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 […]
Category: Organic Insights
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 […]
Beginning Row Crop Farm Quickly Expands Organic Acres
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Make Your Organic Transition Period a Smart Investment
To become an organic farmer, you need to complete the organic transition period. Unfortunately, that’s a financial barrier for many farmers. Why? Because unless you have some hidden acres, you’re growing crops organically for 36 months while selling them at commodity prices. But with the right loan, plan, and mindset, you can use this time […]
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 […]