Key Takeaways
- U.S. organic food sales grew three times faster than the overall food market in 2025, driving strong demand for organic beef, eggs, dairy, and consequently organic feed grain.
- The University of Wisconsin‑Madison’s Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) is hosting five field days this summer in Wisconsin and Illinois to support current and prospective organic grain growers.
- Events showcase innovative practices such as an autonomous inter‑row weeding robot, virtual fencing for livestock, reduced‑tillage systems, and cover‑crop strategies.
- All field days are open to certified organic farmers, those seeking certification, and anyone interested in soil health, diversified crops, and market opportunities.
- Registration, accommodation requests, and additional details are available at https://ograin.cals.wisc.edu/2026-field-days/; inquiries can be emailed to [email protected].
- Funding for the series comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program, underscoring federal support for organic expansion.
Growing Demand for Organic Products Drives Need for Organic Feed Grain
Despite inflationary pressures that challenge both farmers and consumers, consumer interest in organic products remains robust. In 2025, U.S. organic food sales expanded at a rate three times that of the overall food market, reflecting sustained premium‑price willingness for organic beef, eggs, and dairy. This surge translates directly into heightened demand for organic feed grain, as livestock producers seek certified‑organic inputs to maintain the integrity of their supply chains. Consequently, strengthening the domestic organic grain sector is essential to meet market needs while preserving the environmental benefits associated with organic agriculture.
OGRAIN’s Summer Field Day Series Aims to Support Organic Growers
To address the rising need for reliable organic grain production, the University of Wisconsin‑Madison’s Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) has organized a series of five field days across Wisconsin and Illinois this summer. The events are designed to translate research into practice, offering growers first‑hand looks at innovative management techniques, emerging technologies, and ongoing trials conducted by both university scientists and experienced organic farmers. By bringing together researchers, producers, grain buyers, and industry partners, OGRAIN seeks to foster knowledge exchange that can improve yields, soil health, and profitability for organic operations of all scales.
Organic Cereals Field Walk – Madison, WI – June 22
The series opens on June 22 with the Organic Cereals Field Walk at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station, running from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Participants will join the Emerging Crops Accelerator, Seed to Kitchen Collaborative, Cereals Breeding Program, Artisan Grain Collaborative, and OGRAIN for an informal tour of field trials and breeding plots. Highlights include updates on the latest variety releases for regional food‑grade grains, discussions on breeding objectives, and insights into how these cereals fit into diversified organic rotations. The walk provides a low‑pressure setting for farmers to observe performance traits, ask questions, and network with breeders and fellow growers.
Organic Seed to Spirit Field Day – Paxton, IL – July 24
On July 24, the Organic Seed to Spirit Field Day will take place at Cow Creek Organic Farm and Silver Tree Spirits in Paxton, Illinois, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This collaborative event brings together OGRAIN, the Artisan Grain Collaborative, The Land Connection, IDEA Farm Network, Mad Agriculture, and the Rodale Institute, targeting farmers, grain buyers, and distillers. The morning features a tour of organic fields and a small‑grain cleaning demonstration, while the afternoon includes a distillery tour, a buyer‑seller mixer, a grain‑chain panel discussion, and an optional educational spirit tasting. The day illustrates how organic grain can add value beyond food, opening pathways into specialty beverage markets.
Field Crops at Arlington: Demos and Discussions – Morning Session
The first of two sessions at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station occurs on August 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., titled “No Till, No Spray, No Weeds.” Attendees will tour no‑till, no‑spray soybean research plots, examine results from a decade of roller‑crimping studies, and receive an update on herbicide‑resistance trends in Wisconsin. A live demonstration of Greenfield Robotics’ new inter‑row mowing robot will showcase autonomous weed‑control technology that operates between crop rows without chemicals. The session ends with a complimentary lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., providing time for informal conversation among participants.
Field Crops at Arlington: Demos and Discussions – Afternoon Session
Following lunch, the afternoon session runs from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. under the heading “Experiences in Organic.” This casual gathering focuses on the practical steps needed to enter organic production, featuring a farmer panel that shares real‑world experiences with certification, record‑keeping, and market access. After the panel, an open Q & A and discussion allow attendees to raise specific concerns about transitioning, budgeting, and accessing technical assistance. The session aims to demystify the organic certification process and equip newcomers with actionable resources for a successful start.
UW Organic Agriculture Research Field Day – Arlington, WI – August 18
On August 18, the UW Organic Agriculture Research Field Day will convene at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event highlights the latest findings from the university’s organic systems research program. Attendees will learn about reduced‑tillage corn and soybean practices, explore biocontrol agents for managing white mold in soybeans, and hear results from on‑farm soil‑health studies that monitor microbial activity and organic matter dynamics. Presentations will also cover ecological intensification strategies, such as integrating cover crops, minimizing tillage, and incorporating livestock to enhance nutrient cycling and farm resilience.
Virtual Fencing: Takeaways From Year One – Spring Green, WI – September 17
The series concludes on September 17 with a field day at Seven Seeds Organic Farm in Spring Green, Wisconsin, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., titled “Virtual Fencing: Takeaways From Year One.” Hosted by the Iowa County Uplands Watershed Group, Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, and OGRAIN, the event will feature a field walk led by Michael Dolan, who will discuss the successes and challenges encountered during the first year of virtual‑fence trials. Participants will gain insight into how the technology manages livestock movement, its impact on pasture health, and the farm’s plans to combine virtual fencing with perennial pastureland for sustainable grazing management.
Registration, Accommodations, and Funding
All field days are free and open to the public; interested individuals can register and find detailed schedules, directions, and speaker lists at https://ograin.cals.wisc.edu/2026-field-days/. Those requiring accommodations should contact [email protected] to make a request, ensuring accessibility for all participants. The University of Wisconsin‑Madison affirms its commitment to equal opportunity in employment and programming, complying with applicable state and federal regulations. Financial support for the series is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program, reflecting federal investment in expanding domestic organic grain capacity and assisting farmers through the certification transition.