Innovative Organic Cropping Systems

About this Event

Struggling to make organic row crops pencil out? Tired of heavy tillage and still fighting weeds? Wondering how diversification can benefit your farm without adding more land?

Join The Land Connection, Paul Hoffman, and IDEA Farm Network at Hoffman Organic Farm for a full-day field walk designed for farmers ready to move beyond the standard corn-soybean rotation. We'll showcase four working systems on a real organic farm that tackle organic production's toughest hurdles: weed control, soil health, profitability, and making the transition years pay.

See these four systems that work harder on every acre: 

• Sunflowers double-cropped after wheat 
• Winter squash interplanted in corn solar corridors 
• No-till organic soybeans in crimped cereal rye 
• Harvesting red clover seed from transition ground 

Experience these innovative organic cropping systems firsthand. Learn about the specialized equipment needed for this operation, hear economic comparisons vs. conventional rotations & leave inspired to adopt one of these systems on your own farm.

Cost

$15 for lunch

About our Host

Hoffman Organic Farm is a third generation family farm outside of Earlville, IL. The Hoffman family has been farming for over 100 years and their farm has gone through many transitions to adapt to a changing landscape in farming while staying true to their roots. Our host Paul Hoffman has raised certified organic crops since 2014. Winifred Hoffman (Paul's mother) maintains a grass-fed, dual-purpose cattle herd and genetics business that works symbiotically to allow extended rotations for the organic row crop system. Additionally, Paul's wife Trisha and their children help maintain a small, grass-fed, hair sheep flock.