Roots and Rhizomes: Growing Together February 22-24, 2024 La Crosse, Wisconsin
ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE | 1
In this guide: 3 5 6 10 11 12 15
FAQ & Conference Details What’s Happening at Marbleseed 2024 Workshops & Panels Organic Universities & Farmer Summits Farmer Convergence: Growing Together Evening Entertainment & Special Events Registration Form
Cover photo credit: Justine Bursoni
Register Today for the 2024 Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference!
Snag the best prices on Marbleseed Conference registration! More detailed conference information and a link to register online are available on our conference website: marbleseed.org/conference. You can also register by mail using the form at the back of this guide. Reach out to Marbleseed directly for support by contacting us at registration@ marbleseed.org or 888-906-6737 x0. PRICING
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2-Day Conference
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Photo credit: Justine Bursoni
1: Ends Jan. 9 at midnight CT
Keynote
2: Ends Feb. 8 at midnight CT
“Waste is Not Waste Until We Waste It”
Friday, February 23, 9 – 11 a.m.
From time, physical labor, to hides and misshapen veggies, this year’s general session will focus on things we waste. The speakers have used imagination and entrepreneurship to reframe waste as an opportunity that benefits the planet and small- to medium-scale farms. Their stories show the ingenuity of problem-solving within human-scale systems based on values of climate healing, work-life balance, and truly honoring the land, animals, and humans that make up our food and farming systems. Anna Hammond, Matriark Foods Anna Hammond is the founder of Matriark Foods, a circular economy food business working to solve the dire effects of wasted food while supporting human scale farms. Matriark upcycles farm surplus and vegetable trim from fresh-cut facilities into healthy products for food service: schools, hospitals, corporate cafeterias, food banks—simultaneously diverting waste from landfills while creating greater access to healthy food. Ben Hartman, Farmer and Author Ben and his wife, Rachel Hershberger, own and operate Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Indiana, where they make their living growing and selling specialty crops on less than one acre. Clay Bottom Farm, recognized for lean production, practices kaizen, or continuous improvement, cutting out waste—of time, labor, space, money, and more—every year and aligning their organic production tightly with customer demand. Ben has authored three books. Jim Kleinschmit, Other Half Processing Jim is CEO and co-founder of Other Half Processing SBC, producer of identity-preserved byproducts from the “other half” of regenerative, organic, and other more sustainably raised livestock. Other Half Processing’s mission is to create high value and highquality products in ways that are ethical and respectful to the animal and support regenerative farmers, ranchers and agricultural systems. Other Half Processing’s goal is whole animal valuation and zero waste.
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Schedule at a Glance
FAQ & Conference Details
Thursday 7:30 a.m. - Conference Check-In Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Organic University Classes 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. - Farmer Summits 5 - 8 p.m. - Find a friend and walk the Exhibit Hall! 5 - 6 p.m. - Frey Vineyards Wine Tasting 6 p.m. - Ticketed Supper 7 p.m. - 35th Anniversary Celebration of the Organic Farming Conference. Celebrate our growing community! Special guests, cake cutting, and live music.
Friday 7:30 a.m. - Conference Check-In Open 7:30 - 9 a.m. - Health and Wellness Activities 7:30 - 9 a.m. - Continental Breakfast 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Open 9 - 11 a.m. - Keynote + Farmer of the Year and Changemaker Recognition 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Content Block 1 4 - 6 p.m. - Content Block 2 5 - 6 p.m. - Happy Hour at Patagonia Booth, Farmer of the Year and Changemaker Celebration. Bar opens. 6 p.m. - Ticketed Supper 7:30 p.m. - Social events. Live music and contra dance.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. - Conference Check-In Open 7:30 - 9 a.m. - Health and Wellness Activity 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. - Continental Breakfast 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Exhibit Hall Open 9 - 11 a.m. - Content Block 3 11:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch 1:30 - 3 p.m. - Content Block 4 3 - 5 p.m. - Farmer Convergence: Growing Together and NCR-SARE Farmer Forum
Registration Conference registration provides admission for one, two, or three days (Thursday through Saturday). Registration includes access to evening events and the prior evening’s activities as well as breakfast (Friday and Saturday), lunch, and refreshments for each day selected. Thursday registration includes access to one Organic University class in the morning and one Farmer Summit in the afternoon. Farmer Summits invite attendees to convene discussions on subjects that matter to them in a forum that allows for moving about from discussion to discussion. Suppers on Thursday and Friday require an additional purchase for $25 each night and can be added at the time of registration. Exhibit Hall passes are available for $25/ day and are available on-site only.
lead educational activities and fun in our Teen Space for kids ages 12 & up. Teen Space is an opportunity for older kids and teens to join staff and special guest presenters to socialize, have fun, and learn about leadership, cooperatives, and more. Lodging La Crosse has many lodging options available. Hotels close to the conference center fill up quickly, so we recommend making reservations as soon as you decide to attend the conference. Volunteer Opportunities In exchange for 8-10 hours of service, you can attend the conference for a discounted rate! Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Scholarships Scholarships are available for the conference. Priority may be given to beginning farmers, veterans, historically Refunds underserved farmers, those who have not • 15% charge for refunds requested by attended the conference before, and those Jan. 9* • 25% charge for refunds Jan. 10-Feb. 8* for whom the cost is a financial barrier. Tell us why you want to attend the Marbleseed • 50% charge for refunds Feb. 9-13* Conference and need a scholarship to If you become ill with COVID-19, we will make that happen. refund your registration minus a 25% processing fee (doctor’s note or proof of Support the Scholarship Fund positive test is required). The deadline for Consider donating to the Scholarship Fund all other refund requests is Feb. 13. to make the conference more accessible Send refund requests in writing to for others. A portion of scholarships are registration@marbleseed.org or awarded in memory of Dave Engel and Marbleseed, PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI Chris Blanchard, two local heroes of the 54767 organic movement. *Refunds must be requested by midnight CT of any deadline listed.
Childcare & Teen Space The conference is a family-friendly event – children and teens are welcome! Children under three years of age may accompany you free of charge, and kids and teens (3-17) must be registered to attend. Registration is $40/day and includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments. Childcare (ages 3-12) We offer childcare for ages 3-12 at no additional cost above the registration fee—but you must register your kids for the conference and indicate the days they’ll use childcare.
Student Rate Students in college or technical school may attend as a group (5 or more) for 35% off the posted rate. Location The Marbleseed Conference takes place at the La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, in charming downtown La Crosse, Wis. Learn more about the area at explorelacrosse.com. Shuttle Service The La Crosse Convention and Visitors Bureau coordinates free shuttles between the conference center and specific hotels. Park your car at your hotel and board the bus!
Teen Space (ages 12+) The staff of Wisconsin Farmers Union’s Kamp Kenwood will again be joining us to
ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE | 3
Photo credit: Justine Bursoni
35 years of the Organic Farming Conference! Where were you in 1990? In La Crosse, Wis. a small group of about 90 farmers gathered in anticipation of a national standard for organic agriculture. Many of these first ‘certified organic farmers’ are still very much part of the community today. They have shared their production knowledge with next generations of certified organic farmers, continued farming, and served on the National Organic Standards Board, advising the USDA National Organic Program. According to the Organic Trade Association, organic food sales topped $60 billion dollars in 2022. Organic has gone from the characterization of “hippie” and “granola” to big business. Many of those early certified organic farmers wondered openly about the potential downfalls of their own success. Despite their commitment to healing the planet through building healthy soils, grazing, and increasing biodiversity, they could not hold back the entry of those that were in it for profit and creating shortcuts and loopholes. And as a movement, not a market, we have had our own reckoning to deal with as well. Practices from seed saving to the very symbiotic systems that create true organic management, we owe a debt of gratitude to Indigenous wisdom. We had to recognize that the larger, inherited agricultural system was built on free labor
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and stolen land. And when we looked around at field days and our own organic conference and realized that we had become exclusive. A great strength of true organic management is continuous improvement. It is why the first certified organic farmers gathered 35 years ago. It is why we still come together today. There is always something to learn and questions to ask. We are facing the challenges of climate change, farmers aging, rising costs of land and development pressures on available farmland. The last couple of years we have been joined by the next generation of farmers. They are the future organic stewards, so similar to the farmer rebels that gathered in 1990. But many of them do not have the gift of generational wealth or farm families. However, they share the passions of healing the planet and pride in feeding their communities. And the willingness to overcome an agricultural system that has relegated their communities to the margins. I am so grateful we are in this together! Again, this year we turned to the organic community for ideas on content. Through focus groups and voting, we sorted through hundreds of workshop proposals. The knowledge and willingness to share it continue to be awe inspiring. This year we will have the same robust offerings for every production type as well as crosscutting issues around health, farm businesses, climate change, and policy
that matter to us all. The Open Space that closed last year’s conference is back for day one this year in the form of Farmer Summits on a variety of topics, facilitated by partner organizations and farmers. The Summits will be rich in content that is most relevant in real time on topics of livestock, climate, wellness, organics, and creative farm hacks that save time and money. Last year you asked for more time to network and be in community, onsite and together. We have created those opportunities around mealtimes, in the exhibit hall and within the conference schedule. We know that despite all the great content, some of the richest learning moments happen in hallway conversations. Our 35th Organic Farming Conference is buzzing with the excitement and energy of the first, of farmers coming together and finding community. It is something to celebrate! So, there will be that as well. We will have farmer recognition and special guests that represent this journey we are on together as a movement. I am so looking forward to seeing you ALL in La Crosse!
Lori Stern, Executive Director
What’s Happening at Marbleseed 2024 Farmer Summits We will be using Open Space principles as our primary foundation to ignite self-led discussions, stemming from issues on your farm to skill sharing with others.
Farmer Convergence & Farmer Cafe
Come together with your farmer peers for the ultimate networking and knowledge sharing process. Visit with one another at tables that are sectioned off by topic, with the intent of continuing conversations or starting new ones around the themes introduced at the previous day’s Farmer Summits.
Tradeshow
150+ exhibitors including buyers, suppliers, ag agencies, seeds, tools, and more. All organizations you have come to expect, and plenty of new faces in the expanded one-level exhibit hall. “The Exhibit Hall has a good variety of vendors and I was able to connect with companies I currently purchase from as
well as find new products or solutions that I have been considering.”
Exhibit Hall Presentations
Schedule time to visit the Exhibit Hall Presentation Stage throughout the conference to hear from some of our exhibitors on the latest products, resources, and research available to support your farm needs.
Bookstore
Come prepared to stock up on farming books, conference T-shirts plus washedand-ready lidded mugs from the Acres bookstore at Marbleseed—your purchase supports organic education! Suppers Suppers on Thursday and Friday require an additional purchase for $25 each night and can be added at the time of registration. Exhibit Hall passes are available for $25/ day and are available on-site only.
Roundtables Sit in on a 45-minute discussion about a farming topic dear to you. These take place throughout the day, giving you the chance to ask questions and share your insights with other organic farmers. Office Hours Get 1:1 advice from agency and organization professionals on everything from pollinators, to certification, lending, insurance, and more. Organic Research Forum See the latest research on organic production. View current projects in the Research Poster Gallery, the juried poster session for farmers, and studentresearchers. Submit a proposal at: marbleseed.org/organic-research-forum Health and Wellness Activities Keep your eyes peeled for informal health and wellness activities.
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Workshops & Panels 55 transformative, skill-building workshops — for a diversity of production methods and scale — all crafted to advance strong, organic farms and food systems. Traditional lecture-style sessions consist of a timed presentation or panel followed by a short Q&A session. We will offer a wide assortment of workshop topics ranging from: business, marketing & certification; climate, soils + systems; field crops; health, policy & community; livestock and dairy; and finally, marketing farming & fruits/specialty crops. Peruse a preview of our workshops below. More information on additional workshops will be available on our conference website in the coming weeks. Farm Food Safety on Your Mind? Get Started on Your Farm’s Plan Today Jill Cholewa, Rodrigo Cala, Annalisa Hultberg Friday, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
Soil Health in Vegetable Fields and High Tunnels: Lessons from 100 Farms Natalie Hoidal Friday, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Management Decisions for Season-Long Grazing Laura Paine, Jason Cavadini Friday, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Organic Dairy Cattle Brad Heins Friday, 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Covers that Pay: Perennial and Winter Annual Crops for Economic and Environmental Benefit Matt Leavitt, Whilden Hughes Friday, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Right to Repair: Do Farmers Truly Have the Access to Tools to Fix Their Equipment? Tom Schwarz Friday, 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Farmers Market Food Hubs: An Innovative Way to Connect Sara George, Jane Jewett Friday, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Channeling Cultural Change: Energy Towards a Small Farm Future Alice Melendez, Laura Freeman Friday, 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Wills, Trusts, and Business Structures: Understanding Legal Tools for Farm Succession
Our Journey to Organic: Navigating the Challenges and Rewards of Building an Organic Farm
Supporting Beneficial Birds with Habitat on the Farm to Increase Ecosystem Benefits
Understanding Techniques and Tools for Successful Farm Transfers
Expanding Your Market Share to Add Additional Revenue Streams to Your Farming Economy
CSA and Order Management Software for Direct Marketing Farmers
Rachel Armstrong Friday, 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Joy Miller, Rufus Haucke, Shelly Connor Friday, 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
April Jones Friday, 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Building Solidarity Between Family Farmers and Farm Workers through Agroecology and Food Sovereignty John Peck Friday, 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Future of Organic Dairy Calf Management: Rethinking Individual Housing Marcia Endres, Bianca Goncalves da Costa Friday, 3 p.m.-3:45 p.m.
What’s Up Under a Soil Tarp?
Hannah Voye, Carly Strauser, Kristine Lang, Mark Quee Friday, 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
Real Organic Tomato Production in a Greenhouse Dave Chapman Friday , 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m.
Dave Bishop, Liz Graznak, Harold Wilken Friday, 3:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Bonnie Warndahl, Jan Joannides, Aaron Blythe, Katie Kubovcik, Alison Volk Friday, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Joel Barr Friday, 4 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Animal Health Updates with Open Forum Q&A Guy Jodarski, Nicole Martin Friday, 4 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Encouraging Change in Food System Laws and Policy Alexia Kulwiec Friday, 4 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Navigating Turbulent Organic Grain Markets Carmen Fernholz Friday, 4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Animal Welfare for Organic Livestock Owners Dr. Meggan Hain Friday, 4:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Managing Manure for the Climate Nesli Akdeniz, Rebecca Larson Friday, 4:15 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Help Shape the Future of Organic Agriculture Kate Mendenhall Friday, 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Presenter Spotlight Wendy Johnson is the muscle and visionary behind Jóia Food Farm in Iowa. She is a beacon of hope and a symbol of dedication in the world of sustainable agriculture. Strong commitments to regenerative farming practices along with her extensive community engagement all for the betterment of food systems has changed the landscape of farming in the heartland of America. Wendy’s background and ongoing story serves as an inspiring example of how a person’s passion and dedication can make a difference in creating more sustainable and ethical food systems for all. Her ongoing efforts have not gone unnoticed as she is frequently asked to speak and write about her relationship to land, her journey as a farmer navigating through a mono-cropping system and to the intersections of climate change and agriculture.
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The Agroforestry Primer: What Can Trees do for Your Farm
• • • • •
Activating (or Integrating) Capital for Climate Friendly Agriculture
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EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE SOIL BIOLOGY The Historical Context of Land Access in the United States and Modern Impacts on Indigenous Peoples Alex Bagwajinini Kmett Friday, 4:45 p.m.-6 p.m.
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Savanna Institute Friday , 5 p.m.-6:15 p.m.
Vermicomposting systems Compost extractors Bio-safe transfer pumps Soil biology verification Mixing systems
Sarah Larson, Andrew Larson Friday, 5:15 p.m.-6 p.m.
Designing Agroforestry Plantings for Water Quality Devon Brock-Montgomery Saturday, 9 a.m. -9:45 a.m.
Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) Allison Walent Saturday, 9 a.m. -9:45 a.m.
Organic Grain Rotation Workshop
VermiFlow coninuous flow through vermicomposting system
Nicholas Podoll Saturday, 9 a.m. -10:15 a.m.
A Farmer on the Front Lines of Climate Change
Continuous Flow Bio-Extractor
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Workshops & Panels Building Your Own Seed Sovereignty to Boost Economic Growth and Production on Your Farm April Jones Saturday, 9:15 a.m. -10:45 a.m.
Overcoming Entry Barriers for Emerging, Beginning, and Immigrant Farmers Vitalis Tita Saturday, 9:30 a.m. -10:45 a.m.
Financial Readiness for Climate Friendly Agriculture Sarah Larson, Andrew Larson Saturday, 9:30 a.m. -10:45 a.m.
Putting the Soil Micro-Livestock to Work for You Michael Borucke Saturday, 9:45 a.m. -11 a.m.
Meet the Heirlooms: Introduction to Growing Heirloom Beans Paula Foreman Saturday, 9:45 a.m. -11 a.m.
Organic Fraud and Building Consumer Confidence Marki Landerud, Joe Rouleau Saturday, 10:15 a.m. -11 a.m.
Theologies of the Local Foodshed: Integrating Food, Farming, and Faith Kerri Meyer Saturday, 10:15 a.m. -11 a.m.
Nurturing Connections Between Soil, Plant, Animal, and Human Health Bernadette Clevenger Saturday, 10:15 a.m. -11 a.m.
Building Fairness and Cooperation at Your Farm Jon Magee Saturday, 1:30 a.m. -3 p.m.
Presenter Spotlight Certified Organic Market Protection and Development Erin Healy Saturday, 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Grazing for a Community: Plants, Pollinators, Cattle, and People
Ryan Heinen, Skye Bruce, Micah Kloppenberg Saturday, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Soil Is Our Ancestor: We’re Not Going Deep Enough (Pun Intended)
Aiyana Sol Machado, Chrystal Odin (Johnson) Saturday, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
Intercropping Roundtable with Growers: Establishing Plant Breeding Goals for Intercropping with USDA Emily Fratz Saturday, 1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
Grow Your Own Fertilizer Sandy Syburg Saturday, 1:45 p.m.-3 p.m.
Saving Real Organic
Dave Chapman Saturday, 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Religious and Cultural Diversity on the Farm Shani Mink Saturday, 2:15 p.m.-3 p.m.
What We Learned and What’s Next: Findings from Our Meat Proccessing Study Saturday, 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
From Paper to iPhones. Tools for Managing Teams, Records, and Workload at Scale Matthew Fitzgerald Saturday, 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Forage Quality of Wildflowers and Organic Field Crop Production and Shrubs: Diverse Rangelands Benefit Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Livestock and Pollinators Will Fulwider, Christina Anderson Saturday, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.
Rae Powers Saturday, 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Alex Bagwajinini Kmett (Red Lake Nation) is widely known for his contributions to American Indian education and Ojibwe language revitalization, art, and music, and as an advocate for Indigenous food systems knowledge. In addition to harvesting wild edible and medicinal plants for sustenance, he and his family grow and share organic produce on Fond du Lac Reservation. He is a co-founder of and curriculum developer for the EndazhiNitaawiging Charter School and serves part-time as Marbleseed’s Farmer Education Specialist. Heating the Winter Tunnel: Is It Worth It? Dana Hilfinger Saturday, 3:15 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Ducks as Allies in the Midwestern Vineyard Kerri Meyer Saturday, 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
Keeping Vegetable Farmers Growing through One-on-One Professional Peer Coaching
Sarah Janes Ugoretz, Katie Bishop; Doug Wubben; Morgan Snedden; Joann Sustachek Saturday, 3:45 p.m.-5:15 p.m.
Small-Scale Staple Crop Production Using Common Homestead Equipment and Minimal Inputs Scott Hucker, Eleanor Hucker Saturday, 3:45 p.m.-5 p.m.
Presenter Spotlight April Jones is a driving force and founder of the Pinehurst Farmers Market. Thanks to April’s careful curation and entrepreneurial spirit, the market turned into a thriving hub for local produce, artisans, and a center of solid community engagement. Originally from Akron, Ohio her story is one of determination with tireless efforts to create change and connectivity through food justice, water access, and work in the food sovereignty movement. Her deep love for her community feeds her ongoing vision.
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Thursday Sessions Join us for an Organic University, in-depth half-day classes covering topics such as: Nutrient Management, Climate Adaptation for Veggie Growers, Agroforestry, Grazing Advice, Growing and Marketing Medicinal and Culinary Herbs, and more! Thursday’s content will also have five concurrent Farmer Summits on the topics of Wellness, Organic Certification, Farm Hacks, Livestock, and Climate and Conservation. Each of these Summits will be facilitated like last year’s Convergence, utilizing Open Space Technology. There will two additional Organic Universities on the topics of Livestock/Dairy and Field Crops. More information will available in the coming weeks on our website.
Organic Universities Putting Down Roots: Agroforestry Planning
Savanna Institute Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join the Savanna Institute in this extended session to dive into the details of what it takes to integrate trees into your farm or landscape. We’ll be covering how to match agroforestry practices with your goals, tree selection based on site characteristics, choosing planting and harvest methods, protecting trees from livestock and wildlife, and maintenance options for caring for young trees during establishment.
Climate Adaptation for Midwest Organic Vegetable Growers: Current Research and Future Priorities
Rue Genger, Natalie Hoidal Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Extreme weather events, such as flooding, heat, and drought, are becoming more common in the Midwest. Organic vegetable growers face many challenges adapting to these changes. Effective research to address these challenges must include farmers at all stages, from setting research directions, to learning from and on working farms, to sharing research outcomes and recommendations. Participants invite organic vegetable growers to join us and share their experiences with extreme weather events and needs for climate adaptation. In this session participants will hear an overview of climate predictions for our region and lightning talks from researchers and farmers who are developing climate adaptation strategies. Presenters will use structured, facilitated small group discussions to identify existing efforts, gaps, and priorities related to climate resilience research for organic vegetable growers. Outcomes from these discussions will be summarized and shared with attendees.
Growing, Processing and Marketing Organic Medicinal and Culinary Herbs
Jane Hawley Stevens, Harriet Behar Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Either as a standalone enterprise or an addition to other activities on your farm, organic culinary and medicinal herbs can fit in nicely as a value-added enterprise with a minimum of capital investment. From seed starting, field production, drying, value added products, regulatory issues, to wholesale and retail sales, all aspects of a successful herb business will be covered. Jane Hawley Stevens of
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Four Elements and Harriet Behar of Sweet Springs Farm, bring decades of experience in growing, using and marketing herbs.
Help Wanted: Organic Farmer
Liz Graznak, Dave Bishop, Harold Wilkens, Charlotte Vallaeyes, Leon Atwell, Alyssa Hartman, Tom Manley Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Free for transitioning producers.)
Organic agriculture is a fast-growing sector in U.S. agriculture, creating jobs and promoting economic growth and opportunities across rural America. There are more than 28,000 certified organic farms and businesses in the U.S. That number continues to grow as consumer demand for organic grows. The USDA has invested heavily to increase the number or certified organic operations through the cooperation of several agencies, providing transitioning organic farmers with educational resources, mentorship, and financial assistance through conservation and farm safety net programs as they move toward certification. This session will explain HOW to start your organic transition and WHERE to find the resources you need. Participants will also hear from organic farmers that have done it successfully and continue to find new markets for their organic farm products. You will leave this session with a plan for your farm’s transition, a new-found community of farmers, and resources to help you along the way.
How to Go From Surviving to Thriving
Ryan Erisman Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Farming can be a tough business and lifestyle even in the best of times. Changes in weather, markets, and our own personal circumstances multiply the challenges and psychological burdens. Our thinking drives our response to tough times. Subtle shifts in our thinking can help us thrive even when circumstances seem to conspire against us. Thriving isn’t about superficial happiness or false optimism but finding fulfillment and inner peace even in the presence of stress, pain, and ongoing challenges. This interactive session will cover neuroscience-based concepts behind thriving. Participants will have the opportunity to discover and experience practices that will not only get us through tough times, but help us enjoy the journey.
The Lean Farm
Ben Hartman Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. In this Organic University, Ben Hartman, author of The Lean Farm and the new book The Lean Micro Farm (2023) and farmer at Clay Bottom Farm in Goshen, Ind., will explain tools from the Japanese lean system that can be used to identify and cut out waste from a farm operation, in order to increase profits and sustainability with less work. Specifically, Ben will explain the 7 mudas (wastes) and the 5S organizing system, as well as the German principle of weniger aber besser (less but better) and ideas from E.F. Schumacher’s Small Is Beautiful that can be applied on a farm. The session will be fun and interactive, with opportunities for students to learn from one another, and participants will leave with knowledge they can start applying right away on their farms. The session is for all sizes and types of farms, though there will be an emphasis on ways to apply lean on micro-scale vegetable farms. As part of this OU, Ben will tell the story of how Clay Bottom Farm recently used lean to downsize from one acre to one-third of an acre without taking a pay cut.
Organic Raw Milk Quality
Guy Jodarski, Kevin Janke, Dr. Nicole Martin Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The quality of organic raw milk directly impacts the quality of processed products offered to consumers. From somatic cell count to microbial contaminants, raw milk quality is measured using a number of different parameters that are all tied to farm practices. In this workshop, participants will learn about; i) the physical, chemical, microbial and sensorial aspects of raw milk quality, ii) how handling practices impact testing results, and; iii) how practices and factors at the farm influence the different raw milk quality parameters.
Farmer Summits
Wellness Farmer Summit Thursday, 1:30 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Farm Hacks Farmer Summit Thursday, 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Growing Organic
Thursday, 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Climate and Conservation Farmer Summit Thursday, 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Livestock Farmer Summit Thursday, 1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Farmer Convergence: Growing Together
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OR GANIC BEFORE OR GANIC WAS C O O L !
Last year, Marbleseed hosted the Farm Viability Convergence at the 34th Annual Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, WI. Embracing the success of this event and integrating feedback to improve and expand upon it, we are excited to announce that the Convergence will return in 2024! There are some changes to expect in 2024, as sessions will be spread across three days, coalescing together on the last day for a grand exchange of ideas. We will begin the conference on Thursday with five concurrent Farmer Summits on the topics of Wellness, Organic Certification, Farm Hacks, Livestock, and Climate and Conservation. Each of these Summits will be facilitated like last year’s Convergence, utilizing the Open Space Technology method. This method allows for any attendee to convene a discussion on a subject that matters to them, and the freedom to move about from discussion to discussion, providing a space for our community to grow together organically at the grassroots level. On Friday, there will be opportunities to continue these discussions over lunch in a format we are calling the Farmer Café. This format draws loosely from a method called World Café and will allow attendees to visit with one another at tables that are sectioned off by topic, with the intent of continuing conversations or starting new ones around the themes introduced at the previous day’s Farmer Summits. Paper-covered tables and ample markers will be provided for attendees to make notes and drawings on the discussions held, which will be photographed for the 2024 Convergence’s Book of Proceedings. Finally, on Saturday, the rhizomic conversation threads that grew throughout the previous two days will come together at our finale event, the Farmer Convergence. This will be facilitated using the same Open Space method as the Farmer Summits on Thursday, but on a grander scale, inviting all to convene discussions as we further develop and share ideas together as a diverse community. Together, our experiences and perspectives have the power to influence positive changes throughout various facets of the agricultural sector, from the grassroots to the grasstops. This event will serve as an opportunity to grow together and learn from one another as a community of farmers, academics, collectives, business owners, and policymakers. This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2022-38640-37486 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ENC22-209. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
521 W Enterprise Dr Caledonia, MN 55921 507-725-5281 snopac@snopac.com snopac.com
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Evening Entertainment & Special Events After a jam-packed day of learning and meeting new people, stick around into the evening to continue conversations and deepen your connections with Marbleseed’s slate of onsite evening entertainment at the La Crosse Center. Photo credit: Justine Bursoni
When your last workshop of the day wraps, find a friend and walk the Exhibit Hall to find your next on-farm solution with some of our 150+ exhibitors. Then, stop by the Frey Vinyards booth for some organic wine tasting or join the folks at Patagonia Workwear for a happy hour celebration in honor of the 2024 Farmer of the Year and Changemaker. Worn Wear Repair Pop-Up Got Patagonia gear in need of some TLC? Drop it off with the Patagonia worn-wear Repair team to extend the life of your favorite pieces. Patagonia Worn Wear will be slingin’ free repairs—any brand, one per person, until we hit capacity. Worn Wear is Patagonia’s program for trading in, buying used and repairing what you’ve got. Together, we can change the way we consume and build a future with less waste. Seed Swap On Friday, bring your favorite organic, open-pollinated seeds and join us for a seed swap hosted by Driftless Seed Company, Experimental Farm Network, and Seed Savers. Or, if you’re partial to scionwood, we got a swap (and grafting workshop!) for that too, thanks to our friends at the Organic Fruit Growers Association (OFGA) and Savanna Institute. Farmer Mixers and Meet Ups Join up with friends old and new for one of the several farmer mixers and meetups happening at or near the event center. Then head back to exhibit hall, grab a pre-batch cocktail from La Crosse Distilling and get ready to shake a leg to some live music at the Exhibit Hall Stage. So, while you’re packing your plaid, don’t forget to grab your dancing shoes, too!
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Photo credit: Justine Bursoni
Special thanks to our food donors! When coordinating a conference for organic farmers and folks working across the sustainable food and farming system, event meals are not to be overlooked! In fact, Marbleseed is unwavering in its commitment to sourcing organic, regenerative and, whenever possible, locally sourced ingredients for all event meals. It’s not always easy—planning a menu and working with caterers based on less familiar or not-yet-harvested ingredients can be tricky. The result of these efforts are meals that reflect the hard work and dedication of the community represented here at the Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference. These nutritional, organic meals are made possible thanks to the generosity of our many food donors and food sponsors. This year, we want to introduce you to some of the farmers and food sponsors whose donations are helping to make our meals possible at the 35th annual Marbleseed Conference. Check out our full list of Sponsors on page 15 to find more partners who are bringing the goodness to this event, and to every meal: Maple Valley Cooperative: Based in Cashton, Wis., Maple Valley Cooperative is passionate about producing delicious, small-batch, high-quality, certified organic maple products. Their 30 farmermembers and staff encourage you to embrace the sweetness each day brings! maplevalleysyrup.coop Meadowlark Farm and Mill: Meadowlark is a family-owned operation in Wis.’s Driftless Region, specializing in culinary grain, corn, and beans committed to organic production methods and diverse crop rotations. meadowlarkorganics.com Organic Valley and Organic Prairie: Farmer owned and based in La Farge, Wis., Organic Valley CROPP Cooperative offers certified organic dairy, egg, and produce products. Organic Prairie offers a full line of organic beef, pork, chicken, and turkey from the Organic Valley cooperative of family farmers. organicvalley.coop & organicprairie.com
Loans for Organic Farmers FAST & EASY TAILOR FIT STRUCTURES INTEREST ONLY FLEXIBLE & LONG-TERM
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Sponsor Thanks Blazing Star
Sunflower
Geranium
Daisy American Farmland Trust Co-op Partners Warehouse High Mowing Organic Seeds Kreher Family Farms
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Sunrise Foods International The Good Acre The Organic & Non-GMO Report Vermont Compost Company
Registration Form
Use this form to register up to two adults and two children or Contact Information register at marbleseed.org/ Step 1: Fill out attendee details & contact info. conference! Attendee 1 Name: Mail-in registration must be postmarked by February 8, 2024. Mail completed form to: Marbleseed, PO Box 339, Spring Valley, WI 54767 Pronouns
Attendee 2 Name: Farm/Business Name: Address: City: Email:
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Interpretation services are available. If you require interpretation, please indicate which language: Do you have any dietary restrictions? Meals are served buffet style, and ingredients are listed for each dish to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. Severe food allergies cannot be accommodated in this setting. Attendee 1: No Restrictions Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Attendee 2: No Restrictions Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-Free Dairy-Free
Please indicate the gender pronouns that you most closely identify with. Note: Sharing your pronouns is optional, and they will be printed on your Conference Registration name badge. Skip if you would prefer Step 2: Write the price in the table below for each attendee based on today’s date. not to respond. PRICING EARLY-BIRD 1 REGULAR 2 ON-SITE Attendee 1: Attendee 1 Attendee 2 Total 3-Day Conference $310 $370 $430 He/him She/her They/them $ +$ =$ Other: 2-Day Conference $220 $260 $300 $ +$ =$ Attendee 2: 1-Day Conference $120 $140 $160 $ +$ =$ He/him She/her They/them 1: Ends Jan. 9 at midnight CT 2: Ends Feb. 8 at midnight CT Other: If you selected a 2- or 1-day conference option, please select the day(s) you will be attending below: Occupation Attendee 1: Thursday Friday Saturday Please select all that apply: Attendee 2: Thursday Friday Saturday Ag Professional Please register children (3-17) attending the conference. Childcare is included with registration for kids ages 3-12 but Farmer (please specify) must be selected in advance. Certified Organic Enroll child (3-12) in free childcare? Yes No Transitioning Organic Name: Age: Days Attending: Thursday Friday Saturday Non-Organic Cost ($40 x number of days) = Beginning (<10 years) Researcher Enroll child (3-12) in free childcare? Yes No Student Name: Age: Days Attending: Thursday Friday Saturday Veteran Cost ($40 x number of days) = Other Supper Tickets (Thursday & Friday, 6 p.m.)
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Some conference content is partially funded by grants. Please help us with our grant reporting by letting us know if you identify with any of these groups: American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian African or Black American Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Latinx
Event News Get news about events! Dairy Flowers/Herbs Livestock/Poultry Row Crops/Forage Vegetables/Fruit In Her Boots (support for women farmers)
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Suppers will be available on Thursday and Friday for $25 per meal ($15 for kids over 5). Please add optional supper tickets for each attendee below: Kids Over 5 Meal Cost Attendee Meal Cost Thursday, Friday Cost Thursday, Friday Cost ($15 x number of days) ($25 x number of days) $ Child 1: Attendee 1: $ Total = $ $ Child 2: Attendee 2: $
Thursday Sessions
If you are attending on Thursday, please select one of the following morning Organic University classes and/or one of the afternoon Farmer Summits. These sessions are included in your registration fee for Thursday but do require advanced registration. Organic Universities (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.): Farmer Summits (1:30 - 5:30 p.m.): Agroforestry Climate and Conservation Climate Adaptation for Midwest Organic Vegetable Growers Farm Hacks Growing, Processing and Marketing Organic Medicinal and Culinary Herbs Livestock Help Wanted: Organic Farmer (free for transitioning producers) Organic Certification How to Go From Surviving to Thriving Wellness The Lean Farm Making Sense of Conflicting Grazing Advice for Cattle Farmers Livestock/Dairy Field Crops
Payment Information Check or Money Order (Payable to Marbleseed) Credit Card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa) Card #: Expires: CVV: Signature:
Total all above = $ Donation to Marbleseed = $ Donate to Scholarship Fund = $ Grand Total = $
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NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO. 131
PO Box 339 Spring Valley, WI 54767