OTA.COM 35 It is not just a love of innovation that draws farmers into organic agriculture. The economic opportunity provided by the organic premium and the cost savings provided by organic practices are keeping farmers in business. Bryce Irlbeck, an organic farmer and consultant with AgriSecure in Manning, IA, put it this way in Episode 3: “At the end of the day, when our family looked at our bottom line and what kind of business we were able to have, and what kind of conservation we were able to do, [conventional farming] wasn’t actually making our farm that much better. We’re seeing a path forward to bring the next generation on the farm that we just weren’t seeing five years ago. It seemed like the farm was going to die. It doesn’t seem like that now.” The podcast spans five hours of information-rich content. Through these interviews, it is clear that organic has so much to offer the farmer, the environment, and the economy. But it is not without its challenges. Yields, plant breeding, and fertility management need more dedicated research efforts. One thing is abundantly clear: working through these challenges is a joy when you feel good about what you are doing. Randy Hughes, an organic farmer in Janesville, WI, shared how he feels in Episode 2: “When you’re organic farming, it feels like you’re working with Mother Nature instead of trying to beat her at your own game. It’s just this most wonderful feeling… You feel really good about what you are doing for the environment.” Also, check out these upcoming programs from OATS by visiting www.organicagronomy.org: • The Organic Field Crop Course: This online/in-person hybrid course for organic advisors lets you learn organic production practices and consulting at your own pace. The course launches in July 2022. • Organic Advisor Listserv: Connect with fellow organic advisors in this first-of-its-kind listserv focused on the topics and issues most important to your work. Ask questions and get the answers right in your email inbox. • Organic Advisor Call Series: Monthly Zoom discussions and Q&A with farmers and experts. Facilitated by Nate Powell-Palm. • Custom training for companies and groups: We offer private, dedicated training in organic production practices to company employees, co-op members, and small groups. Sponsor acknowledgment OATS is a programmatically independent consortium that is fiscally sponsored by the Organic Trade Association. OTA serves as an anchor funder for OATS through its industry-invested GRO Organic research, promotion, and education program. Thank you to top donors General Mills, Clif Bar, Stonyfield, King Arthur Baking Co., and Organic Valley. HEALTHY INGREDIENTS Our portfolio includes non-GMO, organic and gluten-free pulses, grains, seeds, flax, Suntava Purple Corn™ and expeller oils. IntegriPure®, our micro reduction process, supports our supply chain, along with our specialty milling and blending capabilities. ASSURANCE Whether it’s regenerative agriculture or connecting to the farm, we are partnering with our customers to tell their story. We are dedicated to delivering safe, premium ingredients in partnership with our grower network. Goodness. It’s what we bring to the table. HFIfamily.com • 844-275-3443 At HFI, we’re meeting demand for sustainable, on-trend ingredients from transparency to innovation. © 2022 Healthy Food Ingredients. Product of USA. HFI Half-page Organic Report General 121721.indd 1 12/17/2021 1:56:54 PM
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