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Organic Field Crop Production-It’s more than a checklist
June 9th 7-7:30-Register for the series and choose which sessions you wish to participate.
To address potential issues and concerns during the growing season,
Michigan State University Extension is hosting the
Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series beginning Thursday, April 1, through Sept. 23, 2021, from 7-7:30 a.m. via
Zoom. To register click here!!
Join us on June 9th at 7 am when Vicki Morrone, Organic Farming Specialist-MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, will share what it takes to
Transition from conventional to organic production. Farmers can seek organic certification for their farm for several different reasons; to be acknowledged for reduction in pesticide use, to sell
to specialty markets and fetch a price premium, or to differentiate farm products from other farms in the area. Whatever the reason the same process for all organic farmers is required to become certified with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). This
process requires more than completing and submitting forms. To certify a farm, the farmer must develop a farm plan to lead to improved soil, stronger crops and strategic pest management using an integrated pest management approach. Organic production is very
dependent on improving soil to support a stronger crop that is resilient in times of stress, such as drought, excess rains and pest outbreak. Morrone will share examples of how a few Michigan farmers have transitioned land to produce organic crops. She will
also provide a check list to guide you toward organic certification and producing a quality organic crop.
Each week will feature an MSU specialist and topic followed by a weather summary and forecast by
Jeff Andresen, MSU Extension climatologist. Following the scheduled talks, discussions between farmers, educators and
specialists will continue until 8 a.m.
Each weekly session will have one restricted use pesticide (RUP) credit (1A, 1B, Comm and Private Core) and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) continuing education units (CEU). Those that want to receive their RUP and CCA credits
can leave after the more formal presentation time, however, everyone is welcome to stay for the discussion period that lasts until 8 a.m.
If you cannot participate in the live session at 7 a.m., you can view the recorded version at any time. However, only the live session will be eligible for RUP and CCA credits. Recordings will be closed-captioned and available
at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage and the MSU Extension Field Crops Team social media platforms: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple
Podcasts and Twitter.
Vicki Morrone
Organic Farming Specialist
Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University
480 Wilson Rd
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-282-3557 (cell)
sorrone11 (skype)
Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard.