Understanding NRCS Cost-Share Programs for Organic Grain Farmers

Integrating Livestock Grazing on Grain Farms

Livestock is a powerful tool for building soil health and boosting profitability. In this episode, Sam Oschwald Tilton of OATS talks with Clint Epley and Knute Severson—two farmers who've made it work—about the real-world logistics of integrating grazing into organic grain rotations, from fencing, water, and crop rotation to pasture management and marketing. 🌱 Learn more about OATS: https://www.organicagronomy.org/  📅 Events & registration: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events  📚 Resource Library: https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library

Managing Perennial Weeds in Organic Grain Rotations

Most organic weed management strategies work great, until you've got a creeping perennial. Canada thistle and field bindweed play by completely different rules, and in organic systems, managing them is less about control and more about learning to live with them strategically. In this episode, Sam Oschwald Tilton of OATS talks with Dr. Pat Carr and Will Glazik about how to manage these perennial weeds in organic grain rotations. Resources from this episode:  * Canada Thistle – Manage Weeds on Your Farm (SARE): https://www.sare.org/publications/manage-weeds-on-your-farm/canada-thistle/  [https://www.sare.org/publications/manage-weeds-on-your-farm/canada-thistle/] 🌱 Learn more about OATS: https://www.organicagronomy.org/ [https://www.organicagronomy.org/]  📅 Events & registration: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events [https://www.organicagronomy.org/events]  📚 Resource Library: https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library [https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library]

Understanding NRCS Cost-Share Programs for Organic Grain Farmers

If NRCS programs feel confusing or intimidating, you’re not alone. In this episode, Sam Tilton talks with Thomas Manley to unpack the cost-share opportunities available to organic grain farmers—and explain how good conservation planning can strengthen an operation long after the contract ends. Resources from this episode: * Certified Technical Service Providers directory: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/technical-assistance/technical-service-providers [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/technical-assistance/technical-service-providers]  * EQIP Organic Initiative overview: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-organic-initiative [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-organic-initiative]  * NRCS Organic Transition Initiative fact sheet (PDF): https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/2023-NRCS-Organic%20Transition%20Initiative%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/2023-NRCS-Organic%20Transition%20Initiative%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf]  * NRCS conservation planning information: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning]  * CSP program summary insert (PDF): https://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-CSP-Insert-On-Screen.pdf [https://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-CSP-Insert-On-Screen.pdf]  This series is brought to you by the Organic Agronomy Training Service and Albert Lea Seed, a fourth-generation, family-owned company offering a full line of organic and non-GMO field crop seed. This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). 🔗Learn more about Albert Lea Seed: https://alseed.com [https://alseed.com]  🌱 Learn more about OATS: https://www.organicagronomy.org/ [https://www.organicagronomy.org/]  📅 Events & registration: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events [https://www.organicagronomy.org/events]  📚 Resource Library: https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library [https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library]  📧 Join our listserv: https://www.organicagronomy.org/join-listserv [https://www.organicagronomy.org/join-listserv]

Organic Fertilizer - How Much?

Organic fertilizer is expensive—so how do you know you're applying the right amount? In this episode, guest host Ashley Adair joins James Schroepfer to decode soil tests, compare manure sources, and use field history to create fertility plans that work for organic grain systems. This series is brought to you by the Organic Agronomy Training Service and Albert Lea Seed, a fourth-generation, family-owned company offering a full line of organic and non-GMO field crop seed. 🔗Learn more about Albert Lea Seed: https://alseed.com  🌱 Learn more about OATS: https://www.organicagronomy.org 📅 Events & Registration: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events  📚 Resource Library: https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library  📧 Join our Newsletter: https://www.organicagronomy.org/subscribe

Biological Seed Treatments and Amendments

Can biologicals really boost organic crops? In this Organic Advisor Call, Sam Oschwald Tilton of OATS joins Dr. Connor Sible and Brett Bell to break down biologicals, seed treatments, and on-farm testing so advisors and farmers know what’s worth the investment. Resources mentioned in the episode: * Article - Understanding Biologicals for Row Crop Production: https://cropphysiology.cropsci.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Biological-Summary.pdf [https://cropphysiology.cropsci.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Biological-Summary.pdf] * Video Presentation - Understanding Biologicals For Improved Soybean Management:  https://fieldadvisor.org/webinar-understanding-biologicals-improved-soybean-management/ [https://fieldadvisor.org/webinar-understanding-biologicals-improved-soybean-management/]   * Slides - What We Know About Biologicals Today: https://cropphysiology.cropsci.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Biological-Summary.pdf [https://cropphysiology.cropsci.illinois.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Biological-Summary.pdf]   This series is brought to you by the Organic Agronomy Training Service and Albert Lea Seed, a fourth-generation, family-owned company offering a full line of organic and non-GMO field crop seed. This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP). 🔗Learn more about Albert Lea Seed: https://alseed.com [https://alseed.com]  🌱 Learn more about OATS: https://www.organicagronomy.org/ [https://www.organicagronomy.org/]  📅 Events & registration: https://www.organicagronomy.org/events [https://www.organicagronomy.org/events]  📚 Resource Library: https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library [https://www.organicagronomy.org/resource-library]  📧 Join our listserv: https://www.organicagronomy.org/join-listserv [https://www.organicagronomy.org/join-listserv]