This broadcast took place on Friday, February 6, 2015, from the Organicology Conference in Portland, Oregon. Watch them as a YouTube playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZMuQJAj6rOpCbyVNOxJacexaLZ0STf1f
Crop Rotations for the Pacific Northwest
This workshop will present and discuss key crop rotations that include high demand/low supply crops that can be grown in the Pacific Northwest. This session will build on the Growing the Market Intensive and the work Oregon Tilth is doing to identify these crops and create a concrete picture of supply gaps and market opportunities. It will include a brief overview of the market analysis findings, and cover key considerations for producers to integrate these crops into current rotations, including acreage needs, variety selection, planting schedules, equipment, etc. The buyer will discuss how farmers can work with wholesalers to plan production and the producer will discuss the challenges and benefits of integrating new crops and her experiences working with buyers.
Speakers: James Henderson, Farm Liaison, Hummingbird Wholesale; Michael McMillan, Sourcing Manager, Organically Grown Company; Nick Andrews, Senior Instructor, OSU Center for Small Farms & Community Food Systems; Pete Postlewait, Co-Owner, Nature Fresh Farms
Soil Health in Organic Farming Systems
This discussion features experts from Washington State University and Rodale Institute who will present new research focused on improving soil health in organic systems. Participants will learn about soil health principles and practices for building healthy soils such as no-till and minimized tillage, cover crops, and crop rotations. This workshop will help organic and transitioning farmers identify soil health issues and improve soil health management on their farms. The workshop will also provide an overview of common soil health challenges for organic farmers and discuss the latest information on the topic from the National Organic Program and National Organic Standards Board. The session will cover information on federal conservation programs that provides financial and technical assistance for conservation projects.
Speakers: Mark “Coach” Smallwood, Executive Director, Rodale Institute; Doug Collins, Small Farms Educator & Soil Scientist, Center for Sustaining Ag & Natural Resources, WSU; Ben Bowell, Organic Education Specialist, Oregon Tilth & NRCS
Seed Intensive Workshop
View selected recordings from this workshop here or on this YouTube playist:
- Considerations in Organic Seed Production: Jared Zystro, Organic Seed Alliance
- The Yearly Seed Production Cycle: Rowen White, Sierra Seeds
- Seed Cleaning: Beth Ragourshek, Canyon Bounty Farm
- Economics of Seed Growing: Steve Peters, Organic Seed Alliance; Andrew Still, Adaptive Seeds and Rowen White, Sierra Seeds
