Organic grains fetch a substantial price premium and demand for organic feed grains far exceeds domestic supplies, creating a strong market incentive for grain farmers to go organic. Challenges include learning how to farm without synthetic inputs, greater reliance on tillage, excess P accrued with manure-based fertility, and lower yields sold at conventional grain prices during the three-year transition period.

This project evaluated four transition strategies: perennial alfalfa-grass hay (no tillage), and an oat-corn-soy rotation with cover crops and minimal, reduced, or full schedules. Field trials were completed at three sites and certified organic corn was grown in year 4 after all treatments. Soil health parameters, nutrient losses, crop yields, and net economic returns were documented.