Hybrid winter rye - a winter-hardy, high-yielding grain crop with soil structure-enhancing properties - has gained attention as a potential alternative to corn, soybean, or wheat in organic swine diets. This study, conducted by the University of Minnesota, evaluated the effects of including hybrid rye in the diets of organically-raised pigs on pork quality, carcass traits, and taste.

This guidebook covers organic grain markets, featuring farmer and buyer perspectives on return on investment, market landscape trends, and strategies for engaging organic grain buyers.

This farmer webinar features Jill Dohner of Michigan FarmLink on connecting landowners and land seekers, and Corey Clark of MSU Extension on farmland succession planning, plus organic farmers' land-succession experiences.

Farm Pulse is self-guided online course from UW-Madison Extension that helps farmers explore financial statements and strategic management, teaching them how to evaluate their finances and take the pulse of their business and goals.

In this podcast episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture Specialist Audrey Kolde sits down with colleagues Ann Baier and Andrew Coggins to discuss the initial steps in obtaining organic certification.

Organic farmers require crop varieties that are specifically adapted to the unique challenges of organic systems. These varieties should be able to access organic sources of fertility more effectively, compete with weeds, and resist pests.…

Winter cover crops can provide significant soil health benefits and serve as an important source of forage for livestock during colder months. This study, conducted by the University of Minnesota, evaluated the interacting effects of winter cover crops and cattle grazing on soil fertility and soil enzyme activity in an organic corn-soybean system.

This resource explains how farmers can protect themselves from bankruptcy "clawback" demands on payments they've already received from buyers, covering both legal defenses and preventive steps like state indemnity funds and liens.

This article and short video are for farmers curious about transitioning to organic agriculture, covering the purpose and process of organic transition, certification requirements, and available resources to support the transition journey and decision.

This free, 10-minute self-assessment tool helps farmers evaluate their readiness for USDA organic certification under the crops scope. It covers eight key areas: farm parcels, record keeping, soil and water management, seeds and planting stock, pest management, inputs and equipment, harvest and transport, and handling — giving producers a clear picture of where they stand before pursuing certification.

In this podcast episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Agriculture and Natural Resource Economist Jeff Schahczenski discusses the climate benefits of certified organic production systems with Dr. Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs at The Organic Center.

In Wisconsin, organic snap bean production for processing currently meets less than one-third of current demand. In spite of price incentives, it is especially difficult for processors to contract sufficient acres to meet demand due to the…