S3E1. It Happens: The Realities of Organic Transition
Transitioning 5,000 acres to organic is no small feat. In this episode of The Dirt on Organic Farming, South Dakota farmer BJ McNeil shares...
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The Dirt on Organic Farming
Over the years, we have been asked some really tough questions about organic grain farming. The Dirt on Organic Farming podcast brings honest and fair answers to six common criticisms of org...
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S3E2. It Happens: Farming by Trial and Error
Innovation drives organic farming forward. For Northern Illinois farmer, miller, and seed smith, Andy Hazzard, it’s all about hands-on exper...
S3E3. It Happens: When Accidents Become Breakthroughs
Some of the best farming techniques are discovered by chance. Michigan farmer Stan Kloc shares how an unexpected discovery revealed the full...
S3E4. It Happens: When You’re in Over Your Head
Managing organic farms comes with unexpected challenges. Manitoba farmer Don Rourke discusses the hurdles of managing 200 organic acres, inc...
S3E5. It Happens: Try Not to Bet the Farm
Taking risks is part of farming, but some gambles don’t pay off. Champaign, Illinois, farmer Wyatt Muse shares the story of a cover crop exp...
S3E6. It Happens: Not-So-Sweet Emotions
Farming is more than just a job, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. In the final episode, Wesley Reith of Grainer Farms in Southwest Michigan...
S2E1. Crop Insurance: What Is Crop Insurance?
Welcome to the second season of The Dirt on Organic Farming, where hosts Nate Powell Palm and Mallory Krieger dive into the world of crop in...
S2E2. Crop Insurance: Understanding Contract Pricing
We tackle the ins and outs of contract pricing for organic farmers in this episode. With insights from crop insurance agent Noah Wendt and o...
S2E3. Crop Insurance: The Role of Written Agreements
Explore the topic of written agreements with our resident crop insurance expert, Megan Vaith, and real-life experiences from farmers Noah We...
S2E4. Crop Insurance: Navigating Wind and Hail Coverage
We explore the specifics of hail and wind insurance for organic farmers with crop insurance expert Megan Vaith and seasoned organic farmer A...
S2E5. Crop Insurance: Whole Farm Revenue Protection
In this episode, we delve into Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) as a potentially great option for diverse organic farms. Lane Webb, Risk...
S2E6. Crop Insurance: How Innovation Affects Coverage
Innovative farming practices bring both challenges and opportunities when it comes to crop insurance. We talk to USDA Risk Management Agency...
S2E7. Crop Insurance: Managing Transitional Yield Challenges
Let’s dive into the complex world of Transitional Yields (T-yields). Featuring firsthand accounts from farmer Brian Carlson and insights fro...
S2E8. Crop Insurance: Advocating for Better Policies
Organic farmers face unique challenges with crop insurance, but advocacy efforts are pushing for change. In this episode, Julia Barton of th...
S2E9. Crop Insurance: How Do I Sign Up?
In the final episode of our organic crop insurance series, we wrap up our deep dive into crop insurance for organic farmers by breaking down...
S1E6. No Tools, No Premiums: Organic Transition is a Trap
Organic transition is a three year gamble. Farmers battle weeds, low fertility, and equipment investments while selling crops at conventiona...
S1E4. Double the Acres Half the Yield: Organic Can’t Feed the World
Some scientists say that agricultural output must double by 2050 if there is hope to feed the growing planet. Yield in organics historically...
S1E5. Soft Markets: Organic Doesn’t Scale
Conventional grain farms raise thousands of acres of crops and ship harvests to the elevator by the semitruck load. Can organic markets hand...
S1E1. Moldboards and Dust Clouds: Organic Has a Tillage Problem
The Dust Bowl looms large in the minds of many good farmers. Excessive tillage combined with a decade of drought sent many feet of fertile t...
S1E2. Unsightly Fields: Organic is a Weedy Mess
A good field is a clean field. Weeds are thieves that steal your yield and your profit. How is it possible for organic grain farmers to keep...