The Dirt on Organic Farming

Mar 12 2025 21 ep. 26 mins 23
The Dirt on Organic Farming Podcast artwork

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 organic agriculture by openly discussing the sometimes messy promise of the organic opportunity. We combine expert interviews with real world examples to get beyond "us vs. them" and towards a more informed understanding of organic agriculture. Created by the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) with co-hosts Mallory Krieger & Nate Powell-Palm and producer Michaela Elias. Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org.

  Science
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S3E6. It Happens: Not-So-Sweet Emotions

Mar 12 2025 16 mins  
Farming is more than just a job, it’s an emotional rollercoaster. In the final episode, Wesley Reith of Grainer Farms in Southwest Michigan reflects on the highs, lows, and unpredictable twists of farm life, offering an inside look at the realities of working the land. Guest: Wesley Reith Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this pub

S3E5. It Happens: Try Not to Bet the Farm

Mar 12 2025 14 mins  
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 experiment gone wrong where he learned valuable lessons in planning, risk management, and the importance of seeking multiple opinions before diving in. Guest: Wyatt Muse Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research rep

S3E4. It Happens: When You’re in Over Your Head

Mar 12 2025 13 mins  
Managing organic farms comes with unexpected challenges. Manitoba farmer Don Rourke discusses the hurdles of managing 200 organic acres, including struggles with market access, weed control, and the unique climate in Southwest Manitoba. Guest: Don Rourke Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publication was supported by The Organic

S3E3. It Happens: When Accidents Become Breakthroughs

Mar 12 2025 16 mins  
Some of the best farming techniques are discovered by chance. Michigan farmer Stan Kloc shares how an unexpected discovery revealed the full potential of a tine weeder—turning an accident into a breakthrough in his farming practices. Guest: Stan Kloc Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publication was supported by The Organic C

S3E2. It Happens: Farming by Trial and Error

Mar 12 2025 14 mins  
Innovation drives organic farming forward. For Northern Illinois farmer, miller, and seed smith, Andy Hazzard, it’s all about hands-on experimentation. Andy shares her journey of developing DIY grain drying solutions and how trial and error has shaped her approach. Guest: Andy Hazzard Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowledgement: Research reported in this publica

S3E1. It Happens: The Realities of Organic Transition

Mar 12 2025 16 mins  
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 valuable lessons learned from his efforts to transition 100 percent of his 5,000-acre operation. BJ offers a candid look at the realities of large-scale organic transition. Guest: BJ McNeil Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder acknowle

S2E9. Crop Insurance: How Do I Sign Up?

Mar 11 2025 15 mins  
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 the essential steps to getting covered. From choosing the right agent to understanding key deadlines, we explore what it takes to secure a strong safety net for your organic farm. Hear firsthand insights from farmers and experts on navigating

S2E8. Crop Insurance: Advocating for Better Policies

Mar 11 2025 23 mins  
Organic farmers face unique challenges with crop insurance, but advocacy efforts are pushing for change. In this episode, Julia Barton of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association and farmer Eli Dean discuss the challenges with current crop insurance systems, the advocacy efforts working to address these issues, and practical advice for organic farmers seeking better crop insur

S2E7. Crop Insurance: Managing Transitional Yield Challenges

Mar 11 2025 11 mins  
Let’s dive into the complex world of Transitional Yields (T-yields). Featuring firsthand accounts from farmer Brian Carlson and insights from Amy Bruch of Cyclone Farms, the episode explores the significant hurdles that new and transitioning organic farmers face with crop insurance coverage. Guest: Brian Carlson, Amy Bruch Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder Acknowledge

S2E6. Crop Insurance: How Innovation Affects Coverage

Mar 11 2025 26 mins  
Innovative farming practices bring both challenges and opportunities when it comes to crop insurance. We talk to USDA Risk Management Agency representatives, Sarah Kliethermes and Anna Parker, and Brent Schlenker, an Iowa farmer who shares his experiences with no-till systems. Guest: Brent Schlenker, Sarah Kliethermes, Anna Parker Learn more at www.organicagronomy.org. Funder Ackno