Progress 09/01/23 to 08/31/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Information was distributed via telephone, in-person meetings, "X" social media (formerly Twitter), web pages, podcasts, and E-mail to interested parties in the project region. Project information was shared with producers in the project area who operate various sizes and types of farm enterprises. Information was sent to agencies and organizations in the farming sector, such as university systems, University Extension Service, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, USDA local offices, commodity boards, etc. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Four staff members of the USDA ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center (project partner) attended the 2024 American Forage and Grassland Council annual convention, where they presented project information and increased their expertise in cover crops and forage production. The Director of the Natural Soybean and Grain Alliance (project partner) attended and presented at the Annual Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo in January 2024. There, he discussed the overall project, including progress made and barriers encountered, and took questions in a discussion segment at the end of the presentation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project information, photos, reports, and videos have been loaded on a public website for the project. This site and its information have been shared with farmers and Extension Service contacts directly via E-mail, as well as being promoted via X (formerly Twitter) social media accounts (e.g. @winrockorganic). The project created a series of podcasts to feature activities and organic production topics. The project collaborated with the University of Arkansas TOPP (Transition to Organic Partnership Program) to develop podcasts which addressed these topics: 1) a project overview and organic farming agronomics (April); 2) general economics of organic farming (June); and 3) input costs and profitability of organic farming (August). A fourth podcast is planned, covering USDA organic certification, for later in the year. A field day/youth career day was held on September 19, 2024, at the Missouri demonstration site, where approximately 1,600 agricultural students and professionals attended the event. The project's organic plot was part of a tour, along with a discussion of local agricultural activities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Activities in the final year of the project will shift to data analysis, economic modeling, and reporting, as field work at the research and demonstration sites has been completed. The project team will review the project outcomes and develop recommendations as relevant. Information will be shared on websites, social media, and shared directly with farmers and the agriculture community.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact The project's goal is to make organic farming a viable option by providing production information tailored to conditions in the Mid-South. In its third year, the project continued implementing research and demonstration sites as planned. Results suggest that the most beneficial practices are establishing selected winter cover crops early for maximum fall growth, while the timing of planting summer crops may be more beneficial at later dates, and timely cultivation enhances weed control. Conditions observed at demonstration plots in three states reinforce these conclusions. Objective 1: Conduct replicated research trials on organic crop management approaches 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: Replicated research plots comparing four management systems continued. Plots were planted with a cereal rye cover crop in fall 2023, and the 2024 summer crop was soybeans. In the conservation system (no-till), the cover crop was roller crimped, and soybeans planted. In the integrated system (with livestock) calves grazed both no-till and tilled plots followed by soybean planting. In the profit-driven system (conventional tillage) soybeans were planted after cereal rye was harvested. 2) Data collected: Data collected included cover crop biomass, grazing time, cattle weight gain, seeding rates, stand counts, weed types and counts, and crop yields. Multiple weed species were identified and recorded. Digital soil mapping was completed across all project sites, and information was shared with project partners. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: The cover crop, grazing, and tillage worked well. The research plots had weed pressure in the summer crop, with differences observed between treatments. In the conservation plots, moderate cover crop growth was challenged by established plant species. In the integrated system, summer crop growth was reasonable. In the profit-driven system, cereal rye produced much biomass which benefited weed suppression. Economic analysis is being conducted on cropping system input costs and yields/income to determine potential profitability. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Data and observations suggest practical lessons for organic management: Early fall planting of the cover crop is important to establish a stand that will provide an adequate biomass mat. Spring grazing is valuable for cattle weight gain but grazing too long (prior to crop planting) can give weeds an advantage over the summer crop. In seasons 1 and 2 early summer crop planting was pursued, but in season 3 plots that were planted later performed better and weed management was reasonable. The advantage of later planting was not anticipated and may be clearer in further study. Consistent and timely inter-row cultivation helps control weeds and allow reasonable crop growth. No-till plots require a high level of management. We continue to learn the nuances of how to establish a cover crop, and these approaches may be distinctly different than those that work well in tilled treatments. Objective 2: Implement geographically diverse, farm-scale trials to substantiate best management practices observed from Objective 1 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: The project established three demonstration plots in year one, and these were continued through growing seasons two and three; no plots received irrigation. In year three, the Arkansas and Tennessee sites used the conservation (no-till) and profit-driven (conventional tillage) systems. Cereal rye was the cover crop, and the summer crop was soybeans. Biomass production was good at the Arkansas site. Crop production had variable results, performing better under tillage, generally. Wildlife pressure has been an unanticipated challenge during the project, and we have explored various control measures. The Missouri site used the integrated system and a cereal rye/clover cover crop, with grazing on both conventional and no-till plots. After grazing, soybean plots were planted. Timely rains and tillage resulted in reasonably good grain production in the field. Overall, the tilled plots appeared comparable to soybean crops produced in nearby areas. The no-till plots illustrated the need for unique approaches to establishing cover crops and managing the summer crop. 2) Data collected: Crop data collected included cover crop biomass, grazing time, cattle weight gain, planting rates, seeding rates, stand counts, weed types and counts, systems input costs, and crop yields. Digital soil mapping was expanded beyond the research plots to include the demonstration sites in Missouri and Tennessee. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Cover crop establishment was generally good, with some weather-related challenges. The Missouri site's conventional tilled plots performed well, continuing the pattern of exceeding the no-till plots. At the Arkansas site, an edamame crop was planted as the demonstration and grew well with adequate moisture. Harvest samples averaged about 12,000 lbs./acre with good quality. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: At some sites, good summer weather contributed to successful summer crop production in the conventional tilled plots. At sites with poor weather conditions, the need for attention to early crop planting and timely cultivation were reinforced as important management tools. Irrigation and cultivation may mitigate problems if timely planting and good weather are not realized. Objective 3: Perform education and outreach activities to enhance producer adoption of organic production practices 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: A field day event was held on August 4th, 2023, at the Missouri demonstration site. Approximately 15 farmers attended the plot tour, where information was shared about the project and demonstrated successful organic corn and sorghum production. A tour at the Missouri site was conducted on August 28, 2023, and attended by U.S. Representative Eric Burleson, the Dean of Missouri State University, regional farmers, professors, and executives in ag sector organizations. A career and exploration day was held at the Missouri site on September 21, 2023, where the project and demonstration plots were presented and discussed to hundreds of agricultural students from throughout southwest Missouri. A public meeting of project partners was held on February 28, 2024, with presentations on progress, markets, economics, and discussion of project plans for the coming year. A public website is hosted by Winrock International featuring project information, reports, photos, and related content. A series of podcasts were produced, in collaboration with the University of Arkansas and the TOPP program, featuring project activities and general information on organic farming and the transition process. Numerous social media items were posted with web links and general project information. 2) Data collected: The project recorded names and contact information of farmers who attended events and are interested in organic production. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: n/a 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: The project generated information from its research and demonstration plots that was shared with the public through a spring organic farming meeting and demonstration site field days. Other dissemination took place through podcasts, social media, websites, and through virtual and in-person meetings. ?Organic Praxis Workshops A public meeting promoting organic production, titled Organics in the Ozarks, was held April 12, 2024, organized by project partner University of Missouri in coordination with the Missouri Organic Association. Over fifty people attended, including many local farmers. Presentations included weed management, transitioning to organic, TOPP program reports, irrigation design, fertility management, etc.

Publications

Progress 09/01/22 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Information was distributed via telephone, in-person meetings, Twitter, web pages, and E-mail to interested parties in the project region. Project information was shared with producers in the project area who operate various sizes and types of enterprises. Information was sent to agencies and organizations in the ag sector, such as university systems, Co-operative Extension Services, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, USDA local offices, commodity boards, and over 20 direct recipients. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Staff at the University of Missouri Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (project partners) have increased their skills with organic crop production in traditional livestock productions systems. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Project information, photos, reports, and videos have been loaded on a public website for the project. This site and its information have been shared with farmers and Extension Service contacts directly via E-mail, as well as being promoted widely via a Twitter account. A mid-project report was published, describing work from fall 2021 to summer 2023. The report was E-mailed to public agencies, such as universities, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Co-operative Extension Services, USDA office in Arkansas, the Agriculture Department of Arkansas, commodity groups, the Ag Council, etc. The report was posted on websites, linked on social media, and shared in meetings. A field day/youth career day was held on September 21, 2023, at the Missouri demonstration site, where over 2,000 students and ag professionals attended the event. The project's organic plot was part of a tour and discussion of local ag activities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Activities at the research and demo sites will continue as planned. Based on information generated to date, the project will continue to refine management practices to meet the challenges of organic production. Another public meeting to share results is being planned for winter 2024, and more field days are being planned for summer 2024. The project will collaborate with a local organic association to host a farmer information meeting in early 2024. The project will coordinate efforts with the local implementation of a USDA Transition to Organic Production Program project.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact The project's goal is to make organic farming a viable option by providing production information tailored to conditions in the Mid-South. In its second year, the project continued implementing research and demonstration sites as planned. Results suggest that the most beneficial practices are establishing selected winter cover crops early for maximum fall growth, establishing summer crops earlier in the spring to compete with weeds, and timely cultivation. These conclusions were observed at demonstration plots in four states, and consistent from year one to year two. Objective 1: Conduct replicated research trials on organic crop management approaches 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: Replicated research plots comparing four management systems continued. Plots were planted with a winter wheat cover crop in fall 2022, and the 2023 summer crop was sorghum. In the conservation system (no-till), the cover crop was roller crimped and sorghum planted. In the integrated system, calves grazed both no-till and tilled plots followed by sorghum planting. In the profit-driven system (conventional tillage) sorghum was planted after winter wheat harvest. 2) Data collected: Data collected included cover crop biomass, grazing time, cattle weight gain, seeding rates, stand counts, weed types and counts, and crop yields. Insects and pests were negligible. Multiple weed species were identified and recorded. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: The cover crop, grazing, and tillage worked well. The research plots had much weed pressure in the summer crop, therefore, small sub plots were hand weeded. Differences were observed between treatments. In the conservation plots, a thin cover crop stand led to minimal weed suppression. In the integrated system, summer crop growth was reasonable. In the profit-driven system, winter wheat harvest yielded ~36 bu/ac. Economic analysis (from fall 2022 data) of the systems suggests that a break-even yield for organic production is lower than a comparable crop under conventional systems. While drought stress also impacted conventional fields, less droughty conditions may yield higher in conventional systems. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Data and observations suggest practical lessons for organic management: Early fall planting of the cover crop is important to establish a stand that will provide an adequate biomass mat after crimping. Spring grazing is valuable for weight gain but grazing too long (prior to crop planting) can allow weeds to outgrow the summer crop. Earlier summer crop planting dates and higher seeding rates allow the crop to compete with weeds. Consistent and timely cultivation helps to control weeds and allow reasonable crop growth. No-till plots require a high level of management skill and attention to manage weed pressure. In drought conditions with complete yield loss, companion grazing and/or haying offer ways to diversify for positive cashflow. Objective 2: Implement geographically diverse, farm-scale trials to substantiate best management practices observed from Objective 1 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: The project established three demonstration plots in the first year, and a fourth site (Oklahoma) in year two. No plots received irrigation. The Arkansas, Tennessee, and Oklahoma sites used the conservation (no-till) and profit-driven (conventional tillage) systems. Winter wheat was the cover crop. Weather conditions reduced wheat biomass production. The summer crop was corn. Success was mixed, and the corn performed better under tillage. The Missouri site used the integrated system and a cereal rye cover crop, with grazing on both conventional and no-till plots. After grazing, side by side plots of corn and sorghum were planted. Timely rains and tillage resulted in good yield for both crops. The no-till plots failed due to thinner stands and heavy weed pressure. 2) Data collected: Crop data collected included cover crop biomass, grazing time, cattle weight gain, planting rates, seeding rates, stand counts, weed types and counts, and crop yields. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Cover crop establishment was good at all sites. The TN site had much winter kill, and rain prevented corn planting. The MO site conventional tilled plots performed well, but no till plots failed due to weed pressure. At the AR site, crop stands were good in the conventional tilled plot, but the no till plot failed due to thin stands and weed pressure. At the OK site, early season growth was good, but weed pressure overtook the plot. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: At some sites, good summer weather contributed to successful summer crop production in the conventional tilled plots. At sites with poor weather conditions, the need for attention to early crop planting and timely cultivation was apparent. Irrigation and cultivation can mitigate problems if timely planting and good weather are not realized. Objective 3: Perform education and outreach activities to enhance producer adoption of organic production practices 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: A meeting of project partners was held on October 21, 2022 with presentations on progress, markets, economics, and discussion of project plans for the coming year. A public information meeting was held on March 28, 2023 where project information was shared. Approximately 17 people attended the meeting, including small and large acreage farmers, ag professionals, and members of the public. Topics covered included project research design and findings, economics of organics, organic markets, and USDA organic certification. A field day event was held on August 4th, 2023, at the MO demonstration site. Approximately 15 farmers attended the plot tour, where information was shared about the project and demonstrated successful organic corn and sorghum production. A tour at the MO site was conducted on August 28, 2023, and attended by U.S. Representative Eric Burleson, the Dean of the university system, regional farmers, professors, and executives in ag sector organizations. Numerous social media items were posted with web links, and on-line and in-person meetings were held, to share research and demo site information. 2) Data collected: The project recorded names and contact information of farmers who are interested in organic production, creating a list for direct distribution of project results and information. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: n/a 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: The project generated information from its research and demonstration plots that was shared with the public through a winter meeting that discussed the project and its results, and a summer field day at a demo site. Other dissemination took place through social media, websites, direct E-mail, and through virtual and in-person meetings. Organic Praxis Workshops A public workshop was held on March 18th, 2023, with 17 attendees. Information was shared on the project, its research, and economics of organic crop production. Economic data suggests that the per-acre break-even yield for organically produced crops is lower than that of conventionally produced crops.

Publications

Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?All research plots and demonstration sites will continue with the planned protocols. Using information drawn from the performance of the treatments through the challenging weather conditions in the first year, the project will adjust management practices to address the most problematic issues. In fall 2022, a project team meeting will be convened to discuss optimal practices for winter cover crops and how best to move into the cropping season of summer 2023. Earlier planting dates, more aggressive and timely cultivation, and higher management levels and other adjustments are under consideration. Outreach to and communication with farmers will proceed, along with planning and conducting organic certification and production workshops.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Impact The project's goal is to make organic farming a viable option by providing production information tailored to conditions in the Mid-South. In its first year, the project focused on establishing research and demonstrations as described. Research plot results suggest that establishing vigorous winter cover crops, planting the summer crop early in the spring, and timely cultivation are the most beneficial practices. These results were evident despite a region-wide summer drought that limited crops and accelerated weed growth in these non-irrigated plots. At the larger demonstration plots, winter grazing was effective, as were alternative practices such as switching to forage soybean production, which offered value. The project revealed barriers to organic production, such as the need for irrigation, ample seeding rates, and early planting dates. Objective 1: Conduct replicated research trials on organic crop management approaches 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: Replicated research plots comparing four management systems were established; no plots received irrigation. All plots were planted with a rye/clover mix cover crop in fall, 2021. The 2022 crop was soybeans. In the conservation system (no-till), the cover crop was roller crimped and the soybeans were planted. In the integrated system, calves grazed both no-till and tilled plots followed by soybean planting. In the profit-driven system (conventional tillage) soybeans were planted after cereal rye harvest. 2) Data collected: Soil samples were taken in fall 2021. Data collected included cover crop biomass, grazing time, cattle weight gain, crop planting rates, crop stand counts, crop losses to drought and pests, weed types and counts, pest pressure, crop yields, and rainfall. Insects and pests were negligible. Multiple weed species were identified and recorded. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: The cover crop, over winter management, grazing, and tillage worked well. High rainfall in the spring made soybean planting difficult. Into summer, drought and heat decimated the plots, preventing soybean development while promoting weed growth. Deer grazed the plots, stripping leaves from about 90% of soybean plants; regrowth was negligible. Disease and insect problems were minimal. Johnsongrass was the most problematic weed. Differences were observed between treatments. In the conservation plots, the roller crimper created a mat that provided reasonable weed suppression. In the integrated system, plant stands and growth were good. The profit-driven system plots, planted in August, demonstrated better soybean growth. As the season progressed, tillage proved to be the most effective practice for weed control across treatments. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Data and observations suggest practical lessons for organic management: Earlier fall planting of the cover crop is important to establish enough cover. Grazing is valuable for weight gain, but grazing too long allows weeds to outgrow the cash crop. Earlier crop planting dates and higher seeding rates are beneficial. Consistent and aggressive cultivation is needed to control weeds. Objective 2: Implement geographically diverse, farm-scale trials to substantiate best management practices observed from Objective 1 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: The project established three farm-scale sized demonstration plots. All plots were planted with a cereal rye-clover mix winter cover crop. No plots received irrigation. All sites were affected by summer drought and high temperatures. Arkansas Demonstration Site. The site covers 12 acres, split between the conservation and profit-driven systems. On the no-till side, soybeans were planted into the cover crop and roller crimped. The rye formed a thick mat, suppressing weeds. On the conventional tillage side, the rye was taken to harvest, and the plots planted to soybeans. By late June, the no-till side had a good stand of soybeans with about 240,000 plants/A and up to 28 inches tall. Moderate weeds were limited by shading. Crop potential was good, but the plot was severely grazed by deer, allowing weeds to outgrow the soybeans. The conventional tillage side, with soybeans planted after rye harvest, grew with August rains. The soybeans were cultivated as needed. Stand counts were about 150,000 plants per acre, and up to 30 inches tall. In this system, cultivation has been key to crop success. Missouri Demonstration Site. The site covers 12 acres and applied the integrated system, divided into four subplots, two in conventional tillage and two in no-till. The cover crop was grazed with heifers in the spring. After grazing, all subplots were planted to soybeans, with two plots planted at 160,000 seeds/A, and two at 320,000 seeds/A. Low/high seeding rates were used to test the ability of soybeans to compete with weeds. Weed pressure was very high in early summer. In the lower rate plots, the weeds overtook the soybeans by July, leading to crop failure. In the higher rate plots, the denser stand competed better with weeds. The soybeans had good early growth but were stressed by drought, allowing weeds to take over. Crop failure was expected, and the soybean/weed mixture was cut for hay. Yields averaged 1,245 lbs. per acre, and forage analysis averaged about 14.5% protein, 32% ADF, 48% NDF, 61% TDN, and 1.2 MCal/lb. digestible energy. Tennessee Demonstration Site. The site covers 20 acres, split between the conservation and profit-driven systems. Heavy fall rains damaged the cover crop seed and resulted in a reduced stand. The no-till side was roller crimped in June and planted with soybeans. The cereal rye was harvested on June 27th (yield about 100 lbs/A), and the plot planted to soybeans. Conditions were very dry and temperatures high, which damaged the young soybeans and allowed weeds to grow. The soybeans were considered a loss in early August. 2) Data collected: Soil sampled fall 2021, with analysis. Data collected included cover crop biomass, grazing time, cattle weight gain, crop planting rates, crop stand counts, weed types and counts, pest pressure, crop yields, and rainfall. As with the research plots, damage from insects and diseases was minimal. Weed pressure was the most significant issue with a number of problematic weeds across all three sites. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: Field preparation, planting, and stand establishment was good for the cover crop at all sites. The Tennessee site had much winter kill that thinned the cover crop, and heavy spring rains delayed soybean planting. At the Missouri site, stands in the higher rate plots were good compared to the lower rate plots. Heat and severe drought hampered the crop; early planting dates would have benefited the crop. At the Arkansas site, stands were good, and cultivation contributed to a reasonable late crop. On the no-till side of the demonstration site, drought and deer decimated the plot. Early economic analysis of the systems suggests that a break even yield for organic production is significantly lower than a comparable crop under conventional, non-organic production for field practices as employed at our demonstration sites. 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: Overall, for all three demonstration sites, drought and heat had the greatest adverse effects, while late planting dates also contributed to problems. Objective 3: Perform education and outreach activities to enhance producer adoption of organic production practices 1) Major activities completed / experiments conducted: A list of interested farmers in the target area has been created, with contact information. 2) Data collected: names and contact information. 3) Summary statistics and discussion of results: n/a 4) Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: n/a Organic Praxis Workshops No activities this period.

Publications