2026 Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference Program

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Ua l F EB. 26-28, 2026 | L A CROSSE, WI

Ab unda nc e g ro w s in s o l ida r it y 37 th annual org anic far ming conference • 2026 CONF E R E N C E G UIDE • DIR EC TO RY OF SPONSORS & E XHIB ITORS

A BOUT US W H O WE A RE Marbleseed is a nonprofit committed to supporting the Midwest’s organic and sustainable farmers through farmer-led events and educational resources that help your farm grow.

CONTENTS 3 Letter From our Executive Director

OUR M ISSION

4 About Marbleseed

Marbleseed educates, inspires, and empowers farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of agriculture.

5 On The Cover: Malik Salsberry

QUICK LINKS

6 Conference Essentials

TAKE OUR SURVEY

BOARD O F DIRECTORS President:

Grow: Johnson County

7 Schedule At a Glance 8 Conference Overview

Clare Hintz Elsewhere Farm

9 Chart Your Custom Path

Vice President:

12 Farmers of the Year

Dan Cornelius Yowela Farms

Secretary:

Eliana Pinilla-Rhyal Chicago Food Policy Action Council

Treasurer:

Dylan Bruce Circadian Organics Driftless Seed Supply Kathleen Delate Iowa State University Rufus Hauke Keewaydin Farms Charlie Johnson Johnson Farms

10 Featured Speakers

14 Organic Research 16 Conference Map

learn m or e

18 Thursday Schedule At a Glance

Visit our conference website for more information.

20 Thursday Schedule Descriptions 22 Friday Schedule At a Glance 24 Friday Schedule Descriptions (a.m.)

conference.marbleseed.org

26 Friday Affinity Groups & Meetups 28 Friday Office Hours 30 Friday Schedule Descriptions (p.m)

J oin the con versat i on

32 Saturday Schedule At a Glance

Share your conference photos and tag us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

34 Saturday Schedule Descriptions 38 Dining & Exhibit Hall Map

Maria Valkusas Rosmann Farm Sweet Farm

50 Meet the Marbleseed Team

Lori Stern

https://www.surveymonkey.com/ r/marbleseedofc2026

13 Changemakers of the Year

Tom Moos Moos Farms

Executive Director:

Take the 2026 Organic Farming Conference evaluation and tell us how we did!

@marbleseedorg | #Marbleseed2026

40 Sponsors & Exhibitors Directory 52 Notes

Wi-Fi: Marbleseed Password: marbleseed

A bunda n c e g ro w s in s o l ida r it y 37 th annual org anic far ming conference • 2026 W e lco me !

This event has always relied on the wisdom in these rooms. We learn from farmers who have made mistakes, innovated, and found new ways toward viable farms. Our February gathering sprung from the desire of farmers to help each other out and access a new national certification for organic agriculture that was the direct result of a national farmer movement.

This year’s theme, “Abundance Grows in Solidarity,” speaks to both our beginnings as well as the current moment. We recognize that together we have everything we need for thriving farms and healthy communities. The generosity of spirit that defines the culture of centering people, animals, and the planet in our farming systems permeates this annual gathering.

It is often said that our food and farming system is not actually broken. It is functioning exactly as it was intended by benefiting large, industrial monocrop operations and consolidated corporate supply chains. During these three days, we have the opportunity to imagine the system we want – one that benefits those of us growing the healthy food and regenerative fiber and fuel that sustain our communities.

This year’s conference includes some changes. We are convening in a smaller space, providing an opportunity for more connections and less walking in between. We have sessions dedicated to handson learning in which participants will leave with knowledge as well as tangible items to make and take.

Farmers are leading panels, roundtables, and workshops on a variety of production types addressing relevant content from their perspectives and farm systems. They’ll provide insights relevant to the diversity of farm types and sizes that are here.

We hope you’ll find time in the schedule to connect with other farmers and have conversations with those who are examining the barriers to a more just food and farming system. The featured speakers in our upper ballroom are thought leaders who are articulating system-level problems and solutions on a range of food and farming issues.

Marbleseed board and staff have long been committed to organic as a movement, not just a market.

What does this mean in the current moment? How can we move forward together to enact the change we want to be? One of our speakers – Dr. Stephanie Luce, co-author of the book Practical Radicals – will help us understand what actions are needed to re-build organic as a movement.

As always, visit the exhibit hall, linger over break tables, enjoy both evening content (new this year), as well as evening social gatherings. Be sure to come for the opening session on Thursday evening when we recognize two farms for their outstanding work and hear remarks and a meditation from Reginaldo Haslett-Maroquin. This will be bookended by Saturday’s closing session, led by Chef Luke Zahm, whose inspirational words will take us to “food church” with a rousing send off.

Despite the fact that the American farmer population is getting older, the Marbleseed community is getting younger! The realities of farm income and land prices are huge barriers to growing and raising food. Yet, there are beginning farmers here who are determined to fight for the opportunity to feed their neighbors. They are also motivated to change the course of the climate crisis and learn to mitigate its impact. I hope this year’s agenda, from production knowledge to thought leadership, will connect across generations and lived experiences so that we can all visualize a more mutually thriving future together. May we find abundance in our solidarity!

Ever onward,

Lori Stern, M.A. Ed

ab o ut ma rble s e e d fa r mer led. Rooted in org anic Marbleseed’s roots began in 1989 when a group of farmers came together to organize the Organic Farming Conference. Now in its 37th year, this is the longest-running and among the largest organic agriculture conferences in the U.S. Out of this event grew our nonprofit, which provides opportunities for farmers to learn together, whether in the field, through mentoring relationships, at business-oriented workshops, or on the pages of our quarterly magazine, Organic Broadcaster, and monthly newsletter. More recently, we’ve sought to connect with and support farmers who face greater obstacles to success, including immigrants, BIPOC, and LGBTQA+ farmers. Everyone who wants to farm, who has a longing to connect to the land and provide food for their community, has a place at our table.

OUR P ROGR A M S

The Bus in es s of Farmin g

Farmer-to-Farmer Learning – The cornerstone of Marbleseed. We offer opportunities at multiple scales for farmers to share knowledge with each other and find the information and support they need.

New Farmer U — Marbleseed’s signature weekend retreat designed to help beginning and intermediate farmers strengthen the business side of their farms.

• Ag Solidarity Network – An online networking platform for farmers and ag professionals to share knowledge, ask questions, and find support. Visit the Marbleseed booth to sign up.

• Mentorship & Coaching – We pair experienced farmers with early-career growers to encourage successful organic farms across the region.

• Organic Field Days – During growing season, we invite you to attend one of our on-farm learning opportunities in diverse production types.

• Organic University – Daylong trainings by and for farmers seeking to transition to organic or improve their organic practices.

Conservation – Resources, funding, and shared learning to increase conservation planning on farms.

Finance Column — A new column in the Organic Broadcaster by the University of Wisconsin’s Food Finance Institute will address your questions about all things finance.

Fearless Farm Finances — This resource book is packed with instructions, tips, and tools for setting up and managing a farm’s financial system. Get it in the Marbleseed Conference Bookstore or online. The free Fearless Farm Finances course teaches you how to master your farm’s finances!

Guidebook for Organic Certification — A 32-page guide to organic certification and production.

Organic Broadcaster — This quarterly magazine provides practical information and news about organic farming to more than 15,000 readers. We offer it without charge to farmers.

Organic Factsheets — Easy-to-follow explanations about complex certification requirements or topics related to organic farming.

Expanding Markets for Organic – Working with granting sources to support transition to organic practices and expansion of markets for organic produce. We are currently a partner in the multi-state AMP program focused on organic grain farming.

Midwest Organic Resource Directory — Connect with everything you need to grow—the directory includes buyers, suppliers, certification agencies, and educational resources such as factsheets, workbooks, guidebooks, and more.

Farmer Well-Being – Supporting the physical, mental, and emotional health of farmers through in-person and digital workshops like our Climate Circles, articles in the Organic Broadcaster, and programs like Honoring Our Elders.

LEARN MORE & FOLLOW ALONG

Organic is Regenerative – A toolkit for organic farmers who want to promote the organic label and educate their community about the often-confusing terminology in the food sector.

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Marbleseed Website — Find information about organic farming practices and organic certification at marbleseed.org.

The Farming by Topic section has how-to articles and related resources. www.marbleseed.org Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin: @marbleseedorg

“Go o d food i s a

hu man ri ght... th e re i s an abunda nce of fo o d , b ut we ne e d t o d o b ette r at get t i n g i t to pe ople w ho n eed it m ost.”

— Malik Salsberry, Grow: Johnson County

o n t he co v e r MALIK SALS BE RRY • GROW : J OH N S ON COU N T Y

GROWING A F UTURE FOOD SYSTEM This year’s winning cover photograph comes from Iowa Valley RC&D (IVRCD) and their farm, Grow: Johnson County.

IVRCD trains and supports farmers, builds local food infrastructure, generates new innovative markets, improves access to locally grown foods, and models and communicates the positive impact of a future food system that nourishes people and place.

Grow is a five-acre vegetable farm located on the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm in Iowa City, Iowa. The program was created to fill the need for access to fresh and local fruits and vegetables, particularly in food pantries.

All the produce grown on the farm is distributed to local food pantries. Grow annually provides more than 40,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to its partners.

Pictured on the cover is Malik Salsberry, Grow’s Farm Operations Manager. Originally from Davenport, Iowa, Malik grew up gardening with his grandmothers. He worked with Grow in 2018 as an on-farm apprentice – most memorably helping with 40 thousand onion starts. He then served as an AmeriCorps volunteer at a farm in Colorado.

Malik’s farming philosophy is rooted in community and the belief that “good food is a human right.” He says there is an abundance of food, but we need to do better at getting it to people who need it most. “Solidarity,” he says, “comes from the abundance that farms produce” – whether through gleaning, or answering the call when a farmer needs help getting a crop out of the field before a storm comes, or turning 50 pounds of Grade C tomatoes into sauce. www.marbleseed.org | 5

co nfere n c e ESSENTI ALS Tips to help you navig ate the conference Pa rk ing

Green In itiativeS

The City of La Crosse has made free parking available at nearby ramps. There is free on-site parking for all attendees at the La Crosse Center Ramp (201 Jay Street), making it easy to drive directly to the conference.

Compost and recycling stations are located throughout the conference center. Please help us maintain this environmental commitment by placing waste in the appropriate containers.

W ea r yo u r name badge

Help us reduce landfill trash by using the recycling and compost bins. Signs posted above each bin list items accepted.

Coat racks are in the South Hall Upper Level. Follow the signs.

Reduce plastic waste by bringing your own reusable water bottle to refill at a drinking station or pick up a conference commemorative glass mug or reusable bamboo utensils – available for purchase in the ACRES x Marbleseed Bookstore.

At the end of the conference, you can also return your name badge holder to designated boxes near Check-In.

m ea l s

Los t an d Foun d & Firs t Aid

Please wear your name badge daily at the conference — don’t leave it at your hotel! It’s your pass to workshops, the Exhibit Hall, and meals.

H a n g yo u r coat

Lunch is included with Friday and Saturday registration.

Refreshments will be available each day for all conference attendees. Dinner tickets can be purchased at Check-In. Thank you to our food donors for their generous contributions to our meals at the conference.

Have dietary restrictions? Meal options are available for attendees with dietary restrictions. All items will be labeled, and ingredients will be listed to accommodate people with mild food allergies or who are vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, and/or dairy free. Please note that meals are served “buffet style,” and severe food allergies cannot be accommodated.

Note, breakfast will not be served at this year’s conference.

Coffee, tea, and light refreshments will be available when Check-In opens each morning.

Break Food: Whole fruit, blue corn chips, salsa, corn relish, cheese, snack bars. Find snack stations on the map.

Thursday Dinner (add-on): Pizza buffet with assorted meat, veggie, and vegan options, Caesar salad, and assorted cookies.

See staff at Check-In if you need assistance locating an item or have a first aid need.

WELLNESS AREA Visit the Wellness Area, Brought to you by Laura at Vital Ground Farm, located in the South Hall Upper Level by the windows overlooking the Mississippi. Here, you can access farm-specific wellness resources focused on physical and mental health. The emphasis is not only on agricultural practices but on the holistic wellness of the farmer. From protecting against ticks and extreme heat to managing stress and prioritizing body care, you’ll find tools and resources to support the well-being of your entire farm team. Take a break in this serene space, try a relaxing activity, and explore practical materials to care for yourself and your community.

The wellness area offers a unique space to connect, reflect, and recharge.

Gen der Neutral Res trooms

Friday Lunch: Taco buffet with cilantro lime rice, refried beans, skillet street corn, ground pork tacos, vegan tacos, assorted toppings, and ice cream treats.

Several restrooms are designated as gender neutral. See the map on page 16.

Friday Dinner (add-on): Penne pasta buffet with alfredo, marinara sauce, roasted veggies and chicken, leafy green salad, and lemon cake.

Volun teers

Saturday Lunch: Hungarian mushroom soup and roasted pepper & tomato bisque, crunchy pea salad, hearty breads with butter, garden greens & dressings, and chocolate cake (vegan brownies).

6 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

A great crew of volunteers helps make the Marbleseed Conference run smoothly. If you need assistance navigating the conference center, just look for someone wearing a green “Volunteer” ribbon or yellow “Staff” ribbon — we’re happy to help you find your way!

T een Space Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m. | Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

The staff of Wisconsin Farmers Union’s Kamp Kenwood will again be joining us to lead educational activities and fun in our Teen Space for kids ages 12 & up. Find Teen Space at WFU’s booth in the Exhibit Hall and make sure to grab an agenda from their booth or at Check-In! See the exhibit hall map on page 38.

NURSING For parents looking for a quiet place to feed an infant, there is a quiet area in the hallway between North and South Hall.

See the map on page 16.

C H ILDREN IN WOR KSH OPS To ensure that other conference attendees can hear presentations, please make sure your children are quiet and supervised during workshops. We appreciate you leaving a presentation room if they need attention.

I n ter p r e tat io n & Tr ansl at i o n Marbleseed believes interpretation services are a crucial component to fostering inclusivity and accessibility at events.

Language access services bridge language gaps, facilitate connections between educators and attendees, and support meaningful engagement with conference content.

HMoob and Spanish Interpretation services were offered at the time of registration. For questions about interpretation, please stop by the Marbleseed booth.

S c h ol a r s h ip F unds Giving to the Marbleseed Conference Scholarship Fund is a great way to encourage the success of organic and sustainable farmers. In addition to the main Conference Scholarship Fund, we also manage two funds that honor our friends and organic pioneers: the David J. Engel Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Chris Blanchard Scholarship Fund. Help others attend the conference by donating at: marbleseed.org/donate

ICe r es p on s e p la n There is no place for ICE in our food system or at our conference. Marbleseed stands in solidarity with immigrant communities today and every day. Our team is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all conference attendees.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE learn more: conference.marbleseed.org THURSDAY

12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Registration Opens

1:00–5:00 p.m.

Half-Day Sessions

4:00–6:00 p.m.

Happy Hour, Exhibit Hall Open, Supper (4:30; add-on)

6:00–8:00 p.m.

Kick-Off: Farmer Recognition & Opening Meditation

FRIDAY

8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

Registration Open, Exhibit Hall Open

9:00–10:15 a.m.

Session 1

10:30–11:45 a.m.

Session 2A (Featured Speaker, Panel, Workshop)

11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Session 2B (Hands-On Workshop, Round Tables)

11:45 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Lunch

2:00–4:00 p.m.

Affinity Group Meetings & Meet Ups

4:15–5:30 p.m.

Session 3

5:30–7:00 p.m.

Happy Hour in Exhibit Hall, Supper (add-on)

6:30–10:00 p.m.

Evening Activities

SATURDAY

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

8:00 a.m.

Registration Open, Exhibit Hall Open

9:00–10:15 a.m.

Session 4

10:30–11:45 a.m.

Session 5A (Featured Speaker, Panel, Workshop)

11:00–12:15 p.m.

Session 5B (Hands-On Workshop, Round Tables)

11:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Lunch

1:30–3:00 p.m.

Closing Session, Featured Speaker, Prize Drawing

MARBLESEED Plan n in g EFFORTS Our staff has been working closely with partners, the venue, and local organizers to update and strengthen our response plan. Staff are trained and prepared to respond if needed.

If you need assistance or see something concerning, please look for staff wearing a yellow “Staff” ribbon or volunteers wearing a green “Volunteer” ribbon — volunteers can quickly connect you with staff. “Know Your Rights” Red Cards (provided by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center to help people understand and assert their constitutional rights when approached by immigration or law enforcement) are also available at registration and at the Marbleseed booth.

co nfere nc e O V ERV IEW More ways to learn

“ We’ ve built in lots of ways

fo r yo u to m a ke th e m os t of yo u r tim e in La Crosse... co nversati ons ove r coffe e, prac t i c a l ski ll bui ldi ng i n wo rksh ops, a nd h e a r i ng f ro m fellow fa r m e r s in vari o u s se tti ngs.”

For 37 years, the Organic Farming Conference has provided a venue for sharing organic farming knowledge with our community, and each year the structure looks a little different.

We know everyone learns a little differently, so we’ve built in lots of ways for you to make the most of your time in La Crosse, including informal conversations over coffee, practical skill building in workshops, and hearing from fellow farmers in various settings.

Here is a primer of what to expect this year: On Thursday afternoon, half-day sessions offer a chance to immerse yourself in topics like managed grazing, labor management on diversified farms, pest management on organic fruit farms, and dry bean production. Friday and Saturday feature five

8 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

concurrent sessions from which to choose, each of which includes a workshop, panel, roundtable discussion, featured speaker presentation, and hands-on interactive session.

Farmer-Led Con ten t The Marbleseed conference has always been farmer-led.

The content and agenda are shaped by the Marbleseed community of farmers through content surveys, workshop proposals, and discussions with the staff team.

We also know there is enormous value in the informal conversations that occur between attendees in the hallways and dining area. This year we are demonstrating our belief in the importance of these organically generated moments by offering more round table discussions, meet-ups, and affinity group meetings as seen on page 26.

Find detailed session information beginning on page 20.

c ha rt yo u r cu s to m path

explore conference tr acks by focus a re a Ab b r e v i at io ns (W) – Workshop – presentation format (HW) – Hands-on workshop – prepare to get dirty!

(FS) – Featured speaker (P) – Panel of multiple presenters (RT) – Roundtable conversation (OH) – Office hours – 1:1 consultation (M) — Meetups & Affinity Groups

Veg eta b l e s & H e r b s

Field Crops & Grain

(W) — Midwest Vegetable Growers half-day workshop, Part I - Shared Labor on The Farm

(W) — Growing Dry Beans at Any Scale half-day workshop

(W) — Midwest Vegetable Growers half-day workshop, Part II - Marketing for Large Sales (P) — Diversifying Your Farm Income panel with two vegetable farmers (RT) — Roundtable: Reduced Tillage in Vegetables (W) — Organic Vegetable Growers Virtual Toolkit for Pest & Disease Management (RT) — Reduced Tillage in Vegetables RT

(P) — Conservation on the Farm - featuring an organic hay and niche grains farmer (W) — Fiber & Textile Potential for Flax (HW) — Small Grain Equipment Showcase

The Health an d Wellbein g of Farmer, Soil, Food Sys tem (FS) — Abundance, Solidarity, Organizing (FS) — Building a World for People and the Planet

Frui t & P e r e nn i al s

(P) — Reclaiming the Farmer Identify

(W) — Organic Fruit Intensive half-day with the Organic Fruit Growers Association

(W) — Grow Your Own Fertility & Reduce Reliance on Inputs

(W) — Elderberry and Black Currant Deep Dive

(RT) — Farmers Have Policy Power

(HW) — Tree-Fruit Grafting Workshop (OH) — Managing Fruit Pests (RT) — Organic Fruit Varieties (HW) — Tree-Fruit Pruning

L i v es to c k , G r a zi ng, & Po ult ry (W) — Managed Grazing Crash Course half-day workshop (HW) — Maintaining Fence for Livestock (W) — Cover Crops and Winter Grazing (HW) — Farm-made Compost (RT) — Marketing Strategies for Livestock Producers (OH) — Ask a Veterinarian (W) — Poultry-Centered Regenerative Agroforestry (W) — Running Your Pasture Pigs Like a Stocker Enterprise

(HW) — From Soil to Strategy – Soil sampling workshop (FS) — Navigating Stress, Challenges, and Uncertainty (M) — Food Sovereignty and Agroecology Meetup (FS) — Solutions to Consolidation (HW) — Songbirds for Pest Control (HW) — Food Is Medicine

Bus in es s / Fin an c es (FS) — Investing in Organic (OH) — Ask a Lending Officer (OH) — Ask an Organic Certifier (OH) — Navigating Crop Insurance (OH) — Profit & Sales Strategy Consultations (RT) — Farm to School and Institutions (P) — Diversifying Your Farm Income www.marbleseed.org | 9

F EATURED S P E A KERS I NSPIRIN G VOICE S FROM T H E FI E L D F RIDAY SPE A K ERS Rooted in Resilience: Building Strength, Courage, and Solidarity in Uncertain Times

l e adi n g with courage Friday’s featured speakers explore what it takes to build a world where people, land, and livelihoods can thrive together. From reimagining economic systems that serve communities and the planet to navigating stress and uncertainty with steadiness and purpose, these sessions ground us in resilience. In a time when division and volatility feel close at hand, we gather to strengthen our inner resolve and our shared commitment to change — because abundance grows when we organize, support one another, and lead with courage.

R eg inal do H a sl e t t- M ar ro qui n

STEPHANIE LUCE

RYAN ERIS M A N

R eg i na l d o H a s l e t t- M a r roqui n

st e phan ie luc e

RYAN ERIS MAN

Opening Meditation

Building a World for People and the Planet

THURSDAY, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D

FRIDAY, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room C

FRIDAY, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room C

Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance and CEO of Tree-Range Farms, grew up in extreme poverty in Guatemala during the brutal decades-long civil war. He dedicates his entrepreneurial spirit and regenerative vision to restructure the food system. In 2018, he was awarded a lifetime Ashoka Fellowship. He will provide an opening meditation at the Conference Kick-Off on Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in South Hall Upper, Room D.

Stephanie Luce is Professor of Labor Studies at the School of Labor and Urban Studies, City University of New York (CUNY). She received her BA in economics at the University of California, Davis and her PhD in sociology and MA in industrial relations from the University of WisconsinMadison. Her books include Fighting for a Living Wage (2004) and Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World (2023). She will be speaking on Friday from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in South Hall Upper, Room C for her session “Building a World for People and the Planet.”

Ryan Erisman grew up on an innovative Illinois grain and livestock farm that transitioned to organic in the early 1990s, but he left agriculture for the challenges of the Marine Corps. A decade into his four-year plan, Ryan commanded a rifle company in combat and counterinsurgency operations in Iraq. Today, Ryan raises pastured pork, grass-fed beef, and feed crops in Sun Prairie, WI, using regenerative practices.

He founded Odyssey Collaborations to help sustainability leaders navigate complex challenges, cultivate highimpact change, and create wellbeing for themselves, their organizations, and their communities. Ryan’s session, “Navigating Stress, Challenges, and Uncertainty,” will be in South Hall Upper, Room C on Friday from 4:155:30 p.m.

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Navigating Stress, Challenges, and Uncertainty

SATURDAY S P E A K ERS Shaping What Comes Next: Policy, Investment, and The Collective Power to Reclaim Our Food System

AUSTIN F RERICK

AUSTIN F RERICK

al i gnin g polic y, Capital, an d comm un ity Saturday’s featured speakers turn toward the structural forces shaping agriculture — and the opportunities to transform them. From confronting corporate consolidation to investing in organic and Indigenous-led food systems, and ultimately reimagining how we feed ourselves, these voices invite us to think bigger. Together, they challenge us to move beyond critique toward bold, practical solutions rooted in solidarity. When we align policy, capital, and community with shared values, we create the conditions for lasting abundance — on our farms and far beyond them.

Zac h Duc hen eaux

Zach Duc hen eaux

Solutions to Consolidation

Investing in Organic

saturday, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room C

Saturday, 9:00-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room C

Austin Frerick is an expert on agricultural and antitrust policy. In 2024, he published his debut book, Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, which profiles a series of powerful magnates to illustrate the concentration of power in the global food system. Frerick previously worked at the Open Markets Institute, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Congressional Research Service before becoming a Fellow at Yale University. He is a 7th generation Iowan and 1st generation college graduate, with degrees from Grinnell College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

He will be speaking on Saturday from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in South Hall Upper, Room C for the session “Solutions to Consolidation.”

Zach Ducheneaux lives and works on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. There, with his brothers and his kids, he operates DX Ranch. He recently served as Administrator for USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), providing leadership and direction on agricultural policy, including the administration of FSA’s farm loan, conservation, commodity, disaster, and farm marketing programs, through a national network of offices. Previously, Ducheneaux was the Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council and served as tribal council representative for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He has spent his career educating people about the critical role of improved food systems and value-added agriculture, all through the lens of finding ways to address enduring economic and social challenges facing Native Americans and reservations. His session, “Investing in Organic” is on Saturday in South Hall Upper, Room C from 9:00-10:15 a.m.

LUKE ZAHM

LUKE ZAHM

Everybody Eats — This Is How We Feed Ourselves Saturday, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Rooms C & D Luke Zahm is the owner and James Beard-nominated chef of the Driftless Café in Viroqua, WI, a restaurant that spends 85% of its food budget on ingredients that are sourced within a 100-mile radius of the restaurant.

He is the host of the Emmy-winning television program Wisconsin Foodie and an activist for local, sustainable agriculture. Luke will be providing closing commentary in his talk “Everybody Eats — This Is How We Feed Ourselves” during our closing session at 1:30 p.m in South Hall Upper, Rooms C & D.

www.marbleseed.org | 11

FA R M ER RECOGNITION Marbleseed recognizes one farm (organic stewards), and one (shared vision) agriculture organization each year.

The Farmer of the Year Award and the Changemaker of the Year recognition ceremony will be held during the evening kick-off on Thursday, February 26. The recipients will make short presentations about their work and host Marbleseed field days during the growing season.

OUR FAR MERS O F T H E YEAR B eth a nd S te ve Albert

Beth and Steve Albert of Prairie Bluff Farm near Mount Horeb, WI, are Marbleseed’s 2026 Organic Farmers of the Year. The Alberts sell pastured certified organic eggs throughout the greater Madison area under the brand name Pasture Patterns Eggs. They are the first pastured egg operation to receive the award.

CO M M ITTED TO ORGANIC STEWARDS HIP Marbleseed’s Farmer of the Year Award honors certified organic producers in the Midwest who have contributed to the organic farm¬ing movement through significant experience.

They are leaders who provide mentorship to less practiced farmers, helping the organic movement continue to evolve.

The couple entered farming through a small dairy operation they purchased near Mount Horeb in 1992. Forced to sell that business due to lack of financial viability, they returned to jobs outside of agriculture – carpentry and healthcare, respectively.

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In 2007, they tried again, this time with a focus on eggs.

Today, Pasture Patterns Eggs has approximately 1,500 hens that spend most of their time in mobile coops designed by Steve. Their eggs are sold throughout the greater Madison area.

Pat and Sarah of Squashington Farm are among many young farmers who have benefited from the Alberts’ guidance.

“Steve and Beth came into our lives seemingly out of nowhere and gave us land to farm, work to help pay bills, mentorship and knowledge to work on construction, plumbing, and electric projects, childcare/love for our children, and above all else friendship,” says Pat. Speaking of the Alberts’ farming career, Lori Stern, Marbleseed’s Executive Director, says, “So often we think of success in farming as a linear trajectory. Steve and Beth show us the reality of a meandering journey, guided by a commitment to organic stewardship, animal welfare, and the love for community connections and what can be built together.”

c han g e mak e r s o f t h e y ear S H A R I N G OU R RO OT S

Located outside of Northfield, Minn., Sharing Our Roots (SOR) provides long-term land access for immigrant, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and emerging farmers. Marbleseed recognizes the organization – which is a farm, a model for biodiversity, and a community of autonomous growers – as its 2026 Changemaker of the Year.

C ARING FOR L A ND AND CO MMUNITY The Changemaker recognition celebrates emerging leaders in the organic farming and food movement who creatively overcome systemic challenges to nurture a thriving agricultural future for all. Marbleseed seeks to recognize communities of regenerative agriculture, food sovereignty, and/or local food systems that have been historically discriminated against.

An honoree organization or community does not have to be a producer but needs to directly support farmers through their work.

Now in its ninth year, SOR is a land-based organization, rooted in 163-acres of previously depleted, monocropped farmland. It was created thanks to the generosity of two neighboring farm families who worked with SOR toward a vision for common ownership and sustainable agricultural practices. Today, 10 farms lease the land, including growers from Kenya, Sudan, and Mexico. Additionally, SOR offers growing space to more than 125 gardeners via its seven community gardens.

Unlike incubator farms that usually have a three- to five-year agreement, SOR leases land indefinitely to farmers who agree to farming within guidelines of soil health, animal biosecurity, and organic certification. Outside these community norms, farmers can make their own decisions about their land while benefiting from shared resources.

“Land Access is hard,” says farm manager Alissa Jacobsen.

“We’re on the precipice of one of the most important land transfers in our history. Will land get bought by large scale corporations, data centers, foreign investors, or by families and small farmers? Our model is a shared vision of caring for the land and community.”

ORGANIC RESEA RC H FO RU M, GATHE RING, AN D L I S T E N I N G S E S S I ON S

O rg a ni c R e se a rch Fo rum The Organic Research Forum is a project of Marbleseed that showcases research studies on organic farming practices and brings together researchers and farmers to discuss goals and future research needs. All events events described here will take place in the Research Poster Gallery in South Hall Upper.

R es ea rc h e r & E xt e nsi o n Gat he r i nG Facilitated by Rebecca Champagne, Conservation Scientist (OFRF) Thursday, 1:00–5:00 p.m.

Poster Gallery in South Hall Upper, Room F The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is partnering with Marbleseed to host a special Researcher and Extension Meetup on Thursday afternoon. This informal gathering provides researchers, extension agents, and technical service providers with an opportunity to connect, share research updates, learn about USDA funding opportunities, and explore potential collaboration across the region.

OFRF Organ ic Produc er Lis ten in g Ses s ion s Facilitated by Thelma Velez, Research and Education Program Director (OFRF) and Mary Hathaway, Research and Education Manager (OFRF) Friday, 2:00-2:55 p.m. and 3:05-4:00 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A Join either or both of two interactive listening sessions to identify and prioritize the most pressing research needs for organic farmers and ranchers. Your invaluable insights will directly inform researchers, helping them focus on the issues that matter most to you. The conversation will center around research and informational needs, changing environmental and economic conditions, and evolving challenges for organic producers.

Topics will include seed and plant breeding, soil health, livestock welfare, and economic barriers to organic production. Information from this listening session will be incorporated into OFRF’s next Regional and National Organic Needs Agenda, to be used by organic advocates, researchers, and policy makers to support organic initiatives across the US.

DON’ T MISS T H E . . . .

Res earc her & Exten s ion Gatheri ng Thursday, 1:00 PM - 5:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room F

RESEARCH POSTER GALLERY OP EN H OURS Thursday, 4:00-8:00 p.m Friday, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 8:00-10:00 a.m.

Q & A with P os ter Pres en ters Thursday & Friday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Poster Gallery in South Hall Upper

Pos ter Awards An n oun c emen t The ORF awards will be announced at the end of the “How We Survive and Thrive in These Times” conversation with Stephanie Luce and Austin Frerick on Friday, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in South Hall Upper, Room D

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www.marbleseed.org | 15

CONFERENCE MA P LA CRO SSE CE NTER FACI L I T Y

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16 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

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new this year a more in timate con feren c e layou t We will not be using North Hall for the conference this year. We are looking forward to a more intimate and still bustling conference experience condensed to South Hall.

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THURSDAY SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE learn more: conference.marbleseed.org

Time

CHECK-IN

12:00 p.m.

Registration open

DINING

room A

& EXHIBIT hall south hall Lower

12:15 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

s e ssi o n spot l i ght Beans, Beans, Good For Your Farm GROWING DRY BE A NS A T A NY SC A LE

1:00 p.m.

Managed Grazing Crash Course

1:15 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

s e ssi o n spot l i ght

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Managed Grazing Crash Course

4:45 p.m.

WIT H WI SC H OOLS O F GR A ZING

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:45 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

s e ssi o n spot l i ght Organic Fruit Intensive ORG A NIC F RUIT GROWERS A SSOCI A TION

18 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

7:30 p.m.

7:45 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open (4:00-6:00 p.m.)

Supper — Ticketed add-on (4:30-6:00 p.m.)

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See session details and descriptions on following pages.

room B

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room D

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A Deep Dive into Labor Management & Marketing for Large Sales: CSAs Whole Animals & More

Beans, Beans, Good For Your Farm: Growing Dry Beans at Any Scale

Organic Fruit Intensive

Researcher & Extension Gathering

south hall Lower south hall UPPER south hall UPPER south hall UPPER

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OP ENING SESSION Conference Kick-Off, Farmer Recognition, and Opening Meditation THURSDAY, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D

Conference Kickoff: Farmer Recognition, and Opening Meditation with Featured Speaker: Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin

Let’s get this gathering started!

We’ll open the conference with reflections, recognition, and celebration of the people shaping the future of organic agriculture. The evening will include welcoming remarks from Marbleseed’s Executive Director Lori Stern, an opening meditation from Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, founder of Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, and presentations by our Farmers of the Year and Changemakers of the Year. Together, let’s recall the meaningful work and change produced by our community, while strengthening our collective resilience. www.marbleseed.org | 19

THURSDAY — SC HEDULE DESCRIPTIONS

ha lf- day se ssi ons Managed Grazing Crash Course With the Wisconsin Schools of Grazing and Jason Cavadini, Laura Paine, Adam Abel, and Beth Heinze Thursday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A The Wisconsin Schools of Grazing leads an interactive, personalized workshop on managed grazing. Learn to implement skills and calculations to lengthen your grazing season, reduce feed costs, and increase farm resilience.

In this session, you will learn how to: • Assess the financial benefits of maximum grazing acres and days • Match livestock numbers and acres to your farm goals to maximize grazing • Manage your forage inventory • Customize a forage and soil fertility plan for your land and livestock.

The Grazing School team offers depth of experience and diversity of perspectives based on years of work with farmers to implement successful grazing systems. In this interactive session you will get hands-on experience calculating stocking rate and forage inventory to maximize the value of managed grazing on your acres. Bring your grazing plan, soil map, and other information to begin applying these concepts to your farm!

Organic Fruit Intensive With the Organic Fruit Growers Association and Madeline Wimmer, Aaron Wills, Nate Watters, Rami Aburomia, Ben McAvoy, Chris McGuire, Paul Wymar, Natalie McAvoy, Clare Hintz, and Ana Skemp Thursday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room B Join the Organic Fruit Growers Association for an afternoon of learning about the challenges and rewards of growing organic fruit. We’ll focus on farmers’ practical experience and encourage open discussion. The afternoon will be divided into several sub-sessions: - 1:20 p.m. — a farmer panel discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating organic fruits on diverse farms that also raise other crops and livestock - 2:30 p.m. — four organic fruit growers present how they’ve implemented climate resilience strategies - 3:20 p.m. — a brief discussion about research and knowledge sharing among/for organic fruit growers in the Upper Midwest - 4:00 p.m. — a farmer panel speaks about whole-farm strategies for pest management on organic fruit farms.

20 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

Beans, Beans, Good for Your Farm: Growing Dry Beans at Any Scale With the Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) and Ben Brockmueller, Sarah Pethybridge, John Wepking, and Jane Marynik Thursday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room C Curious about adding dry beans to your farm? Spend the afternoon learning the ins and outs of dry bean production.

Join us as we discuss variety selection, production practices, common diseases, equipment for any size operation, and no-till production. We’ll learn from a diverse farmer panel and university researchers. Whether you’re looking to grow a small plot or 100 acres, you’ll learn useful information for your scale.

This session is hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s OGRAIN (Organic Grain Resource & Information Network) Program.

CON F ERENCE KIC KO F F THURSDAY EVENING Farmer Recognition & Opening Meditation With Marbleseed’s Executive Director, Lori Stern; Farmers of the Year, Steve and Beth Albert; Changemakers of the Year, Sharing Our Roots; and Featured Speaker, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin THURSDAY , 6:00-8:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D

A Deep Dive Into Labor Management & Marketing for Large Sales: CSAs Whole Animals & More With the Midwest Vegetable Growers Network and Erika Tebbens, Sadie Willis, Patty Grimmer, Caroline Wright, Fresh Roberson, Sarah Janes Ugoretz, and Sam Hsieh Thursday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D Session 1: A Deep Dive into Labor Management on Diversified Farms We’ll consider how to create a culture of communication and shared labor on the farm. Hear from farmers, land stewards, and earthworkers about their experiences, tools, and practices in this interactive session. Walk away with new resources and wisdom that will enhance how you farm.

Session 2: Marketing for Large Sales: CSAs, Whole Animals, & More Making a sale isn’t always easy — especially if it’s a large commitment, like an entire season’s CSA share, whole or half-animal cuts, specialty item subscriptions, or bundled products. In this session, you’ll learn tried and true marketing tactics that will turn potential buyers into loyal customers.

Researcher & Extension Gathering With Rebecca Champagne, Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF Thursday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room F Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is partnering with Marbleseed to host a special Researcher & Extension Meetup on Thursday, Feb. 26, to give those working in organic research, education, and extension a chance to connect and explore collaboration across the region. This informal gathering provides researchers, extension agents, and technical service providers with an opportunity to connect, share research updates, and learn about USDA funding opportunities.

In partnership with OFRF, we are thrilled to offer free Thursday admission for researchers and extension professionals attending OFRF’s Thursday gathering at the conference.

Kick off the conference with remarks from Lori Stern, Marbleseed’s Executive Director.

We will present the award and recognition for our Farmers of the Year and Changemaker of the Year, both of whom will give short presentations.

The evening culminates with an opening presentation by Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, founder of the Regenerative Agriculture Alliance, “Abundance, Solidarity, Organizing: A Time-Tested Foundation of Land-based Cultures.” In this presentation, we will walk through a way of thinking, organizing, building, sharing, and working in solidarity as a way of seeding, tending, and protecting the infrastructure that serves as the foundation of our land-based culture.

We will explore knowledge and wisdom we inherited from our ancestors. This will be a time for exploring currently relevant, practical, and critical stories for those of us who seek the connection to our food, to the land, each other so we may advance the cause of healthy food, fair systems, and community-based ownership, control, and governance all central tenets of our land-based agri-culture. www.marbleseed.org | 21

FRIDAY— SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE DINING

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Time

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8:00 a.m.

Registration Open (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Exhibit Hall Open (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

8:15 a.m.

learn more: conference.marbleseed.org

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Hands-on Workshop: Small Grain & Equipment Showcase

Workshop: Elderberry and Black Currant Deep Dive: From Lab to Field

Featured Speaker: Kristen McEnroe — Food is Medicine Panel

Workshop: Fiber & Textile potential in agriculture: flax for linen (and more!) in the Midwest

Featured Speaker: Stephanie Luce — Building a World for People and the Planet with

Office Hours: — Ask a Lender with Compeer — NRCS Office Hours — Ask an Organic Certifier — Navigating Crop Insurance — Ask a Veterinarian — Profit & Sales Strategy Consultations with Good Roots — Managing Fruit Pests

8:30 a.m.

8:45 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

Hands-on Workshop: Maintaining Fence for Livestock

9:15 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

Hands-on Workshop: Tree-Fruit Grafting

Hands-On Workshop: Farm-Made Compost Workshop

Meetup: Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Organic Producer Listening Session

Affinity Group: HMoob Farmers Meetup

Meetup: Black Farmer Meetup

Meetup: Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) Organic Producer Listening Session (Repeated)

Meetup: Urban Farmer Meet-Up: Growing Food & Community in City Spaces

Meetup: Allyship

Workshop: PoultryCentered Regenerative Agroforestry: How the System Works

Seed Swap

Workshop: Cover Crops & Featured Speaker: Ryan Winter Grazing: Research Erisman — Navigating and Reality Stress, Challenges, and Uncertainty

11:30 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:15 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

Lunch (11:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

Lunch Listening Session with Marbleseed’s Communications Team (12:00-1:30 p.m.)

1:00 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:15 p.m.

Exhibit Hall Open (8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

2:30 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

5:15 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:45 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:45 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Happy Hour in Exhibit Hall — Bar Open (5:30-7:00 p.m.)

Supper — ticketed add-on (5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.)

How We Survive and Thrive in These Times Stephanie Luce & Austin Frerick Conversation

See session details and descriptions on following pages.

room e

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E V ENING ACTI V ITIES FRIDAY eVENING How We Survive and Thrive in These Times – A Conversation with Stephanie Luce and Austin Frerick

Roundtable: Farmers Have Policy Power

Friday, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D

Panel: Grow Your Own Fertility & Reduce Reliance on Inputs

Join Stephanie Luce, author of Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World, and Austin Frerick, author of Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, to explore our possible paths forward toward a stronger, more inclusive future.

Drawing on their work examining power, policy, and people, the conversation will highlight our conference theme, “Abundance Grows in Solidarity”. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions at registration; the evening will begin with a moderated discussion, followed by Q & A and book signing.

Panel: Conservation on the Farm Roundtable: Marketing Strategies for Livestock Producers

Beginning Farmer Mixer Friday, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

La Crosse Distilling Co. 129 Vine Street Renewing the Countryside sponsors this casual evening mixer for beginning farmers (less than ten years in the field) at La Crosse Distilling! Kick back and make new connections. Drinks and food available for purchase.

Affinity Group: Indigenous Farmers Meetup

Affinity Group: ¡DALE! Hora social de unidad de agricultores latinos y BIPOC ¡DALE! Latinx and BIPOC Farmer Unity Social Hour

Meetup: Veteran Farmer Meetup

After-Hours Social

Meetup: LGBTQ+ Meetup

Meetup: Agritourism Meetup facilitated by John Beaton of Fairhaven Pizza Farm

Meetup: Ag Professionals Meetup

After evening events wrap up at the Conference Center, head to La Crosse Distilling Co. and join fellow conference attendees for a relaxed after-hours social.

Drinks and food available for purchase.

Roundtable: Farm to School and Institutions

Panel: Diversifying Your Farm Income

Meetup: Food Sovereignty and Agroecology Meetup

Friday, 8:00-10:00 p.m.

La Crosse Distilling Co. 129 Vine Street

Thanks to our long-time partner — La Crosse Distilling Co. Marbleseed is excited to once again partner with La Crosse Distilling Co. as the official conference After-Hours spot! La Crosse Distilling is a family-owned, certified organic distillery committed to crafting smallbatch spirits from grain to glass, using organically grown ingredients and sourcing locally whenever possible.

We’re grateful to gather in a space that reflects the values of quality, community, and care for the land.

Be sure to check them out – whether for a quick drink, a meal, or a post-conference happy hour – their spirits and locally inspired offerings are well worth the visit. www.marbleseed.org | 23

FRIDAY — SCHEDULE DESCRIPTIONS (a.m.)

SESSION 1 Hands-on Workshop: Maintaining Fence for Livestock With Randy Cutler of Cutler Fence FRIDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A Sometimes we inherit fence, sometimes we have to start from scratch — fencing for livestock can be done in a lot of different ways. Once it is established, maintenance is ongoing.

If you are willing to do some of that work, this workshop is for you.

Randy will cover: • making high tensile wire connections and splicing wire • handling portable polywire, step-in posts, and reels • purchasing solar chargers, gates, cutout switches, and testers • designing physical barriers such as corrals and handling facilities.

You will leave with tips on maintaining a fence that’s right for you. Come with questions!

Hands-on Workshop: Small Grain Equipment Showcase With Sam Bibby FRIDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room B Harvest and post-harvest processing of small grains is labor intensive. The right tools can make production more efficient, profitable, and accessible for farms of any size.

Presenter Sam Bibby will review various pieces of equipment used in small grain production, from combines and fanning mills to grain screeners and bagging equipment. We’ll work hands-on with several pieces of equipment and discuss when and why you might use each one. Sam will share practical insights on setup, maintenance, and matching equipment to your scale of production.

Workshop: Elderberry and Black Currant Deep Dive: From Lab to Field With Lily Hislop and Mark Villers

Roundtable: Farmers Have Policy Power With Harriet Behar

FRIDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room C

FRIDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room E

Let’s talk all things elderberry and black currant! Lily Hislop, the Savanna Institute’s elderberry and black currant researcher, shares her work with these two up-and-coming crops, including the participatory breeding research she brings to working farms. Then Mark Villers of Homestead 36 in Sturgeon Bay, WI, talks about his experiences farming these two crops, including plant sourcing, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and marketing.

Are you frustrated that the government seems out of touch with your needs?

Your elected officials need to hear your voice. They can be educated, and they’re truly interested in hearing from individual farmers!

This presentation is for anyone thinking about growing elderberries or currants, or who has an interest in plant breeding research. Expect to come out of this session with both academic and practical knowledge of these plants.

Featured Speakers: Food is Medicine With Kristen McEnroe, April Yancer, Gary Besaw, Geeta Wadhwani, Jake Larkin, Jen Falck, Beth Heller and Jackie Anderson FRIDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room D The idea isn’t new. Farmers have always known that Organic food grown sustainably on well stewarded land supports ecological, human, and community health. The Food Is Medicine (FIM) movement is gaining momentum across the country!

Programs rooted in this knowledge have emerged and are expanding. This session will provide a background to the movement, what FIM programs look like and how they work, new funding, and supporting policies, as well as bring together thought-leaders, innovators, and implementors for a discussion on needs and opportunities to engage the movement, build markets and provide food for healthy outcomes.

24 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

Join this roundtable to learn talking points and strategies to help you write effective letters and emails. Become more comfortable making direct calls.

Consider hosting policy-related events at your farm. Once you are known to them, you can become a resource to your legislators when they are considering programs and funding.

Panel: Grow Your Own Fertility & Reduce Reliance on Inputs Facilitated by Erin Silva with panelists Patrick McHugh, Ryan Sullivan, and Brian Dougherty FRIDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room F Building healthy, resilient soils starts on the farm! In this panel, experienced growers will share practical strategies for generating on-farm fertility and reducing purchased inputs without sacrificing productivity. From integrating cover crops and green manures to managing livestock, composting systems, and nutrient cycling, panelists will highlight approaches that strengthen soil health, lower costs, and increase longterm self-reliance.

SESSION 2 A Workshop: Fiber & Textile Potential in Agriculture: Flax for Linen (and more!) in the Midwest With Leslie Schroeder and John Hendrickson FRIDAY, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room C Word is out that our synthetic-heavy global fashion industry has profoundly negative impacts across the board-from water usage, PFAS, and labor practices. The Midwest has the unique potential to be part of the solution by growing flax for textile linen and a wide range of other uses.

This session will highlight the benefits of flax as a crop that can diversify rotations and open new markets for farmers.

Learn about past, current, and future efforts to scale up production, harvest, and processing for this emerging crop.

The product potential for flax is robust and wide-ranging, making this crop a promising part of a sustainable and climate smart bioregional economy.

Featured Speaker: Building a World for People and the Planet With Stephanie Luce FRIDAY, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D How can we move beyond our current polarization and develop a vision and strategy for an alternative that works for the majority? Can we build a world grounded in solidarity, community, and sustainability rather than competition, individualism, and waste? In this session, Stephanie Luce will speak about the ways our system is not working to serve the needs of people or the planet and draws from her book Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World to suggest ways forward.

Panel: Conservation on the Farm Facilitated by Kriss Marion with panelists Megan Ayers, Rebecca Champagne, Thoman Manley and Noreen Thomas FRIDAY, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room F

Hear directly from a panel of farmers and ag professionals who have implemented conservation practices on their own operations and are seeing real-world results. This panel will explore how producers are integrating practices such as cover cropping, managed grazing, nutrient management, and habitat enhancements to protect soil, water, and biodiversity while supporting farm viability. Panelists will share what motivated them to get started, the challenges they faced, lessons learned along the way, and how conservation fits into their overall farm goals.

SESSION 2B Hands-On Workshop: Tree-Fruit Grafting With David Sliwa, Jenn Ripp, and Jamie Hanson FRIDAY, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A Join the Organic Fruit Growers Association (OFGA) and instructors Jenn Ripp, David Sliwa, and Jamie Hanson for an introduction to the basic techniques and purpose of grafting fruit trees. You’ll have a chance to practice whip-andtongue grafting and gain knowledge of how to graft. Apple and pear rootstocks will be for sale at $6 each. Liberty apple scionwood, tools, and supplies will be provided. OFGA members will share apple and pear scionwood for grafting at home.

Hands-On Workshop: Farm-Made Compost Workshop With Patrick McHugh and John Rosenow FRIDAY, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room B This workshop offers a practical, farmerfocused look at producing high-quality compost. Guided by farmers Patrick McHugh and John Rosenow, who have successfully integrated compost production into their respective operations, participants will learn about the on-farm benefits of compost.

Patrick and John compare their distinct production methods—from feedstock selection and equipment choices to monitoring techniques—and how they troubleshoot common challenges.

Attendees can expect to examine raw materials and finished compost, explore compost teas and potting mixes, and walk away with actionable insights they can bring back to their own farms.

Roundtable: Marketing Strategies for Livestock Producers With Erika Tebbens FRIDAY, 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room E Join fellow producers for a practical, farmer-to-farmer discussion on marketing meat and livestock products. Leave with strategies you can implement next season to reach more of the people who will become raving fans and find ways to make your sales process more successful for both them and you.

MARBLESEED LUNC H liste ning se s s i o n WE wa nt to h e a r f ro m yo u!

Marbleseed’s Communication Team Listening Session FRIDAY, 12:00-1:30 p.m. | South Hall Lower, Dining & Exhibit Hall Telling the story of the organic farming movement is central to Marbleseed’s work. We want to hear from you. What information do you need? What stories aren’t getting told? What formats do you want to see us use, Our communications team will be taking notes and look forward to meeting you!

www.marbleseed.org | 25

FRIDAY affinity Groups & Meetups AF FINITY GROU P S These dedicated spaces at large conferences provide attendees with the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in safe, brave spaces where they can be unapologetically themselves.

NOTE: All affinity groups meet on Friday, February 27.

Note times and rooms.

B eg i nni ng at 2 : 0 0 p. m.

Black Farmers Meetup FRIDAY, 2:00 – 2:55 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room C This interactive gathering provides a welcoming space to share experiences, challenges, and successes in the agricultural sector. Together, we will foster connections, explore collaborative opportunities, and strengthen our network of support, all while emphasizing the importance of unity and shared experiences in building resilience within our farming communities

¡DALE! Hora Social de Unidad de Agricultores Latinos y BIPOC ¡DALE! Latinx and BIPOC Farmer Unity Social Hour FRIDAY, 2:00-2:55 p.m., South Hall Upper, Room F En nuestras vivencias esta la fuerza....

Juntemosnos! para conocernos y compartir ideas y experiencias.

El trabajo agrícola nos deja muy pocas horas para relajarnos y socializar.

Muchas veces, sin querer nos alejamos de nuestra comunidad y llegamos a sentirnos aislados. Pero la fuerza de una comunidad reside en sus experiencias compartidas, sus historias de esperanza, de resiliencia y de transformación. Aprovechemos este momento lejos de casa para pasar un rato alegre mientras nos conectamos, compartimos historias e intercambiamos ideas que nos ayuden a recargar nuestras baterías física, emocional y mental.¡Este es un espacio para celebrar! ¡Traiga a sus amigos y familiares!

In our shared experiences lies our strength… Let’s get together! to get to know each other and share ideas and experiences.

As agricultural workers, we are left with very few hours to relax and socialize.

Often, unintentionally, we become distanced from our community and end up feeling isolated. But the strength of a community lies in the shared experiences and the stories of hope,

26 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

resilience, and transformation. Let’s take advantage of this time away from home to have a good time while we connect, share stories, and exchange ideas that help us recharge our physical, mental, and emotional batteries. This is a space to celebrate! Please bring your friends and family to share stories!

HMoob Farmers Meetup Facilitated by Ying Lo, GreenGold Gardens (Yinglo2020@gmail.com) FRIDAY, 2:00-2:55 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room B This is a place for HMoob farmers and ag staff to rejuvenate, strengthen collaborative power, and be authentically present for informal networking, idea and knowledge sharing, and farmer support. It is also a place to relax, let go of stress, and remove overwhelming expectations.

Indigenous Farmers Meetup Facilitated by Dan Cornelius (Daniel.cornelius@gmail.com) FRIDAY, 2:00-2:55 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room E This short session provides an opportunity for Tribal producers and key partners to connect on current efforts while discussing possible collaborations.

OFRF Listening Session Facilitated by Mary Hathaway, Research and Education Program Manager, OFRF (Mary@ofrf.org) FRIDAY, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A Join the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) for an interactive listening session to identify and prioritize the most pressing research needs for organic farmers and ranchers.

Your invaluable insights will directly inform researchers, helping them focus on the issues that matter most to you.

The conversation will center around research and informational needs, changing environmental and economic conditions, and evolving challenges for organic producers. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss several research topics, such as seed and plant breeding, soil health, livestock welfare, and economic barriers to organic production. Information from this listening session will be incorporated into OFRF’s next Regional and National Organic Needs Agenda, to be used by organic advocates, researchers, and policy makers to support organic initiatives across the U.S. Veteran Farmer Meetup FRIDAY, 2:00-2:55 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room G Join veteran farmers to connect, share experiences, and build community.

This gathering offers space to exchange resources, discuss challenges, and opportunities in farming, while strengthening veteran-to-veteran support networks.

Come gather with other Ag Professionals from across the Midwest to discuss your successes and challenges in the field. The goal of the session is to connect around shared issues we face as providers and how we are tackling these themes. We plan to gather as a group and potentially split off into breakout groups based on themes like geographies (urban, peri-urban, and rural) or topics (e.g. integrated pest management, federal programs, specific industries, etc.).

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other ag professionals in their region and collaboratively engage with critical issues in their communities.

Agritourism Meetup Facilitated by John Beaton, Fairvhaven Farm (Hello@fairhaven.farm), and Sheila Everhart, Executive Director Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (director@wiagtourism.com) FRIDAY, 3:05-4:00 p.m., South Hall Upper, Room F Do you have an agritourism enterprise on your farm? Or are you considering starting one? Agritourism is growing in popularity and can provide meaningful opportunities to connect directly with customers and add income to your operation. John Beaton of Fairhaven Farm and Sheila Everhart, Executive Director Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association will facilitate a discussion about the topic and welcome you to join!

Allyship Share-Out Facilitated by Sofia Caracci, Marbleseed (Sofia.caracci@marbleseed.org)

B eg i nning at 3 :05 p. m.

FRIDAY, 3:05-4:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room C

Ag Professionals Meetup Facilitated by Jesse Schaffer, Urban and Innovative Agriculture, Illinois Extension (Jschaff@illinois.edu), and Allison Crook (acrook@wisconsinfarmersunion.com)

In response to experiences of racism, discrimination, and lack of safety from farmers of color in our community, join us in engaging conversations about racism, xenophobia, homophobia, etc. in our own region and what we could do by working collectively with farmers and folks in rural places who recognize

FRIDAY, 3:05-4:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room G

that creating a culture of welcome that embraces diversity makes communities vibrant and viable.

LGBTQ+ Meetup Facilitated by Elena Bird (Elena.bird167@gmail.com) FRIDAY, 3:05-4:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room E LGBTQIA+ farmers and friends are invited to join us for socializing, networking, and resource sharing.

Urban Farmer Meet-Up: Growing Food and Community in City Spaces Facilitated by Brittney Hutcherson (Themelaninurbangardener1@gmail.com) FRIDAY, 3:05-4:00 p.m., Room B This facilitated meet-up brings together urban farmers to share experiences, challenges, and practical strategies for growing food in city environments. Participants will engage in open discussion around land access, infrastructure, markets, and community impact, with a focus on connection-building, shared learning, and strengthening the urban farming network within and beyond the region.

Begin n in g at 5: 45 p. m .

Agroecology & Food Sovereignty Meetup Facilitated by John Peck, Family Farm Defenders (familyfarmdefenders@yahoo.com) FRIDAY, 5:45-7:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room F Join others who are interested in learning more about La Via Campesina and how principles of food sovereignty and agroecology can build solidarity between family farmers, farm/food workers, Indigenous communities, and across our entire food/farm system.

www.marbleseed.org | 27

FRIDAY OFFICE HOURS O FF ICE HOURS We’ve assembled experts in a range of farm and ag-related areas, from certification and insurance to livestock health and fruit pests. Drop by any of these experts’ Office Hours for 1:1 consultation.

NOTE: All Office Hours are on Friday, 2:00-3:45 p.m., South Hall Lower, Room D

Ask an Organic Certifier Office Hours With organic certifiers from across the Midwest

USDA Natural Resourses Conservation Service (NRCS) Office Hours With NRCS Staff

Talk shop with staff from organic certifiers across the Midwest to learn more about certification, ask about an allowable input, or other questions.

Questions on applying for funding to implement conservation practices on your farm? Find out what is available for organic farmers of all sizes by meeting one-on-one with Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) staff.

Ask a Lender Office Hours With Compeer

Ask Good Agriculture Office Hours With Good Agriculture

Bring your lending and financing questions to Compeer staff.

Have questions about your books, cash flow, or tracking farm expenses? Sit down one-on-one to talk through next steps and get an idea of what reports matter for your operation.

Built for Farmers.

Backed by Certifiers.

T IRED O F J UG GLING BINDE RS, PDFS, A N D SPRE ADSHE E TS?

Y O U GROW T H E F OOD .

WE HA ND L E T H E P A P E RW ORK.

WWW.QUICKORGANICS.COM

28 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

Navigating Crop Insurance Office Hours With Harriet Behar With extreme weather events and market unpredictability now the norm, crop insurance is one risk management tool that all sizes and types of farms should consider. Learn existing options for organic and regenerative farmers, and which ones might be best for your operation.

Managing Fruit Pests Office Hours With Josie Dillon; UW Madison Division of Extension Statewide Fruit Outreach Specialist

Ask a Veterinarian Office Hours With Dr. Sarah Slaby

Profit & Sales Strategy Consultations Office Hours With Good Roots

Dr. Sarah has 23 years of experience as a vet specializing in livestock and dairy and also operates an organic farm with her husband, Noah, and family. Due to her broad knowledge of both organic and conventional methods for use in prevention and treatment, she proudly blends knowing when to treat naturally — what’s going to work and not going to work — and when to use conventional medicine.

Need a spark to grow your farm or food business? Drop in during office hours for practical advice from Good Roots’ seasoned business and marketing consultants. Get support with sales strategy, marketing, cash flow, and raising capital. Bring your questions and leave with clear next steps.

E AV

T H E DA

TE

S

Join growers and Josie Dillon, UWExtension Fruit Outreach Specialist, for an open Q/A session regarding fruit pests you’ve dealt with or want to learn more about.

FUNDR AISER AT SEVEN acre dairy COMPANY MAY 16, 2026 | Paoli, WI Join us at Seven Acre Dairy for a farm-to-table fundraiser on May 16, 2026. More details will be available in the coming months!

lea r n m o re & r eg i s t er marbleseed.org/events/farm-to-table-fundraiser www.marbleseed.org | 29

FRIDAY— SC HEDULE DESCRI PTIONS (p.M) SESSION 3 Poultry-Centered Regenerative Agroforestry: How the System Works With Arnulfo Perrera, Diane Christofore, Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin FRIDAY, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A This session introduces the core components of the Poultry-Centered Regenerative Agroforestry (PCRA) system—including flocks, perennial design, processing infrastructure, farmer cohorts, and community markets.

Participants will learn how farmers, processors, service providers, and partners are working together to build a regenerative poultry ecosystem across the Midwest.

Seed Swap With Susana Cabrera-Mariz, Cat McCluskey, and Corbin Scholz FRIDAY, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room B Organic seed is the foundation of resilient, regionally adapted food systems. This session will feature short presentations from Seed Savers Exchange and Organic Seed Alliance highlighting the importance of organic seed saving and stewardship in the face of climate change, consolidation in the seed industry, and evolving organic standards. These presentations set the stage for a facilitated seed swap, giving participants the opportunity to put these principles into practice by sharing, exchanging, and stewarding organic seed.

Workshop: Cover Crops & Winter Grazing: Research and Reality With Sabrina Florentino

Roundtable: Farm to School & Institutions With Cathryn Herlihey

FRIDAY, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

South Hall Lower, Room C

FRIDAY, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room E

Grazing skill development focuses heavily on optimizing growing season forage use. Often we overlook the other four to six months of the year when our perennial forage has slowed down or stopped production. Yet the key to raising profitable ruminants often lies in the ability to reduce winter feed costs.

This session will explore the available research on cover crops and winter grazing while sharing practical insights.

Bring your grazing experiences to the table and join the discussion as we seek to fine tune our cold season forage and ruminant management.

Featured Speaker: Navigating Stress, Challenges, and Uncertainty With Ryan Erisman FRIDAY, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D The most powerful tools for navigating stress, challenges, and uncertainty on our farms come from what we put in our heads, not what we put in our sheds. Organic farming isn’t for the faint of heart. Add the growing uncertainties in weather, markets, and so many other emerging issues and the challenges multiply. While change and uncertainty are hard, this session introduces concepts from nature and neuroscience that help us reduce our stress, navigate challenges with more creativity, and become more successful organic farmers.

Come away with a new set of tools for successfully navigating change and uncertainty through the challenges and transitions in organic farming and life.

30 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

Selling to schools, early care sites, food banks, and other institutions can open doors to steady, high-volume markets—but the unique culinary needs and purchasing contexts of institutions present real and perceived barriers to this opportunity. Pull up a chair and join fellow producers and supply chain partners for a conversation about what these markets look like lately. Share your successes and challenges or simply listen in to learn what opportunities might fit your farm or food business— this is a chance to connect, ask questions, and hear from others about Farm to Institution markets.

Panel: Diversifying Your Farm Income Facilitated by Andy Larson with panelists John Beaton, Tommy Stauffer, Jackie Gennett, Joleen Baker FRIDAY, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room F Diversification can strengthen farm resilience, stabilize cash flow, and open new opportunities. In this panel, farmers and industry professionals will share real-world experiences adding and managing diversified income streams. From value-added products and direct marketing to agritourism, custom work, and off-farm partnerships. Panelists will discuss what motivated their decisions, startup considerations, labor, and time tradeoffs.

E VENING ACTI V ITIES Evening Q & A: How We Survive and Thrive in These Times With Stephanie Luce and Austin Frerick FRIDAY, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D Farmers and communities show that strength grows when we grow together.

Join Stephanie Luce, author of Practical Radicals: Seven Strategies to Change the World, and Austin Frerick, author of Barons, for an evening Q&A exploring paths forward. Drawing on their work examining power, policy, and people, the conversation will highlight this year’s conference theme, Abundance Grows in Solidarity. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions at registration; the evening will begin with a moderated discussion, followed by audience questions.

Beginning Farmer Mixer With Renewing the Countryside and fellow beginning farmers FRIDAY, 7-8 p.m.

La Crosse Distilling Co., 129 Vine Street

MARCH 21-2 2 , 2026 LAN E S BO RO, M N

NEW FARMERS...

Gi ve Yo u r Fa r m a B o o st!

Hi t t h e g ro u n d r u n n i n g t h i s g rowin g s e a s o n w i t h Ne w Fa r m e r U !

learn more & register www.renewingthecountryside.org/nfu Thi s New Fa r m er U i s a prog ram of Ma r bles eed a n d i s pro du ce d

by Ren ew i n g t he Co u nt r ysid e and co - ho s t ed by Bi g Ri ver Fa r ms.

Join Renewing the Countryside and fellow beginning farmers (less than ten years in the field) for a casual evening mixer at La Crosse Distilling! Kick back, make new connections, and unwind after the day. Drinks and food available for purchase.

MOOVING

After Hours Social Open to all conference attendees

MAR. 26, 2026

FRIDAY, 8-10 p.m.

La Crosse Distilling Co., 129 Vine Street After evening events wrap up at the Conference Center, head over to La Crosse Distilling Co. to join fellow conference attendees for a relaxed after-hours social. Drinks and food available for purchase.

TOWARD ORGANIC C H I P P EWA FA LLS, WI A full-day workshop for dairy farmers who are considering making the move to organic. learn more marbleseed.org

www.marbleseed.org | 31

SATURDAY — SC HEDULE AT A GLANCE DINING

room A

Time

CH ECK-IN

& EXHIBIT hall s o ut h hal l LOWER

8:00 a.m.

Registration Open (8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

Exhibit Hall Open 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

8:15 a.m.

room B s o ut h ha l l LOWER

8:30 a.m.

8:45 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:15 a.m.

s e s s i o n s potl i ght

9:30 a.m.

Build A Home for Songbirds

9:45 a.m.

P EST CONTROL F OR YOUR F A R M

Hands-On Workshop: Build a Home for Songbirds, Build Pest Control for Your Farm

Hands-On Workshop: From Soil to Strategy: Practical Soil Sampling & Using Your Results

Hands-On Workshop: Tree-Fruit Pruning

Hands-On Workshop: Food is Medicine — Spice Blends for Healing

10:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

s e s s i o n s potl i ght Virtual Vegetable Growers Toolkit Pest disease & Management

12:00 p.m.

12:15 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:45 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

1:15 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:45 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

s e s s i o n s potl i ght Workshop: Pasture Pigs STOC K ER ENTER P RISE

2:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

Lunch (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)

See session details and descriptions on following pages.

room C

room D

room E

room F

s ou t h ha ll UP PER

s o u th hall U PPER

so u th hall U P P ER

s o ut h hal l U P P ER

Workshop: The Organic Vegetable Growers Virtual Toolkit for Pest & Disease Management

Featured Speaker: Zach Ducheneaux — Investing in Organic

Roundtable: Organic Fruit Varieties

aft e r n o o n ACTI V ITIES

LU K E Z A H M Workshop: Running Your Pasture Pigs Like a Stocker Enterprise

Featured Speaker: Austin Frerick — Solutions to Consolidation Roundtable: Reduced Tillage in Vegetables

Panel: Reclaiming the Farmer Identity; Off-Farm Jobs, Work Life Balance, and What It Means To Be a Farmer

CLOSING SESSION Featured Speaker: Luke Zahm — Everybody Eats — This Is How We Feed Ourselves With Luke Zahm. Chef., Owner, and Television Host for PBS’s Wisconsin Foodie SATURDAY, 1:30-3:00 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D

Closing Session: Featured Speaker: Luke Zahm — Everybody Eats — This Is How We Feed Ourselves

Luke Zahm is dedicated to uplifting the farmers and food producers of the Upper Midwest — whether as a chef putting food in front of people or sharing stories on his Wisconsin Foodie program that fly in the face of the supposed homogenization of Midwestern identity. In this closing talk, he’ll reflect on the power of food to break down barriers and create connections.

Priz e Drawin g Everyone loves a prize!

Our conference will wrap up by 3:00 p.m. with a prize drawing.

Some of our amazing sponsors and exhibitors are offering great items for a prize drawing that will take place on Saturday at the end of the conference. Tickets for the drawing are available throughout the conference and can be purchased at the Marbleseed Booth, where you can find a list of prize items, and the Acres Bookstore in the Exhibit Hall.

SATURDAY— SC HEDULE DESCRIPTIONS SESSION 4 Hands-On Workshop: Build a Home for Songbirds, Build Pest Control for Your Farm With Shelly Connor, Courtney Tchida, and Hannah Bernhardt SATURDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A Songbirds are more than just beautiful to see and hear, they can also play a vital role in sustainable pest management. In this interactive session, we’ll learn how farmers are successfully using nest boxes to attract beneficial birds that are valuable pest control allies. You will hear directly from a farmer who has seen real, on-theground benefits — from fewer pests to a healthier, more balanced farm ecosystem.

We’ll roll up our sleeves to build a nest box. This hands-on activity will guide

you through assembling a nest box, and if you’d like to bring one home to install on your farm, they’ll be available for $20 each. Whether you’re new to habitat practices or already experimenting with conservation strategies, you’ll leave inspired with practical tools and knowledge to bring beneficial birds onto your farm.

Workshop: From Soil to Strategy: Practical Soil Sampling & Using Your Results With Levi Page SATURDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room B Healthy soils are the foundation of successful organic farming, but the value of soil testing depends entirely on how the sample is collected and how the results are used. This interactive

34 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

workshop will walk growers through why soil sampling matters, how to collect samples that truly represent their fields, and how to use soil test data to guide management decisions.

Goals : • Understand why proper soil sampling is critical for nutrient management • Identify sampling methods that best fit organic and diversified farming systems • Recognize common sampling mistakes that lead to misleading soil test results • Understand what key soil test values mean in practical terms (pH, OM, P, K, Ca, Mg) • Feel more confident using soil test data to make organic fertility and amendment decisions.

Workshop: The Organic Vegetable Growers Virtual Toolkit for Pest & Disease Management With Ariana Abbrescia

forecast vegetable pest and disease risk throughout the growing season.

SATURDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room C

Explore current and upcoming online guides for strategies to manage and prevent pests and diseases in vegetables. Bring a phone or laptop to follow along with each step-by-step tutorial.

Ready to level up your pest and disease management this growing season? Join us for a hands-on workshop packed with practical online tools and helpful resources to identify, monitor, and manage vegetable pests and diseases.

Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just digging into organic vegetable production, this session has a shiny new gadget for you.

- Not sure what you’re looking at in the field? Discover online resources & diagnostic services through UWMadison to help identify your pest or pathogen.

- Want to stay on top of pest and disease risk? Learn how to use interactive online tools to monitor and

- How do you manage your pest organically?

Featured Speaker: Investing in Organic With Zach Ducheneaux SATURDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room D

Roundtable: Organic Fruit Varieties With Madeline Wimmer and Chris McGuire SATURDAY, 9-10:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room E Join the Organic Fruit Growers Association and fellow growers for a discussion of the best fruit varieties for organic growers. Share your experiences with different varieties and learn from other growers. In small groups, we’ll discuss varieties of specific fruit crops, including apples, grapes, strawberries, pears, blueberries, and emerging fruit crops.

Zach will highlight solutions based on a long term approach, both from a policy perspective as well as his current efforts to revolutionize finance to increase producer opportunity and improve and rebuild rural economies.

Practical, reliable and friendly organic certification services.

MOSAORGANIC.ORG

844-637-2526

www.marbleseed.org | 35

SATURDAY— SC HEDULE DESCRIPTIONS SESSION 5 A Featured Speaker: Solutions to Consolidation With Austin Frerick SATURDAY, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D We know there’s a concentration crisis in the American food system. Addressing it may be one of the few bipartisan things we can agree on right now. The question is--what do we do about it? Agriculture policy expert Austin Frerick explores actions that can be taken locally and nationally to restore competition to these markets. Please come with your ideas too!

Workshop: Running Your Pasture Pigs Like a Stocker Enterprise With Ethan Heelein SATURDAY, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room C

Getting into pasture pigs can sound daunting. In this workshop Ethan Heelein, livestock manager at Alden Hills Organic Farms, will focus on running pigs like a beef stocker enterprise. From a 40-pound feeder pig to finished product, we will cover infrastructure, pasture movement, reducing input costs, and increasing weight gain.

Panel: Reclaiming the Farmer Identity; Off-Farm Jobs, Work Life Balance, and What it Means to be a Farmer Facilitated by Trish Clarkweiss with panelists Erik Heimark and Corbin Scholz SATURDAY, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room F A panel of farmers share their journeys in agriculture and discuss the dynamics of farmer identity: the highs and the lows, times of success and balance, times of burnout and breakdown.

36 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

They’ll discuss decision making around farming full-time, taking off-farm jobs, and sometimes doing both.

As farmers, we have all experienced the push and pull of the demands of farming and the questions that surface: Is this working? Is this worth it? How can I make an effort to take care of myself as I take care of the land? If I take a step back from farming am I still a farmer?

Join us in this space to listen, explore, question, and share.

SESSION 5B Hands-On Workshop: Tree-Fruit Pruning With David Sliwa, Madeline Wimmer, Rami Aburomia, and Ben McAvoy SATURDAY, 11-12:15 a.m.

South Hall Lower, Room A Join the Organic Fruit Growers Association (OFGA) and instructors

Madeline Wimmer, Ben McAvoy and Laura Mortinsen for a hands-on introduction to pruning perennial fruits.

We’ll open with a brief presentation on the theory, practice, and tools of pruning. Then you will have a chance to visit experienced fruit growers one by one as they show how to interpret the history and future fruiting potential of branches, demonstrate where and how to make pruning cuts, and display their favorite pruning tools. Leave with the confidence and knowledge to prune a diversity of fruiting crops!

Hands-On Workshop: Food is Medicine- Spice Blends for Healing With Luke and Linda Black Elk SATURDAY, 11-12:15 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room B Join Luke and Linda Black Elk for a discussion of local edible and medicinal plants and the many ways we can sustainably harvest to incorporate these gifts into our everyday lives. The

Black Elks are food sovereignty activists and teachers of traditional plant uses, gardening, food preservation, and foraging. They will have a selection of delicious herbs available for making your own Healing Spice Blend to take home!

Roundtable: Reduced Tillage in Vegetables With Rue Genger SATURDAY, 11-12:15 a.m.

South Hall Upper, Room E Less tillage means healthier soil with more soil life, better water infiltration, and less erosion. Finding ways to reduce tillage in a complex vegetable cropping plan can be challenging, especially in the Midwest’s short growing season. Join this roundtable to share your successes, obstacles, and questions about reducing tillage and building soil health. The roundtable will be facilitated by growers and researchers experienced with

reduced tillage systems for vegetable production in fields and high tunnels.

CLOSING SESSION Featured Speaker: Luke Zahm — Everybody Eats — This Is How We Feed Ourselves With Luke Zahm SATURDAY, 1:30-3 p.m.

South Hall Upper, Room D Luke Zahm is dedicated to uplifting the farmers and food producers of the Upper Midwest — whether as a chef putting food in front of people or sharing stories on his Wisconsin Foodie program that fly in the face of the supposed homogenization of Midwestern identity. In this closing talk, he’ll reflect on the power of food to break down barriers and create connections.

Organic Specialists Cashton Farm Supply, Ltd. CFS Specialties, INC Full Range of Fertilizers for Organic Use

 Composted Poultry Manure, Feather Meal, Chilean Nitrate, Pelletized Phosphates  Potassium Sulfate and K-Mag,  S04 Supercal Gypsum, Trace Minerals, and Humates  Purple Cow Organics LiquiLife, QLF Terra Fed Mollasses based Liquid Carbon, and Nature’s Source Liquid Plant Food 

Full Range of Farm Seeds From Albert Lea Seed / Blue River Organic  Exceptional Organic and Non-GMO Corn, Soybean, and Alfalfa Seeds  Pasture and Hay Grasses, and Pasture and Hay Mixes  Cover Crop Seeds  Sorghum, Millet, and other Warm Season Forages for Summer Production

www.marbleseed.org | 37

DINING & EX HIBIT hal l map T RA D ESH O W booths • BOOKS TOR E

ROOM

ROOM

B

A

Up to Check-In and Marbleseed Booth

DINING A RE A

38 37

64 63

1

39 36

2

65 62 40 35

3

66 61 67 60

41 34

88 85

68 59

42 33

89 84

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4 5 6 7

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44 31

70 57

45 30

91 82

8

71 56

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9 4 79 74 53

bo o k s to r e

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38 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

14

50 25

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Di ning & ex hi b i t hall

www.marbleseed.org | 39

s ponsors & E x h ib ito r s exhibit hall DIRECTORY Look for our bee icon highlighting our 2026 conference sponsors! We are so grateful for our sponsors and exhibitors who help make this conference possible!

Bonde Workwear (Booth 48) Small-batch, Minnesota-made women’s work pants. Thoughtfully designed to be practical, functional, comfortable, and stylish.

605-351-1914 contact@bondeworkwear.com www.bondeworkwear.com Carbon Nurture (Booth 83)

Marbleseed Booth (By Check-in)

BCS America (Booth 81)

Top of the line biodegradable plastic mulch, offers high performance in the field with predictable degrading times and extended planting window.

Education, resources, and practical advice to help farmers grow; specialists to answer questions about organic practices and certification.

Designed and built in Italy, BCS Two-Wheel Tractors power dozens of front and rear-mount PTO-driven attachments. Handlebars rotate 180º in seconds.

Cashton Farm Supply LTD (Booth 3 & 4)

Visit the Marbleseed booth to learn more about our upcoming programs, subscribe to the Organic Broadcaster, and customize your own button! info@marbleseed.org www.marbleseed.org ACRES U.S.A. (Bookstore) Connects farmers, ranchers, and growers with modern economical and ecological farming methods through magazine, books, websites, and events.

970-392-4464 support@acresusa.com www.acresusa.com Albert Lea Seed House (Booth 65) Albert Lea Seed is an independent company specializing in organic and non-GMO seed, including corn, soybeans, small grains, cover crops, and forages.

800-352-5247 seedhouse@alseed.com www.alseed.com American Farmland Trust (Booth 28) Our work is to save the land that sustains us by protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land.

815-748-1538 midwest@farmland.org www.farmland.org

800-543-1040 info@bcsamerica.com www.bcsamerica.com

608-905-4812 Jkincade@CarbonNurture.com www.carbonnurture.com

We are an organic feed mill specializing in organic poultry feed. We also offer a line of fertilizers for organic use.

Bio Bahia Brasil Fertilizantes (Booth 79)

608-654-5123 organic@cfspecial.com www.cfspecial.com

Bio Bahia Brasil Fertilizantes provides the agricultural market with the best organic fertilizer technology in the world.

Center for Agriculture and Food Systems (CAFS) (Booth 49)

+55 (77) 9 9961-3294 contato@biobahiabrasil.com.br www.biobahiabrasil.com.br

CAFS is a research center at Vermont Law and Graduate School that publishes resources on food and agricultural law and policy.

Bioline Agrosciences (Booth 30)

802-831-1000 cafs@vermontlaw.edu cafs.vermontlaw.edu

Bioline Agrosciences is a Californiabased producer of beneficial insects, helping greenhouse and field growers reduce chemicals and control pests.

820-465-7094 vanderson@biolineagrosciences.com www.biolineagrosciencesna.com/ technical-sales-specialist/ Blue Farm Chips (No Booth) Locally owned, organically grown tortilla chips produced and distributed

by Randy and Judy Hughes.

907-317-6426 nico@bluefarmchips.com www.bluefarmchips.com

40 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

Center for Rural Affairs (Booth 56) Unapologetically rural. We stand up for rural America—the small family farmer and rancher, new business owner, and rural communities.

402-687-2100 info@cfra.org www.cfra.org Compeer Financial (Booth 8 & 9) Member-owned farm credit cooperative serving rural communities with loans, leases, and other financial services in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

844-426-6733 paul.dietmann@compeer.com www.compeer.com

Contact BioSolutions (Booth 70)

CT Greenhouse (Booth 91)

Soil Friendly Bioherbicide.

CT Greenhouse is a farmer-owned manufacturer of commercial greenhouses and high tunnels, built for durability, simple installation, and real farm conditions.

712-441-3911 h.vlieger@contactbiosolutions.com www.firehawkbioherbicide.com Co-op Partners Warehouse (Booth 86 & 87) Co-op Partners Warehouse is a certified-organic wholesale distributor of organic produce and local foods to over 400 customers across the Midwest.

The Driftless Folk School is a grassroots educational organization offering workshops and events for adults and families on homesteading and folk arts.

860-341-8707 info@ctgreenhouse.com www.ctgreenhouse.com

608-284-8524 registrar@driftlessfolkschool.org www.driftlessfolkschool.org

Cutler Fence LLC (Booth 21)

Environmental Working Group (Booth 74)

Supplies and installs livestock fence and water systems.

651-644-7000 orders@cpw.coop | www.cpw.coop

715-305-5670 rcutler@tznet.com

Cowsmo (Booth 61)

designCraft Advertising (No Booth)

Make and sell the finest organic compost and potting soils in the Midwest for the last 25 years.

We create advertising campaigns and marketing materials that are socially just and beneficial to consumers for independent businesses and nonprofits.

608-626-2571 jrosenow@mwt.net www.cowsmocompost.com

Driftless Folk School/Thoreau College (Booth 43)

To empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment. a.rabine@ewg.rog www.ewg.org

608-251-1809 conscience@designcraftadvertising.com www.designcraftadvertising.com

www.marbleseed.org | 41

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS Experimental Farm Network (Booth 94)

Flame Engineering, Inc. (Booth 59)

Good Roots (Booth 92)

Offers a wide variety of seeds from over 70 different small-scale seed growers, with a focus on genetic diversity and regional adaptation.

Manufacture of propane powered handheld torches, pushcarts, and tractor mounted flaming equipment for all those weed emergencies. All made in the USA.

We are a professional services firm helping farmers and food entrepreneurs grow strong foundations in finance, marketing, and management.

612-834-7502 dusty.hinz@alumni.augsburg.edu store.experimentalfarmnetwork.org FairShare CSA Coalition (No Booth)

785-222-2873 darren@flameengineering.com www.flameengineering.com

267-606-0391 info@growgoodroots.com www.growgoodroots.com Grassworks (Booth 93)

We build resilient food communities by investing in farmers and empowering eaters. We envision thriving farms, vibrant communities, and fresh food for all!

Food Finance Institute (Booth 16)

608-226-0300 info@csacoalition.org www.csacoalition.org

608-890-0780 www.foodfinanceinstitute.org

224-875-0049 info@grassworks.org www.grassworks.org

Family Farm Defenders (Booth 42)

General Mills (No Booth)

Green Cover (Booth 12)

Partners with Rodale Institute and Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to provide eligible farmers with free technical assistance.

Green Cover is family-owned and operated. We grow, clean, mix, and deliver cover crop seed directly to agricultural producers.

rodaleinstitute.org/general-mills Glacier Valley Enterprises (Booth 62)

402-469-6784 info@greencover.com www.greencover.com

We sell fruit and vegetable packaging, tools, and signage for growers.

Green Lands Blue Waters (Booth 95)

Seeks to establish a fair, just, and resilient agricultural system, rooted in food sovereignty, agroecology, peace, and international solidarity.

608-260-0900 familyfarmdefenders@yahoo.com www.familyfarmers.org Farm Aid (Booth 45) Supporting and advocating for farmers since 1985.

608-260-0900 caitlin@farmaid.org www.farmaid.org/resources Farmer Veteran Coalition (Booth 84) Helps veterans nationally pursue careers in agriculture and cultivates a new generation of farmers and food leaders.

608-960-8291 daxbeamer@hotmail.com farmvetco.org Farm-To-Power Wisconsin (Booth 75) A non-profit, non-partisan organization existing to share information and advance opportunities in renewable energy for rural America.

Helping food and farm businesses thrive at every stage through financeforward training, coaching, and consulting.

Provides leadership and education to farmers and consumers for the advancement of managed grass-based agriculture.

608-356-2244 sales@glacierv.com www.glaciervalleyenterprise.com

Supporting multi-functional agricultural systems that integrate perennial plants and Continuous Living Cover in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.

Global Organic Alliance, Inc. (Booth 71)

612-625-3709 glbw@umn.edu greenlandsbluewaters.org

GOA is an NOP accredited certification agency for all scopes, Crop, Livestock, Handler and Wild Crop.

937-593-1232 goaorg@goaorg.com www.goa-online.org Good Agriculture (Booth 85) Good Agriculture helps farmers with the business side of things: from bookkeeping and tax filing to finding funding opportunities and marketing.

470-318-3097 reba@goodagriculture.com www.goodagriculture.com

steve@farmtopower.org farmtopower.org 42 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

GreenGold Gardens (Booth 78) We’re an organic farm located in Wausau, WI. We specialize in culturally relevant produce and garlic.

715-212-5704 yinglo2020@gmail.com www.3Gorganic.com

GrownBy (Booth 57)

Johnny’s Selected Seeds (Booth 39)

Lakewinds Food Co-op (No Booth

Cooperatively Farmer-Owned e-commerce platform. We support all sales channels: CSAs, Online, Wholesale, and In-Person. Plus accept SNAP Online!

Johnny’s Selected Seeds helps farmers, families, and communities to feed one another by providing superior seeds, tools, information, and service.

Lakewinds is a community-owned grocery store with a passion for local, sustainably raised food.

952-201-4227 eric@farmgenerations.coop coop.grownby.com High Mowing Organic Seeds (Booth 31) 100% Certified Organic and Non-GMO Vegetable, Herb, Flower, and Cover Crop Seeds 866-735-4454 questions@highmowingseeds.com www.highmowingseeds.com

763-353-2063 djokela@johnnyseeds.com www.johnnyseeds.com

952-473-0292 marketing@lakewinds.com www.lakewinds.coop Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (Booth 88 & 89)

Kreher Family Farms/Kreher Enterprises, LLC (Booth 10) Producers of organic fertilizers.

716-759-6802 jameypayne@krehereggs.net krehereggs.com/compost-fertilizer La Crosse Distilling Co. (Booth 90

Michael Fields Ag Institute: a nonprofit focused on advancing soil health and farm resilience through research, education, and policy since 1984.

262-642-3303 hello@michaelfields.org www.michaelfields.org

La Crosse Wisconsin’s first distillery, producing handcrafted spirits using top quality ingredients from family farmers.

608-881-8800 lacrossedistilling.co

Good ideas shouldn’t stop at the fenceline.

At the Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF), we know that farmers learn best from other farmers. We help collect what’s working on organic farms and make it easier to share, so practical ideas don’t stay stuck in one field or one season.

National Organic Farmer Survey

Explore the Organic Research Hub

A farmer-focused survey to share your challenges, priorities, and what’s helping your operation succeed. Your input directly informs farmer tools, resources, and advocacy.

A searchable, free collection of organic farming knowledge—organized to help farmers troubleshoot real production challenges.

What you’ll find: Plain-language summaries of organic farming research projects.

Factsheets, webinars, videos, and online tools.

An Organic Extension Directory to connect with experts near you.

Scan code using your phone or tablet’s camera to take the survey before March 1st. Enter to win farm giveaways like Muck Boots and FELCO pruners (optional). www.ofrf.org/organicsurvey

hub.ofrf.org

Organic Farming Research Foundation, proud sponsor of the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference | www.ofrf.org

www.marbleseed.org | 43

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS Midwest Laboratories (Booth 11) Midwest Laboratories delivers trusted soil and plant testing, helping producers and growers make confident fertility and stewardship decisions.

402-334-7770 contactus@midwestlabs.com www.midwestlabs.com Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) (Booth 53) MCIA is an NOP-accredited certification agency, serving producers, handlers, brokers, and importers, with a focus on customer service.

855-213-4461 mncia@mncia.org www.mncia.org/services-programs/ certification-services/

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (Booth 54) Learn how to keep your tools and equipment from spreading plant diseases and learn about new and emerging insects and diseases that harm your plants.

888-545-6684 reportapest@state.mn.us www.mda.state.mn.us MOSA Certified Organic (Booth 37 & 38) MOSA Certified Organic is a non profit, USDA accredited organic certification agency. We certify farms, processors, handlers, and retail establishments.

844-637-2526 mosa@mosaorganic.org www.mosaorganic.org

Mother Earth News (Booth 1) The long-running sustainable-lifestyle magazine Mother Earth News provides wide-ranging, expert coverage of organic foods, renewable energy, and more.

785-274-4453 jwilder@ogdenpubs.com www.motherearthnews.com National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) (Booth 69) NSAC is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture and food systems.

312-687-6484 sfunk@sustainableagriculture.net www.sustainableagriculture.net

PARTNERING WITH LOCAL FARMERS SINCE 1975 SCAN THE CODES BELOW TO LEARN ABOUT:

OUR FARMER GRANT PROGRAM

44 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

CSA PARTNERSHIPS

BECOMING A VENDOR

National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) (Booth 46)

Nature’s International Certification Services (NICS) (Booth 34)

For 50 years, NCAT has connected land stewards with the tools, training, and trusted guidance they need to grow resilient farms and stronger communities.

Founded in 2005, NICS is a dedicated organic certification agency, offering comprehensive assistance to organic and transitioning producers.

800-275-6228 www.ncat.org Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) (Booth 73)

608-637-7080 nics.inbox@ecocert.com www.naturesinternational.com/nics/ home Nifty Hoops LLC (Booth 5 & 6)

NRF protects Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife by providing funding, leading partnerships, and connecting all people with nature.

Nifty Hoops are laser-precise, built to last high tunnels manufactured in Michigan. Delivered or installed anywhere in the US.

608-637-7080 info@wisconservation.org www.wisconservation.org

734-845-0079 jessica.alexa@niftyhoops.com www.niftyhoops.com

Niman Ranch (Booth 33) Niman Ranch is a community of 600 independent family farmers and ranchers raising hogs, cattle, and sheep traditionally, humanely, and sustainably.

712-789-0712 ronm@nimanranch.com nimanranch.com North Circle Seeds (Booth 50) Seed supplier committed to creating an ecologically diverse, equitable, and inclusive food system.

218-850-0412 zachary@northcircleseeds.com www.northcircleseeds.com

FREE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

You Grow Amazing Food.

for beginning &

We Help You Make It Profitable.

WI woman-owned farms

Visit us at our booth at Marbleseed!

FFI.PUB/ MARBLESEED

www.marbleseed.org | 45

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS North Central SARE (Booth 17)

OCIA International (Booth 40)

OEFFA Certification (Booth 68)

Offers grants and education for producers, scientists, educators, institutions, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture in the Midwest.

OCIA International is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most trusted organic certification agencies.

Organic certification, technical assistance, and education on organic farming practices and profitability since 1981.

ncrsare@umn.edu northcentral.sare.org

402-477-2323 abrewster@ocia.org www.ocia.org

Northcentral Technical College (Booth 96)

Ocooch Mountain Elderberries LLC (Booth 72)

Northcentral Technical CollegeAgriculture Center of Excellence.

Relevant programs: Garden to Market Technical Diploma, Agronomy Associate Degree.

Our rotary destemmer is the most time and labor efficient machine on the market. Two people can destem 250500 lbs./hour of clean whole berries.

715-803-1340 breitenfeldtj@ntc.edu https://www.ntc.edu/academicstraining/programs/all/technicaldiploma/garden-market-specialist

608-634-3840 omelderberry@gmail.com

614-421-2022 oeffa@oeffa.org grow.oeffa.org Organic Farmers Association (Booth 41) Organic Farmers Association provides a strong and unified national voice for domestic certified organic producers.

202-643-5363 info@organicfarmersassociation.org www.organicfarmersassociation.org

Support family farms for only $30/year. We’re stronger together.

Join Today! www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com 46 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) (Booth 66) OFRF works to foster the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems through organic research, education, and federal policies.

831-426-6606 office@ofrf.org www.ofrf.org Organic Fruit Growers Association (Booth 15) OFGA connects individuals, businesses, and researchers to improve production and marketing of organic fruit and represent the interests of growers ofgacoordinator@gmail.com organicfruitgrowers.org Organic Grain Resource and Information Network OGRAIN (Booth 25 & 26) The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN), led by Dr. Erin Silva at UW-Madison, provides support for organic grain growers.

608-262-4592 kelly.debbink@wisc.edu www.ograin.cals.wisc.edu Organic Seed Alliance (Booth 19) Organic Seed Alliance puts the power of seed into the hands of growers.

Our work promotes an abundant and diverse supply of organic seed.

608-662-4422 admin@seedalliance.org www.seedalliance.org Organic Valley — CROPP Cooperative (No Booth) Farmer-owned organic cooperative offering certified organic dairy, egg, and produce products.

202-643-5363 contact.us@organicvalley.coop www.organicvalley.coop

People’s Food Co-Op Community-owned natural food store in La Crosse, Wiss. and Rochester, MN promoting local farmers and producers and fresh, healthy, sustainable food.

608-784-5798 www.pfclacrosse@pfc.coop www.pfc.coop Plant Products (Booth 47) Delivering value-added, focused technical support and consumable goods to the specialty horticulture industries in Canada and USA. 248-661-4378 www.plantproducts.com/us-en Practical Farmers of Iowa (Booth 44) Practical Farmers of Iowa’s mission is equipping farmers to build resilient farms and communities, with farmerled investigation and info sharing.

515-232-5661 info@practicalfarmers.org www.practicalfarmers.org Quick Organics (Booth 2) Simplify organic certification with Quick Organics—everything you need to manage OSPs, records, activities, and documents in one place.

970-698-8371 hello@quickorganics.com www.quickorganics.com The Real Organic Project (Booth 27

Renewing the Countryside (Booth 51 & 52) Working for a more just, vibrant, and sustainable rural America.

507-291-3663 info@rtcinfo.org www.renewingthecountryside.org Rooted Farmers (Booth 29) Rooted Farmers is a one-stop software solution to sell your products, grow your buyer network, manage inventory and orders, and track analytics. reachout@rootedfarmers.com www.rootedfarmers.com Savanna Institute (Booth 32) A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry adoption in the Midwest.

608-448-6432 info@savannainstitute.org www.savannainstitute.org Sea-90 Ocean Minerals (Booth 35/36) The First Step in Regenerative Agriculture — Sea-90 Ocean Minerals harnesses the power of ocean vitality to support soil, plant, and animal health.

770-361-6092 hello@sea-90.com www.sea-90.com Seed Savers Exchange (Booth 55)

Real Organic Project’s no-cost add-on certification distinguishes farms that grow crops in healthy soils and raise livestock on diverse pastures.

Seed Savers Exchange stewards America’s culturally diverse and endangered garden and food crop legacy for present and future generations.

734-216-3113 trish@realorganicproject.org www.realorganicproject.org

563-382-5990 events@seedsavers.org www.seedsavers.org

Regenerative Agriculture Alliance (Booth 77)

Sno Pac (Booth 7)

A regenerative industry alliance for thriving businesses, people, and planet.

507-664-1088 info@regenagalliance.org www.regenagalliance.org

Growers and processors of organic vegetables and fruits since 1943.

507-725-5281 snopac@snopac.com www.snopac.com

www.marbleseed.org | 47

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS SureSource Commodities (Booth 58)

Tilmor (Booth 22/23/24)

Provides a better experience–built on trust, high standards, and fairness–for growers and buyers of organic food and feed ingredients.

Full range of seeding, cultivation, and harvesting equipment from trusted brands like Thiessen and Terrateck for Market and Specialty Crop growers.

226-546-3088 colin@suresourceorganics.com www.suresourcecommodities.com

330-985-0002 info@tilmor.com www.tilmor.com

Tend (Booth 63 & 64)

Triple Crown Organic BBQ Sauces (Booth 18)

Simplify every aspect of your farm management—crop planning, task management, sales, accounting, and inventory — all powered by AI in one platform.

831-854-7502 hello@tend.com www.tend.com

From MN-based Acme Organics, the highest-ranked organic BBQ sauces at the American Royal, with U.S. and international distribution.

612-314-6918 sales@acmeorganics.us www.triplecrownbbqsauce.com

Meet your farm and hub supertool

Total Sales

$11,570.20 Feb 13 – Feb 20

Ready to save a full day a week by streamlining your farm sales?

Rootedfarmers.com Use coupon code MARBLESEED26 for $100 off your Rooted subscription!

48 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (Booth 25 & 26) CIAS was created to build sustainable agriculture and food systems research programs that respond to farmer and citizen needs.

608-265-5501 frankie.anderson@wisc.edu cias.wisc.edu Valmetal (Booth 60) We offer a complete line of innovative and automated feeding, manure, and wastewater systems to meet the A-to-Z needs of farms of all sizes.

819 395-4282 info@valmetal.com www.valmetal.com

Wild Farm Alliance (Booth 82 Advancing biodiversity on farms through habitat, education, and tools that help growers work with nature for resilient, sustainable agriculture.

831-761-8408 info@wildfarmalliance.org www.wildfarmalliance.org Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) (Booth 67) Our mission is to grow the economy by promoting quality food, healthy plants and animals, sound use of land and water resources, and a fair marketplace. datcpdadgrants@wisconsin.gov https://datcp.wi.gov/pages/homepage. aspx

Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (Booth 76) Provides farmers with a strong safety net through farm commodity, loss coverage, conservation, disaster, and farm load programs.

608-662-4422 katie.detra@usda.gov fsa.usda.gov Wisconsin Farmers Union (Booth 13 & 14) Enhances the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through education, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement.

715-723-5561 info@wisconsinfarmersunion.com www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com

Wonderstate Coffee (No Booth) Our passion for exceptional coffee is matched by our passion and unwavering dedication to our community of farmers and farmer cooperatives. hello@wonderstate.com www.wonderstate.com The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (Booth 80) The Xerces Society provides resources and technical support for creating onfarm habitat that supports pollinators and other beneficial insects.

503-232-6639 www.xerces.org

www.marbleseed.org | 49

Meet th e MA RBLESEED t e am TH E “ W ORKE R BE E S” B E H I N D T H E CON FE R E N CE collective effort Abundance grows in solidarity — and the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference is built through collective effort to bring diversified farmers, educators, and advocates together for learning, connection, and community.

TH E MARBLESEED TEAM This conference is made possible by the dedicated Marbleseed staff who contribute their time, skills, and energy. From year-round planning to on-the-ground coordination, our team works behind the scenes to organize workshops, coordinate speakers, and ensure a smooth, welcoming experience for everyone who attends. If you see someone wearing a yellow “Staff” ribbon, be sure to thank them for making the 37th Annual Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference a success!

Vo lunteers During the conference the Marbleseed team is supported by a committed group of volunteers who help bring every detail together. From logistics and programming to registration and tech support, their work makes this gathering possible. We’re grateful for the folks who’ve stepped up to volunteer this year! If you see someone wearing a green “Volunteer” ribbon, thank them for their committment to this conference.

DIRECTORS

CON F ERENCE TEA M

Lori st e r n

Rachel wood ”The Que e n Be e”

SO PHIA CLEVLAND

Executive Director

Conference & Partnerships Manager

Administrative Coordinator

lori.stern@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 702

rachel.wood@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 701

sophia.cleveland@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 708

a lex a nd r i a b ake r

TAY FATKE

Sofia c arac c i

Development & Communications Director

Farmer Education Manager

Farmer Education Specialist

tay.fatke@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 724

sofia.caracci@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 721

JENNI FER NEW

merc edes talvitie

Sarah b roa d foot

Communications & Policy Manager

Climate & Conservation Manager

Operations Director

jennifer.new@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, Ext. 703

mercedes.talvitie@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 7076

Emi ly Beaton

Sara moon ey

a lpa g o swam i

Communications Specialist

Conservation Outreach Specialist

Program Director

emily.beaton@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, Ext. 723

sara.mooney@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 716

sam gutierrez

VICTORIA OSTENSO

TO M M A NLEY

Operations & Events Coordinator

Farmer Network Manager

Climate & Conservation Director

sam.gutierrez@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 726

victoria.ostenso@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 722

alexandria.baker@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 700

sarah.broadfoot@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 706

alpa@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 727

thomas.manley@marbleseed.org 888-906-6737, ext. 704

50 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

www.biolineagrosciences.com FOR ALL GRAZIERS

Advancing Managed-Grazing.

Together.

BUILD YOUR NETWORK TRAIN THE TRAINER: G-TEAM ECONOMICS & ENVIRONMENT

visit us in the tradeshow and at grassworks.org

BECOME A MEMBER!

With a MOTHER EARTH NEWS MEMBERSHIP You Get A year of Mother Earth News magazine Backed by 55+ years of trusted DIY guidance

Bonus digital subscription Access new issues anywhere life takes you

Everyday member discounts

E TO SCAN MMORE! N LEAR ly/men-membership t.

Or visit bi

On eco-friendly products in the Mother Earth News Store

Online video learning library 550+ videos with more added every month

Admission to all online video workshops Including expert interviews and live Q&As

www.marbleseed.org | 51

NOTES CON F ERENCE TAKE AWAYS

52 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

NOTES CON FE R E N CE TA K EAWAYS

www.marbleseed.org | 53

s u bscr ib e to TH E ORGA NIC B roa d c a s t e r 1 e 34 • Iss ue Vo lum WINTe R 2026

CAN OPY GRO WIN G THE E CHA NGE OF COL LEC ADAP TABl e

TIV

& HARD Y HeRI

A Come FlAX mAK es

M O V ING TO PAID SUBSCRIPTION M ODEL Please note: our Winter Issue of the Organic Broadcaster was the last free print edition. The online version remains free, but rising printing and postage costs mean we’re moving to a paid subscription for paper copies. To continue receiving the magazine by mail, scan the QR code to subscribe and pay by credit card, or return this form with a check.

SUBSCRIBE HERE

TAGe HoGs

BACK

YES , I WA NT TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE BROADCASTER PRINT EDITION! Yes, I’d like to receive four print issues of the Organic Broadcaster.

Choose your payment level:

$30 for 4 issues — This amount helps us meet our printing

and mailing costs.

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of creating, printing, and mailing the magazine and helps Marbleseed share the Organic Broadcaster and its information with larger audiences.

P.S. If you sent us a donation for the Organic Broadcaster within the last year, we’ll be in touch to let you know how many issues you have remaining. Thank you!

54 | MARBLESEED Organic Farming Conference

N AME ADDRESS CI TY, STATE Z IP P HON E EMAIL Tear off and mail with your check to: M ARBLESEED P O BOX 339 , SP RING VALLEY , WI 54767 .

OUR 2026 CON F ERENCE S P ONSORS T HAN K YOU FO R YO U R GEN E ROU S SU P PORT OF MA R b l eseed !

Blazing Star

Sun flow er

Geraniu m

Da isy AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST

GR ASSWORKS

BIOLINE AGROSCIENCES

GREEN CO VER

CT GREENHOUSE

HIG H MOWING ORGANIC SEEDS

DESIGNCRAFT ADVERTISING

Kreher’s Farm Fresh Eggs, LLC

FAIRSHARE CSA COALITION

MIDWEST LABORATORIES

GOOD ROOTS

People’s Food Co-Op

www.marbleseed.org | 55

THE WEATHER IS UNPREDICTABLE BUT WE’RE NOT

SIGNING UP NEW MEMBERS NOW! ORGANIC VALLEY PROVIDES: Stable pay | Open & honest communication National co-op with a regional presence Contact our Farmer Hotline to learn more about joining our cooperative.

888-809-9297 | www.farmers.coop