Grain Crops
Friday
Workshop Session I: 9:15-10:30 a.m.
Drought Mitigation Strategies for Crops
Cody Creech, University of Nebraska
The increasing climate variability can reduce cropping systems resilience. To increase precipitation use efficiency, learn about crop water use patterns and management strategies that enhance soil water storage.
Workshop Session II: 10:45 a.m.-Noon
Organic Grain Market Outlook: A New Normal
Ryan Koory, Argus Media
Hear an overview of Argus’ latest perspective on U.S. organic grain market data. Following a period of unprecedented volatility, markets look to find new stability.
Workshop Session III: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
When it Rains it Pours (or not!)
Halee Wepking, Meadowlark Community Mill, Mike Stites, Rex Stites Farms, Inc., Casey Brooks, OEFFA
Talk with row crop farmers who are navigating increasingly unpredictable climate conditions, understanding what worked and what didn’t during both the droughts and excessive rain this past growing season.
Saturday
Workshop Session V: 10:45-Noon
Adding Value with a Grain-Focused CSA
Halee Wepking, Meadowlark Community Mill
How can we create greater community access to our regional food systems while developing markets for farmers outside of the commodity system? If you have or are considering including small grain and legumes in your crop rotations, this workshop will explore how to develop a successful, year-round grain CSA.
Workshop Session VI: 1:30-2:45 p.m.
Can Biochar Restore Soil Carbon and Other Ecosystem Services?
Cody Creech, University of Nebraska
The extent to which biochar improves soil properties and crop production has been mixed. Explore what we know about biochar performance and how other practices that are used to improve soil health compare.
Workshop Session VII: 3-4:15 p.m.
Start Clean, Stay Clean: Weed Control
Mike Stites, Rex Stites Farms, Inc.
“Start clean, stay clean” is a term often used by agriculture chemical companies when talking about weed control. This same mindset should also be used in organic row crops by “stacking” tillage and mechanical weeding passes together to make a solid organic weed control program.

Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
NEW ADDRESS
150 E. Wilson Bridge Rd. Suite 230
Worthington, OH 43085
OEFFA: (614) 421-2022 (614) 421-2022
OEFFA Certification: (614) 262-2022 (614) 262-2022