Propane-fueled flame weeding is an alternative to chemical weed control in conventional and organic soybean cropping systems. This study, conducted at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, investigated the impacts of flame weeding timing (vegetative vs. reproductive crop growth stage), torch height, and propane dose on soybean grain yield.

In this free online course prepared by the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), learn about the National Organic Program (NOP). The course will cover: the history of the organic movement in the United States, the National Organic Program structure, top reasons why farmers choose to go organic, and the top 7 regulations that every advisor should know.

This episode of Voices from the Field is the second part of a conversation between NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Mike Lewis and Michael O’ Gorman, an organic farming pioneer and founder of the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Mike and Michael talk about mitigating risk in tomato crop and general ag operations.

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.

Published by the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS), this factsheet guides transitioning organic grain farmers through key equipment and infrastructure decisions — including tillage implements, cultivation and weed control tools, guidance systems, grain drills, and on-farm storage. It emphasizes long-term planning, crop rotation, and building a support team to navigate the shift from conventional production.

There are two obvious barriers organic producers face when they consider on-farm processing. The first is psychological. On-farm processing can appear intimidating and beyond reach, on one hand; on the other, it may seem unnecessary to some…

Managing soil health and crop nutrients while also maintaining or improving crop yields can be a challenging balance for organic farmers. Native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation can provide benefits to both soil and crop health through symbiotic relationships. In this study, various tomato and pepper cultivars were inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from a native grassland, and the resulting effects on crop number and biomass during weekly harvests were examined.

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 episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Nina Prater is joined by Dr. Johannes Lehmann, a Cornell University professor with the School of Integrative Plant Science. They talk about misconceptions around soil humus, explore new ways to look at the organic components of soil, and discuss the challenges of creating a circular economy.

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.

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.

Grape production in the Midwest is increasing at a rapid rate. Very little if any are being grown organically due to the fact that little is known about organic disease control on grape in the Midwest. Sulfur is a good material to use for c…