Cover crops are often talked about in simple terms: build soil, reduce erosion, improve water quality. And while those benefits are real, the day-to-day reality is more complex. In organic grain systems especially, cover crops are doing real work, as part of fertility, weed management, and long-term soil health, and they don’t always behave the […]
Organic
Developing an Organic Grain Mentorship Model
Written by Katie Bishop, Organic Grain Mentorship Coordinator at The Land Connection February 2026 The Land Connection (TLC) has spent several years exploring how best to support farmers interested in transitioning to organic grain production in Illinois and the broader Midwest. While demand for organic grain continues to grow, farmers face persistent barriers including access […]
Making the Switch: Equipment to Consider When Transitioning to Organic Grain Farming
Transitioning from conventional to organic grain farming doesn’t mean starting from scratch. You can keep most of your existing equipment and build out or adapt over time. The key differences? Organic systems rely more on mechanical weed control, soil building tools, and postharvest handling that meets organic standards. Here’s what to consider. Table of Contents […]
Organic Grain Myth Busting
Curious about organic certification but not sure where to start? You are not alone. Many farmers have questions, concerns, or misconceptions that hold them back from exploring the organic path. That is why we are breaking down some of the most common myths we hear and offering real, grounded truths from farmers who have been through it.
The World Is Changing, Meet the New Boss – An Organic Solution
Jeff Moyer, former Executive Director of the Rodale Institute, and one of the nation’s leading organic no-till experts, discusses the place organics has in our food system in this changing world.
NRCS and other Federal Programs for Organic Farmers
Jonathan Manuel of the Champaign County Soil and Water Conservation District explores how to use government programs for assistance to organic transition.
