Grain Crops

Friday

Workshop Session I: 8:45-10 a.m.

Organic Corn Hybrid Test Results and Organic Corn and Soybean Budgets for Ohio 

Osler Ortez and Eric Richer, OSU Extension 

This two-part workshop will equip organic grain farmers with the latest information to help with the hybrid selection process. Dr. Osler Ortez will discuss the results of three years of organic corn testing in Ohio, focusing on agronomic and yield parameters. Field Specialist Eric Richer will review the recently completed OSU Enterprise Budgets for Organic Corn and Soybeans, as well as the factors affecting those budgets. You will walk away with key resources and skills to better calculate cost of production.

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Workshop Session II: 10:45 a.m.-Noon

Connecting Field Crop Production Strategies and Cooperative Marketing 

Steve Boyda, OFARM 

Organic grain farmer and Organic Farmers’ Agency for Relationship Marketing (OFARM) board member Steve Boyda will present his unique approach to crop rotation, crop selection, cover crops, plow downs, harvest, and storage. Get an inside look of how his production strategies and his connection to his marketing co-op complement each other and help him run an ecologically and financially sound business.   

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Workshop Session III: 1-2:15 p.m. 

Organic Grain Markets: What to Watch in 2023 

Abigail Edel, Mercaris 

This session will provide an overview of the market and economic forces shaping organic grain and livestock in the U.S. Supply, demand, and price trends will be covered, with an eye on coming opportunities and challenges for organic producers. 

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Workshop Session IV: 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Focusing on Grain Nutritional Quality for Better Marketability and Profit 

Joel Kurtz, Maysville Elevator 

In vegetable production, we often pay close attention to nutrient density and use it and soil balancing to avoid pest and disease pressure. However, we have not been so attentive in our grains. Hear how lower protein, less nutrient dense grains lead to problems, particularly in storage where they experience more pest pressure. This session will offer a different perspective on nutrient density, exploring how prioritizing it during production can help Ohio’s organic grain farmers. 

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Saturday

Workshop Session V: 8:45-10 a.m.

Grower Perspectives on Achieving Healthy Soils for Healthy Grain Crops 

Steve Boyda, OFARM, Bridget Burgess, Hirzel Farms, Jeremy Flora, Dave Shively, Shively Farm 

Join knowledgeable organic grain growers for an interactive conversation about experience-based approaches to improving soils for better, healthier crops. Panelists will discuss their strategies for building soil, and how healthier soils affect the health of their land and their profitability. 

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Workshop Session VI: 10:45 a.m.-Noon

A Beginner’s Guide to Grains Farming 

Timothy Schact, Ohio Till Farmstead 

Interested in getting into grain production but don’t know where to start? First generation farmer Tim Schact will share his journey and knowledge of starting a grain farm from the bottom up. Hear about his experience with accruing land, and the tools and beginner knowledge necessary to start a small grain farm. 

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Workshop Session VII: 1-2:15 p.m.

The Ins and Outs of Hemp Grain Production and Processing 

Craig Schluttenhofer, CSU Extension 

Hemp grain products are currently utilized for human food and industrial applications, with potential future uses in animal feeds. This session will provide information about hemp grain production and processing systems, exploring the steps for successfully cultivating, post-harvest handling and storage, and processing of hemp into value-added products. Demonstrations of hemp products and processing methods will be shared.

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