2018 OGRAIN Conference Schedule
Expanded workshop descriptions and presenter bios are below, along with detail on CEUs for each session.
FRIDAY January 26, 2018
7:30 AM Registration and light breakfast
8:00-8:15 Welcome Erin Silva, OGRAIN
8:15-9:30 Soil Fertility-Organic Choices and Solutions Jaime Patton, UW-Extension
9:45-10:45 Marketing Organic Grains and Rotation Crops Tim Boortz, NFO
11:45-12:15 Cover Crops and No-till in an Organic Cash Grain Rotation Erin Silva, Léa Vereecke and Matt Ruark, UW-Madison
12:15-1:15 LUNCH and sponsor table visits
1:15-2:00 Keynote: Diversity Builds Resilience Klaas Martens, Lakeview Organic Grain, NY
2:15-3:15 Choose one workshop
Getting Started in Small Grains (Transitioning session) Bruce Roskens, Grain Millers
Unique Small Grains for Food or Feed (Experienced session) Klaas Martens, Lakeview Organic Grain, NY, Elia Romano, Albert Lea Seed
3:30-4:30 Choose one workshop
Navigating Organic Certification (Transitioning session) Harriet Behar, National Organic Standards Board member
Integrating Livestock into a Cash Grain Operation (Experienced session) Jack Erisman, IL organic farmer
4:30-6:30 Reception, snacks and cash bar, sponsor table visits
Supper on your own, a list of nearby restaurants will be available
SATURDAY January 27, 2018
7:30 AM Light breakfast
8:00-9:30 Choose one workshop
Transitioning to Organic Panel (Transitioning session) Sandy Syburg, Purple Cow Organics, Jared Siverling, Siverling Farms, Brett Runde, Runde Farms
Managing Crop Pests and Diseases Through Practices Not Products (Experienced session) Klaas Martens, Lakeview Organic Grain, NY
9:45-11:00 Choose one workshop
Mechanical Weed Management (Transitioning session) Joel Gruver, Western IL U
Ecological Weed Management (Experienced session) Matt Liebman, IA State U
11:15-12:15 Post Harvest Handling and Storage Craig Tomera, Grain Millers
12:15-1:00 LUNCH
1:00-2:15 Farm Financials and Crop Insurance Rich Ritter, Flanagan State Bank
2:30-4:00 Farmer Panel-Keys to Organic Farm Success Klaas Martens, Jack Erisman, Mark Doudlah, farmers
4:00 Wrap up and complete conference evaluations
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS and SPEAKER BIOS
8:15-9:30 Friday, Concerto Room Soil Fertility – Choices and Solutions for Organic Crops
Organic farming is rooted in soil health, built through incorporation of plant and animal materials as well as naturally based soil amendments. Jamie Patton offers a basic overview of soil health assessment and soil test review. Short and long term options for improving crop vigor and nutrition through soil building and nutrient strategies will be discussed. CEUs: Nutrient Management:1.
Jamie Patton was a tenured Soil Science faculty member at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri before joining UW-Extension in Shawano County in 2013. She became known in NW Missouri as a valuable resource in soil quality, soil health, and cover crops. As a tenured faculty member at Northwest Missouri State University, Jamie was active in both class room teaching, as well as applied field research and demonstration projects. Originally from Iowa, Dr. Patton earned her graduate degree from Iowa State, and later her PhD from Oklahoma State University.
9:45-11:15 Friday, Concerto Room Marketing Organic Grains and Rotation Crops
Explore ways to provide long term stability and sale of all crops within your rotation. Tim Boortz explains how to seek out and build relationships in the diverse organic market by utilizing marketing co-ops, brokers, and feed mills, selling direct to artisan grain millers and organic livestock producers.CEUs: Crop Management: 1.5
As a grain marketing specialist for NFOrganics, Tim Boortz works on behalf of his producers to earn top dollars for their certified organic grains, facilitating the contracting, sales and payment processes. Prior to joining NFOrganics, Tim was a farm manager of a 4,500-acre organic operation, responsible for all aspects of the operation including planting, harvesting, storage, and marketing.Tim has a bachelor’s of science degree in natural resource management from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
11:15-12:15 Friday, Concerto Room Cover Crops and No-till in an Organic Cash Grain Rotation
There are a diversity of opportunities to utilize cover crops throughout the growing season and crop rotation for increased organic matter, beneficial insect habitat, lowered compaction, weed control and more. Matt Ruark, Erin Silva and Léa Vereecke help you consider which ones could fit into your farming system, from interseeding into a standing crop to sowing short season covers during the growing season. Use of rolled mulch crops under soybeans (organic no-till) will also be discussed.CEUs: Integrated Pest Management: 0.5, Crop Management: 0.5, Sustainability: 1
Dr. Erin Silva is an Assistant Professor in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research and extension program focuses on sustainable and organic cropping systems, including cover crops and cover crop-based no-till production, the impact of organic management on soil biological and physical properties. Léa Vereecke is a Research Associate at UW-Madison, Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension, where she manages trials at Arlington Research Station, including no-till. Dr. Matt Ruark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an Extension Specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Extension. His work focuses on improving the understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling in dairy, grain, and vegetable production systems, as well as the water quality implications of management practices.
1:15-2:00 Friday, Concerto Room KEYNOTE: Diversity Builds Resilience
Extreme weather events, evolving markets, and various production challenges are best managed following the adage “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” Klaas Martens continually works to further develop resilient systems on the family’s 1,600 certified organic acres in Upper New York state. Double cropping, winter and spring plantings, diverse rotations and integration of livestock along with a strong environmental ethic result in short and long-term sustainability for this highly diverse operation. CEUs: Crop Management: 0.5, Sustainability: 0.5
Klaas Martens, Mary-Howell Martens and son Peter farm 1,600 acres of certified organic crops in upstate New York, producing corn, soybeans, spelt, wheat, emmer, einkorn, rye, triticale, buckwheat, oats, barley, cabbage, dry beans, hay, and a wide range of cover crops. Both independent and university-coordinated on-farm organic research is a strong component of their farming operation, and they are frequent speakers and writers on organic agriculture.
2:15-3:15 Friday, Symphony Room Getting Started in Small Grains (Transitioning session)
Developing a soil building crop rotation is required in organic production. Bruce Roskens will explain how to successfully integrate oats, barley or wheat in a corn/soybean rotation. Choosing seed varieties, understanding fertility needs, rotation planning, as well as pest and disease management will be discussed. CEUs: Crop Management: 1, Sustainability: 1
Bruce Roskens is the Director of Crop Sciences for Grain Millers, Inc. His broad-based business experience includes purchasing of commodities and ingredients, crop research and development, mill feed sales, hybrid and varietal breeding program administration, grain milling, and grain quality education and development programs.Growing up on a family farm in northwest Iowa, Bruce graduated from South Dakota State University, majoring in Agronomy and Agricultural Education.
2:15-3:15 Friday, Concerto Room Unique Small Grains for Feed or Food (Experienced session)
Klaas Martens and Elia Romano will explore the unique crop production needs of spelt, kernsa, emmer, eincorn, hybrid rye, winter barley, austrian winter pea and other artisan food grade grains and livestock feeds. Seed sources, timing of planting, fertility needs and more will be discussed in this session for experienced growers seeking to increase crop diversity. CEUs: Crop Management: 1, Sustainability: 1
Klaas Martens, Mary-Howell Martens and son Peter farm 1,600 acres of certified organic crops in upstate New York, producing corn, soybeans, spelt, wheat, emmer, einkorn, rye, triticale, buckwheat, oats, barley, cabbage, dry beans, hay, and a wide range of cover crops. Both independent and university-coordinated on-farm organic research is a strong component of their farming operation, and they are frequent speakers and writers on organic agriculture. Elia Romano, grain and seed buyer for the Albert Lea Seed House, has been working in the seed industry for 20 years with a focus on contract producing grains and specialty crops with farmers all over the United States and Canada.
3:30-4:30 Friday, Symphony Room Navigating Organic Certification (Transitioning session)
Organic certification, its accompanying documentation and annual on-site inspection, is a necessary part of accessing the organic marketplace. The organic rules are detailed but not complicated. Harriet Behar will explain how a practical approach to organic certification leads to a successful organic production system. A short virtual inspection will help take the mystery out of organic law requirements.CEUs: Crop Management: 1
Harriet Behar has led hundreds of trainings and on-farm tours introducing organic agriculture and organic certification requirements to farmers and other agriculture education professionals. As a former organic specialist at the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) and organic inspector for over 30 years, she has visited and worked with thousands of organic farmers in the Upper Midwest. She and her husband have managed a certified organic farm since 1989, growing bedding plants, vegetables, herbs and small grains as well as small scale eggs and honey.
3:30-4:30 Friday, Concerto Room Integrating Livestock into a Cash Grain Operation (Experienced session)
Incorporating livestock can bring multiple benefits to a cash grain operation but also adds complexity. Utilizing various crops in the rotation, such as forages and lower quality grains, livestock also provide manures for fertility. Pastures aid soil health, weed management and the farm’s bottom line. Jack Erisman will discuss opportunities and challenges to management and infrastructure as various species of livestock are incorporated on farms. CEUs: Nutrient Management: 0.5, Crop Management: 0.5, Sustainability: 1
Jack Erisman farms 2,000 acres of corn, beans, small grains, forage and beef cattle in Central Illinois. His philosophy and management style focus on what is good for the land with an eye on the bottom line. Though he has farmed since 1963, Jack still considers himself a student, eager to learn more. His farm has been certified organic since 1993.
8:00-9:30 Saturday, Symphony Room Transitioning to Organic Panel (Transitioning session)
Learn the perils and joys of the transition to organic from a panel of newly transitioned farmers and a long time mentor who helps those in the transition. Practical strategies for rotations, soil management, markets and tips for developing an economically successful organic production system will be discussed. Bring your questions! CEUs: Crop Management: 1
Sandy Syburg is co-founder and President of Purple Cow Organics. He has transitioned over 300 acres near Oconomowoc, Wis. to certified organic production, and now farms a variety of food, grain and seed crops, while innovating and testing potential new products. Brett Runde farms his 100-year old family farm with his wife, 4 children and parents. Transitioning since 2015, they milk 100 holsteins and crop 400 acres, which they expect to be certified in May 2018. Jared & Vanessa Siverling are transitoning Jared’s 4th generation centenial family farm in Bloomer, Wis., approximately 400 acres, producing corn, edible soybeans, small grains, hay, and beef. Involved in the farm’s operation his entire life, he’s served as assistant manager since 2011, and in 2019 he and Vanessa will become primary owners and operators. Siverling Farms has been conducting organic-compliant row-crop trial plots for several years and is on schedule to certify 20% of the farmland organic in 2018, with 100% certified by 2021.
8:00-9:30 Saturday, Concerto Room Managing Crop Pests and Diseases Through Practices Not Products (Experienced session)
Even those experienced in organic techniques for crop and pest management are finding that weather extremes and other complexities can still cause problems. Klaas Martens will show how increasing biodiversity both in the field and the surrounding ecosystem build long-term resiliency resulting in healthy crop yields. CEUs: Integrated Pest Management: 1, Crop Management: 0.5, Sustainability: 1
Klaas Martens, Mary-Howell Martens and son Peter farm 1,600 acres of certified organic crops in upstate New York, producing corn, soybeans, spelt, wheat, emmer, einkorn, rye, triticale, buckwheat, oats, barley, cabbage, dry beans, hay, and a wide range of cover crops. Both independent and university-coordinated on-farm organic research is a strong component of their farming operation, and they are frequent speakers and writers on organic agriculture.
9:45-11:00 Saturday, Symphony Room Mechanical Weed Management (Transitioning session)
Joel Gruver will help those new to organic methods gain a strong foundation for understanding mechanical weed management. A diversity of weed management strategies, methods and types of equipment will be discussed.CEUs: Integrated Pest Management: 1
Joel Gruver was raised on a diversified farm in Maryland, and has been teaching and researching organic soil management for over 15 years. He is an Associate Professor of Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture at Western Illinois University, and the Director of the WIU Organic Research Program. Recent research projects have focused on cover crop management, reducing tillage intensity and applications of precision technologies in organic grain production.
9:45-11:00 Saturday, Concerto Room Ecological Weed Management (Experienced session)
Moving beyond the control of easy to see weed seedlings, experienced growers can gain an extra advantage by taking a life-history approach to targeting weeds in annual field crops. Matt Liebman will explore how biology and ecology form the foundation for durable and effective weed management strategies, including choice and design of weed-suppressive rotation sequences. We’ll also look at how to quantify the impact of multi-tactic integrated weed management systems on weedy plant species. CEUs: Integrated Pest Management: 1, Sustainability: 1
Matt Liebman’s research projects focus on diversified cropping systems, weed ecology and management, and the use of native perennial species for soil and water conservation and biofuel production. He is a Professor of Agronomy and the Henry A. Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University, and a member of the board of directors of Wheatsfield Cooperative Grocery in Ames, IA.
11:15-12:15 Saturday, Concerto Room Post Harvest Handling and Storage
Growing the crop is just the beginning of successful organic grain production. Protecting quality through harvest, pre-storage and in storage provides a higher dollar return. Craig Tomera will discuss cleaning, setting and running the combine, swathing, cleaning grain before storage, bin cleaning techniques, and more. CEUs: Crop Management: 1
Craig Tomera has worn many hats in his career in production agriculture, from retail fertilizer sales and agronomic crop consulting to seed production and seed cleaning. Non-GMO and organic food grade production have been his focus for the last 17 years, he is currently production agronomist and Identity Preserved Crop Specialist for Grain Millers, Inc.
1:00-2:15 Saturday, Concerto Room Farm Financials and Crop Insurance
The strongest farm safety net is good financial planning, along with understanding potential risks and opportunities. Presenting in an easy-to-understand format, Rich Ritter will discuss cash flow and crop insurance strategies most favorable to both transitioning and existing organic farmers. Helpful written resources will support the presentation. CEUs: Crop Management: 1
Rich Ritter has worked for Flanagan State Bank since 1995, where he is Senior Vice President of Agricultural Lending. Growing up on a farm in rural Blue Mound, Illinois, he has over 23 years’ experience as an Ag lender.
2:30-4:00 Saturday, Concerto Room Farmer Panel – Keys to Organic Farm Success
A panel of both new to organic and long term successful organic farmers will share strategies for building resiliency in organic fields leading to stable economic returns. There will be time for questions and discussion! CEUs: Crop Management: 1
Mark Doudlah is a 4th generation farmer, currently farming 1,800 organic acres certified through MOSA. Mark Graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Ag Mechanization and Management, and is the president of Agrecol Corporation, largest producers of native local eco-type species in the Midwest. Klaas Martens, Mary-Howell Martens and son Peter farm 1600 acres of certified organic crops in upstate New York, producing corn, soybeans, spelt, wheat, emmer, einkorn, rye, triticale, buckwheat, oats, barley, cabbage, dry beans, hay, and a wide range of cover crops. Both independent and university-coordinated on-farm organic research is a strong component of their farming operation, and they are frequent speakers and writers on organic agriculture. Jack Erisman farms 2,000 acres of corn, beans, small grains, forage and beef cattle in Central Illinois. His philosophy and management style focus on what is good for the land with an eye on the bottom line. Though he has farmed since 1963, Jack still considers himself a student, eager to learn more. His farm has been certified organic since 1993.