Albert Lea Seed is proud to support the Organic Agronomy Training Service (OATS) which helps build capacity, training & resources for technical service providers servicing certified organic growers. One of our agronomists, Matt Leavitt, is the chair of the steering committee, and we firmly believe this program will directly aid our organic farmer customers. Access to high-quality consultation and agronomic services is frequently cited by organic farmers as a barrier to successful organic production, especially for those growers in transition.

OATS, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s OGRAIN, and the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), has launched two new opportunities for organic advisors and ag professionals to connect and learn from one another. These are perfect for ag professionals who work with organic and transitional farmers.

Organic Advisor Call Series

The Organic Advisor Call Series are free, monthly Zoom discussions and Q&As with farmers and experts who explore all aspects of organic grain farming. The first call was held on January 26, with a focus on “Transition to Organic, Relay Cropping, and Leadership in Organics” with Ben Adolph of Merge Organics in Fairhaven, Illinois.

The next call will be held on February 23 from 8-9 am (CST), with a focus on “Diversity in Crop Rotations and Importance of Organic Agriculture to Rural Communities” with Charlie Johnson, an organic farmer in Madison, Wisconsin.

To learn more about the Organic Advisor Call Series, visit organicagronomy.org/winter-2022-programs.

Organic Advisor Listserv

The Organic Advisor Listserv is the perfect place to connect with your peers. The listserv is focused on the topics and issues most important to your work. Ask questions and get the answers right in your email inbox. Sign-up for free at organicagronomy.org/join-listserv.

More Resources from OATS

OATS also has other great resources for organic farmers, including a re-vamped Organic Field Crops course for 2022. Watch the preview below for more info.