University of Minnesota field day to highlight organic innovations

The University of Minnesota’s Southwest Research and Outreach Center in Lamberton, leads an extensive organic agriculture research and outreach program, exploring the science of organic agriculture. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, July 10, the Center will have its annual Organic Field Day to present the latest research-based information about organic no-till production, high-tunnel season extension, weed management, cover crops, soil quality and crop variety selection.

“The Southwest Research and Outreach Center has been pioneering organic agriculture research for over 18 years. Research and outreach conducted at the Center provides valuable information to organic and conventional producers,” commented Jim Riddle, University of Minnesota coordinator for organic agriculture outreach.

Light refreshments will be served at 8 a.m. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., University of Minnesota faculty and guest researchers will conduct field tours to present ongoing research on weed management strategies, organic soybean planting date and variety trials, corn variety selection, organic no-till production, alternative crop rotations, forage and cover crop establishment and forage effects on soil quality.

The field tour will feature a demonstration of the Southwest Research and Outreach Center’s new roller/crimper, a tool used by organic and conventional farmers for one-pass, no-till incorporation of cover crops at planting. A discussion of organic no-till will be lead by Dr. Patrick Carr of North Dakota State University. There will be a tour of the Center’s new high tunnel demonstration facility, to be used for season-extension research for organic vegetable crops. Dr. Paul Porter of the University of Minnesota will also be on hand to demonstrate an on-farm oilseed press.

“This year’s organic field day will be excellent!” said Riddle. “Our featured speakers include University of Minnesota faculty and a nationally-known expert on corn breeding. We will also highlight our new organic no-till and high tunnel projects.”

Keynote speaker, Walter Goldstein, Ph.D, is the research program director at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy, Wis. Dr. Goldstein has worked at the institute since 1986, conducting studies of biodynamic, conventional and organic farming; breeding and developing corn varieties; and leading or assisting in instructional projects for farm planning, biodynamic production and fertility management. The major focus of his present work is on developing corn hybrids with enhanced nutritional value for organic farmers. The emphasis is on corn with higher contents of carotenoids and essential amino acids such as methionine, to fit the needs of organic poultry production. Dr. Goldstein will discuss his research to breed high-methionine corn varieties.

The field day will include a delicious organic lunch, with plenty of time to network and visit exhibits.

The Organic Field Day is free and open to the public. A $5 fee will be charged for lunch. If you plan to attend, please register in advance by contacting the Southwest Research and Outreach Center at (507) 752-7372 or by sending an email to werne022@umn.edu. For more information, visit: www.organicecology.umn.edu.