Funds Available for Extension Educators to Attend Organic Agronomy Training Series

June 6, 2019
OATS Organic Train the Trainer

According to the recently released 2017 Census of Agriculture, Ohio ranks 6th nationally for the number of certified organic farms and 2nd in the number of acres being transitioned to organic production systems. Ohio ranks high in the number of beginning farmers as well. By all definitions, this is a growing sector of our industry. 

Extension educators who would like to learn more about organic agriculture can participate in a Train the Trainer workshop in Indiana with the group OATS (Organic Agronomy Training Series). The OSU Sustainable Ag Team has SARE funding which can provide a full scholarship to any Extension Educator who would like to participate in this program, including all travel costs (mileage or airfare). If you are interested in taking advantage of this scholarship, contact Mike Hogan in Franklin County (hogan.1@osu.edu) or Suzanne Mills Wasniak in Montgomery County (mills-wasniak.1@osu.edu). Details below.

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association has prepared an analaysis of the USDA Census of Agriculture and the opporunities and challenges it presents to organic farming in our state. You can read it here: "Ohio Agriculture: the Changing Contours of Farming


Organic Agronomy Training Series (OATS) – East (serving Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan)

Where: Crawfordsville, IN
When: July 24-25, 2019
Registration: $129 through June 16 ($149 after). Registration CLOSES July 14.

REGISTER HERE (http://thelandconnection.org/OATS)

The Organic Agronomy Training Series (OATS) is a collaboratively managed, science-based train-the-trainer program for agricultural professionals working with organic or transitioning producers in the United States. This two-day training provides education and guidance on organic production methods and certification necessary for agronomists, certified crop advisors, extension agents, and technical services providers to serve the needs of certified organic grain producers.

The program will build participants’ knowledge base in all key areas of certified organic production:

·  Basics of organic production: weed control, nutrient management, crop rotation, pest management

·  Systems thinking & long-term strategies for success in organic production

·  Managing risk during transition

·  Organic certification process & record keeping

·  National Organic Program (NOP) rules & regulations

·  Organic marketing and crop diversity

·  Networking with other organic-focused professionals

·  On-farm & hands-on experiential learning on organic operations

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1190058277823553/

OATS Website: https://organicagronomy.com/