July 26, 2007
Exploring the Option: Transitioning to Organic
Harold and Ross Wilken
Brockman Centennial Farm
Danforth, IL

The demand for organic food/feed of every type continues to grow and more farmers are needed to supply the market. But what's involved in "going organic"? Is it just eliminating pesticides? How do organic farmers handle the weeds and the pests? Do organic farmers take a big hit in income during the transition? What will the neighbors think?  
      
These questions and more were addressed at Exploring the Option: Transitioning to Organic Farming, a field tour sponsored by the UI, College of ACES, Department of NRES, Illinois Department of Agriculture’s C-2000 Sustainable Ag Grant Program, The Midwest Organic Farmers Cooperative, The Land Connection and UI Ford-Iroquois Extension Unit. Attendees learned from researchers and local farmers about the organic certification process, what to expect during the transition years, and how to make organic work on other operations. Other topics included cooperative marketing and the growing potential for small-scale organic production of high-value crops.

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August 20, 2007
First Fruits Farm: Growing and Marketing Naturally
Burt and Nancy Asbill, First Fruits Farm
Mahomet, IL

First Fruits Produce is a small, family-run business that includes a 50-acre farm surrounding a church on Route 47 just north of I-74. The land is farmed by Burt and Nancy Asbill and their oldest son, Barak. Burt Asbill farmed peaches and almonds in California for about 13 years and did not like the amount of chemicals he had to use on the crops. So, when they started farming in Illinois, they wanted to be more conscientious about what they used for weed and pest control. Though not certified organic, they farm using only OMRI approved fertilizer and pest control materials. Their all-natural approach starts in the greenhouse and extends to their store in Mahomet, Illinois where they market much of what they grow along with other natural and organic products. In rainy weather, attendees learned about the Asbill’s natural production methods by walking the fields with Burt, then enjoyed an organic lunch prepared and served by Nancy in their First Fruits store. After lunch, Nancy lead a discussion and answered questions about their community-centered marketing strategies.

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August 30, 2007
Organic Grain Production: Incorporating Animals into the System
Adrian Plapp
Malta, IL
Aaron and Paul Butler
Malta, IL

The Plapp family has been farming their land in Malta, Illinois for well over a century. Plapp Family Organics produces a range of meat and grain products. Brothers Adrian and Myron Plapp, along with their families, work together to keep the farm running smoothly. Adrian manages the crop work, while his wife Debbie keeps the books and Myron manages the livestock. Organic transitioning began in 1995 and was completed on all acreage in 2000. In mid-2004 the farm began milling its grains into organic flours and grain meals and pressing its oilseeds into organic oils. The Plapps also produce a range of meats including beef, pork, duck, and lamb. Poultry is raised for meat and egg sales. The Plapp tour focused on composting, particular challenges Adrian was facing in his organic fields currently and the grinding and milling facility.

Aaron Butler and his father, Paul, started transitioning to organic in 1995 and certified their first field in 1997. Gradually they transitioned a few fields every year, and continued to transition additional acres as they were able to rent them. They currently farm about 1300 acres. They became involved in organics by realizing a lot of the practices we were using, (rotations that utilize small grains and hay), would lead to the reduction and eventual elimination of commercial fertilizers and pesticides. With the elimination of herbicides and the use of rotation crops and cover crops their farm has become much more labor intensive. "We view this as a positive development," says Aaron, "mainly from the social standpoint of wanting to spend our money locally to contribute as much as possible to the economies of the towns we live in."

In addition, livestock have become an integral part of the operation. Paul's horse boarding business provides a built in market for a lot of the hay produced on the farm. Hay is a beneficial crop to have in an organic rotation. The sheep flock acts as the farm's garbage disposal; off quality products go to market through the sheep. Aaron and Paul market some of their crops through processors, some through brokers, and some directly to organic livestock feeders.
At their farm the Butler's talked about their crop and livestock operation, and how it fits together. They showed folks the fields near the house growing yellow corn, seed corn, soybeans, yellow corn with and without chicken litter compost applied, and hay. They also had some of their tillage equipment on display.

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September 6, 2007
Diversified Organic Grain and Cooperative Marketing
Duane Baker
Oblong, IL

Duane and Margaret Baker live on a 225 acre organic farm in Crawford County IL. The farm has 161 acres tillable, with 9 acres in CRP. The balance of acres is in managed timber, lanes, and lots. The Baker's have owned and lived on the farm since 1960. They began farming in 1957, the beginning of the chemical farming era. They raised hogs commercially for 41 years, quitting that business in 1998 due to deteriorating buildings and hog prices. They began farming sustainably in 1989, and began transitioning to organic in 1994.

The Baker's have raised a wide variety of grain crops since starting into sustainable and organic agriculture: buckwheat, rye, hairy vetch, SRW wheat, oats, red clover, spelt, white corn, yellow corn, popcorn, open pollinated corn, food grade soybeans, hay, and currently they are trying a new crop of organic hybrid seed corn as well as a couple different food grade soybean varieties.

A diverse grain production systems requires a different marketing strategy. The Bakers take advantage of niche markets. Some of the open pollinated corns and heirloom varieties of wheat is sold to a small miller. Another niche is raising heirloom seed for different crops. Those who attended this tour learned about diversifying grain operations and seeking niche markets, along with principals of effective cooperative marketing strategies.

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