Production and acreage of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) boomed in the US after its legalization in 2018, and many producers are interested in growing this crop for its uses in industries such as human and animal food, construction, and textiles. However, many knowledge gaps and barriers still exist in regards to production, processing, and supply chains. This study conducted a national survey and focus groups to identify resource needs and barriers in the US hemp market.

This Cornell University and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension factsheet, featuring organic farmer Klaas Martens, explains frost seeding red clover as a low-cost practice for building soil nitrogen, suppressing weeds, and improving soil health. Broadcast onto frozen ground in late February through mid-March, a good clover stand can supply much of the nitrogen needed for the following corn crop.

If NRCS programs feel confusing or intimidating, you’re not alone. In this Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) call series episode, Sam Tilton talks with Thomas Manley to unpack the cost-share opportunities available to organic grain farmers—and explain how good conservation planning can strengthen an operation long after the contract ends.

Worksheets and calculators are useful tools for making projections of future income and expenses for various value-added enterprises. The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) has compiled budgeting tools for an array of crops (grain/field crops, vegetables, berries) and livestock production systems to project costs and returns for your business.

In this podcast episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mike Lewis is joined by Shawn Lucas, an assistant professor of organic agriculture at Kentucky State University. In addition to discussing specific crops, Mike and Shawn talk about the timing of planting cover crops and the benefits they can bring to a farmer’s bottom line.

In the upper Midwest, fresh market sweet corn is an important part of many diversified organic vegetable operations. Many organic farmers consider sweet corn crucial for attracting customers to their market stands or to their CSAs. Organic…

It can be difficult to predict how changes in agricultural management practices may impact an agroecosystem's overall GHG emissions. This study examined the effects of cover crops on soil CO2 and N2O emissions after the first year of organic-transition corn across topographically diverse agricultural landscapes.

Developed by the Organic Farmers Association, this checklist helps organic and transitioning producers prepare for a visit to their local NRCS office to explore funding through EQIP Practice #823. Farmers document basic farm information and identify resource concerns — from erosion and water quality to livestock infrastructure and soil health — to guide conservation planning.

Livestock is a powerful tool for building soil health and boosting profitability. In this Organic Advisor Call Series episode, Sam Oschwald Tilton of OATS talks with Clint Epley and Knute Severson—two farmers who've made it work—about the real-world logistics of integrating grazing into organic grain rotations, from fencing, water, and crop rotation to pasture management and marketing.

The FoodSearcher Tool, developed by the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC) and MarketMaker, is the newest installment in a national database that connects farmers with retailers, grocery stores, processors, caterers, chefs, and consumers. Whether you are a producer looking to reach new markets or a buyer wanting to connect with local or specialty suppliers, this tool is a must-have resource.

Welcome to the Organic Advisor Call Series — quick-hit conversations on the hottest topics in organic field crops. Whether you're tuning in from your desk, truck, or tractor, you'll spend one hour each episode learning about emerging issues from expert farmers and industry leaders.

Entrepreneurial Agriculture (MCEA) at Marshalltown Community College (MCC) in Marshalltown, Iowa. MCEA recourses currently include a 130-acre certified organic farm for use by beginning farmers, a wash and pack facility (funded and slated f…