Progress 12/01/08 to 11/30/13
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This research program, organic agronomic crop research, focuses on three federally-funded areas: 1) no-till organic agriculture; 2) organic crop breeding; and 3) whole farm management. Several products were developed during 2010. A robust version of "Veggie Compass", a spreadsheet developed for farm financial planning, can be found at www.veggiecompass.com. This product is available free for farmers to download. Training sessions for this product were held in Madison, WI. In addition, Lynne Haynor, a graduate student in the UW Agroecology program, graduated with a master's degree with training in organic agriculture. Several outreach programs were held in 2010 as well. Four field walks were held on organic farms throughout Wisconsin in June 2010 and July 2010 in order to discuss research results and production techniques with farmers. Two no-till field day focusing on demonstrations on a farmer field were held in June 2010 and September 2010. An organic field day was held in West Madison, WI in July 2010 that highlighted research projects conducted at that Agricultural Research Station. A Veggie-Compass training session was held at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station in December 2010. Dissemination refers to outreach activities that were undertaken to reach intended audiences for the purpose of advancing knowledge, encouraging positive actions, or changing conditions. Include outreach activities to current and potential partners and collaborators. If educational materials and resources were distributed, describe the distribution method and the intended audience(s). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals on the Project: Erin Silva: Project Director; Alexandra Lyon: Graduate Student investigating the feasibility of participatory, on-farm research; Michael Goeldi: undergraduate student hourly working with no-till and organic breeding; Thomas Reed: undergraduate student hourly working with no-till and organic breeding; Kellyn Cutsinger: Limited Term Employee working with organic breeding. Partner institutions and organizations include: Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, North Dakota State University, the Rodale Institute, Cornell University, Oregon State University, Washington State University, the Organic Seed Alliance, Organic Valley, and the La Farge School District. Farmers partnering in this project include: Jim Munsch, Tim Zander, Richard DeWilde, Heidi Accola, Steven Pincus, Mary Slatterly, Tricia Bross, and Linda Halley. Collaborators and contacts: Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, Natural Resource Conservation Service Training or professional development: Several Field Days have offered opportunities for Professional Development. The Organic Field Day in July at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station brought in high school students, teachers, farmers, and ag professionals. No-till field days in June and September drew farmers and ag professionals. In addition, our field walks were attended by farmers and ag agents. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: Farmers (including Amish as an underserved community), organic industry, agricultural professionals, NRCS, County Extension agents Efforts: Field Days, Field Walks, Workshops (listed elsewhere in this document) PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
As a result of the 2010 research season, our understanding of the production techniques needed for successful no-till organic production has been increased to a level where a peer-reviewed publications will be prepared for submission with partner institutions (Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, Michigan State University, and University of Minnesota). In addition, the 2010 data collection season has led to increased understanding of the inputs needed for organic vegetable farmers to make informed financial decisions through the Veggie Compass program. Several farmers in the region have decided to trial no-till practices on their farms, either as a result of attending field days or becoming involved in on-farm research. In addition, several farms have agreed to trial Veggie Compass and incorporate the program into their farm management and decision-making processes.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs include the collection of a full year of data in several organic agriculture research projects, including no-till organic agriculture and variety breeding/trialing/selection in organic systems. Results were disseminated through: 1) Organization and execution of University of Wisconsin Organic Agriculture Field Day, with 125 attendees visiting organic research project sites at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station; 2) Presentation of data at National Conferences, including the American Society for Horticultural Science; 3) Presentation of data at Organic Field Days held in neighboring states, including North Dakota State University; 4) Involvement in several national and regional research groups, including multistate project SDC355; 5) Initiation of additional on-farm demonstration sites; 6) One-on-one visits with farmers and extension agents; 7) Speaking engagements at various events sponsored by county extension agents and nonprofit agencies. PARTICIPANTS: Partners and Collaborators: Kathleen Delate, Iowa State University; Patrick Carr, North Dakota State University; Dale Mutch, Michigan State University; Paul Porter, University of Minnesota; Jim Myers, Oregon State University; Michael Mazourek, Cornell University; Training/professional development opportunities related to the project were provided at the University of Wisconsin Organic Agriculture Field Day held in Arlington, WI in August 2009. Continuing Education Credits for Certified Crop Advisors were offered at this event. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for this project include: organic vegetable and crop producers; state and county extension personnel; crop advisers/consultants; Natural Resources Conservation Service Personnel; and individuals involved in industries that support organic agriculture (seed, fertilizer, etc). PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Outcomes of this project include: 1) refinement of minimal-till organic production techniques using the roller crimper in soybean/rye combinations; and 2) evaluation of vegetable varieties available as organic seed for yield, weed competitiveness, insect and disease resistance, and cold soil emergence. Support from two federal research projects through the USDA Organic Research and Extension Initiative (Developing Carbon-Positive Organic Systems through Reduced Tillage and Cover Crop-Intensive Crop Rotation Schemes and NOVIC: Northern Organic Vegetable Improvement Cooperative) were critical to secure resources needed to secure this work. Because these projects are still in their early stage, project evaluation has not been undertaken at this time.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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