research-at-universities/ only GMO crop currently cultivated commercially request-for-applications-universities in Europe. Read more at www.reuters.com.

20 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 Crossfire... from page 11 Urge USDA to consider the harmful impacts of 2,4-D and dicamba drift on specialty crop pro- Public Service Announcement cialty crop industry in the Midwest.” (Parker, duction, rural community health and farmers’ We at MOSES recognize that seed 2011, pg. 12) livelihoods. Contact Secretary of Agriculture, is the foundation of our organic food Tom Vilsack at (202) 720-3631. system. We invite you to join us in According to the Center for Food Safety, “Penn supporting the ethical development State ecologist David Mortensen predicts that and stewardship of seed. Please visit herbicide use on soy could increase 70% if the References Cited: new 2,4-D and dicamba tolerant soybeans are Center for Food Safety (CFS), 2013a. Stop Monsan- www.seedalliance.org. adopted. Inevitably new “superweeds” will de- to’s Dicamba Tolerant Soybeans! Accessed 8/13/13 velop in response…, and the chemical arms at: http://bit.ly/NoDicambaSoy race with weeds will continue. This means more pesticidal pollution, environmental dam- Center for Food Safety (CFS), 2013b. Summary of Center for Food Safety’s Science Comments to EPA arves age, higher production costs, and of course, in- t H t on Monsanto’s Request to Register Dicamba Her- ea creasing profits for firms like Monsanto that bicide for Use on Monsanto’s Dicamba-Resistant r sell both GE seed and pesticides.” (CFS, 2013a) MON 87708 Soybean. Accessed 8/15/13 at: http:// G The potential for health harm to farmers and www.centerforfoodsafety.org/files/cfs-science-com- the public will increase, as will injury to wild ments-on-dicamba-use-registration-summary.pdf s ic plants and the animals that depend on them. Organ TM (CFS, 2013b) Clark, Brian, 2012. Pesticide Use Rises as Herbi- cide-resistant Weeds Undermine Performance of Breathing Room and Time to Act Major GE Crops, New WSU Study Shows. Accessed Plant high yielding The CFS estimates that it may take the USDA 8/16/13 at: http://news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/2012/10/01/ pesticide until 2015 to complete the EIS. “Our goal is Great Harvest Organics to stop these crops; to prevent them from be- Felsot, Allan S. 2005. Evaluation and Mitigation of seed corn and soybeans! ing introduced—not just to delay but to pre- Spray Drift. Proc. International Workshop on Crop vent them,” Freese states. “These EISs give Protection Chemistry in Latin America; Harmo- We oﬀer access to a us some breathing room to do that.” (Organic nized Approaches for Environmental Assessment broad source of genetics. Connections, 2013) and Regulation, 14-17 February, San Jose, Costa Rica. Contact us to learn more. This “new generation” of herbicide resistant GE crops pose a serious cross-roads for Ameri- Organic Connections, 2013. Center for Food Safety can agriculture. Dicamba and 2,4-D resistant Halts New GE Crops. Accessed 8/16/13 at: http:// FOR A GREAT ORGANIC HARVEST, organicconnectmag.com/wp/center-for-food-safety- crops pose a whole new threat to the “coex- halts-new-ge-crops/ PLANT GREAT HARVEST ORGANICS! istence” of organic and GE crops. “At a time when farmers, citizens, and government have Pesticide Action Network (PAN), 2013. Be the worked hard to limit our use of, and exposure Change. Accessed 8/16/13 at: www.panna.org/get- to, hazardous pesticides like dicamba, approv- involved/action-center/be-the-change ing this crop would take us backwards, seri- 866.834.7888 ously endangering human health and the envi- Parker, Jason Shaw, 2011. The New 2,4-D and Di- GreatHarvestOrganics.com ronment.” (CFS, 2013) camba-Tolerant Crops: Managing Risks to Farms and Communities. Accessed 8/16/13 at: http://ris- kanalysis.osu.edu/sites/drupal-riskanlys.web/files/ Take Action! OSU_symposium_proceedings.pdf Please consider taking part in these networks and action alerts. Every voice matters. Pates, Mikel, August 9, 2013. Slow rollout: New “In Nature there is abundance, With Nature there is success” multi-mode chemical system. Accessed at: http:// Join the Center for Food Safety True Food Net- www.aberdeennews.com/farmforum/news/aan-ff- work! and respond to their action alerts: www. 08-09-13-slowroll-20130809,0,2885767.story Now serving all of your centerforfoodsafety.org/take-action# ORGANIC Save Our Crops Coalition (SOCC), 2013. Herbicide CERTIFICATION needs! Sign the Center for Food Safety petition to Drift. Accessed 8/16/13 at: http://saveourcrops.org/ the USDA to reject these risky new GE crops: non-target-damage/ REASONABLE http://bit.ly/NoDicambaSoy PRACTICAL Save Our Crops Coalition (SOCC), Sept. 20, 2012. KNOWLEDGEABLE SOCC Requests EPA Prepare an EIS. Accessed Sign up for action alerts from the Pesticide Ac- 8/16/13 at: http://saveourcrops.org/ “Farmer Friendly, tion Network (PAN): www.panna.org/signup Farmer Owned” Wolfe, S., Jiang, L., Scurlock, D., Dami, I., Doohan, Join the Save Our Crops Coalition: http:// D. 2011. Response of Grapes to Simulated 2,4-D, NATURE’S saveourcrops.org/join/ Dicamba, and Glyphosate Drift. Proceedings of the INTERNATIONAL 66th Annual Meeting of the North Central Weed CERTIFICATION SERVICES Science Society, Milwaukee, Wis. 224 E Hwy 56~Viroqua, WI 54665 Phone: 608-637-7080~Fax: 608-637-7460 Email: [email protected] Out to Pasture by Luke Wassink

www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 21 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Do you have something to buy or sell? Your classified ad will reach over 10,000 households in the print edition and be available in both the pdf and online version. Use the fill in form below, or go to www.mosesorganic.org/broadcaster.html to submit an ad electronically.

EQUIPMENT For Sale: USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC GRASS “That’s AGGRAND dude, I’m telling ya.” “Buying HAY: 4x5 Net Wrapped (This Year’s Cutting), 5x5 1000 gallons next year.” “Best alfalfa I’ve had.” For Sale: DeutzAllis GP2.5 Round Baler. Twinarm String (Last Year’s Cutting), Copy of Certificate is “Yield doubled.” “Savings overall per season.” auto-tie. 5x6 Bale. Very Good. $2,500. (2) Lock- available upon purchase. We can load - we CAN- “Grazing 20 more per acre.” OMRI, NOP, USDA wood 150Bu Potato Boxes. Live Bottom Chain NOT deliver. Contact: Travis (BestGroLLC@gmail. Biopreferred for crops, pastures, gardening. Liquids Conveyor Unload on 1.5 Ton Truck Frames. Very com) Burkesville, Ky. or 707-499-0995. in 4-3-3, 0-0-8, 0-12-0. Liquid lime, bonemeal, fish, Good Shape $500 each. 262-893-5006. kelp, potash. Read FARM FERTILIZER RESULTS FOR SALE: 2013 Organic Oat straw. 4x5 round www.LiquidFertilizerOrganic.com/fertilizer-results/ bales. MOSA Certified. $45/bale. Transportation agriculture 574-200-9584. GRAINS Available. Kent Wolf 608-553-1136.

For Sale: 2013 ICO certified organic Karl 92 hard red winter wheat. Kansas Crop Improvement As- soc. registered purple tag seed at time of 2012 MISCELLANEOUS planting. Excellent milling qualities. Northeast Kan- sas, 785-477-6096 or 785-336-3997 For Sale: Garlic Seed – Certified Organic: Wis- consin grown, jumbo bulbs, many varieties. www. PUBLIC AUCTION For Sale: Winter rye seed, certified organic, $12 keeneorganics.com or call us 608-215-7599. Call 84.7 ACRE, BUILDING & A 5 BEDROOM, 1 ½ BATH HOME for 50 lb bag. Also rye straw for sale. Northeast for bulk rate discounts, Keene Organics. OFFERED IN 4 TRACTS Wisconsin. Scott 920-427-6663. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH, 2013 @ 6:00 PM For Sale: Seed garlic – Hardneck – German White, FARM LOCATION: 11054 Co Rd G, Bryan, OH 43506 For sale: Certified organic winter rye seed. Cleaned Persian Star, grown organically for 3 years. Great (At the Corner of St Rt 576) and bagged in 30 bushel totes or 50 lb. bags. $15 in heavy soil. Stores till May. $10/16. Pictures – AUCTION CONDUCTED AT: The Center Twp Building per bushel in bulk totes or $15 per 50 lb. bag. Can rcvcfarm.com. Call Sam 414-213-5337. 04766 Co Rd 12, Bryan, OH 43506 This farm has been in the Krill Family for many years & has a great history of being deliver for nominal fee. [email protected], well maintained. It offers an attractive home & out building, approx 56 acres 608-574-5066. For Sale: Surplus insulated glass – perfect tillable, 14+\- acres w/ good growing timber, pond & recreation area. Good drainage w/ a ditch through the farm, a lot of road frontage on 2 sides, has been for greenhouses, solar homes, sunrooms or in the C.R.P. program for 20 years & comes out at the end of this September. This would be a great opportunity to practice organic farming. Be sure to look this FORAGES ag buildings. Also hardwood butcher block farm over, inspect the building & be prepared to bid. We will offer this farm via 30”X100”X1-1/8” for sustainable countertops or the Wilson Multi Par System as follows. 80 +\- Acres in center township, & 4.7 acres on the N side of C in is Superior Twp. TRACT 1: For Sale: Organic alfalfa and alfalfa/grass, large bar tops. Oak, ash, cherry, maple, mahogany from 8+\- Acres w/ a very attractive, 2 story home TRACT 4 featuring an eat in Early American Built in oak square bales 3 x 3 x 8. Good test results. Located $129. www.kissourglass.com or 715-639-3762 4.7+\- Acres kitchen w/ lots of storage & a walk in pantry. at Linton, N.D. Dave Silbernagel Organic Farms, before 9 p.m. Joe Bacon. Arctic Glass since 1979! Lg formal dining room w/ built in oak hutch & window seat, lg living room, bedroom down & 208-867-9939. a full bath. Upstairs has 4BR, each w/ closets & TRACT 1 TRACT 2 For Sale: Seed Garlic. Rocamble, Hardneck $8.00/ 8+\- Acres 36.5 +\- Acres a ½ Bath. There is a full basement w/ a newer geothermal heat & A/C system, utility area w/ For Sale: Certified Organic Alfalfa/Grass Hay, First lb. German Extra Hardy $10.00/lb. Under 2” $4.00/ shower & sink & an attached 1 car garage. Features include beautiful natural wood work, Crop, 3x3x8, No Rain, Tested, Central Minn. Den- lb. MOSA Certified. Also, Wanted: Rained on, junk hardwood & carpeted floors, replacement nis Week - Phone 320-491-0788. hay for bedding. Send phone number for informa- windows & vinyl siding, outbuilding includes older summer kitchen, bank barn & a work TRACT 3 tion. Israel Swarey, N83 Hall Drive, Stetsonville, 35+\- Acres shop w/ double garage storage. Frontage For Sale: Organic Hay: 65% Alfalfa, with fescue, Wis. 54480. on St Rt 576 on the West side, Co Rd G on the North Side & a ditch on the east side. Approx clover & timothy. Cut, raked & baled with no rain. 2.4 Acres Tillable. TRACT 2: 36.5 +\- Acres w/ frontage on Co Rd G, Ditch on the West side & Large round net wrapped bales. East-Central Iowa. For Sale: Many sturdy black plastic crates – 23 ½” the North side of the wood the South Line – Approx 22.8+\- Acres tillable w/ more 319-721-6756. x 15 ½” x 7” or 23 1/2 “ x 15 ½” x 9”. Heavy duty. land that could be tilled if desired, pond & recreation area. TRACT 3: 35 +\- Acres w/ St Rt 576 frontage on the West side, ditch on the North and approx 14 +\- Acres Great for storage, shipping and many other uses. wood w/ some salable timber & good growing timber, offering good hunting & For Sale: Certified organic alfalfa, alfalfa/grass hay, $2.00 each. Rush Creek Growers, 715-778-5577 or recreation area. TRACT 4: 4.7 +\- Acres on the North East corner of St Rt 576 and Co Rd G w/ Approx 4 +\- Acres Tillable. Ditch on the East Side, a good Country lot oats and oats straw. 605-598-6743, 605-460-1545, [email protected]. or Home Site. TERMS: You can buy this farm in any combination or as the entirety. Be prepared. 10% Down day of sale, balance at closing. Possession after the land email koester80@hotmail. comes out of CRP on the 80 Acres, September 30, 2013, House at closing & as the crops are harvested on the 4.7 acres TR4. TAXES: 2,610.74/yr, prorated to closing. Seller will survey only as required to transfer of property.

Former Donald (Skip) and Wilma Krill Farm Pamela Skovmand & Beth Roberts- Owner Classified Ad Placement Instructions David Newcomer – Newcomer Shaffer Spangler & Breininger - Atty VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Reach 10,000+ organic-minded readers by placing a classified ad in this newspaper. WILSON AUCTION & REALTY CO., LTD. 825 N. Main St. Bryan, OH 43506 Place up to 25 words for $12; up to 15 more words may be added for an additional $6. Toll Free: 866-870-5500 Auctioneers: Wayne M. Wilson CAI, Brent J. Wilson CAI www.WilsonAuctionLtd.com All classified ads come with a free listing in the Online Organic Classifieds at www.mosesorganic.org.

Ads can be submitted online at mosesorganic.org/broadcaster_adrates.html. Or, complete this form and mail with your ad to: MOSES, PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767

Name: Cowsmo Compost & Potting Soil

Address: A Premium Manure Based Compost and Compost Based Potting Soil Meets NOP Organic Standards City: State: ZIP: 3 Potting Soil Mixes For Organic Production in Bulk, Bags, and Totes. Phone: Email:

PAYMENT INFORMATION: Place my ad in these issues: ($12/issue for 25 words; I’m enclosing a check made out to MOSES. $18/issue for up to 40 words) Please charge $ ______to my: Jan.-Feb. Use Cowsmo Compost as a: Mulch / Soil Amendment / Source of Organic Matter Visa MasterCard Discover Exp. March-April Use Cowsmo Potting Soil: Green Mix / Starting Plants May-June Red Mix /General Purpose Card # Blue Mix/ transplants July-Aug. Signature Sept.-Oct. Cowsmo Compost S 1843 Co. Rd. U Nov.-Dec. Cochrane, Wi 54622 608-626-2571 John's cell 715-495-5462 Ads and payment are due by the 1st of the month preceding the issue for placement. Email [email protected] www.cowsmocompost.com

22 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013 Inside Organics... from page 3 The integrity and value of the organic label organic production systems, the wording can relies heavily on consumer confidence that or- be crafted to lessen–not increase–documenta- The NOP chose to stick with the current list- ganic products go through a stricter review for tion. We do not want to stifle improvements, ing, stating that, since recognized as safe by health and safety than other food products. If or cultivation of more organic farmers and the FDA, carrageenan should not be restricted the organic community cannot trust that the consumers. The USDA must view economic from use in infant formula. process overseeing organic materials and stan- impacts on organic regulations in a more ho- dards is consistently followed, we run the great listic way than they review other regulatory The organic regulation mandates its own risk of losing confidence that the organic label changes. Otherwise, we run the risk of having review of organic product ingredients. The stands for the highest quality food, produced in a stagnant regulation that does not keep up NOSB can use FDA information in its decision- an ecological manner and reviewed to protect with either producer or consumer expectations. making, but does not rely exclusively on FDA’s the health of those who grow it and consume it. approved ingredient list. There are many col- Harriet Behar ([email protected]) is a orings, preservatives, flavorings and more that Stricter regulations do not need to result in MOSES Organic Specialist. the FDA allows in non-organic food and consid- more paperwork. Organic agriculture is a sys- ers safe, that do not meet the rigorous review tem, and production methods verify compli- National Organic Grain and Feedstuffs Report of organic food ingredients the NOSB has in ance to the law. As the organic regulation is Wed Aug 7, 2013 Biweekly weighted average report place. rewritten over time to reflect improvements to Price Weighted Average Continual Improvement of Organic 2 Weeks Year When we can clearly differentiate organic as Low High This Week Ago Ago the best production system, now and into the Get what you need at the Organic Corn future, we gain loyalty from current customers Food Yellow 14.00 14.00 14.00 13.50 and increase our customer base. Consumers MOSES Bookstore! Feed Yellow 10.25 12.0 11.21 12.14 16.35 already expect organic to be the gold standard Organic Soybeans of production across all types of agriculture. Food Grade 28.25 30.00 28.90 27.19 22.55 Without the recognition that organics are con- Feed Grade 25.50 27.00 26.09 26.44 29.27 tinually changing for the better, we run the risk of watering down the organic label until Meal 1100 1120 1110 1140 1260 it has a nebulous definition like “natural” does. Roasted 1392 Organic Oats “No Toxic Spray” signs Feed Grade 5.80 6.00 5.9 5.9 5.31 Continual improvement is an important part Books on all aspects of farming: Organic Barley of our organic law. While it is understood that marketing, livestock and food& farm policy some synthetics, such as synthetic vitamin C Feed Grade 8.75 8.75 8.75 9.10 10.25 (ascorbic acid), or baking powder, may be im- See “Store” tab at www.mosesorganic.org, Organic Wheat portant and necessary ingredients in organic or contact [email protected] or Feed Grade SRW 10.5 11 10.93 10.5 foods, hopefully the list of approved synthetics 715-778-5775 to request a booklist by mail Feed Grade HRW 11.00 12.00 11.56 12.08 10.26 will grow shorter, rather than longer over time. The use of natural and organically grown al- Compared to two weeks ago national organic grain and feedstuff prices were ternatives are preferred to non-organic or syn- mostly steady. Market activity continued to be very slow as producers thetic versions, and in a few instances, such as remained reluctant to commit until the current crop progresses further. yeast, have recently become available. Furthermore, feed manufactures were only buying on an as needed basis as most of their needs have been met. Corn supplies remain moderate to heavy, while soybean inventories are light. Majority of the corn and soybean producing states received timely rains the last few weeks. A severe Organic thunderstorm hit the Northern Plains last week and hampered the wheat Keep up with news Commodity harvest causing decreased yields from hail damage. USDA Livestock and Grain Market News about organic. Pricing Jodee Inman, Market Reporter Phone: 515-284-4460 Resources [email protected] www.ams.usda.gov/LSMarketNews Follow MOSES on Facebook and Twitter! Click on the social Organic Grain Prices National Organic Grain media icons on our homepage: and Feedstuffs Report www.mosesorganic.org. (see curent report on this page) Then “like” and “follow” us. CROPP Cooperative Grower Pool/Or- Makers of ganic Trader Newsletter www.farmers.coop/feed-program/ organic-trader/ Living Media 1-888-809-9297

Rodale Organic Price Report www.rodaleinstitute.org/Organic- for Organic Price-Report Organic Milk Prices Growers NODPA Significant discounts to growers who buy early. 30 Keets Rd, Deerfield, MA 01342 FAX: 866- 554-9483 PHONE: 413 772 0444 Fall Prebuy Program

www.nodpa.com/payprice.shtml September 20– December 13, 2013 vermontcompost.com Organic Livestock Prices CROPP Cooperative Organic Trader Newsletter www.farmers.coop/feed-program/ organic-trader/ 1-888-809-9297 Where to Buy and Sell Your Organic Products MOSES Organic Resource Directory www.mosesorganic.org/resourcedirec- tory.html 802-223-6049 | Montpelier, Vermont or request a hard copy by contacting MOSES, 715-778-5775 we speak organic

www.mosesorganic.org • 715-778-5775 23 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Look for additional events and updates at www.mosesorganic.org/events.html. Look for the wheat for MOSES sponsored events! Sept. 4, Cover Crops Research Field Day, East Troy, Sept. 27, Farm Preservation in Estate Planning, Wis. Cover crop demonstration plots with several cover crop East Troy, Wis. Learn about issues to consider as you develop a “cocktail” mixes will be on display, as well as MFAI’s corn research succession plan for your farm, and what preservation options are program, and no-till organic plot. Presenters include Dr. Erin Silva, available for your farm’s future. More at http://michaelfields.org “Great people, great topics, Jim Stute, UW Extension and Greg Igl, NRCS District Conservation. 262-642-3303. great exhibits!” http://michaelfields.org Sept, 27, Urban Agriculture Bus Tour, Minneapolis, Sept. 6, PFI Field Day, Rosmann Family Farm, Minn. Explore what changes happen in a community when urban Harlan, Iowa. Hear the Rosmann family discuss results of agriculture activities occur. Stops will include Beez Kneez Honey various on-farm research trials that guide their enterprise mix and House, McKinley Community CSA, California St Farm, Project farm management philosophy. MOSES is a partner in this event. Sweetie Pie, Gandi Mahal restaurant and urban farming project, http://practicalfarmers.org and YEA Corp headquarters. Contact Betsy Wieland, Extension Educator with questions at 612-596-1175 or [email protected]. Sept. 10, Plate to Politics - Women’s Leadership: Visibility Webinar Women, Food and Agriculture Network’s Sept. 30, Potato Digging and Evaluation Workshop, Plate to Politics Webinar Series is designed to inspire and cultivate Hensler, ND. Dig, sort and evaluate new varieties of potatoes (from women leaders in the healthy food and farming movement. white to red to purple) from mini tubers. Over 50 types of TPS MOSES board member Melinda Hemmelgarn will present. http:// (potatoes grown from True Potato Seeds) potatoes from plants set platetopolitics.org in June will also be dug. Dwight Duke will give a brief history of the potato project. More at www.npsas.org or 701-883-4304. Sept. 14, Harvesting Energy: Wind and Solar Join the celebration Power, Radiance Dairy, Fairfield, Iowa. See how the Oct. 4-5, 11-12 & 18-19, Farm Skills 101, near 2012 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year, Francis and Susan Alexandria, Minn. 51 hours of on-farm education in three weekends in La Crosse, Wis. Thicke, harvest alternative energy with a 40 kw wind turbine, of fun and fulfilling learning. Enjoy days in the field, not field days. a solar-powered pump system for livestock watering, and a www.sfa-mn.org geothermal heating and cooling system. MOSES is a partner of this event. http://practicalfarmers.org Oct. 5-6, 4th Annual Growing Power Regional Registeration opens Training Weekend, Amador Hill Farm and Orchard, North Nov. 25, 2013. Sept. 16, Vegetable Diversification Field Day, Branch, Minn. Hands-on learning: hoophouse building, composting PriairiErth Farm, Atlanta, Ill. See how to diversify your & vermiculture, four season growing, aquaponics, mushrooms, www.mosesorganic.org vegetable operation with small-scale livestock, value-added passive solar greenhouses, root cellars, farm & chef partnerships, products and more, while marketing directly to consumers. More at orcharding, farming as business, www.growingpower.org, 414- www.mosesorganic.org/FieldDayVegetables.html 527-1546 •• NEW! ••

Sept. 20-22, Gathering of the Guilds, Clarks Grove, Minn. Nov. 15-16 (La Crosse, Wis.) or Dec. 6-7 (East MOSES Conference App This gathering offers local permaculturists, farmers, gardeners, Troy, Wis.) with a follow up meeting on Jan 10 activists, and others a chance to spend a weekend sharing skills, (Prairie du Sac, Wis.). Fearless Farm Finances: • Workshop details, handouts, making connections, and learning. http://centerfordeepecology.org Farm Financial Management Demystified. This three- exhibit info and more on your phone! day course will help you develop a comfort and understanding of Sept. 21, FarmAid, Saratoga Springs, NY. Willie Nelson, Neil the basics of farm financial management. Participants will receive Available Nov. 25. Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews headline a concert a copy of the popular MOSES book Fearless Farm Finances. to bring together musicians, farmers and fans for one mission: Choose the date and location best for you. Offered by MOSES, keeping family farmers on their land. www.farmaid.org Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, University of Wis. Extension and Badgerland Financial. More at www.mosesorganic.org/ Win a FREE registration Sept. 21, Healthy Soil, Multi-Species Grazing farmfinances.html or 715-778-5775. and hotel room! and Effective Water Systems, Traunik, Mich. Holistic Management International invites you to see how fellow Feb. 27- March 1, 2014, MOSES 25th Anniversary Michigander land managers are positively impacting pasture Organic Farming Conference, La Crosse, Wis. Enter one of our productivity and soil health through multi-species grazing. http:// Registration opens Nov. 25! Learn more at www.mosesorganic.org. 25th anniversary contests. holisticmanagement.org See our website for details.

Dig in! Go in-depth with an all-day course. 2014 Topics: Diverse Weed Control Strategies Advanced High Tunnels including Vermicomposting Transitioning New Ground to Organic Production

Brambles and Berries

Basic Soil Science

Raising Healthy Calves and Dairy Replacements

Growing Profits on the Organic Vegetable Farm Organic Hog Production Restoration Agriculture

Fearless Farm Finances

24 Organic Broadcaster • September - October 2013