Farmers and ranchers decide to pursue organic certification for many personal, financial and environmental reasons. This publication introduces you to the requirements of the USDA National Organic Program and outlines many of the key strategies producers use to make their three-year transition to organic production a successful one. It discusses the practice areas common to… Continue reading Transitioning to Organic Production
Type: Manuals/Guides
Organic Management of Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are common garden pests found throughout the Pacific Northwest. Flea beetle feeding on plants in the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae families can scar foliage and potato tubers, leading to reduced marketable yields and potential total crop loss. This publication introduces growers to current organic management options, including cultural control techniques such as trap crops,… Continue reading Organic Management of Flea Beetles
Farming With Soil Life: A Handbook for Supporting Soil Invertebrates and Soil Health on Farms
This handbook, created by The Xerces Society, dives into soil biology. It provides a connection between healthy soils and healthy invertebrates found in temperate agricultural soils. Farming with Soil Life starts with a review of soil basics, including the functions, classifications and properties (physical, biological and chemical) of soil. It provides detailed methods on how… Continue reading Farming With Soil Life: A Handbook for Supporting Soil Invertebrates and Soil Health on Farms
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
Pasture and Grazing Management in the Pacific Northwest
A book that provides knowledge of ecological processes involved in pasture growth and utilization and an understanding of how management influence those processes for good or bad.
Crop Rotation on Organic Farms
A complete, step-by-step crop rotation planning guide for organic farmers. 154 pages.
Cover Cropping for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
This 16-page bulletin will help you use cover crops to encourage populations of pollinators and beneficial insects on your farm while you address your other resource concerns. It begins with a broad overview of pollinator and beneficial insect ecology, then describes cover crop selection and management, how to make cover crops work on your farm,… Continue reading Cover Cropping for Pollinators and Beneficial Insects
Do You Need to Be Certified? Assess Your Supply Chain Matrix
Use this matrix to assess whether your operation needs to be certified, particularly pertaining to the new Strengthening of Organic Enforcement rule.
Organic Potato Production in Idaho: Nutrient Management and Variety Selection
Topics in this publication include selecting varieties that may be suited for organic production; adapting fertilizer recommendations intended for conventionally grown potatoes; selecting organic nutrient sources; and using green manures, cover crops and rotation crops to meet nutrient requirements.
Selecting Winter Wheat Cultivars for Organic Production
A guide to selecting winter wheat cultivars for organic production, including selection criteria, cultivar recommendations, and how to supplement with organic and conventional online data.