Organic soybeans may be a very lucrative crop for Iowa farmers. Learn about the market, land preparation, planting and weed management, and the harvest and subsequent crops.
Resources Category: Organic Crop Production
Crop Rotations, Composting and Cover Crops for Organic Vegetable Production
Organic production and consumption has increased to a $39.5 billion industry in the United States with over 22,000 organic farmers. Over 5.4 million acres are in organic production in the U.S., including 164,403 acres of organic vegetables, valued at $1.3 billion. The majority of organic vegetable growers incorporate crop rotations, composting, and cover crops in… Continue reading Crop Rotations, Composting and Cover Crops for Organic Vegetable Production
Growing Organic Vegetables in Iowa
Organic production and consumption has increased over the past 20 years. Learn how to raise organic vegetables – including strategies for composting, pest management, and disease management.
Iowa State University Extension Fundamentals of Organic Agriculture
Detailed information on organic agriculture including history, legalities and logistics, labeling, marketing, and pest and weed management. Includes two field examples on organic soybean and apple production.
Cover Crop Economics
Based primarily on yield and economic data gathered through five years of national cover crop surveys, Cover Crop Economics: Opportunities to Improve Your Bottom Line in Row Crops addresses the kinds of economic returns that can be expected from cover crops, both under various management scenarios and as cover crops improve soil health over time.… Continue reading Cover Crop Economics
Transitioning Small Grain Production to Organic
Grain farmers consider trying organic production for a variety of reasons, including economics and personal philosophy. Using several case studies of organic grain farms in the Pacific Northwest, in this webinar we will discuss possible transitions to organic farming. Management practices include crop rotation, soil fertility, and weed management. The webinar will also introduce a… Continue reading Transitioning Small Grain Production to Organic
Considerations for Transitioning Perennial Production to Organic
Organic fruit production is increasing and more producers are considering the transition to organic. This webinar will explore the challenges and opportunities specific to transitioning perennial systems to organic certification. Note: Market analysis presented is not current as of today.
Soil Fertility in Organic Systems: A Guide for Gardeners and Small Acreage Farmers
Managing soil fertility is challenging because it requires considerable focus — you must consistently pay attention to the source, timing, rate and placement of nutrient applications. This publication discusses the many types of fertilizers and soil amendments (material or techniques that improves a soil’s physical properties) available for organic plant production. From soil fundamentals (pH,… Continue reading Soil Fertility in Organic Systems: A Guide for Gardeners and Small Acreage Farmers
Crop Rotation on Organic Farms
A complete, step-by-step crop rotation planning guide for organic farmers. 154 pages.
Growing Einkorn, Emmer, and Spelt in Wyoming
Wyoming farmers are well suited to produce small grain crops and already grow 250,000 acres of wheat, oats, and barley. Ancient wheats (einkorn, emmer, and spelt) are alternative crops that can be grown with existing equipment and fit well into current crop rotations. These grains are taller than modern varieties with more robust roots and… Continue reading Growing Einkorn, Emmer, and Spelt in Wyoming