Ohio State hosted a series of 14 organic webinars throughout the winter and early spring of 2021. Thank you to all our speakers and to those who joined us for the live presentations. Presentations last 45-60 minutes and are available for viewing via Youtube or audio only.
Viewers, we're interested in your feedback and ideas for future planning. Send your comments to brown.1844@osu.edu or take our short evaluation at go.osu.edu/21-org-review.
April 14, 2021
The Organic Consumer: What We Know - Zoë Plakias
Knowing who your customers are, can help you reach them more effectively. Ohio State economist Zoë Plakias will share market research about consumer attitudes and behaviors toward organic products. Demographically, who are our customers? What motivates them to purchase organic products? How much extra are they willing to pay? And how can organic growers and retailers increase their appeal with these customers?
Watch: https://youtu.be/67hAUpOpjDU
Listen: Audio-only file
Slideset: pdf file
April 7, 2021
Organic Weed Control for the home or small plot – Cathy Herms
There’s no magic cure for weeds, but there are biological principles that can guide your approach to weed management and help you avoid chemical solutions.
Watch: https://youtu.be/Qi0jZkyml6Q
Listen: Audio-only file
March 31, 2021
Remediation of post-industrial urban soils by organic management - Larry Phelan
The loss of manufacturing in a number of U.S. cities, particularly in the Rust Belt, along with the 2008 housing crash, has led to population loss and abandonment of a large number of properties and land area. Unfortunately, what did not leave was the legacy of soil contamination and degradation caused by this industrial past. This project documents the impact of this history on chemical, physical, and biological dimensions of soil health in Cleveland’s vacant lots and investigates the changes associated with conversion of industrially damaged soils to urban organic farming.
Watch: https://youtu.be/eTXr8m3T7Ok
Listen: Audio-only file
March 17, 2021
Management Practices That Impact Soil Health and Organic Matter - Christine Sprunger
Ohio State soil researchers compared a huge volume of Ohio soil health test results and details on management practices. Learn about emerging soil health tests and what the research suggests about organic practices and improving soil health and organic matter.
Watch: https://youtu.be/zhW_hzE5SUE
Listen: Audio-only file
SlideSet: pdf file
March 10, 2021
Cultural Control Strategies for Nightmare Weeds Part II: Ragweed and Other Annual Annoyances – Doug Doohan
Some weeds are more adaptive and destructive than others. Dr. Doohan will discuss cultural strategies for combatting nightmare weeds, with a focus on ragweed and other annuals. For a discussion of creeping perennials see the February 3 session.
Watch: https://youtu.be/xSHUlccRveE
Listen: Audio-only file
March 3, 2021
Tips for Using/Attracting Beneficial Insects – Mary Gardiner
When it comes to insects, it’s important to know your enemies and your allies. Get to know some of Ohio’s predatory insects and what you can do to encourage their presence on your property.
Watch: https://youtu.be/I2ldseAB2hk
Listen: Audio-only file
February 24, 2021
Crop Insurance for Organic Growers – Kate Hansen, Center for Rural Affairs and Megan Vaith, Northbourne Organic Crop Insurance, LLC
Kate Hansen is the author of “Conversations from the Field: Crop Insurance for Organic Operations,” a new educational guide from the Center for Rural Affairs which sheds light on the crop insurance process and options available for organic production. Megan Vaith is an experienced insurance salesperson from Northbourne Insurance in South Dakota. Together these speakers provide tips and insights into crop insurance options for organic growers, including USDA organic premium prices, contract pricing, and whole farm policies.
Watch: https://youtu.be/piA8-6a8O_k
Listen: Audio-only file
Read more: “Conversations from the Field” guidebook
February 17, 2021
Considerations for Organic High Tunnel Production – Matt Kleinhenz
There are many questions when starting or considering high tunnel production. Dr. Kleinhenz will discuss general considerations as well as those specific to organic production. (Due to technological problems during the live presentation, the below recording was kindly made afterwards by the speaker.)
Watch: https://youtu.be/Tl_wwRtdWzY
Listen: Audio-only file
For more on high tunnel production, please check out the 2021 Virtual High Tunnel and Season Extension School developed by Matt Kleinhenz and other members of Ohio State's specialty crops team. The 6-video series is available at the OSU Vegetable Production Systems Lab: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUUILLmpgt23d69k_tKK4xQmQyWYHTCXS
February 3, 2021
Cultural Control Strategies for Nightmare Weeds – Doug Doohan
Some weeds are more adaptive and destructive than others. Dr. Doohan will discuss cultural strategies for combatting nightmare weeds, with a focus on Canada thistle and other creeping perennials. (See March 10 for more focus on annuals.)
Did you miss this presentation or want to watch it again?
Watch: https://youtu.be/oR_DPqcJqlo
Listen: Audio-only file
January 27, 2021
Irrigation Basics – Larry Brown
Basic considerations about when and how to use irrigation and what questions should go into your decision-making process.
Handout | Slide Deck
Did you miss this presentation or want to watch it again?
Watch: https://youtu.be/9I7rvpDOO-4
Listen: Audio-only file
January 20, 2021
Manure Analysis: How Much Nitrogen Can You Get from Manure? – Glen Arnold
Considerations for different types of manure, and how to interpret and apply manure analysis results.
Did you miss this presentation or want to watch it again?
Watch: https://youtu.be/Bs7FOta_7Zk or click on the picture above.
Listen: Audio-only file (Will play in your system's audio or music player)
Janua
ry 13, 2021
Transition Q&A - Julia Barton, OEFFA
Are you considering organic transition or just curious to know what all is involved? Julia Barton from OEFFA will share answers to the most frequently asked questions from growers. We’ll leave plenty of time to add your own questions as well.
Did you miss this presentation or want to watch it again?
Watch: https://youtu.be/w5om7JAWqEc
Listen: Audio-only file
Handout: Organic Transition Resources
January 6, 2021
Cover Crops Suitable for Organic Production - Rachel Cochran, Amanda Douridas, Jason Hartschuh, Sarah Noggle, OSU Extension
Find out about tools and current trials to help evaluate cover crops appropriate for an organic setting. We'd also like to hear from participants about their experience with cover crops, mixes that have worked well, cultural problems or questions that need to be researched, and other field observations.
Did you miss this presentation or want to watch it again?
Watch: https://youtu.be/Ss1zF0PVqQw
Listen: Audio-only file
December 2, 2020
Trends and Highlights of Ohio Farmers: Organic Sector Implications – Doug Jackson-Smith, Shoshana Inwood, Andrea Rissing
The 2020 Ohio Farm poll examined changes in Ohio’s farm activities and composition. Find out what the study says about the organic grower community, including recent changes and future challenges and opportunities. Read more.
Did you miss this presentation or want to watch it again?
Watch: https://youtu.be/aeakxcQHfxQ
Listen: Audio-only file