Profit potential is a compelling reasons farmers go organic. But even though price premiums are high, it’s still possible to end up in a financial hole. How could that happen? One of the most common reasons is overspending on organic farm equipment. Investing too much in organic farm equipment, too soon Good news: you have […]
Author: Bryce Irlbeck
Organic Specialty Markets Offer Farm Diversity and Profit
Financial investors know it’s smart to diversify assets. It helps protect against volatility and reduce risk – and this same advice holds true for farming. Diversifying your operation with organic specialty markets can help increase or stabilize your bottom line. If you have organic acres, you’re already serving a niche market, and that puts you […]
Organic Planting Dates: Sometimes Starting Later is Better
If you’re an organic farmer, what are the ideal organic planting dates? Most conventional farmers are primed to plant early because it often maximizes yield potential. Seed treatments can protect against cooler soil temperatures and herbicides can deal with weeds. But organic farmers have to tackle these problems with other means. We have to think […]
Preventing Pesticide Drift (And What to Do if it Happens)
Every year organic farmers hear about unwanted chemicals drifting from one field to another and damaging crops. But how concerned do you need to be about preventing pesticide drift? Unfortunately, pesticides drifting onto your organic farm is a real possibility. And the consequences can be significant. You’re at risk of crop damage, income loss, and […]
3 Smart Reasons to Transition with Alfalfa
We put a lot of emphasis on the transition period with organic row crops. After all, a smart transition will set you up for long term success. But a poor one? That could result in out-of-control weeds, depletion of your soil’s nutrients, and a tough road to profitability. Luckily, an organic transition with alfalfa can […]
Know Your Numbers to Push Crop Profitability
Yield is often the top priority in farming. The truth, though, is that the highest yields will not necessarily result in the highest ROI. And this is especially the case for organic production. We know good execution results in the best yields, but the best way to maximize your crop profitability is to know your […]
5 Steps for a Strong Transition to Organic Farming
Is your family farm struggling to stay profitable? Are you worried the only way to stay in business is to increase your acreage? It’s time to put your worries aside. You can transition to organic row crop farming and take control of your profits. With organics, you can improve your farm’s bottom line. You won’t […]
6 Ways to Protect Organic Profits in Uncertain Times
Economic uncertainty hits all sectors of the agriculture industry, including organics. The good news? It’s possible to safeguard your organic profits. For a start, it’s even more important for organic farmers to focus on executing their operations really well. The better the execution, the better you can weather the market conditions and remain profitable. Here […]
Transitioning to Organics? Avoid These 5 Pitfalls.
There are many reasons to be interested in transitioning to organics. Premiums are one of them. Prices for organic row crops can be two to three times those for conventional, with the organic corn market trading at an average $9+ per bushel over the last decade. The key to realizing these benefits is getting off […]
Intercropping for Profit and Weed Management
Organic row crops can be sold for high premiums. And as an organic farmer, successfully controlling weeds is often central to achieving the highest level of profitability. Enter intercropping for profit and weed management! Intercropping allows you to grow at least one high-value organic crop, such as yellow field peas, while effectively suppressing weeds and […]