Iowa Organic Farming Mentor Program скачать в хорошем качестве

Iowa Organic Farming Mentor Program

The Iowa Organic Farming Mentor Program links experienced organic farmers with newcomers to facilitate successful transitions to organic farming. The program aims to help farmers avoid costly mistakes through field days, conferences, meetings, and one-on-one farm visits. Key Components of the Program 1. Weed Control Strategies: Farmers share techniques like shallow tillage (working the top 5-6 inches of soil) Various cultivation equipment including specialized cultivators (Bezzeriti attachments, torsion weeders, Buffalo cultivators) Timing cultivation when weeds are in early stages Mechanical alternatives to chemical herbicides 2. Crop Rotation Systems: Several farmers discuss 5-year rotation plans (oats → hay → soybeans → popcorn → soybeans → oats) Organic popcorn as a profitable crop requiring fewer nutrients and storage costs 3. Sustainable Dairy Farming: Rotational grazing methods where cows move to fresh paddocks after each milking On-farm milk processing (1,400 gallons weekly) Reduced energy use compared to conventional dairy operations Implementation of agroforestry with windbreaks and fruit/nut trees 4. Organic Vegetable Production: Mechanized raised bed systems with specialized equipment Precision planting techniques with various seeders Integration of different planting methods 5. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Presented as a marketing option for beginning organic farmers Philosophy of connecting consumers directly with their food source Focus on holistic farming where all parts work together The program highlights the growing consumer demand for organic food and shows how farmers are developing profitable operations while building soil health and encouraging biodiversity. Featuring Francis Thicke Radiance Dairy Jefferson County, Iowa Charlie Walters Acres USA Dave and Rita Smith 360 Acre Organic Family Farm Van Buren Couty, Iowa Stan McCreedy 100 Acre Organic Farm Washington County, Iowa Lisa Messenger Goat Keeper Fairfield, Iowa Jerry DeWitt Sustainable Agriculture Coordinator Iowa State University Extension Steve Hickenbottom 1000 Acre Organic Farm Jefferson County, Iowa Colleen Thomas 80 Acre Ripplebrook Organic Growers Jefferson County, Iowa Billy and Dawn Hunter 150 Acre Aurora Farm (CSA) Jefferson County, Iowa John Jeavons Ecology Action Walter Goldstein Michael Fields Institute