Kernza, also known as intermediate wheatgrass, is an emerging, dual-purpose (grain/forage) perennial grain crop. In this study, researchers from seven states (spanning the Great Plains, Midwest, and Northeast regions of the U.S) assessed the impacts of Kernza forage harvest strategy and timing on Kernza forage and grain yield.

This Practical Farmers of Iowa research brief details a 2025 on-farm trial across four Iowa farms testing corn gluten meal as an organic pre-emergent weed suppressant in onions, cabbage, and lettuce. It outlines trial methods, weed biomass and crop yield results compared to mulching/cultivation controls, and farmer takeaways on corn gluten's practical limits and fertilizer value.

This webinar features three Midwest farmers as they share their insights on direct marketing food-grade grains to bakers, distillers, consumers, and more. Panelists include Graham Adsit, Will Glazik, Beth McConnon, and John Clarke.

In this free online course prepared by the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), learn about managing soil health and fertility in organic field crops commonly grown in the northern tier of the U.S. The course will cover: soil health fundamentals; organic fertility management strategies; allowed fertility inputs; crop rotation strategies; and more.

Living mulches offer potential for weed management in low or no till systems. In this episode of the Field, Lab, Earth Podcast, University of Wisconsin's Ben Brockmueller discusses cover crop management in corn as a means of weed suppression.

This final research report from OFRF and Markisha Parker of Parker Farm highlights farmer-led research conducted to compare mulch types on tomato production on an urban farm.

Organic farmers prioritize cover crops, but successful establishment in long-season cash crops, particularly in the upper Midwest, remains a challenge. Traditional methods like aerial seeding into corn or drilling after fall harvest have yi…

Disease management can be a challenge for organic swine producers. Several intestinal parasites, including large roundworms, whipworms, and nodular worms pose significant risks to organic pig production and can be transmitted via soils or bedding. In this study, researchers assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasites on certified-organic and alternative pig farms, evaluating parasite incidence in pasture soils, bedding, and fecal matter.

This Practical Farmers of Iowa research brief describes a 2025 on-farm trial by four Iowa organic farmers testing BioGuard (an OMRI-listed biological seed coating advertised to reduce insect feeding and fungal disease) in corn. It outlines trial design, methods for measuring plant population and yield, and results.

Keen public interest in soil carbon sequestration will test the scientific community’s ability to deliver effective soil management practices. In this webinar, produced by the USDA Climate Hub and the International Soil Carbon Network, experts share case studies from the UK and US on the impacts of manure and compost on soil carbon sequestration in agricultural ecosystems.

In this free online course prepared by the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), learn about weed control strategies for organic field crops commonly grown in the northern tier of the U.S. The course covers: strategies to prevent weed emergence; cultural and mechanical control strategies; and more.

Listen to this Small Farm Sustainability Podcast episode exploring innovations in organic agriculture, featuring conversations on emerging practices and approaches that are shaping the future of organic farming systems, markets, and producer decision-making today and tomorrow.