Farmer-to-Farmer Case Study

The farmer-to-farmer case study series was developed in collaboration with Pennsylvania organic grain and forage farmers to highlight various management strategies they use on their farms, with particular attention given to practices that conserve soil health. The intended use of this video series is to encourage peer learning among farmers who want to understand what crop sequences and management tactics are used on organic farms, why they work, and what their limitations are from the perspective of other farmers.

Consumer interest in organic food continues to grow, making organic farming a new opportunity for many Pennsylvania farmers. The high demand for organic livestock, dairy and poultry products is driving a strong demand for organic feed grains and forages. Six case study videos feature the perspectives of one transitioning and two experienced organic feed grain and forage producers from Pennsylvania to help farmers understand how to successfully capture this growing market.

Organic transition at Cotner Farms

Many non-organic, no-till grain farmers are hesitant to transition to organic because of the need to use tillage to control weeds. Two videos featuring Cotner Farms provide an experienced no-till farmer's perspectives on and field management strategies for transitioning to organic production with a focus on using no-till to manage soil health in organic crop production.

Organic perennial hay systems at J & L Hay Farms

Organic livestock require 100% certified feed and forages and there is a mandatory grazing requirement for ruminant livestock. Two videos featuring J & L Hay Farms provide the farmer's perspective on organic farm and soil health management with a focus on minimizing soil disturbance to build soil health with long-term, diverse crop rotations.

Shallow tillage and soil health at Provident Farms

The judicious use of shallow cultivation and diverse crop rotations can help maintain soil health on organic farms. Two videos featuring Provident Farms present an experienced organic farmer’s perspective on organic farm management and the benefits and challenges of using a high-speed disc to minimize tillage and manage soil health.

What is organic certification?

Organic certification allows a farm, handling or processing facility to sell, label, and represent their products as organic by ensuring that agricultural products have been produced in accordance with the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. Organic certification verifies that practices meet the regulations and can offer new marketing opportunities for farm products. USDA regulations recognize four organic product categories including crops, livestock, processed products, and wild crops.

For any agricultural product to be sold or represented as certified organic:

• No prohibited substances can be used 36 months prior to or after certification.
• The operation must undergo an annual on-site inspection and be certified by an accredited agency. 
• An Organic Systems Plan must be maintained.
• Complete production and sales records must be retained for a minimum of five years.

It is unlawful to use the organic seal or sell products as organic without abiding by the federal regulations and being certified. Offenders who knowingly mislabel products will be fined and charged with lying to government agents.

A summary of the organic certification process describing the benefits and challenges can be found in the article "Is Organic Certification Right For Your Operation?" Penn State Extension's Organic Crop Production Guide provides thorough information about organic certification and agronomic crop production.    

The production of the case study video package was supported by a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.