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Workshop explores organic grain practices in Kansas

Workshop explores organic grain practices in Kansas


By Scout Nelson

OATS, the Organic Agronomy Training Service, is hosting a workshop titled "Intro to Organic: How Organic Grain Works in Kansas – Agronomy and Marketing" on July 30 at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS.

As interest in organic grains continues to grow, farmers often seek guidance from their ag advisors. OATS is dedicated to ensuring that these advisors have the knowledge and resources they need to support organic and transitioning farmers.

The organic industry faces a significant gap in quality resources for agriculture professionals seeking information about large-scale organic production practices.

OATS addresses this gap by organizing workshops that equip ag advisors with the skills and knowledge necessary to assist organic and transitional farmers.

If you are an ag advisor, NRCS staffer, Extension educator, farm manager, agronomist, Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), or a professional working with or interested in organic production, this workshop is for you.

Understanding the basics of organic certification, transition processes, and organic agronomy will enable you to provide informed advice and recommendations to your clients, whether they are organic or conventional producers.

“This event is a great opportunity for ag advisors to get their questions about organic grain answered from a variety of organic professionals,” said OATS training specialist Sam Oschwald Tilton.

“This event will help ag advisors be more prepared to help farmers with questions about organic grain certification, agronomy, and marketing.”

Participants will learn about USDA National Organic Program certification and organic production practices tailored to Kansas.

Experienced local experts and farmers will discuss the benefits and challenges of organic farming in the region. The event will feature presentations on organic certification and agronomy, marketing organic grain, and a panel discussion with Kansas organic farmers.

Attendees will tour the Farmer Direct Foods grain handling facility and hear from its manager about improving grain quality and different certification options available.

Workshop Details: 

What: Intro to Organic: How Organic Grain Works in Kansas – Agronomy and Marketing

When: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM CT

Where: Kansas Wesleyan University, Student Activities Center, Room SAC-203, 100 E Claflin Ave, Salina, KS 67401

Cost: $25 (includes lunch)

Register: Registration Link

Registration Cap: 30 participants

Registration Deadline: July 24, 2024

Workshop Agenda:

Morning:

9:30 – 10:00: Registration

10:00 – 10:45: Basics of organic certification and agronomy – Sam Oschwald Tilton

10:45 – 11:15: Marketing organic grain and cooperative marketing – Ed Reznicek

11:15 – 11:25: Break

11:25 – 12:15: Organic farmer panel – Q&A with 3 Kansas organic farmers

12:15 – 1:00: Lunch

Afternoon:

1:00 – 1:30: Drive to Farmer Direct Foods

1:30 – 2:00: Grain quality, organic marketing, alternative certifications – Keaton Hale

2:00 – 2:30: Tour of Farmer Direct Foods grain handling facility

2:30 – 3:00: Informal networking and adjourn

Speakers:

Sam Oschwald Tilton: Training specialist for OATS and national expert in organic weed management.

Ed Reznicek: Organic farmer and cooperative marketing expert from Nemaha County, Kansas.

Keaton Hale: Plant Manager at Farmer Direct Foods and fourth-generation miller.

This workshop is a must-attend for professionals in the agriculture sector looking to deepen their understanding of organic grain production and marketing in Kansas.

Photo Credit: pexels-fauxels

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Categories: Kansas, General, Sustainable Agriculture

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