Growing up in a rural community and working on family members’ farms, Nick Casey always wanted his own operation. But it seemed almost impossible to get into farming without being grandfathered in. Especially in central Illinois, where farms are typically 2,000 to 4,000 acres in size. “I didn’t have the cash to buy a farm […]
Author: AgriSecure
Certified Organic Seed: How to Evaluate and Choose Varieties
It’s never too soon to think about your certified organic seed selections. That’s especially true if you want a popular variety. Wait too long and it could sell out, says Scott Ausborn. Scott has worked in the organic seed market since 2008. And he’s currently a regional sales manager in the Northern Corn Belt for […]
Imports Have an Impact on Organic Crop Prices: Here’s Why
Organic soybean prices are skyrocketing. The Jacobsen reported that prices were up to $32 per bushel in the Midwest in May 2021. What’s behind this impact on organic crop prices? And why aren’t organic corn premiums keeping up? In short: it’s all about supply and demand, especially imports, says David Becker. David is an analyst […]
How to Create a Cost Effective Organic Fertility Program
If you’re paying attention to the conventional markets, you know crop prices are rising. And when that happens, the price of organic fertilizer — especially organic manure — goes up with it. How will this impact your organic fertility program? It’s a challenge that Scott Niemela understands first-hand. He’s an organic farmer and also the […]
New Options Offer Farm Loans for Organic Transition
If securing farm loans for organic transition feels daunting, we have some good news. It’s not as hard as it used to be. In fact, there’s a number of new options that could provide a solution for you and your operation. Traditional lenders, farmland investors, non-profits, and even big food companies are starting to create […]
Organic Farming Loans Support Growers during Transition
Ask a farmer what’s keeping them from transitioning to organic row crops, and you may be surprised to hear a common answer. Finances. It’s often a struggle to find organic farming loans tailored to their needs. Yes, organics offer excellent premiums and can bring long-term profitability. But first you have to get through the 36-month […]
Robotic Farming Tackles Weeds and Reduces Costs
Organic farmers know the best defense against weeds is to play offense. You need a game plan that keeps weeds from going to seed and emerging. Enter robotic farming. Robots solves organic weed control challenges Two of the key practices currently used for weed prevention are cover crops and tillage. A good cover crop stand […]
Organic Cover Crop Seed Improves Profits and Soil Health
The Raikes’ are transitioning as many row crop acres of their family farm into organics as possible. And they’ve seen such remarkable economic and soil health benefits with cover crops on those fields that they’ve decided to launch a new business, Nebraska Cover Crop, too. Justin Raikes, a fifth generation farmer in Nebraska, shares his […]
Autonomous Farm Equipment Solves Organic Labor and Time Challenges
Ask an organic farmer about their biggest challenges and labor and time crunches are likely to be at the top. But autonomous farm equipment may soon be an option to help solve those issues. And help growers be more efficient in their operations, too. That’s what Craig Rupp, founder and CEO of Sabanto, has seen […]
Sustainable Success with Organic Row Crops
Zero tillage. Continuous cover. Rotational grazing. Several farming practices are regenerative in nature. But when it comes to the economics of sustainable success in agriculture, organics remains one of the strongest. Premiums for organic corn and soybeans have more than doubled their conventional counterparts’ prices over the last decade. This is hanks to high consumer […]