harvested the following July. the During fallow rotation, winter wheat is planted October in and ing moisture out of the ground. awheat/fallow In land is tilled 6-7 times keep to weeds from pull fallow period, no crop for is grown ayear, and the developed as amethod of moisture retention. a In of the 1930s. coupled with severe drought, led the to Dust Bowl continuous wheat production and overgrazing, the time was follows “rain the plow.” Decades of A popular phrase among estate real agents at misunderstanding of the ecology of the area. unusuallyan wet period, which led acomplete to the Great the in Plains late were 1800s met with larly organic farmers. The first pioneersto settle presents unique challenges farmers, to particu Farming Dryland of Challenges preservation, practiced are throughout the region. niques, the focus primary of which is moisture is upwards of inches. 30 Dryland tech farming the average for annual rainfall most of Wisconsin age is 14-15 annual rainfall inches. By contrast, isfarm located asemiarid in climate, where aver many of whom no longer live the in area. The they own; the rest they rent from other landowners, Colorado. About one-third of that acreage is land andFrancis, Kansas, just across the border in developing the farm’s website and business plan. husband, Geiler, have been also instrumental in offers support. Tim’s daughter, Jessica, and her farm’s accounting, and Michael’s wife, Ashley, also ate the farm. Tim’s wife, Robyn, manages the generations. four hasfarm been passed down from father son to for put down roots Northwest in The family Kansas. 1885.in Gottlieb Sr., Tim’s great-grandfather, Sr. emigrated from Russia the to United States then considered adeath sentence, Gottleib Raile Russia about in To 1800. escape service, military the 16th 19th to centuries, moving Odessa, to farmers. The were Railes German farmers from By Bailey Webster organic to acres of thousands transitions gradually farmer Kansas Volume 25 3 |Number As aresult,As the practice of fallowing was The lack of precipitation semiarid in regions and MichaelTim operate acres St. in 8,500 Today, and Raile son, his Tim Michael, oper comes Raile Tim from along line of innovative NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Eau Claire, WI PERMIT # 203

PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767 7 schedule Field day - - - -

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Organic production shortfall in U.S. encourages creates imports, risk Midwest Organic Sustainable & Education Service times, which not only prevents erosion but also into thedrilled residue. The soil is covered at all is killed with herbicide an and the next crop is degrees. tillage varying to no-till; most farmers use aversion of minimum- thein Few early farmers 2000s. completely are methodfarming the in mid-90s, traction gaining War No-till began II. emerge to as amainstream with the advent of chemical herbicides World after address erosion issues, and began traction gain to concept of no-till was developed the in to 1940s water erosion issues still are with fallowing. The significantly since theDustBowl days,wind and problems erosion decreased has soil moisture the in preservation of Although the year at atime. soil is bare for a lowing is that the fal of drawback the fallow period. thein soil during the moisture kept from benefitting plantedbe again, can wheat winter residue is left and By October, little mer as needed. through the sum thein spring, and and then again September, and is tilled August in rotation, the land year, land used for organic production has only were transition in organic to cropland during that estimated also NASS that nearly acres 142,000 of total acres dedicated crops to the in U.S. While acres of organic cropland 2015, in just 0.7 percent Statistics there were (NASS), Service 2.4 million industry the in very near future. ketplace today, it may also create risk for the organic and marketers have been steadily increasing increasing as well. Instead, U.S. food processors expect that U.S. organic production farm would be among the generation, millennial one would interest organic in foods by shoppers, particularly last year. eclipsed Whole Foods the in sale of organic foods and Costco, which according industry to analysts, every major U.S. retail including chain, Walmart of acquired brands. You find can organic in foods Pepsi, players all are the in market through scores General Kellogg’s, Mills, Danone, Coca-Cola, and consumer packaged goods companies, such as the Organic Trade Association. The world’s largest percent 2015 in reach to billion, $43.3 according to food with retailing sales increasing by over 10 By Peter Golbitz In ano-tillIn system, the previous season’s crop obvious An According the to USDA National Agricultural With of this dynamic all and growth increasing The organic food sector is abright U.S. star in imports 10 for CSAs Innovations - . While this may. While benefit the mar - systematically switching to organic over the next five to six years. over to organic switching next the systematically that they are acres 8,500 operate Railes The production. to transitioning is organic family the (right), over Raile fields the Michael’s of Tim and look one son Michael, his son, - 13 model co-op Grower

equivalent about to acres 607,000 of production, yields for these organic crops the in U.S., this is bined value of $411 million. Based on the average and 21.7 million bushels of feed corn with acom U.S. imported 13.8 million bushels of soybeans, producer of both soybeans and corn. 2016, In the shocking given that the U.S. is the world’s largest cent per year. The volume for these two is grains while imports of feed corn have 63.6 per grown atgrown average an rate of 29.1 percent per year Livestock for Growing Demand Feed –soybeans and feed corn. import list that weren’t there just afew years ago fruits, two products the in are top 10 organic mangoes, and avocados, or even fresh seasonal tropical or exotic products such as coffee, bananas, billion 2016. in per year since million 2012, $1.67 from to $496.3 of organic products have at grown over percent 35 through the USDA FAS GATS database, imports the U.S. Commerce Department and reported bygrown about 1percent annually since 2008. FarmsRaile organic—until to now. financial hurdles have keptfrom Tim transitioning national organic standards coupled with prohibitive by organic farming. Alack of understanding of farming, adding that he has always been intrigued family’s long history of curiosity and innovation in cultural practices.” He speaks with pride of his is concerned with the ecological impact of agri who “views agricultural areas as ecosystems and From No-Till Organic to water infiltrationinto the soil. prevents evaporation and of increases rainfall Since 2012, imports of organic soybeans have it mayWhile make complete sense import to Conversely, according statistics to tracked by considersTim himself agroecologist—one an

To To Thousands of Acres Acres of Thousands

To To Import Risks Risks Import May |June 2017 14 issuesGMO Hawaii’s Photo submitted Photo on page 6 page on on page 8 page on

- - - From the Executive Director TM We all want to see more acres of U.S. farmland in organic production. For the good of organic agriculture, we need this growth Volume 25, #3 May | June 2017 now more than ever. By now you’ve heard of the Washington Post report on the two shiploads of grain from Turkey that were falsely labeled as organic. Given the rapid increase in volume of “organic” Executive Director John Mesko grain coming from Turkey in recent months, one is left wondering if Editor Audrey Alwell there have been other suspect shipments which have gone undetected. Advertising Coordinator Eric Hatling MOSES is playing a key role in addressing this issue, but we have more to do. At the recent MOSES Organic Farming Conference, we hosted a session with our partners at OFARM focusing on this very issue. About 200 grain farmers from around the country had an opportunity to hear about the issues related to the integrity of imported grain labeled as organic, as well as learn how the USDA is ensuring what is The Organic BroadcasterTM is a bimonthly labeled as USDA Certified Organic actually is. newspaper published by the Midwest Organic Also at the 2017 MOSES Conference, we had a significant number of large-scale grain producers attend and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), a nonprofit that provides education, resources and learn about the organic systems approach to grain production. These producers are coming from and practical advice to farmers. throughout the Corn Belt and as far away as California to gain information about organic production and certification, and to gain contacts with buyers, suppliers, and other grain farmers. Opinions expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. MOSES is also a key sponsor of the Organic and Non-GMO Forum this November in St. Louis, Mo., Inclusion of an advertisement does not imply where organic producers, as well as companies in the organic food supply chain will gather to learn endorsement of a product. We reserve the right about ways to rapidly increase the number of certified organic acres in production, particularly grain to refuse inappropriate advertising. production. © 2017 MOSES But there is more to do. We welcome a more stringent accounting of certified organic imports from other countries, and applaud the efforts to uncover any wrongdoing. A strong organic label is critical to Content may be reprinted with permission. success in our sector. Along with upholding the standards, we must simultaneously see a rapid increase Contact [email protected]. in the volume of organic grain produced in the U.S. Without the ability to meet domestic demand for Display Advertising: organic grain with domestic production, the organic community is left trying to answer the inevitable [email protected] or 715-778-5775 question from the food industry, “If the U.S. cannot supply the grain we need, and the imports are questionable in their adherence to the National Organic Program standard, why don’t we lower the Content Submissions or Inquiries: [email protected] standards?” That is an outcome we do not want to see. It’s simply not enough to say to the world, “We need strong NOP Free Subscription: standards.” We must meet the demand for the product we’ve created. MOSES will continue to do all we can to mosesorganic.org/sign-up or 715-778-5775 support an increase in domestic organic grain production, through education, outreach, and networking.

MOSES is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit qualified to ~ John Mesko, MOSES Executive Director receive tax-deductible donations. Please support our programs and this MOSES Staff: Board of Directors: FREE publication with a donation: David Abazs, Treasurer MOSES, P.O. Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767 John Mesko, Executive Director | [email protected] Round River Farm, Minn. Online: mosesorganic.org/donate Audrey Alwell, Communications Director | [email protected] Mike Bollinger | River Root Farm, Iowa Harriet Behar, Senior Organic & Policy Specialist | [email protected] Sylvia Burgos Toftness, President Bull Brook Keep, Wis. Sarah Broadfoot, Data & Registration Coor. | [email protected] MOSES educates, inspires, Dave Campbell, Secretary Eric Hatling, Broadcaster Ad Coordinator | [email protected] Lily Lake Organic Farm, Ill. and empowers farmers to thrive in a Lisa Kivirist, Rural Women’s Project Coor. | [email protected] sustainable, organic system of agriculture. Dela Ends | Scotch Hill Farm, Wis. Lauren Langworthy, Project Director | [email protected] Carmen Fernholz | A-Frame Farm, Minn. Tom Manley, Account Service Coordinator | [email protected] Melinda Hemmelgarn | Food Sleuth, Mo. Jennifer Nelson, Organic Specialist | [email protected] David Perkins | Vermont Valley Farm, Wis. Cathy Olyphant, Donation Coordinator | [email protected] Molly Rockamann | EarthDance, Mo. Jody Padgham, Financial Director | [email protected] Darin Von Ruden | Von Ruden Family Farm, Wis. Bailey Webster, Events Coordinator | [email protected] Carla Wright, Vice President Savanna Hill Farm, Wis.

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Organic label means more than just farming with approved inputs By Harriet Behar Many of the most contentious issues in organic organic regulation, hope to see this implemented can be tracked to how farmers, processors, regula- with no changes. The National Organic Program tors, and consumers view agricultural produc- INSIDE ORGANICS did an excellent job of thoughtfully incorporating tion and its impact. Viewing organic mostly by suggestions and meeting the vast majority of the inputs used versus overall method of production concerns in the proposed rule. results in two different definitions of organic Join the discussion: Feeding organic animals organic feed but integrity. Inputs might define what is allowed or mosesorganic.org/policywork/ keeping them confined is not an organic system. not, but the system distinguishes organic from inside-organics-blog Outdoor access, pasture and more are what dis- non-organic. tinguishes organic from many non-organic opera- Focusing on materials might be easier for tions. Farmers have learned that animal welfare people to understand, but the activities that work is an important tool to disease prevention as well in concert with our ecosystems are what make these intensively managed systems, most impor- as lowering many types of problems. Consumers organic a resilient and regenerative practice. The tantly stewardship of the soil. In addition, these expect “happy” animals on organic farms—it integrity of the organic label is based upon farm- systems rely heavily on petroleum-based plastics should be very obvious when they drive by farms ers following specific standards and production for their troughs, fertility lines, and other struc- which ones are not organic. methods—the organic regulation. It is important tures. Water pumps, lights and other environmen- I have seen numerous consumer surveys that the organic label maintains its full meaning tal controls to replace sunlight and rain require where they state by a great majority that the in the marketplace to keep trust in our “brand.” electricity, creating a significant carbon footprint main reason they purchase organic products is to As organic continues to grow, there is a push for these operations. avoid toxic pesticides. This is a good reason, but to reduce the perception of organic to just the It is true that hydroponic water use is much typically these surveys do not ask anything about materials being used, and lessen the importance lower than in a field operation. However, water is the environmental benefits of organic, and buyer of the organic management system. Two areas in never really lost on our farms—it soaks into the expectations. To assume that consumers are the organic community where this is happening ground or evaporates into the air where it contrib- focused solely on their own self-interest, health currently are hydroponics and outdoor/pasture utes to the important cycling of water around our and safety is not the full story. There are many access for various species of livestock. As we planet. areas where consumers make environmentally discuss these topics, I think it’s important to look I understand there are aspects of hydroponic focused choices such as purchasing recycled paper again at what our organic regulation states—the that can be useful in providing local food to inner and plastic products, electric hybrid cars, buying definition of organic production does not even cities, or providing aspiring farmers a fairly easy into renewable energy options with their utility mention inputs. business model to jump into food production. company, even concern over littering along our Organic production. A production system streets and highways. that is managed in accordance with the Act and A survey could ask consumers if they prefer regulations in this part to respond to site-specific Inputs might define what is allowed food grown where the soil, water, wildlife and bio- conditions by integrating cultural, biological, diversity were maintained, improved, or degraded. and mechanical practices that foster cycling of or not, but the system distinguishes How do you think they would answer? If a survey resources, promote ecological balance, and con- organic from non-organic. asked if food buyers believe that organic farms serve biodiversity. protect these natural resources and actually offer Organic certification of hydroponic operations a way to take a degraded ecosystem and bring it is based solely on the substitution of non-approved However, does this truly meet the letter of the back to health, how would they answer? It is true liquid fertility inputs for ones that would be organic law? How about the expectations of con- that the use of materials that negatively affect our allowed under our law. The rest of the Organic sumers that organic improves the environment for environment would be in their thoughts as they System Plan is ignored. There is no crop rotation, now and into the future? To date, I have not been answer this question, but they would also have and no maintenance or improvement of biodiver- convinced the hydroponic systems I have seen thoughts of livestock being outdoors, cows graz- sity or promotion of ecological balance. Where are embody ecosystem stewardship as expected or ing in the sunshine on lush pastures and crops the homes for migrating pollinators or birds on required by our rule and the marketplace. growing on fertile soils on biodiverse farms that these greenhouse or warehouse operations? How Currently, the “animal welfare” final rule is in provide pollinator habitat and more. are these operations improving the soil? regulatory review. The many farmers, consum- Non-organic farmers and others in agriculture All of the management systems that distin- ers, agricultural professionals and others who also view organic versus non-organic mostly guish organic from non-organic are absent from were the majority in wanting this to be part of To Inside Organics on page 12 High Production Organic Agriculture™

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“What should I know about taking soil samples and To take soil samples, walk your fields in a zig- testing my soil?” zag or wide “W” pattern, taking 6-10 samples at a minimum, depending on the size of the field. You Answer by Harriet Behar will then mix these together in a bag and take a Taking soil samples and testing is a good idea smaller amount of this composite sample to send to every few years to track if your soil fertility pro- the lab. Use a soil probe or a trowel to dig about 4-8 gram is moving in the right direction. These tests inches deep. Try to avoid putting vegetation into are one way to prove to your organic certifier that the bag. Send if off to the lab in a timely manner. inputs, such as micronutrients, are necessary. Depending on your field(s), you may need to While numerous testing laboratories are take numerous samples. If the soil type changes available, give some thought to how you will use in the field—more clay on one end, sandy on the MOSES Organic Specialists answer your questions these tests and what your soil fertility program other—send in two samples so you can understand about organic production and certification. will require. If you are planning on using the test what is going on in these different areas. Also, results to justify a government-approved Nutrient make sure you have composite field samples for Management Plan, make sure you use a lab that is each of the fields that are growing different crops, CALL: Organic Answer Line approved. Tests from an “unapproved” lab cannot so you can plan for your yield goals based on the 888-551-4769 or 715-778-5775 be part of an NMP. needs of the crop and what the soil currently offers. It is worth the extra dollars to go beyond testing SUBMIT: Click “Ask a Specialist” button Soil testing can be a good tool in helping you plan only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK). your crop rotations for both building soil health as at mosesorganic.org/ask. Get a full analysis, including Cation Exchange well as crop yields. READ: Browse answers to questions Capacity (CEC), which gives you an idea of the Lastly, start a file for your soil tests so you at mosesorganic.org/ask. nutrient transfer capability of the soil to your don’t lose this information and can track, over plants. Organic matter (OM) helps you track if you time, the effectiveness of the soil amendments DOWNLOAD: Organic Fact Sheets at are building soil structure and nutrient-holding you might purchase and apply. Do not take your mosesorganic.org/publications/ capacity. All of the micronutrients plus pH are soil samples right after applying minerals or organic-fact-sheets. important to help you understand imbalances that manure—the test would not give you a true can result in certain type of weed or pest problems, picture of your soil composition. as well as depriving your crops of some nutrients.

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Certified organic farmer reacts to criticism of organic standards Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the Organic Broad- the viability of their farms. How many of those sales of about $5 million, and yet it sells only caster by Tom Frantzen. He and his wife, Irene, were the farms could survive without a certified organic 5 market hogs a month in its specialty meat 2009 MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year. market? department. There are not enough people in this Our organic farm, like the National Organic geographic area to support even one small niche In the past few months I have read articles Program, is far from perfect. My job as a farmer pork farm! written by Joel Salatin where he condemns is to care for the land while I make a living off of I mentioned this dilemma to Salatin when he organic certification standards. I am a certi- those acres. Recycling of nutrients is at the heart spoke at a farm gathering in Iowa in 2013. He fied organic farmer and want to defend those of any ecological system. replied, “I am sure glad that I do not live there.” standards in light of this harsh review by Mr. Salatin preaches ecology while he purchases We do live in a low-density population area, Salatin. chemically grown grains and proteins for feed and thus we do not have that heavily populated I have farmed for 43 years. Our 320-acre Iowa for his stock, and then those nutrients from his geographic area that drives the success of his farm produces certified organic beef and pork livestock’s manure are deposited on his acres. farm. We do some direct marketing, but the vast as well as grains. Our entire certification cost is To my awareness, he tills no soil and grows none majority of what we produce is sold through about $2,500 a year; we have done that process of the grains that he feeds. In my opinion, if he Organic Valley/Organic Prairie Co-ops pro- since 1995. We have been inspected annually, wants ecology, he can either collect that manure gram—we would not be farming without that and remain in compliance with the USDA and haul it back to the land where the grain cooperative. National Organic Program. Over the years, we came from or stop feeding grains and proteins Can you imagine direct marketing the dairy have had some significant certification issues to his stock. He does not feed grains to his cattle products from a 100-cow dairy herd in Howard with our farm’s organic compliance, but those but I would like to see what would happen to County, Iowa with a population of 9,527 people? have always been resolved. either his poultry or his pork operation with no That county hosted a total population of 12,800 Is this a perfect USDA-supervised program? grains or proteins fed. in 1960. By all means no, but it is an example of democ- On our farm, we keep our growing hogs in It is easy to look at a program and to focus racy and, with that, carries all the faults of deep-bedded hoop sheds with a concrete outdoor your comments on the part you find unsuitable. democratic process. area. I am opposed to pasturing my growing But you need to ask yourself just what part of Salatin’s editorial in the April 2017 issue of market hogs. On that pasture they will put their that deficiency is due to your lack of involvement. the Stockman Grass Farmer details his very dung and urine where they want to and not Then you can ask yourself how your operation limited involvement in organic certification. where it really belongs. We feed out pigs year would be affected if you were a part of that pro- Salatin states, “Certification is simply a bureau- round and it is actually impossible to have those gram. Could you meet those same standards that cratic solution to helplessness.” The Organic animals spread their own manure in a uniform you are criticizing? Valley Co-op model of cooperative marketing fashion across the landscape. We try to retain If you still choose not to be a part of some- under the USDA Organic label is anything but a all of the nutrients from the manure and apply thing, that is your decision but then ask yourself bureaucratic response to helplessness. I have had them to the land where the crops came from. Is about other people who may have little choice 22 years of experience with the Organic this practice perfect? No, but it is recycling. Our due to where they happen to farm. They are Standards and the National Organic Program, brood sow herd is pastured when that is possible. not helpless farmers looking for a bureaucratic and I support that initiative. Salatin is by far the most influential direct solution. We need a certified organic program, Salatin’s comments appear to be limited to marketer I know of. He is behind a true and and we need to remain involved in keeping the slaughter stock. Does he see no value in organic significant revolution in how farms can operate. standards meaningful. Salatin would serve his certification of slaughter livestock on any farm? However, that direct marketing concept does not readers better if he would address the geographic What does he have to say about dairy or fruits apply universally to all farms. population problems that many niche farmers and vegetables? Does he think those certification In Iowa, we have 99 counties and only about 5 face. programs have a place? of those have a population that is growing. Our In closing, I would like to add a piece of advice The Organic Valley Dairy program is a county has lost 20 percent of its population since from a local retired farmer. “Keep your words nationwide example of successful application of 1960. This creates a difficult situation to try to soft and sweet for you will never know which the existing organic program. Those standards make your living off of farm direct sales. ones you will have to eat!” have faced challenges, and have been revised to Another example of the effects of a declining ensure the integrity of that label. There are over population is in the number of market hogs sold Tom Frantzen, Frantzen Farm 2,000 dairy farmers in the Organic Valley pro- on a monthly basis by the second largest health New Hampton, Iowa gram who depend on that USDA label to ensure food grocery store in Iowa. This store has annual

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Thousands of Acres — from page 1

Since joining his father on the farm in 1980, especially for bred aggressively for yield. It is also a tall variety Tim had been growing a corn/winter wheat/fallow such a large of wheat, and lodging makes harvest difficult. rotation in a conventional no-till system. Although farm. Tim was Modern wheat has been bred to be a dwarf vari- no-till solves many of the problems brought about originally told ety, eliminating that problem. Weed control is an by continuous wheat farming leading up to the that he could issue in ancient grains due to lack of uniformity. Dust Bowl, it is hugely dependent on chemical get a transi- Additionally, harvest requires an extra operation herbicides to kill the weeds before drilling in the tional price pre- – Einkorn has a hull that is not removed in the next crop. Frustrated by the problems inherent mium of $6-$8/ threshing process, and so must be put through a in a no-till system, and finding the farm to be bushel, which de-huller. It is difficult to source seed for ancient in a financial position to do so, Tim has begun would have sig- grains, particularly in quantity. They are often the process of transitioning his land to certified nificantly eased only available in very small amounts from seed organic production. that economic banks, and so it takes several seasons just to build Reflecting on his decision to transition the burden during up a seed stock. farm to organic, Tim recalled a “perfect storm” his farm’s tran- In spite of the challenges, Tim remains com- of circumstances that tipped the scale. Seeking sition period. Tim and Robyn Raile are proud of mitted to experimenting with ancient grains. This their farm’s heritage and its new education on organic practices, he learned about Since begin- year he trialed spelt, and will keep the harvest organic production system. NOP standards, realizing that there are more ning to farm as seed stock for next year. He is also interested inputs available to organic farmers than he had in the 1980s, in trialing farro and kamut, other ancient wheat previously thought. Herbicide-resistant weeds Tim has increased the diversity of his rotation varieties. He is also interested in developing were becoming an increasing problem in his con- significantly. Instead of the original corn/wheat/ mainstream markets for his ancient grains. ventional no-till system. fallow rotation, he has incorporated a wheat/corn/ Most importantly, his son’s young family joined sunflower/milo (grain sorghum)/fallow rotation Influencing Others the farming operation, causing Tim to seriously into his no-till system. Transitioning to organic Tim calls the landowners he rents from “land question the safety of the chemicals he was will mean returning to a simpler wheat/fallow partners,” and plans to use the success of transi- handling for his two grandsons, Cole and Brooks. rotation, but Tim is already experimenting with tioning his own land to organic to “work with and “In 2015, it became apparent no-till farming was the introduction of yellow peas into that rotation. encourage our land partners to do the same.” He not a sustainable practice on our farm,” he said. Yellow peas are a dual-purpose food/cover crop explained his personal farming philosophy this “I was talking to my chemical rep more than my that is growing in popularity in semiarid regions. way: “If you are not moving forward and making wife! It was time to become an agroecologist.” Most cover crops are challenging in a semiarid changes in your farming operation, you are mov- climate because of their water requirements, and ing backwards; there is no neutral in farming. We Transitioning Nitty-Gritty yellow peas have required some seed adaptation farm by our motto, ‘Challenging the Conventional Because of the enormity of the task, Tim and to be used in such regions. – Seeking New Ideas in the Pursuit of Better.’” Michael will be transitioning the farm to organic Tim has had mixed reactions from neighbors systematically over the next five to six years. This Ancient Grains to his decision to transition to organic. Most are July they will harvest their first acres of certi- Both Tim and his wife, Robyn, have experi- indifferent, some have shown curiosity, and a few fied organic wheat. A little over a third of their enced inflammation-related health issues. Instead have had negative responses. His voice is optimis- acreage now is certified transitional, which is not of looking to medication, they have chosen to tic as he explains that the reaction depends on translating into the price premium Tim was hop- address these issues with nutrition. Robyn dis- the personality of the person, their tendency to ing for. covered that gluten causes an arthritic reaction think progressively or regressively, and whether “That has been the biggest disappointment in her joints. As a result, the couple has converted they feel threatened by organics. He is quick to about this process,” he said. He had been work- to a mostly gluten-free diet. Tim acknowledges say that most of his neighbors are very careful ing with a broker at a large mill in Colorado to that sounds a little strange, “coming from a wheat about chemical drift near his fields. It is clear that secure a transitional price for his crop, but gave farmer.” Their personal experimentation with he will be a patient and quiet role model to other up on that after several phone calls to the mill nutrition has led Tim to an interest in cultivating farmers in his area. went unreturned. The lack of a liquid market for ancient grains, i.e., grains that have not been sub- transitional crops makes it nearly impossible to jected to the rigors of modern selective breeding. Promise of Organic secure a higher price for crops during the already Einkorn is the original cultivated wheat vari- Tim is enthusiastic about the transition he’s vulnerable transition period. If the deal had gone ety, dating to ca. 8500 BC. It contains a different making to organic production. “What excites me through, “I could have transitioned to organic in form of gluten than modern wheat varieties, most about organic agriculture is the prospect of half the time,” he added. which is easier to digest for many gluten-sensitive growing clean, healthy, high quality crops natu- Currently, conventional wheat sells for about individuals. It also contains nearly twice as much rally, instead of growing crops strictly for yield as $3/bushel, whereas organic wheat goes for protein as modern wheat. Robyn has experi- in the past,” he explained. He is proud to be the approximately $12/bushel. The organic price mented with Einkorn flour in baked goods, and fourth generation on his family’s farm, and hopes premium for wheat is consistently three to four has not had the same negative reaction that she that one or more of his three grandchildren may times higher than the price for conventional has had to regular flour. Intrigued, Tim was able come to be the sixth generation to carry on the wheat. During the 3-year transition period, there to track down some Einkorn seeds, and will be family tradition. is often a decrease in yield as the farmer learns trialing them this year. a new system of farming and controlling weeds. There are a number of challenges unique Bailey Webster is the Events Coordinator for MOSES, As a result, the transition period before becom- to ancient grains. For example, Einkorn yields and an organic vegetable farmer. ing certified organic can cause economic stress, much less than modern wheat, as it has not been mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 7

Sign up to attend field day to gain farming insights MOSES Organic Field Days give you the Learn about imaginative crop rotations, manag- chance to see firsthand how other farmers tackle ing a parallel operation (conventional/organic), issues on their farms. strip tilling, navigating the organic transition process, farm transfer to the next generation, Register or see more details and driving directions at cultivation and fertility practices, and on-farm mosesorganic.org/organic-field-days. research.

Small Grains and Pork Production Opportunities in Organic Farming June 29 | TBD | Free | Frantzen Farm | New Hampton, Iowa September 8 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Free |PrairiErth Farm | Tom and Irene Frantzen have a 320-acre Atlanta, Ill. organic farm with row crops and forages, plus The MOSES Organic Farmers of the Year, the brood sows and a beef herd. They’ll talk about Bishops, showcase their diverse livestock, crop, growing hybrid rye and kernza, and pelleting and vegetable operations, sharing their organic small grains for hog feeding trials. explain their organic systems, which protect not management practices and reasons for choos- only local watersheds, but also Gulf Coast fisheries ing them, and highlight the on-farm research In Her Boots: Grass-Fed Beef & Dairy at the other end of the country. They will talk they’re doing. Additional presentations focus on July 12 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $50 | Brattsett Family Farm | about large-scale small grain production, process- legislative initiatives relevant to farmers, plus Jefferson, Wis. ing, and marketing, and explain how they design opportunities with universities, lending institu- Farmer and grazing instructor Kirsten Jurcek crop rotations to market their whole rotation. They tions, and more to encourage farmers to transition offers a behind-the-scenes tour of her successful will also touch on crop storage, growing organic to organic. beef and dairy grazing operation. Learn about seed corn, mentorship models, and farm transfer. rotational grazing, and how to establish a con- Organic Vegetable Production servation easement, CRP-funded prairie, and OGRAIN: Artisanal Grain Production September 16 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Free | Open Hands silviculture plantings of fruit and nut trees, plus July 24 | 1 – 4:30 p.m. | Free | Hazzard Free Farm | Farm | Northfield, Minn. beekeeping and warm-season pasture research. Pecatonia, Ill. Farmers Ben Doherty and Erin Johnson, and Bonus: Youth Day Camp for kids 6 & older Farmer Andrea Hazzard covers everything Annalisa Hultberg, U of M Extension Food Safety from seed selection and planting to harvesting, Educator, discuss food safety in organic vegetable Pasture for Grass-Fed Pork and Beef drying and cleaning of corn and small grains production in the field and packing shed. Also July 17 | 1 – 4:30 p.m. | Free |Golden Bear Farm | Kiel, Wis. for specialty markets. Ellen King, co-owner and learn about weed management tools and growing/ Steve and Marie Diebele raise pastured artisan baker of Hewn Bread in Chicago, shares storing/marketing winter root crops. Berkshire hogs and grass-fed beef. Together with insights from the buyer’s perspective. agronomist Eric Anderson, they’ll talk about Soil Fertility in Organic Grain Production pasture renovation and soil improvement in an In Her Boots: Realize Your Farming Dream August 30 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Free | Oak Ridge Farms | organic system. Learn from their experience how August 4 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $50 | Circle M Market Farm | Pendleton, Ind. to manage a mix of perennial pasture and annual Blanchardville, Wis. John Paul Franks has been gradually transi- cover crops to meet the nutritional needs of pigs The Wisconsin Soil Sisters, an innovative tioning his 140-acre grain farm to organic produc- and cattle. network of local women who farm, share their tion since 2010, certifying his first acreage in seasoned perspectives to answer your questions 2013. He shares the hows and whys of his farm’s Give Peas a Chance and help you gather resources for your farm transition, focusing on managing risk during the July 18 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Free | NDSU Carrington Research launch. This event is offered in conjunction with switch. He and John Martin, a longtime organic Extension Center | Carrington, ND the annual Soil Sisters weekend of farm tours, farmer from Williamsburg, also cover soil health Learn about field pea and oat varieties well workshops, and culinary events. and maximizing available organic nitrogen suited to organic rotations by touring the univer- sources. Martin has been managing his soil fertil- sity’s test plots with researcher Steve Zwinger and In Her Boots: Field to Plate Perennial Fruit ity organically for over 30 years, and routinely oat plant breeder Mike McMullen, along with Tom August 9 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $50 | Blue Fruit Farm | Winona, grows 200-bushel organic corn. Rabaey and other reps from General Mills, and Minn. Fred Kirschenmann and Dan Barber of Stone Experience organic berry growing at peak Barns Center. They’ll discuss breeding, production harvest time. Farmers Joyce Ford and her hus- management, forage, marketing, and use. After band, Jim Riddle, raise a variety of “blue” berries lunch (included), there will be a soil health work- and plums for wholesale and direct-from-the-farm shop with a number of experts, including univer- markets. Learn what it takes to nurture these sity researchers, farmers, and NRCS staff. fruits from field to plate. Register on-site. Movable and Fixed Fencing for Livestock OGRAIN: Diversified Organic Rotations August 17 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | $15 | Hoch Orchard & 3 Days • 5 Unique Components • 20+ Farms July 21 | 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Free | Bickford Organics and Gardens | La Crescent, Minn. Create Your Own Farm and Culinary Adventure Meadowlark Farm | Ridgeway, Wis. Harry and Jackie Hoch are in the midst of Tour of Farms Sunday, August 6 Farmers Paul Bickford and John Wepking a three-year demonstration grant trialing live- Visit numerous women-owned farms in the stock fencing to maintain pastured pigs in their Monroe and Brodhead areas. Free. orchards. Learn initial results, and get expert Green Acres Workshops advice on a variety of fencing systems, including Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6 Make cheese, ferment the harvest, be a farmer movable, energized systems as well as permanent for a day and much more! Ticketed events. woven wire fencing. Taste of Place Friday, August 4 In Her Boots: Market Farming in Suburbs A local food & drink celebration at Cow & Quince August 24 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $50 | Radical Root Organic in New Glarus. Ticketed event.

MADISON Farm | Libertyville, Ill. Farm to Table Dinner SOIL SISTERS Farmer Alison Parker and her husband, Alex Saturday, August 5 Farm-to-table dinner at Dorothy's Range in Blanchardville Needham, raise diversified vegetables for a CSA, featuring heritage meats. Ticketed event. farmers market and farm stand on a 10-acre cer- Dine Fine at Restaurants tified organic farm. Learn how Alison creatively Friday, August 4 to Sunday, August 6 connects resources and learning opportunities Sample “locavore” specials throughout the weekend. to access the education and land the operation

needs to grow into a successful farm business in a August 4-6, 2017 www.soilsisterswi.org unique urban/suburban setting.

OGRAIN: Adding Organic to Large-Scale Farms August 24 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Free | Wallendal Supply | Grand Marsh, Wis. The Wallendal family manages 3,200 acres of diversified crops, and is in the process of tran- sitioning around a third to organic production. 8 | May | June 2017

Import Risks — from page 1 or more than twice the estimated 262,000 acres Mercaris, which provides online auction and of organic soy and corn grown in the U.S. in 2015. informational services for the non-GMO and If current consumption trends continue, the U.S. organic market, has been tracking price trends for may need to import 17 million bushels of soybeans over five years. and 25 million bushels of corn in 2017, equivalent “We show that the average delivered price for to nearly 750,000 acres of domestic production at organic corn in 2016 was $8.60 per bushel for current organic yields. domestic versus $8.35 for imported, although the The primary driver for this demand has been actual range is more dramatic,” James said. “In double-digit growth in organic poultry production 2015, the average price was $12.39 for the whole as well as a need for other organic livestock feed year, but it started at $13.50 and then finished at for dairy and beef cows. Over the past few years $10.50 likely due to the increased imports. as consumers have become increasingly concerned “Soybeans follow the same trend as corn,” about hormones and antibiotics used in large-scale she added. “From $27 a bushel for domestic and animal production along with animal welfare, the $24.90 for imports in 2015, to $19.53 domestic largest poultry processors in the U.S. have made compared to $18.12 for imports in 2016.” significant investments to expand the market for organic poultry products. With companies such as Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride committed to growing this market and meeting consumer demand, the need for organic soybeans also shared that there were concerns focused on and corn for feed will continue to grow sharply. imports of organic corn coming from Eastern Europe, and in particular Turkey, as the country’s Issues with Imports exports appeared to exceed their reported produc- On the face of it, it is difficult to fault the tion. Turkey was the leading exporter of organic organic poultry and livestock industry and those soybeans and corn into the United States in 2016. importing and processing the grain into feed for NOP conducted an audit in Ukraine in 2016 taking advantage of the imports’ lower prices as and currently has an audit in progress in Turkey. they source supplies—the supply just doesn’t exist One of the findings was that many different in the U.S. However, if one looks more closely countries supply organic corn through Turkey, at the countries where this production is taking including Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, and place and the potential for fraud in the supply Romania, and that multiple certifiers are involved chain, increasing reliance on foreign sources of in the process. In late 2015, NOP issued a Notice soybeans and corn may be putting importers and of Proposed Suspension to one of the certifiers processors, as well as the greater U.S. organic involved, ETKO, and in mid-2016 reached a industry, at risk. settlement agreement requiring ETKO to take News articles are regularly published in the specific corrective and preventive action to bring mainstream press that question the value of it into full compliance with NOP regulations. Missing Opportunity organic production, both nutritionally and as The EU and Canada have suspended ETKO’s The short-term benefit of lower imported grain a farming method that can meet the needs of accreditation. prices may come at a greater cost to the industry our growing world. If fraud is uncovered in the later if widespread fraud is reported and imports imports and widely reported, it would likely Price Pressure are interrupted. This could result in a significant bolster the positions of those questioning the Importers of soybeans and corn have been shortfall of supply to a growing market that has value and integrity of the National Organic fortunate so far to find what appears to be an no domestic backup. In addition, and perhaps more Program (NOP) as well as USDA’s oversight of endless supply of raw materials, and at a price importantly, buyers of imported grain are missing the program. that puts pressure on U.S. producers. an opportunity to positively impact U.S. organic During a meeting held at the MOSES Organic According to Kellee James, founder and CEO production and further build out a sustainable Farming Conference this past February, Miles of Mercaris, even with this rapidly increasing domestic supply chain on which they can depend McEvoy, head of the NOP, stated that ensuring need for organic feed, “foreign prices for corn have for future growth. the integrity of USDA organic products through- essentially put a cap on upward price movement out the world is the NOP’s central mission. He for domestic corn.” To Import Risks on page 16

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Research compares fatty acids, meat of dairy steers grazing two cover crop systems By Hannah Phillips and Brad Heins Editor’s note: This research poster took first place at the Viking Red (NJV). Dairy steers grazed either recent Organic Research Forum at the MOSES Organic winter wheat (WW) or winter rye (WR) cover Farming Conference. crops that had been planted in September 2015 on two adjacent 10 acre plots. In April 2016, each It is well established that winter cover crops, breed group was randomly assigned to either cover when used in rotation with other crops, improve crop and grazed rotationally until June 2016 with soil health. Cover crops are commonly used as supplemented minerals for a total of 7 weeks. a “green manure” or harvested for grain and When cover crops matured, steers were moved straw; however, they could potentially be grazed to a barn with outdoor access to a forage diet or with livestock in the early spring and summer. were placed on perennial pasture based on forage In addition, grazing is a low-input method to feed availability. Steers were slaughtered in 2 groups, livestock, which could improve soil health by add- 9 weeks apart at an average age and weight of 16 ing fresh manure to the field or pastures. Farmers months and 1,036 lbs. who want to improve soil health and utilize a Strip loin steaks from each dairy steer were low-input grazing system may benefit from inte- collected. The steaks were evaluated for sensory Crossbred steers graze winter rye at the University of Minnesota West Central Research & Outreach Center. grating crops and livestock in their system. attributes at the University of Minnesota Sensory Consumers of organic products identify the Center. All 108 participants consumed cubes Photo submitted health benefit of food as one of their selection cri- of cooked steak from each of the 6 groups in a teria. There has been substantial research in the double-blind study. Participants ranked the first not different between steers that grazed WW past several years involving omega-6 and omega-3 cube on a scale of 0 to 120 for texture, flavor, and compared to WR. From this study, cover crops fatty acids (FAs) in human health and disease overall liking, and the second cube on a scale of 0 did not influence FA concentration in the fat of prevention. Although omega-6 FAs are important to 20 for juiciness, toughness, and off-flavor for all beef. The omega-3 FA concentration was higher in for health, they act as a pro-inflammatory in the groups. In addition, a back fat sample was col- fat from MVH steers compared to HOL fat. The body, and chronic inflammation in the body can lected from each steer and analyzed for omega-6 omega-6/3 ratio was higher in HOL back fat com- lead to a range of diseases. On the other hand, and omega-3 FAs. pared to NJV and MVH back fat. Although these omega-3 FAs act as an anti-inflammatory. This is steers were finished on a forage diet, they received why it is important to have a balanced omega-6/3 Results grain during the pre- and post-weaning stages. FA ratio in a human diet. The average American For cover crop differences, beef from steers This may have influenced the higher omega-6/3 diet is a ratio of 15 - 16.7:1, but the ideal goal is to grazing WW had higher flavor, texture, juiciness, ratio in this study than steers fed a no-grain diet be as close to 1:1 as possible. and overall liking, and lower toughness and off- throughout their lifetime. In this project, we explored the feasibility of flavor compared to beef from steers grazing WR. grazing crossbred dairy steers on two types of For breeds, the NJV steaks had a higher texture Conclusion cover crops as a method of utilizing a low-input liking and lower toughness compared to steaks In summary, the NJV steaks were preferred system. In addition, we wanted to evaluate if beef from both MVH and HOL. Furthermore, NJV to HOL steaks, with MVH steaks falling in from crossbred dairy steers would add value to and MVH steaks had higher juiciness than HOL between. To complement this, the steaks from the organic beef market by improving taste and steaks (P < 0.05). The NJV steaks had a higher steers grazing WW were preferred to steaks from health benefits. overall and flavor liking than HOL steaks. steers grazing WR. A lower and healthier omega- The University of Minnesota West Central The omega-6 and omega-3 FAs (Table 1) were 6/3 ratio was found in NJV and MVH back fat Research and Outreach Center grazed crossbred compared to HOL back fat. dairy steers on winter wheat and winter rye Table 1: Fatty Acid Analysis Both cover crop and breed influ- because they are two common cover crops in the enced sensory attributes, but Upper Midwest. Thirty bull calves were born at omega-6 and omega-3 FAs were the organic dairy in Morris, Minn. from March only influenced by breed. Fat in to May 2015 and assigned to 1 of 3 replicated the diet is broken down into free breed groups at birth. Breed groups were: pure- FAs in the rumen by microbes bred Holstein (HOL), crossbreds comprised of and built back up into long Montbéliarde, HOL, and Viking Red (MVH), and chain fatty acids for deposition crossbreds comprised of Jersey, Normande, and in adipose tissue. Differences in omega-6 and omega-3 FAs in back fat for breeds could be due to a number of factors, including differences in rumen microbial ecology and rumen pH. In this study, the wheat and rye cover crops were ready to graze three weeks earlier than other perennial pastures on the farm. This study not only applies to grazing steers, but to grazing dairy cows as well. By grazing cover crops, we were able to start grazing three weeks earlier in the grazing season and graze the system three times through with about 16 days of rest between grazing periods. Grazing winter wheat and winter rye are both feasible to graze in the early spring and summer.

Hannah Phillips is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota pursuing a master’s degree focused on organic dairy systems. Brad Heins is an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science.

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Faced with fewer members, CSAs offer options for shares, deliveries By Jody Padgham In the mid-1980s a new idea for making a con- food delivery companies, offering “meal in a box” diversify offerings. Innovations have occurred in nection between consumers and local farms came or custom order delivery, have capitalized on the share types, in delivery styles, and in member to the United States from Germany, Switzerland climate CSAs have created to establish their busi- connections. and Japan. The Community Supported nesses. Grocery stores, including large national Agriculture (CSA) model created new bonds chains, now offer organic food, and may even pro- Share Types between eaters and farmers, forming formal part- mote that they support local farms. Consumers • Delivery over a longer season, with late or early nerships in which the consumers pledged financial continue to desire ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare season shares, served perhaps from storage or a support ahead of a season in return for a share of foods. Eaters have other options for fresh food, and hoop house. This spreads income and product a farm’s production bounty. may choose to not be “inconvenienced” by the tradi- over more weeks. The model slowly took hold, and by 1990 there tional CSA, requiring pre-pay, a weekly box pickup, • Session shares, where members sign up for short were about 50 CSAs throughout the U.S. and bounty of items they may not like or know how segments (4 weeks, or a school year, or particu- Acceptance of the model escalated, and as of 2017 to use. lar session), which can be chosen sequentially. there are estimated to be over 7,300 CSA farms in New and even well-established CSAs have This appeals to those reluctant to commit to the country. noticed these trends and are leading kitchen-table longer periods, or tailors the share to specific In the early years, the task of a farmer was to and community conversations about the future of member needs. educate potential consumer members about the individual CSAs as well as the CSA model. A • Smaller share sizes. Weekly half shares for 2 model and benefits of CSA. Farms that succeeded workshop at the 2017 MOSES Organic Farming are common, or standard size offered every other capitalized on the desire for eaters to connect to a Conference, “The Resilient CSA” led by Dan week. One farm offers a “nibble share” with 5-8 farm, to understand how their food was grown, to Guenthner, Common Harvest Farm in Osceola, items, 1/3 to ½ of a grocery bag. enjoy a diversity of farm products distributed in Wis., and Claire Strader, FairShare and University • Multi-farm share. Multiple farms come together season, and commit to financially supporting the of Wisconsin Extension-Dane County, discussed to provide a diversity of items, allowing each farm’s success. the trends and solutions being considered by CSA farm to focus on what they do best. While a nice While most CSAs saw annual member turn- farmers around the Midwest. An open discussion option for both farmers and members, it takes over, throughout the first 25 years long waiting including audience members expanded the diver- additional coordination, probably a dedicated lists and outreach to a willing community allowed sity of ideas shared. staff person. farms to keep membership numbers stable or • Whole diet. Either from one or multiple farms, growing. As the CSA model ages, however, and the Innovations on Basic Model a share that incorporates multiple food groups— food climate changes, many long-standing CSAs While the first CSAs in the Eastern U.S. dairy, meat, vegetables, fruit, coffee, etc. Again, are struggling to fill annual member quotas. Since started differently, in the Midwest the “traditional this takes more coordination but is well received 2010 CSA farm numbers have dropped. CSA” is based on one standard share size, a packed by consumers, and replicates a more familiar A diversity of factors appear to be leading this box that provides enough vegetables for 4 people for grocery experience. change. Many cities, rich with educated and food- one week, delivered over an 18- to 22-week season • Value-added. Seconds from the farm are pro- conscious consumers, are now being served by an with a standard price, or perhaps a sliding scale. cessed, and either incorporated into the share or abundance of CSAs, both long-established and Numerous modifications of the basic CSA model offered for an additional fee. new, which compete for members. Other non-farm have been developed to expand the market and To CSA Options next page

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CSA Options — from previous page

Delivery Style knowing them as farmers, and connecting to their CSA Charter • Workplace CSA. With this very popular option, family. Meeting members in person at drop-offs or On Feb. 24, 2017—CSA Sign-up Day—a workers pick up their share boxes as they leave farm events is ideal, but a weekly newsletter is also national CSA Partner Charter was inaugurated. their job. Be sure to set a minimum number of critical to forming often lasting bonds. “Talk about Initiated by a group of 40 CSA farmers led by CSA boxes delivered to make it worthwhile. A high- your family…about what you are thinking or feel- pioneer and author Elizabeth Henderson, the CSA convenience model, it can be hard to maintain ing…share 2-3 pictures each time,” suggested Charter is a set of 12 core principles that provide a loyalty. various participants. Keep the newsletter short— clear definition of what Community Supported • Member-packed. The farmer sets out storage one to two pages. Many recommended also using Agriculture farms are. Elizabeth and others in the boxes of items, and lists what goes into a share. social media, such as Facebook or Twitter, or a CSA movement are encouraging all CSA farmers Members packs their own boxes, overseen by the blog. “My members appreciate a short touch from to make public commitments to the Charter, and farmer or a dedicated member. May be modified me two or three times a week,” one claimed. uphold the principles and practices it defines. to allow some member choice, such as “pick two “Members want to fall in love with you and your Supporters point out that the Charter provides squash” or “choose two bunches of root veg- farm family,” one farmer explained. “They want transparency for members in their relationships etables” with several varieties to choose from. that heart connection, to know you and feel like with CSA farms. Items can be skipped if the member doesn’t they are a part of the farm.” In each newsletter she “The Charter reminds CSA growers what CSA want something. shares a quote from “the youngest farm-hand,” is about,” said Dela Ends, a 23-year CSA farmer. • Home delivery. Customers love this, but it adds something cute one of her two youngsters said or Ends led a MOSES Conference roundtable discus- a lot of time or expense for the farmer. did that week. Others recommended regular pic- sion about the Charter which about 25 newer and • Credit-purchase. Members “purchase” a credit tures of the family dog, other farm animals or more experienced CSA farmers attended. “We had with the farm, generally with a 10 percent addi- grandkids. “Telling your story is the key thing a great discussion,” she said. “The newer growers tional value (ie., $100 purchase gets $110 worth keeping you different from the big boxes,” another were especially excited to see this set of values all of product) and “shop” at a farm or market shared. laid out.” stand. As they choose product, their card value Claire Strader said that the bond she creates by The 12 points of the Charter allow for a diver- is deducted. It is recommended you set “use-by” being at the pick-up for her “member-pack” delivery sity of models for CSA, but focuses on the offering dates so members don’t all show up and clean sites is invaluable. “We can talk about why there of farm-grown, high-quality products; the fostering out the stand on your last market day. are so few tomatoes,” she said. “Members really of biodiversity and ecological, soil-based systems; a • Custom-ordered boxes. Often facilitated by want to know, and really care.” good-faith commitment of members and farmers as Facebook, members custom order what they While it can be time-consuming and a challenge co-producers to share financial risks and rewards; want off of a posted availability list. Highly to get members out to the farm, all agree that it member respect of land and farming practices; food desired by consumers, very intensive manage- has great value. Suggestions include pumpkin or safety; fair prices; cooperation; local seeds and ment and labor for farmers. raspberry picking, or a pesto party. “Doing chick breeds; and social inclusiveness. events for 7 years, where kids can hold chicks and Farmers are encouraged to publicly endorse the Member Connections (now) pet baby bunnies and lambs, we get 300 Charter and make copies available from farm As CSA farmers identify what they have that people from 300 member families,” one farmer websites etc. To view the full Charter, go to http:// makes their business unique, the importance of said. “They love the pictures they get.” csaday.info/csa-charter. member connections rises to the top. The commu- “Invest a little so you can give something away, “The CSA model is unique,” Dan concluded. “We nity connection is something that CSAs offer that maybe get a keg of local beer or some ice cream,” all have the ability to recognize the core principles, can’t be replaced by a food delivery service or big- another recommended. “Lower your expectations,” but have a lot of freedom to put our own innova- box grocery. another conceded. “Invite them all, and if only five tions on top, this is one of the rich pieces of the “It is the relationship that we can uniquely come, consider it a success and make it a great day CSA model.” offer,” commented Dan Guenthner during his for them.” “Our heart is our strength,” he added. “Many MOSES Conference workshop. “This is what dis- Dela and Tony Ends of Scotch Hill Farm have people are looking for these kinds of connections. If tinguishes us from other markets.” He hears a lot gone to the opposite extreme; they will go to mem- we can stay true to the core principles, and com- of talk about making CSAs more consumer- ber-invitation events, such as church events or municate from our hearts, we will stay strong.” friendly, but noted that this is a potentially endless community meals. They’ve had one core group of pursuit. “If you choose convenience, you will members from a church over an hour-and-a-half Jody Padgham is the finance director for MOSES and always be competing with the big guys, and most away for many years. “They call us and ask when co-author of Fearless Farm Finances, now available in have very deep pockets.” they can come out to help,” Dela laughs. “A connec- an updated edition at mosesorganic.net. “Mutual respect and member trust is what tion to our farm is really important to them.” makes our CSAs most unique” Dan continued. Another farmer, living outside a community of “Meeting and getting to know members, interact- only 8,000, spends a lot of time creating awareness ing and engaging really makes a difference.” He of her farm throughout the community, speaking at added that to succeed, CSA farmers must think of service groups, making library presentations, their members as partners. “We are here to create donating food for events. “I consider everyone in my community in the long-term, not to fill up member community a member, even if they’re not a share- slots each year.” holder,” she said. She recommends you ask your- Participants in the workshop added a lot of self, “Who is your community, and how do I bring personal experiences to Dan’s comments. Many them in?” emphasized how much their members value

Strong, resilient, Free farm law resources and our new upcoming sustainable farm businesses My Farm Law To-Do List available at are built on a solid legal foundation. www.farmcommons.org. 12 | May | June 2017

Bookstore Roundup Inside Organics — from page 3 through the lens of what can be used on the land By Eric Hatling, Bookstore Coordinator and livestock and what cannot. I recently attended Support organic farming—purchase these books in the MOSES Bookstore: mosesorganic.net a training for veterinarians who wanted to learn more about working with organic livestock. Dr. Guy Jodarski and Dr. Hue Karreman not only The New Farmers’ Market, featuring stories from producers and market man- shared possible natural treatments that can be 2nd edition agers from various markets around the country. used in place of synthetics, but described the foun- By Vance Corum, Marcie New and even experienced vendors will benefit dation of organic agriculture—prevention of prob- Rosenzweig & Eric Gibson from the practical information, good advice, and lems by understanding and working with natural best practices offered in this book. systems. Providing healthy rations, high quality 2015 | New World living conditions, exercise, allowing for natural Publishing The Market Gardener: 320 pages | $29.95 behavior and lessening stress for livestock was A Successful Grower’s Hand- taught as the first area where livestock health book for Small-Scale Organic If you’re a producer should be addressed. Farming looking to direct-sell your In my experience as an organic inspector visit- By Jean-Martin Fortier vegetables, fruits, meats, ing many organic livestock farms, I consistently cheeses, flowers or value-added products at your 2014 | New Society Publishers received the same answer when I asked farmers local farmers’ market, The New Farmers’ Market, 221 pages | $24.95 about the difference on their farms after their 2nd Edition is a solid primer that takes you second year of certification. That answer was, through every step of the process. Supported in If you’re currently a small-scale organic grower “I hardly ever see the vet, especially compared part by USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research newbie market farmer, or urban grower, The to before I went organic.” This is not the result & Education (SARE), the revised and expanded Market Gardener is a good resource for you. of substituting approved inputs for those not edition focuses on the nuts and bolts of marketing Unlike The New Farmers’ Market, 2nd Edition, approved for land and animals. It is a reflection and selling your products at open markets. the focus of Fortier’s book is mostly on food of an integrated system of production focused on Part one has detailed chapters on becoming a production practices. There are chapters on site building healthy soil biological life, healthy nutri- vendor, running your farmers’ market business, selection, seed starting, appropriate machinery, tious crops, and a health-promoting environment setting up your retail storefront and display, mer- weed management, cover cropping, season exten- for their animals. chandising, and sales and promotion. Part two is sion, pests and diseases, harvesting and storage, For those transitioning their crops to organic, for entrepreneurial types who want to start their and crop planning. Through it all, however, is the herbicides and fertilizers—the inputs—must own farmers’ market; it covers market manage- abiding understanding that good organizational be replaced by more than just approved organic ment and promotion. Vendors still will find valu- skills are paramount. inputs. Instead, farmers tweak their crop rotation, able information in this section to help them Fortier and his wife, Maude-Helene Desroches, use cover crops, and pay attention to correcting understand the bigger picture of just a how a mar- own Les Jardins de la Grelinette, a 1.5-acre, soil nutrient imbalances. It is the development ket runs. Part three focuses on the important place internationally recognized micro-farm in Southern of a functioning and elegant organic system that farmers’ markets have in communities, how they Quebec, Canada. Their success is due to the low- brings long-term success. Understanding the life serve to create bonds between producers and con- tech, biologically intensive practices they use on cycles of weeds, pests and plant diseases gives the sumers, and educate the public about the value of their farm, as well as their high degree of organi- producer powerful tools to develop site-specific good, fresh, locally grown food. This section ends zation and ability to prioritize. Their farm is prof- management plans. with a vision for the future, how we can expand the itable, and their workload manageable—they also It can be stimulating and fun to learn about farmers’ market model, and some of the challenges manage to balance the responsibilities of farming and partner with nature on our farms, rather to expansion. with their roles as parents of young children. than trying to fight the existing ecosystem with There are black and white photos of varying Several useful appendices offer the reader addi- toxic materials that throw everything out of quality which accompany the text, and sidebars tional resources for purchasing tools, choosing balance and cause many negative consequences. crops and planning a garden layout. It’s a succinct Organic must stay focused on promoting a healthy book, well organized like its author, full of practi- and integrated management of the farm, rather cal ideas and information. It’s a great starting than reducing organic certification solely to a Introducing... place for new market farmers, especially those review of the materials used. with access to only a limited amount of land. Harriet Behar is the senior organic specialist at MOSES, and serves on the National Organic Standards Board.

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Vermont herb growers form cooperative to develop reliable markets By Kristen McPhee Business is blooming for the herb indus- readiness of prospective farmers. After a try, but growers can find it challenging to round of emails and surveys, the number access markets. One alternative that is was reduced to about a dozen farmers, gaining ground is forming a cooperative and then down to the total of eight that to source herbs from local, small-scale are currently the VHGC grower members. organic farms and aggregate orders to Membership criteria included organic larger buyers. The Vermont Herb Growers certification, three years of experience Cooperative (VHGC), which had its first marketing and selling certified organic collective harvest last year, can serve as products, capacity to produce greater than a model for the development of other herb $10,000 of marketable material for the grower cooperatives around the country. cooperative in 2016, having appropriate VHGC supports its farmers by develop- agricultural equipment, having capital ing reliable markets at a scale individual to invest in their own drying structure farmers would not be able to serve; provid- or convert a pre-existing structure, and ing technical assistance on all aspects of having appropriate storage space for dried growing, from quality control to cultivar herbs. specifications to post-harvest processing In addition, members are required to techniques; supporting innovation and pay a one-time equity payment that solidi- adoption of tools and technology; and sup- fies their commitment and covers some porting research and development through of the initial start-up costs of the VHGC. grants and loans. The VHGC practices and The members decide what herbs and standards ensure that herbs meet a high quantities they want to grow through a quality, pharmacopeial-grade standard as Jeff and Melanie Carpenter, authors of The Organic Medicinal Herb collaborative process after being informed defined by the FDA. In addition to meeting Farmer, are in their second year of marketing through the growers of the buyers’ specifications by the VHGC top quality standards, VHGC’s herbs are cooperative they helped form in their home state of Vermont. staff. Members also serve on the board of grown and processed in accordance with Photo submitted directors and board committees, including monographs provided by each buyer. Prices quality assurance, by-law, and finance. are based on cost of production, with the goal of Following the approval of the steering com- The VHGC’s first harvests and sales occurred supporting a living-wage to smaller-scale diversi- mittee, the leadership team moved into the next during the 2016 growing season. The commission fied farms. phase. This phase began with official incorpora- rate was based on the cooperative’s projected The cooperative’s roots formed in March 2014 tion as a cooperative in the state of Vermont. annual operating costs and the farmer’s total when Pamela Hathaway, now general manager of Cooperatives are for-profit businesses that rely sales, ensuring that the rate covered the operat- the VHGC, first met Jeff and Melanie Carpenter, on members’ one-time equity payment to leverage ing expenses of the cooperative. With increased owners of Zack Woods Herb Farm and authors working capital in the start-up phase of the busi- sales, the commission rate for the cooperative of The Organic Medicinal Herb Farmer. They ness. Once the business is generating revenue, will decline, allowing more revenue to go to the immediately recognized they had a common the profits are distributed back to its members as farmers. Farmers are also not required to pay a vision for creating an herb growers cooperative. a dividend based on the quantity that each farm commission rate for the sales to the markets that Over the course of nine months, this leadership grows. The equity payment is refunded to mem- they share with the cooperative. team recruited advisors in agricultural econom- bers when they leave the cooperative. This year, members are exploring shared ics, business, and cooperative development and The VHGC structure consists of a board, with milling facilities. They also are developing a lot secured a $19,000 USDA Specialty Crop Block a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, tracking system. They will look at the capacity Grant through the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and at-large member. The current staff consists of founding members to meet developed market Food and Markets. Once the grant was awarded, of a salaried general manager, and contracted demand over time to decide when and how to the team selected key established farmers and employees for bookkeeping, accounting, website invite new members. Members are actively convened their first steering committee meeting and communications, and warehouse and ship- involved in determining whether to invite more where they discussed cooperatives as a business ping. Most work occurs from home offices, except farmers, to contract with non-member growers, or model and reviewed the grant timeline goals. for quality assurance and shipping, which took to expand existing contracts—the best response One of the first goals of the grant was to con- place in the first year at Zack Woods Herb Farm. to market demand is decided by discussions with duct a market and feasibility study. The research A business plan guides the operations of the all involved. considered five aspects: (1) profitability of grow- cooperative, and provides a structure for assess- ing herbs in Vermont, (2) identification of target ing financial and operating goals and objectives. Kristen McPhee is a nutritionist and clinical herbalist herbs, (3) identification of potential markets, (4) The acting manager posted an announce- practitioner in Michigan whose background includes capacity of Vermont farmers for herb growing ment with the Vermont Vegetable and Berry working on and managing sustainable farms. along with the capacity to provide training and Growers Association to gauge farmer interest technical assistance to farmers and, (5) determin- in growing medicinal herbs for the VHGC; the ing operating costs for the cooperative. The study initial announcement generated many responses, Forming Herb Growers Cooperative concluded that farmers in Vermont could profit- bringing the total of interested farmers to 85. These are the stages Vermont growers set to establish their ably grow medicinal herbs with the support of the The leadership team developed selection crite- cooperative. cooperative’s marketing and technical assistance. ria, which included assessing the capacity and Stage 1: Define the feasibility, market share/scope, and guiding principles and practices for the cooperative in collaboration with prospective leaders and advisors. This stage focuses on gathering and analyzing the information Build Soil Health, Economically needed to establish the parameters of the cooperative, and would convene and facilitate a highly experienced group of people to provide knowledge and expertise to inform the establishment and operation of the cooperative. Stage 2: Establish governance and technical support structures for the cooperative. This stage would establish principles for decision making, participation and member- ship, distribution of benefits, and other elements of the cooperative governance structure, resulting in a new business entity. Additionally, this stage would define the needs and capacity for technical support for cooperative members. Stage 3: Launch cooperative and begin doing business. This Organic Fertilizers & Soil Amendments stage would establish the institutional support necessary for cooperative operations. Upon completion of this stage, Free Soil Building Consultations the cooperative would be supporting farmer members in producing and selling medicinal herbs. www.sustane.com 800-352-9245 Stage 4: Complete evaluation/documentation of project Cannon Falls, MN to glean lessons for cooperative members and to create a model for use by other cooperatives. 14 | May | June 2017

Lawyer explains lessons learned from Hawaii’s GMO controversy By Sarah E. Korte Hawaii—that dream vacation destination—has At the federal law level, “preemption” comes engaging in the “open air cultivation, propagation, been a battleground in the debate over the role of straight out of the Constitution’s Supremacy development, or testing of genetically engineered genetically engineered (GE) plants and pesticides Clause, which declares, “This Constitution . . . crops or plants.” This broad ban was narrowed by in agriculture. The state’s favorable climate and shall be the supreme Law of the Land...” 3 At both some exemptions, including for those growing GE year-round growing season have made it a go-to the federal and state level, there are two basic papaya and those growing GE plants prior to the site for the testing and development of GE plants. ways preemption occurs, (1) express preemption, enactment of the ordinance. Hawaii’s struggle to legally control GE crops is and (2) implied preemption (aka field preemption). On June 9, 2014, several entities and individu- a good lesson for those people working at a local Because of express preemption, if a state als sued Hawaii County in Hawaii federal district level to control GE crops and related pesticides. law conflicts with a federal law, the federal law court. The court ruled for the plaintiffs, finding wins and the state law is invalid. The same goes that Ordinance 13-121 was fully preempted by Hawaii’s Situation for state laws versus county ordinances—state law Hawaii state law and partially preempted by a fed- Under Hawaii law, the state, the Hawaii prevails over a conflicting ordinance. For example, eral law, the Plant Protection Act. The defendants Department of Agriculture, and the Hawaii if a state has a law such as, “You must drive on appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Board of Agriculture work closely with the USDA the right side of the road,” a county cannot have About a year after Kauai and Hawaii coun- to regulate GE plants and pesticides. However, a law that says, “You must drive on the left side ties passed their ordinances, the people of Maui Hawaiians felt this system was not doing enough of the road.” Obviously, the county law conflicts County passed the Maui GMO ordinance. Eight to protect them or the native plant life. They had with the state law. Under express preemption, the days later, plaintiffs who supported the ordinance become concerned about the possible effects of county ordinance loses and is invalid. filed a lawsuit (theAtay lawsuit) in Hawaii state the pesticides used on these GE crops. They had Under implied preemption, a state law is court asking the court to determine the legality noticed an increase in birth defects1 on the islands. preempted if “federal law so thoroughly occupies a of the ordinance. The next day, plaintiffs who They were also concerned about possible genetic legislative field that it is unreasonable to infer that opposed the ordinance, including Robert Ito Farm, contamination of the natural flora in a delicate Congress intended for supplement state or local Inc., the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and the ecosystem the USDA has described as containing regulation.” 4 To simplify, when federal laws create Monsanto Company, sued Maui County in Hawaii “more threatened and endangered species per a regulatory structure for an area that leaves no federal district court (the Robert Ito Farm lawsuit). square mile than any other place on earth.” 2 role for state laws, any state law that tries to legis- The Hawaii federal district court eventually ruled In 2013 and 2014, Hawaiians took matters into late in that area is impliedly preempted. that the Maui GMO Ordinance was invalid and their own hands, and passed county ordinances The same basic framework for implied preemp- unenforceable because it was preempted by federal banning and regulating GE plants and pesticides. tion applies to the preemption of county ordinances and state law and exceeded the county’s author- Hawaii only consists of five counties; three coun- by state laws. Obviously, the details can vary from ity. This decision was also appealed to the Ninth ties passed ordinances: Kauai, Hawaii, and Maui. state to state. Under Hawaii’s implied preemption Circuit Court of Appeals. After years of litigation, the Ninth Circuit rule, a county ordinance is impliedly preempted Court of Appeals ruled last November in three by state law if (1) it addresses the same subject as Ruling Explanations separate decisions that the three ordinances were state law, (2) that subject is covered by a compre- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the invalid under federal and state law because of the hensive and uniform state statutory scheme, and district court’s decision in each case, affirming legal doctrine of “preemption.” (3) the state legislature intended for the state’s that the three county ordinances were invalid. scheme to be uniform and exclusive. Because the Maui Ordinance made it unlaw- Preemption Doctrine ful for people to knowingly cultivate or test GE Other Americans frustrated with the current Challenged Ordinances plants within the county, the court held that it was regulatory system for GE plants and pesticides On Nov. 16, 2013, Kauai County passed expressly preempted in part by the federal Plant have also passed county ordinances to try to Ordinance 960 into law. Ordinance 960 imposed Protection Act. Under the Plant Protection Act, regulate them locally. Three counties in Oregon pre- and post-pesticide application notification the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and one in California passed such ordinances. The requirements, annual public disclosure of the (APHIS), a USDA agency, is in charge of regulat- legality of each ordinance was challenged by the growing of GMOs, pesticide buffer zones, and ing plant pests. Most GE plants are regulated preemption doctrine; some were defeated because required Kauai County to complete a study to by APHIS as plant pests “because nearly all GE of it. Future county ordinances will run into the address any environmental and public health plants are created using Agrobacterium, which is same obstacle. Therefore, it is important to under- concerns posed by large-scale users of pesticides a listed plant pest.” 5 This means that under the stand the preemption doctrine. and GE crops. preemption doctrine, states and local governments Shortly afterward, five different companies cannot regulate GE plants that APHIS is regulat- that supply GE seeds and grow a variety of GE ing as plant pests. In sum, the court held that 1 Christopher Pala, Pesticides in Paradise: Hawaii’s plants on Kauai County sued the county in Hawaii the provisions of the Maui GMO Ordinance that Spike in Birth Defects Puts Focus on GM Crops, (Aug. 23, federal district court. banned GE plants that APHIS was regulating as 2015), https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/aug/23/ On Aug. 25, 2014, the district court ruled that plant pests, were expressly preempted by the Plant hawaii-birth-defects-pesticides-gmo. Ordinance 960 was preempted by Hawaii state Protection Act. 2 USDA, BRS Fact Sheet: USDA Regulation of law. Kauai County and its supporters appealed the The court went on to decide that the Maui Biotechnology Field Tests in Hawaii, (Feb. 2006), http:// www.co.maui.hi.us/DocumentCenter/View/94680. decision against them to the Ninth Circuit Court GMO Ordinance was not preempted by the Plant of Appeals. Protection Act to the extent that it regulated any 3 U.S. Const., Art. VI, cl. 2. Right on the heels of Kauai County, Hawaii GE plants that APHIS had deregulated and was 4 Cipollone v. Liggett Grp., Inc., 505 U.S. 504, 516 (1992). County passed Ordinance 13-121 into law. This no longer regulating. In fact, the court stated that 5 Id. at 27 (citing 7 C.F.R. § 340.2(a)). ordinance prohibited people from “knowingly” To GMO Controversy on page 16 Cowsmo Compost Visit our online store for new ways to buy! Our Premium Quality manure-based Compost & Potting Mixes meet the NOP Organic Standards! Use Cowsmo Compost for: Soil for Every Purpose • Soil ammendment • Green Mix - Starting Plants • Mulch • Red Mix - General Purpose • Source of organic matter • Blue Mix - Transplants

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Lawyer explains lessons learned from Hawaii’s GMO controversy Paying for end-of-life care doesn’t need to jeopardize family farm By Teresa Opheim When it became clear that Connie Tjelmeland’s • The siblings get along and communicate well Options for Long-Term Care Plans mother, Luetta, could no longer live alone, the with each other; family came up with a plan to provide for her • The other siblings recognized the financial com- Self-insure with cash equivalents or invested assets. end-of-life care. Their goals were to, a) make sure pensation the caregiving sisters deserved. For example, you could use farmland rental income Luetta had the best care they could afford, and b) and social security payments. Also consider saving avoid selling her Central Iowa farmland to pay for For the Tjelmelands, like so many farm fami- money on end-of-life costs by caring for parents at that care. lies, the farmland itself often represents the largest your home. Soon after, Connie and her husband, Mark, asset the family owns. “More than that, it is such a Purchase long-term care insurance. Benefits for decided they would provide for that care on their meaningful asset,” said Rachel Dahl, an attorney custodial care, home health care and skilled nursing Central Iowa farm. For her first seven years with with Hellmuth and Johnson. “The thought of liqui- facility are typical coverages. them, Luetta could walk around the house with a dating or selling the family farm in order to pay for Use life and long-term care insurance if there is also walker, dress herself, and use the bathroom. For long-term care services is sometimes so intrusive a life insurance need. A trusted financial advisor can her last three years, however, she was unable to and unwelcomed that people simply do not engage offer you recommendations, including the opportu- walk and needed almost total care, which Connie in planning until it is too late and certain choices nity to accelerate death benefits or reach a “viatical and her sister, Marlys, provided. are no longer available.” settlement” (in which a company buys life insurance “Marlys moved back to Iowa for the summers at So how do you prepare for end-of-life costs with- policies from the terminally ill at less than their face the time Mom moved to our house, and we shared out losing the farm? value) for terminal or chronic illness. Other options the work during those months,” Connie explained. Start by thinking about what you even want are policy loans available to help pay long-term care costs; and a long-term care rider, to help cover “My other siblings either lived a long way away or for end-of-life care. By completing a living will or custodial care, home health care or skilled nursing didn’t have the flexibility to offer much help beyond advanced healthcare directive, you can indicate facility. moral support.” a preference for avoiding aggressive (and very Luetta was very clear that she wanted to expensive) care in your last days, if you so choose. Consider a blended approach. Your advisor can help you choose a combination of self-insuring, long-term compensate her daughters for their efforts. She Discuss your end-of-life wishes with your children care and life insurance with a chronic illness rider. had long-term care insurance, but it didn’t cover as well. There is a simple form available at thecon- in-home care, so she used farmland rental income versationproject.org to talk about questions like: Consider the Long-term Care Insurance Partnership and her social security payments as compensation. Are you worried that you won’t get enough care, or Program. The purchase of a qualified long-term care insurance policy allows the insured to retain Connie and Marlys paid themselves $18 an hour that you will get overly aggressive care? an amount of assets equal to the benefit provided for that care in the early years, and $60 an hour Also think about your risk of needing expensive by the policy and still qualify for Medicaid after the when their mother needed total care. care and pencil out the costs. Financial plan- policy benefits have been exhausted. “Our three other sisters and brother were ners Sonja Bjork and Niles Austvold of Highview Courtesy of Highview Advisors satisfied with letting us decide our level of com- Advisors ask their clients questions like: highviewadvisors.com | 952-204-7001 pensation and adjusting it upward as Mom’s needs • What is your medical history? increased,” Connie said. “I was fortunate that there • Does the family history show a predisposition is a high level of trust among my siblings. None for long life and a need for nursing home care? long-term care, it is typically only for skilled, short- had financial problems, and that made it easier. • What is the extent of income you project, with term, medically necessary care. For example, my brother never felt that the assets inflation, for your old age? Medicaid does pay for the largest share of long- were ‘his’—they were Mom’s assets. Anything he • Do you anticipate any other income during your term care services, but to qualify, your income would receive he would consider a gift.” old age? must be below a certain level and you must meet To free up time for caregiving, Connie and • What is the current daily/monthly rate for nurs- minimum state eligibility requirements. “People Mark ended their enterprise selling eggs to Central ing homes in your area? with any amount of assets at all will find it virtu- Iowa grocery stores and hired help for other farm • What is the projected future daily/monthly rate ally impossible to qualify for Medicaid for a nursing work. “I did find myself with an internal struggle for nursing homes in your area? home stay unless they liquidate assets, which then between wanting, on the one hand, to give back can end the farming business,” said Gary Hachfeld, to my mom free of charge all the loving care she Then you can think about how you are going University of Minnesota Extension. had given me when I was young, and, on the other to pay for that care. Luetta was able to use a Many farm families consider gifting the farm- hand, being paid for my time,” Connie added. self-insurance strategy; see the box for different land assets to the children so that Mom and Dad “The desire to be compensated as fairly as possible options. can qualify for Medicaid. “Farm families have to always rose to the top, though, and I do not have Highview Advisors report that there are many consider whether this strategy makes sense from any regrets about that. We came out short money- misconceptions about the level of support you will a tax standpoint as carry-over basis rules apply to wise, but there were so many other factors.” get from Medicare, Medicaid and your health gifts of land, which can result in a huge tax liability When Luetta died, the Tjelmelands had some insurance to pay for long-term care. The rules are for the children if they plan to sell the land in the comfort in knowing they had met both of their complicated; but briefly, here are some basics to future,” attorney Dahl explained. “In addition, goals; they had done what they could for Luetta remember: because the land is held in the children’s names and kept the farmland in the family. Medicare does not pay the largest part of long- after the gift transfer is made, it is now their asset. Kudos to this family: term care services or personal care—such as help This means that if a child has issues with creditors, • The family set goals and put in place a plan to with bathing or supervision, often called custodial judgments, bankruptcy or divorce, it may affect the achieve those goals; care. Medicare will help pay for a short stay in a land in a negative way.” • The sisters were deeply committed to their skilled nursing facility, for hospice care, or for home In addition, through something called the “look- mother’s care, despite the personal cost to them; health care if you meet the current guidelines. back period,” officials will consider any gift made Most employer-sponsored or private health within five years of application when determining insurance policies cover only the same kinds of your eligibility for medical assistance. limited services as Medicare. If they do cover To Long-Term Care Plan on page 16 16 | May | June 2017

Import Risks — from page 8 “It’s the single biggest risk to credibility in the shapes and forms, from education on best organic on imported products that could be produced organic marketplace,” said Ken Dallmier, presi- production practices and help with required domestically may inadvertently be putting not dent and CEO of Clarkson Grain Co. “The system paperwork, to premiums paid for transitional only their own company’s future at risk, but is designed on the basis of credibility, and in the products, long-term contracts, and guaranteed potentially the entire U.S. organic product U.S. you have traceability back to an individual pricing. While these practical supports can cer- marketplace. producer. Outside of the U.S. we need better tainly lighten the farmer’s load and reduce risk A concerted effort needs to be made by buyers traceability.” during transition, understanding the motivations of imported organic products, particularly those Clarkson Grain, based in Cerro Gordo, Ill., is of organic farmers speaks to the real issue at purchasing soybeans and corn for feed, to develop a leading supplier of organic soybeans and corn heart. programs to identify and support farmers who and has been actively involved in supporting the The report asked transitioning farmers what are motivated to transition to organic production. movement to create a certified transitional label initially moved them to consider organic farming The end result would not only be a more reliable to support farmers’ transition to organic by offer- and provided survey recipients with a list of rea- supply of organic grain and other row crops, but ing premiums for transitional crops. sons including “market/profit” and “values-based” also one that ushers in the beginning of a much “Increasing incentives for U.S. production and motivations, such as family values, concerns about larger transformation of chemical-based agricul- transition into organic drastically reduces the the environment or human health, and farm sus- tural practices to those that are environmentally risks to the marketplace,” Dallmier added. tainability. Interestingly enough, farmers ranked sustainable, profitable and match the values of these values-based responses much higher (over American family farmers. Needs of Farmers 90 percent) than market/profit motivations (70.8 According to the recently published report percent to just 34.9 percent depending on the Peter Golbitz has been active in the soybean, oilseed Breaking New Ground: Farmer Perspectives on reason), suggesting that, while increased profit and organic products industry for more than 30 years Organic Transition, conducted by Oregon State and viability of the farm contributed to their moti- and is CEO and President of Agromeris, a consulting University and Oregon Tilth, incentives to help vation to transition, the key drivers for transition firm that advises companies and organizations look- producers transition from conventional to organic were values-based. ing to build strategic and sustainable supply chains in farming could take on a number of different U.S. food processors who have become reliant specialty ingredient, food and agricultural markets.

Long-Term Care Plan — from page 15 Also, ponder this: The last asset to be sold, pay for end-of-life care, and provide an inheritance mortgaged or liquidated often is the farmland, to non-farming heirs. Unfortunately, sometimes, Additional Resources because it is so prized. If the on-farm heir gets the despite the best planning, a long nursing home stay Join the new Farm Transitions Discussion Group: farmland and the non-farm heirs get bank and or a prolonged illness may mean selling some of the www.renewingthecountryside.org/farm_transitions investment accounts, it could be that the non-farm- farm. or contact [email protected] ing heir gets disinherited or gets very little if the My parents own Iowa farmland, but there are long-term costs are high. If your very top goal is to no longer relatives working that farm. In my mind, Free book on farmland legacy planning: peoplescompany.com/company/ provide some inheritance to all of your heirs, then the best use of the farmland would be to pay for farm-succession-planning your strategy should implement that goal, even if their care, if need be. As important as the farm- it means some of the farmland will have to be sold. land is for my family legacy, they are much more Info on a variety of topics: farmtransitions.org You might not be able to meet all of your goals for important. Estate planning factsheets, including end of life care: the future of your farm. Working through how you will pay for end-of- www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/business/ It’s always important to communicate early life care is very complicated, and that’s why you farm-transfer-estate-planning and often about your goals and plans—it’s doubly shouldn’t try to do it alone. Get professional help— For government info on long-term care, Medicare important if the heirs are not getting financially it will help you avoid financial and emotional costs and Medicaid: ongtermcare.acl.gov equal shares. If you have not communicated your later on. Talking with your family about your wishes for end top goal to provide farmland for your farming heir of life care: www.theconversationproject.org and to farm, for example, you are leaving that farming Teresa Opheim is a Senior Fellow at Renewing the Coun- www.agingwithdignity.org heir to justify your decisions when you are gone. tryside and the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agri- To reach Attorney Rachel Dahl: Hellmuth & Johnson, culture. This article is dedicated to Connie’s sister, Marlys Careful and early planning will make it more [email protected] or 952-746-2155. likely that you can keep the farm in the family, Benck, who died April 12, 2017.

GMO Controversy — from page 14 states and local governments could regulate any Agriculture the power to regulate pesticides and preemption doctrine provides a context for why GE plants that were deregulated by APHIS with- gives the Hawaii Department of Agriculture these Hawaii ordinances were defeated that goes out running afoul of the Plant Protection Act. the power to enact rules to carry out the Hawaii deeper than the debate over GMOs and pesticides. However, this did not mean that the Ninth Pesticides Law. To put it simply, the court deter- Circuit saved portions of the Maui GMO mined that the pesticide regulation “field of law” A former dairy farmer, Sarah E. Korte practices civil Ordinance. The court held that those parts of the was already comprehensively occupied by the laws litigation in Minneapolis at Foley & Mansfield, PLLP. ordinance that were not expressly preempted by of the state of Hawaii, and thus the county ordi- You may contact her at [email protected]. the Plant Protection Act were impliedly preempted nance was preempted and invalid. by Hawaii state law. Hawaii has a very thorough and comprehensive Future Ordinances regime for regulating “restricted” or “noxious” If a county ordinance attempts to regulate plants that can impact “the agricultural, horticul- or ban GE crops or pesticides in any way that is tural, aquacultural, or livestock industry of the already controlled by a state law or a federal stat- State . . .’” 6 The court determined that Hawaii’s ute, the ordinance is likely to be declared invalid legislature had intended the state’s regulation by a court. People must either pass county ordi- of potentially harmful plant pests to be free of nances that fill some gap in state law or federal supplemental regulatory rules from Hawaii’s statutes regulating GE crops and pesticides, or counties. The Maui GMO Ordinance tried to they must change the state and federal statutes. regulate GE plants as potentially harmful and Preemption serves a very important and neces- noxious plant pests, thus butting directly into sary role. It prevents our country from developing the territory of the Hawaii state regulatory sys- a hodgepodge of different laws across counties or tem. Therefore, the Maui GMO Ordinance was across states. Just imagine how difficult it would impliedly preempted. be for farmers to comply with different county Kaui County’s Ordinance 960 regulated pes- ordinances banning and regulating different field ticides by requiring pesticide application notifica- applications and different crops. tions and buffer zones, which the Ninth Circuit These county ordinances were not struck down ruled was preempted by the Hawaii Pesticides because “Big Ag” brought “Big Money” to the Law. This law gives the Hawaii State Board of table to buy a legal victory; they were struck down because of a traditional and valuable structure of law. Preemption is a powerful and common-sense 6 Id. at 38 (citing Haw. Rev. Stat. § 152-1). way to organize our laws. Understanding the mosesorganic.org | 715-778-5775 | 17

Farmer of Year Nominations the following discounts: producers with more than The nomination period is open for the 2018 5,000 acres under organic or transitional produc- MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year. The award tion use the code MOSES to reduce registration to recognizes a Midwest certified organic farmer $650; those with fewer than 5,000 acres use code or farm family for practicing outstanding land ORGFARMER to reduce registration to $499. stewardship, innovation and outreach. It will be NEWS BRIEFS presented at the 2018 MOSES Organic Farming Certified Transitional Program Revision Conference Feb. 22-24 in La Crosse, Wis. The Earlier this year, the Organic Trade Association nomination form is online at mosesorganic.org/ MOSES Staff Changes and USDA announced a new National Certified organic-farmer-of-the-year. Deadline for nomina- Eric Hatling, the Bookstore and Advertising Transitional Program to guide farmers through tions is Sept. 15, 2017. Coordinator for MOSES, retires at the end of this the transition to certified organic production. month. He has been with MOSES for almost 10 While there are other transitional certifications, No Chemical Spray Signs years, and has filled the office with good humor such as Kashi’s, this new government-sanctioned MOSES has new No Chemical Spray signs and little-known facts. He plans to fill his retire- program was designed to provide uniform certifica- that are 18” wide by 23” high. Two signs come ment with music, biking, gardening, painting and tion standards as well provide funding under the with one order. They other creative pursuits. national organic certification cost share program. are attached at the top The initial program did not include a proposal for a to be folded over and retail label. used as one two-sided The Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance sign mounted on a (WODPA) challenged this new program on the T-post, or cut apart and basis that there was no authority within the used as two separate Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 for tran- signs. They have pre- sitional certification and labeling. WODPA cited drilled holes in the concerns about the economic impacts on certified middle top and bottom organic producers and the demand for organic for mounting. The cost products. is $15/pair. Signs can Carly Stephenson recently left MOSES to In response, the USDA has suspended this new be ordered through the MOSES online bookstore work full time on her Western Wisconsin farm transitional certification program and the related at mosesorganic.net, or by calling the MOSES raising pastured pigs and chickens, which she cost-share program, pending review. Learn more at office at 715-778-5775. sells at local farmers markets and online at www. www.wodpa.com. willothewindsfarm.com. Beginning Farmer Training Bailey Webster has joined our staff as the Certification Cost Share Program MOSES and Renewing the Country- Events Coordinator, and will be responsible for Farmers in Michigan, Minnesota, North side host two weekend trainings for our summer field day schedule and workshops at Dakota, and Wisconsin can access Organic beginning farmers in Iowa, Nov. 10-12, the MOSES Conference, which she has attended Certification Cost Share either through their and Illinois, Dec. 8-10. The trainings yearly since 2012. state departments of ag or their county FSA will cover farm business planning; office. Farmers in other Midwest states will find land access and funding sources; effective market- Dave Engel Memorial Scholarship cost share program assistance only through FSA ing and farm resiliency; and organic growing Dave Engel, a Wisconsin organic farmer and offices. The application period for farmers and practices, soil health, food safety, and much more. titan in the organic world, passed away March 14. handlers to apply for certification reimbursements A one-day “Fearless Farm Finances” workshop, His family and MOSES have established a schol- began March 20, 2017; interested applicants can which is open to the public, takes place the Friday arship fund in Dave’s name to send farmers to the apply until October 31, 2017 -- though the applica- before each event. Scholarships will be available. annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference, tion period will end earlier if funds are no longer Registration opens in September. For details, see which Dave helped establish. Contributions to available. www.newfarmeru.org. the fund can be made online at mosesorganic.org/ donate or mailed to MOSES, PO Box 339, Spring Free Admission to MOSES Conference Farm Production Recordkeeping Workbook Valley, WI, 54767. Please note that you are donat- You could win a free pass to the 2018 MOSES MOSES has created a workbook with record- ing to the David Engel Memorial Scholarship. Organic Farming Conference if you enter and win keeping forms both for crop insurance and organic the program cover photo contest—even if you certification. For crop insurance, these forms can Organic & Non-GMO Forum don’t win the coveted spot on the program, you’ll help you prove your production activities were The Organic & Non-GMO Forum: Oilseeds still get recognition for sufficient to produce a crop in order to receive & Grains at the Crossroads takes place Nov. 6-7, your amazing farm when a payment due to losses caused by weather or 2017 in St. Louis. This event brings together we show your photo before market issues. You may also use the forms to producers, handlers, buyers and processors to the keynotes. You also verify compliance with the organic rules for your address the challenges of meeting the growing give MOSES authentic organic inspection. The forms are posted online demand for organic and non-GMO products, plus farm photos to use to individually or included in the workbook, which emerging opportunities for specialty production. promote organic farming. is available free to download at mosesorganic.org/ Sessions cover the latest information regarding Farms must be certified or farm-finances/crop-insurance. You may call the opportunities for producers while addressing transitioning to organic. the MOSES office at 715-778-5775 to request a processors’ production needs. Tickets are $799, See mosesorganic.org/ printed copy. but farmers in the MOSES community may use conference/photo-contest. 18 | May | June 2017

Animal Welfare Rule Specialty Crop Report The Trump administration has added a The first issues have been published of the 6-month delay to the finalized animal welfare Tiny Crop Report, an e-publication to connect rule and is asking again for public comment to small-scale farmers directly with chefs, bakers, decide whether to 1. implement in November; grocery produce buyers, small-batch distillers and 2. suspend indefinitely; 3. delay further; 4. NEWS BRIEFS other food preparers. There are seven regional withdraw altogether. The last issue of the editions of the report, which are updated 20 times Organic Broadcaster included an article about a year. There is no cost for farmers to list; just the value of the updated rule (see March|April NSAC Oral History email crop or herd data and location to the pub- page 7 or https://mosesorganic.org/animal- The University of Minnesota’s Endowed Chair in lisher via the link at tinycropreport.com/farmers. welfare-rule. Comment at www.regulations.gov/ Agricultural Systems, Ron Kroese, is creating an The Tiny Crop Report website includes samples of document?D=AMS-NOP-17-0031-0002. oral history project documenting the formation the reports. and evolution of what today is known as the MOSES 2017 Drawing Winner National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Organic Processor Acquisition The winner of the $50 Visa gift card in the (NSAC). The interviewees also talk about the The Andersons, Inc., a diversified agribusiness, drawing from the MOSES Conference evaluations federal policy reforms NSAC members and allies recently acquired Purity Foods Inc., a Michigan- is Samuel Knapp of Root Cellar Farm in Toivola, have achieved over the last three decades. To based processor of organic and conventional Mich. Knapp, who is currently an AmeriCorps date, the archive includes 21 video interviews, ancient grains. The acquisition is part of The VISTA on the Menominee reservation near with written transcripts. They are available Andersons’ strategy to expand its business beyond Shawano, Wis., was selected at random from the online at www.misa.umn.edu/publications/ food grain oats, corn, soybeans, and wheat into pool of people who completed conference evalua- sustainableagoralhistoryarchive. more specialized food ingredients. tions through the online system. Congratulations Sam, and best wishes with your farm projects! Industrial Hemp Pilot Programs Minnesota Food Association North Dakota and Minnesota departments of Minnesota Food Association is now a program of Teaching Abroad Opportunities for Farmers agriculture both have pilot programs for farms The Food Group, a Minnesota-based hunger relief Twin Cities-based Land O’Lakes sponsors the to grow industrial hemp. North Dakota recently nonprofit. Minnesota Food Association operates US Agency for International Development’s Farmer announced that 35 proposals have been approved a certified organic farm and the Big River Farms to Farmer (F2F) Program to encourage sustainable for a total of 3,064 acres in 17 counties. These food hub to provide education and support for farming in the developing world. Currently, Land acres will be used for research into seed condition- immigrant and minority farmers starting inde- O’Lakes has volunteer opportunities in Egypt and ing, variety trials, planting dates, grain and fiber pendent small farm businesses. Lebanon—both are two week assignments. The production and processing, soil compaction and assignment in Egypt focuses on organic forages improvement, organic growth, fiber for animal CSA Webinar production for organic dairy herds; the assignment bedding, pollinators, and marketing. Minnesota Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) hosts a in Lebanon focuses on mycorrhizal technology in has 42 pilot applications with 2,200 acres. In webinar June 9 at 2 p.m. on innovative CSA fruit tree nurseries. Volunteers are needed for both 2016, there were 6 pilot participants in the MDA’s business strategies. Presenters are Debra Tropp assignments as soon as possible. Travel expenses pilot program. Approximately 40 acres of hemp from the USDA, and Timothy Woods from the and arrangements are taken care of by Land were harvested last year in Minnesota for the University of Kentucky. To register, see O’Lakes. For information, see bit.ly/F2Farmer. first time since the 1950s. www.fundafarmer.org/webinar.

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EQUIPMENT For Sale: Organic oats, corn, hay and straw, big bales, can deliver. SW Wis. 608-574-2160. Red Dragon Row Crop Flamer unit model 6-RU 6 row, 3 point attachment. Excellent condition. Used CLASSIFIEDS Organic High Moisture Corn for sale in the fall. one season. $12,000 OBO. Must sell. Contact Greg at Delivery possible. 20,000 bu available. Looking for 269-267-8527, Lmsg. commitments. Osceola Wis, 715-294-3104, email: Place an ad at Organic Classifieds [email protected]. 2015 Red Dragon 16-row flame weeder. Pull type. or call 715-778-5775. Used on only 300 acres. 1000 gallon tank. $17,500. Open Pollinated Corn Seed. *** Silage, Grain,*** 320-212-9951, located in west-central MN. mosesorganic.org Wapsie Valley 85 day, MN 13 87 Day Certified Organic *** Green Haven Open Pollinated Seed Group, 607- IH 183 12R/30” Spacing Row Crop Cultivator, (under Farming tab) 566-9253, www.openpollinated.com. Good Shape - $3,300/OBO. 8R 36-38” Buffalo Cultiva- tor w/squeeze pump - $2,300 OBO. IH 133 6R30” Row MISCELLANEOUS Cultivator - $800 OBO. JD 845 6R30” Danish Tines For rent near Cambridge, WI, 20 acres, former - $800 OBO. Waterloo, IA, Call or Text 319-269-2489. CSA, Chemical free since 1977. Garden plots or larger Cold-hardy fruit trees for sale, spring and fall. areas. Some equipment and supplies. Grass hay, 10 80+ varieties of apples, pears, plums, quince, elder- For sale: Einbock tine harrow, 12 ft. like new, acres. Price negotiable. [email protected]. berry, gooseberries, currants, mulberry and more. $3,250. NE Iowa, 641-220-4434. Ships from Fredonia, Wisconsin. Elderflowerorchards. Young dairy owners looking for turn-key grazing com or call Adrian 414-779-0661. For Sale: One row pumpkin planter, mount on farm. Looking to relocate with long term manage- lawn tractor, one person operation, can use other able rent or seller finance options. Open to ideas, ORGANIC FISH FERTILIZER 15-1-1, 100% dry seeds, automatic lift, $300, 920-526-3510. Chaz at 715-441-0362 or [email protected]. water soluble, 5-7 times more nutritious than liquid fish. Will not clog drip irrigation. One lb., 5 lb. or 55 Pumpkin Seed Harvester: Easy to operate, min 30 119-acre farm for sale in Marion, WI. Buildings lb. packaging, can be shipped UPS. Frommelt Ag HP tractor, tow to fields. Located Prairie Farm, WI include house, barn, machine shed, shop and corn Service, Greeley, IA, 563-920-3674. 54762, $11,575 OBO. Pictures and details at www. crib. 80 acres tillable; 39 acres pasture/timber. 55 hayriver.net/harvester. acres certified organic, the rest is in transition. Good For Sale: Tempered, insulated, double-pane soils and excellent deer hunting. If interested, please glass. Large panes for sunrooms, solar homes, ag For Sale: Buffalo cultivators and planters, leave a message. 319-471-0918. buildings, greenhouses or ??? One hundred fifty 320-221-2266. thousand sold since 1979; 30” x 74” x 1” double- FORAGES pane only $69.00. Arctic Glass, www.kissourglass. FARMS/LAND com, 715-639-3762 or [email protected]. For Sale: Organic oats, corn, hay and straw, big 7.8 acre organic egg farm for sale. Includes several bales, can deliver. SW Wis. 608-574-2160. The Answer® - Product Line - ORGANIC “OMRI acres tillable for produce and energy efficient 3-4 LISTED” - Cleaning Products - Agriculture/Horticul- bedroom home with original wood floors and cabi- Certified Organic Dry Hay For Sale: 3x3x8 medium ture - Animal Feed Supplements - Bioremediation nets. Total capacity 9,500 layers. Includes contract squares. 3rd cutting 2016 Alfalfa. No rain, good qual- - Odor Control Order Online at www.greeneranswer. to grow eggs for established regional brand. Asking ity, tarped, negotiable price. 188RFV can send test com, David: 702-860-4284. price $325,000 for real estate and equipment. Layers results. Casselton, ND. Contact Kyle, 701-730-1730. to be sold separately. Pictures at, TeasdaleRealty. CW Farm Tax and Accounting. We specialize in com. Call 608-574-5066 for more information. For Sale: Certified organic dairy alfalfa – excellent bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning and preparation, quality baleage, 5’ x 5.5’ round bales, test available. annual and quarterly financial reports, and business Custom grazing 400 pair or equivalent July 1 to Robert Kees, Durand, Wis, 715-495-9387. planning. Bloomer, WI 715-568-9880. November 1. Irrigated, certified non-gmo forage sorghum sudangrass MIG system. Certified by MAKE AN OFFER: Certified Organic tested large OPPORTUNITIES Onecert. Located in Boone County at St. Edward, NE, squares/large rounds. Some wrapped and some 402-920-1704. dry. We can help load and deliver, Bill Larson, 608- Organic Dairy Farm Manager sought for startup 314-6062 or [email protected]. grass only dairy operation in Livingston, NY. 40+ cow 19-1/2 Acre Certified Organic Farm for Sale: herd, growing to 140 milking. Competitive salary, suitable for vegetables and/or cattle; 5 production GRAINS benefits and profit-share on milking operation. Ap- greenhouses – 19,348 sq. ft. total; 1 starter green- plication review begins 6/1. Applications taken until house – 1,320 sq. ft.; approximately 5 acres intensive For Sale - Organic Non-GMO Yellow Corn, 2016 filled. Flexible start date late summer or fall 2017, vegetable land; rotational grazing set-up – fence, Crop, Blue River Hybrids PuraMaize Variety (Rejects www.dirtpartners.com. water and barn; beautiful homestead with building GMO Pollen), 3400 Bu., $12.50/Bu. Phone: 605-760- site for new home, located in Marathon County, WI, 3890, Email: [email protected], NOP Certi- Now Hiring: One well-rounded, creative individ- 715-574-0035. fied W/Canadian Equivalency by OCIA. ual to join our team as our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Coordinator. If you have experience with customer service, interest in organic vegetables and are detail oriented, we may be a match. Position includes customer service, data entry, social media, promotions and more! Visit the “Opportunities” page on our website: www.harmonyvalleyfarm.com.

New ads posted daily online: • Equipment • Forages • Livestock • Farms/Land • Grain • More mosesorganic.org/farming/organic-classifieds 20 | May | June 2017

Caravan Field Day: Grazing Cover Crops The Art of the Entrepreneur Workshop May 30 | Noon-3 p.m. | free | Sioux Center, Iowa July 11 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | Little Falls, Minn. Caravan to each stop and learn more about spring Artists and growers as small business entrepreneurs grazing and a range of cover crop issues. COMMUNITY are invited to attend free educational workshops to Practical Farmers of Iowa: 515-232-5649 build their business profitability and capacity. Sprout Growers and Makers Marketplace: 218-851-6691 Comprehensive Elderberry Workshop & Field Tour CALENDAR May 31-June 2 | Jefferson City, Mo. Cottage Food Producer Advanced Food Safety The Midwest Elderberry Cooperative presents a two- Find details and event links online: July 12 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | $35 | Minneapolis, Minn. day workshop on all aspects of elderberry production. mosesorganic.org/community Learn how to safely produce, package and label food. Chris Patton: 612-418-4626 Suzanne: 320-203-6057

Webinar: Using Fire and Grazing to Maintain Pro- In Her Boots: ductive and Ecologically Resilient Grasslands Manage Your Grazed Woodlands Grass-Fed Beef & Dairy in a Diversified System June 1 | 1 – 2 p.m. EDT | free | Online June 16-17 | $40-$50 | Fort Ripley and Brainerd, Minn. July 12 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | free | Jefferson, Wis. Learn about the effects of grazing and fire on grass- The U of MN Extension, Happy Dancing Turtle, and MOSES field day - See page 7. land wildlife and opportunities to manage grazing Crow Wing River Forage Council are sponsoring this lands to accomplish production and wildlife goals. silvopasture workshop, walk, and tour. Webinar: Email Newsletters - Tips and Tools Find details at mosesorganic.org/community. Diomy Zamora: 612-626-9272 July 12 | 12 - 1 p.m. | free | Online Learn the nuts and bolts of developing a newsletter. Webinar: Aphids, Scales, and White Flies Renewable Energy Fair Find details at mosesorganic.org/community. June 2 | 1 – 2 p.m. CDT | free | Online June 16-18 | $ | Custer, Wis. Learn to identify and properly apply IPM techniques Vendors and talks on clean energy and sustainability. Slow Foods Nation Conference using practical, cultural practices to reduce the pres- Midwest Renewable Energy Association: 715-592-6595 July 14-16 | $ | Denver, Colo. sure from these insect pests. Workshops, seminars, dinners, tours, informal eating Find details at mosesorganic.org/community. Herb Field Day and drinking, and a taste marketplace. June 24 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Hutchinson, Minn. Slow Food USA: 718-260-8000 Farm Dreams The SFA Herb Project presents Connie Karstens on June 5 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | $20 | Online growing and marketing herbs in Minnesota. Solar/Wind Field Day An annual workshop series for aspiring farmers to see Sustainable Farming Association: 844-922-5573 July 15 | 1 - 5 p.m. | Kerkhoven, Minn. what it would take to start your own farm business. Pastures A Plenty Company and the Boike family host The Land Connection: 217-840-2128 Beekeeping: Assessing Honey in the Hive this solar/wind field day. Contact the Van Der Pols at June 25 | 1-4 p.m. | $35 | North Branch, Minn. 320-367-2061 or Boikes at 320-367-2767. Webinar: Results of a National Transition to View a monthly hive inspection, assess honey stores, Organic Survey and learn about how bees turn nectar into honey. Can Pigs be Part of Regenerative Agriculture Equation? June 6 | 2 p.m. | free | Online WEI: 651-583-0705 July 15 | 2 - 5 p.m. | La Plata, Mo. Join this webinar to learn about the motivations, Learn how to expand annual forages and grass con- needs, and challenges of transitioning to organic. Agroforestry Conference sumption in swine. Find details at mosesorganic.org/community. June 27-29 | $325 | Blacksburg, Va. John Arbuckle: [email protected]; 660-988-8551 For agroforestry producers, researchers, educators Webinar: Business Strategies to Enhance your and those involved with related work in the fields of Pasture for Grass-Fed Pork and Beef Farm’s CSA Program permaculture and agroecology. July 17 | 1 - 4:30 p.m. | free | Kiel, Wis. June 9 | 2 p.m. | free | Online Virginia Tech: 540-231-0790 MOSES field day - See page 7 Learn innovative approaches that can make your CSA program a better experience for your customers and Webinar: Can I use this Picture: Media Law Give Peas a Chance more profitable for you. June 28 | Noon - 1 p.m. | free | Online July 18 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | free | NDSU Carrington Find details at mosesorganic.org/community. Review the legal use of image copyright and provide Research Extension Center | Carrington, ND sources where you can find free or low cost images. MOSES field day - See page 7 Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Find details at mosesorganic.org/community. June 9-11 | $$$ | Almond, Wis. Diversified Organic Rotations Along with the herbal education and personal growth Small Grains & Pork Production July 21 | 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. | free | Ridgeway, Wis. workshops women enjoy dance and body movement June 29 | TBD | free | New Hampton, Iowa MOSES field day - See page 7 opportunities, singing, and nature walks. MOSES-sponsored field day with Practical Farmers of Midwest Women’s Herbal: 920-452-4372 Iowa – see page 7. Beekeeping: Mite Control July 23 | $35 | 1 - 4 p.m. | North Branch, Minn. Webinar: Improving Soil Health on Urban Farms International Bison Conference Methods of testing and treating for mites will be dem- June 13 | 1 p.m. | free | Online July 4-8 | $325-500 | Big Sky, Mont. onstrated in this course. See how the principles of a Soil Health Management National Bison Association: 303-292-2833 Women’s Environmental Institute: 651-583-0705 System are implemented on a 3.5 acre urban farm growing mixed vegetables, and it will emphasize prac- Composting with Purpose Field Day Farm Dreams Workshop tices that enhance the microbial life in the soil. July 8 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. | $70 - $80 | West Bend, Wis. July 23 | $20 - $40 | 1 - 5 p.m. | MinneapolisClarify Find details at mosesorganic.org/community. See how to use a fast, hot fermentation, biodynamic what motivates you to farm, get your vision on paper, compost method with animal manures. inventory strengths and training needs and get per- Midwest Farm Energy Conference Michael Fields Agricultural Institute: 262-642-3303 spective from an experienced farmer. June 13-14 | $30-$80 | Morris, Minn. Dori Eder: 612-578-4497 This conference will highlight energy efficient systems Permaculture Design Certificate Course for Midwest dairies and swine production systems. July 8-16 | $$$ | Fountain City, Wis. Artisanal Grain Production Michael Reese: 320-589-1711 Wayne Weiseman, long-time Permaculture designer, July 24 | 1 - 4:30 p.m. | Pecatonia, Ill. teacher and co-author of Integrated Forest Gardening. MOSES field day - See page 7 Kinstone: 608-687-3332