North Carolina Organic Grain Production Guide 1 North Carolina Organic Grain Production Guide North Carolina State University North Carolina Organic Grain Project College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Prepared by: Molly Hamilton, Crop Science Extension Assistant, NC State University With contributions from: Keith Baldwin, Extension Specialist, North Carolina A&T State University Gary Bullen, Extension Associate, Agriculture and Resource Economics, NC State University Mike Burton, Assistant Professor, Crop Science, NC State University Carl Crozier, Soil Science Extension Specialist, NC State University Jim Dunphy, Crop Science Extension Specialist, NC State University John Van Duyn, Entomology Extension Specialist, NC State University Myron Fountain, former Executive Director, North Carolina Crop Improvement Association Ron Heiniger, Crop Science Extension Specialist, NC State University David Howle, Assistant Professor, Fertilizer and Seed Certification, Clemson University Tony Kleese, Executive Director, Carolina Farm Stewardship Association Jim Riddle, Organic Policy Specialist, Rodale Institute’s www.newfarm.org Phil Rzewnicki, Teaching Assistant Professor, NC State University Randy Weisz, Crop Science Extension Specialist, NC State University Alan York, Crop Science Extension Specialist, NC State University Acknowledgments This publication is supported in part by a grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. 2 North Carolina Organic Grain Production Guide Contents Page Chapter 1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................................3 Chapter 2. Organic Crop Production Systems ........................................................................................4 Chapter 3. Crop Production Management – Corn ..................................................................................6 Chapter 4. Crop Production Management – Wheat and Small Grains .................................................12 Chapter 5. Crop Production Management – Soybean ..........................................................................18 Chapter 6. Soil Management ................................................................................................................22 Chapter 7. Weed Management .............................................................................................................27 Chapter 8. Organic Certification ............................................................................................................31 Chapter 9. Marketing Organic Grain and Oilseed Crops ......................................................................36 Chapter 10. Crop Budgets ......................................................................................................................40 Resources ............................................................................................................................................46 Recommendations for the use of agricultural chemicals are included in this publication as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use agricultural chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage regulations and examine a current product label before applying any chemical. For assistance, contact your county Cooperative Extension agent. North Carolina Organic Grain Production Guide 3 Chapter 1. Introduction Phil Rzewnicki, Teaching Assistant Professor, NC State University Molly Hamilton, Crop Science Extension Assistant, NC State University tion about organic production, certification, and mar- The market for organic products is growing at a keting of grain crops as well as references to further rapid pace. In the United States, the organic food information (see the “Resources” section, pages 46- industry grew between 17 and 21 percent each year 48). It does not cover all aspects of grain production, from 1997 to 2003, and an average annual growth but focuses on specific techniques relevant to or- rate of 18 percent has been forecast through 2008 ganic systems. Comprehensive guides to grain pro- according to the Organic Trade Association duction can be found in the latest editions of these (www.ota.com). In 2003, the market growth of or- Extension publications: ganic bread and grains was over 20 percent, with growth of organic meat, poultry, and fish near 78 • Small Grain Production Guide: percent. These trends are expected to continue. www.smallgrains.ncsu.edu/Guide/cover.html To be certified as organic, livestock must be • Corn Production Guide: http:// fed organic grains as required by the U.S. Depart- www.ces.ncsu.edu/plymouth/cropsci/ ment of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic cornguide/ Plan Rules. This requirement leads to more oppor- tunities for production of organic grains. In North Additional information is available from the NC Carolina, organic grain producers have expanding State University Department of Crop Science: opportunities to market their products to manufac- www.cropsci.ncsu.edu. turers that create foods for human consumption as This guide does not make recommendations well as to livestock feed markets. Organic grain about the use of pesticides in organic systems. No prices are usually 150 percent higher than prices research has been published on the use of pesticides for conventionally-produced grain. Other benefits approved for organic production of grain crops in of organic grain production include increased soil North Carolina, and we cannot make recommenda- health, farm income diversification, and lower tions for their use here. The cost of pesticides ap- levels of exposure to common farm chemicals for proved for organic production may also be prohibi- both people and the environment. Farmers in tively expensive for field crops. The Organic Materi- North Carolina are in a unique position to take als Review Institute (OMRI) publishes a list of com- advantage of the early growth of organics by mercially available products that can be used in cer- growing and selling organically produced grain. If tified organic operations for pest control they are to take advantage of the price premium (www.OMRI.org). Conditions for use of an ap- for organic products, however, more research on proved pesticide must be documented in the organic organic grain and oilseed production in North system plan, as described by the 2000 National Or- Carolina is needed. In addition, a network of or- ganic Plan (NOP). ganic grain farmers should be developed, and We have made every effort to accurately cite marketing information and Extension education National Organic Plan regulations, production infor- should be made available to help growers compete mation, and marketing information. Always consult successfully in this rapidly expanding industry. your certification agency when you have questions This guide provides farmers, Extension person- about certification requirements specific to your nel, and other agricultural educators with informa- particular farm. 4 North Carolina Organic Grain Production Guide Chapter 2. Organic Crop Production Systems Ron Heiniger, Crop Science Extension Specialist, NC State University Molly Hamilton, Crop Science Extension Assistant, NC State University Organic production systems are based on manage- Crop Sequence ment practices that promote and enhance farm biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological An organic production system begins with selection activity. Organic agriculture strives to minimize use of the best rotation sequence of production crops and of off-farm inputs and relies on management prac- cover crops based on the specific characteristics of tices that restore, maintain, and enhance soil ecology the field. This is particularly important in the first and the farm landscape. Growers considering organic few years of an organic production system because grain crops need to recognize that success will de- the transition period will set the conditions for suc- pend on developing a diversified crop management cess. Rotation sequences should be designed to: system, including an appropriate rotation plan. Rec- • reduce weed pressure by minimizing the ommendations in this guide were developed to help amount of weed seed produced and reducing growers tailor soil health and pest management strat- perennial weeds; egies to fit their specific conditions. • increase the amount of mineralizable nitrogen in the soil; Components of Organic • reduce the incidence of insect and disease pests Production Systems by eliminating hosts and interrupting pest life cycles. Table 2-1 lists the key components of an organic This usually requires combinations or rotations production system. The choices made for each com- of crops that attract or harbor different insects and ponent will affect the choices for other components diseases, fix nitrogen, inhibit weed growth, and en- as well as soil fertility and pest management. hance the soil. The following crop sequences are recommended for organic grain crop production in Table 2-1. Components of cropping systems North Carolina. Wheat – Red clover (or other forage legume) Components Category – Corn. Wheat and the legume provide continuous Crop