Organic producers and experts from across the country will share tips for transitioning into organic production and enhancing organic operations at the 19th annual Iowa Organic Conference, Nov. 24-25, at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

The 2019 Conference is a joint effort between Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. It will feature roundtable discussions and information on a wide variety of organic crop and livestock topics.

The conference’s keynote speaker is Alex Heilman of Mercaris Inc. He’ll discuss “Profitability of Organic Ag: Now and Into the Future.” Mercaris is a leading source of organic marketing information in the U.S.

The conference begins at 3 p.m. Nov. 24, with a special movie at the UI Memorial Union featuring one of the conference speakers. A reception follows, featuring local and organic food and drinks. The conference lunch on Nov. 25 highlights local and organic produce, meats, and dairy products assembled into a gourmet meal by executive chef Barry Greenberg and his UI Dining team.

Topics and speakers

Breakout sessions on Nov. 25 start at 8 a.m. and include information on transitioning into organic farming, weed management, organic livestock production and alternative crops, such as hops and hemp. Sessions on improving soil quality, pest management and a special Bill Stowe Memorial session on enhancing water quality in Iowa will feature scientists from the University of Iowa.

“The Iowa Organic Conference is the largest university-sponsored organic conference in the country,” says Kathleen Delate, a professor and ISU Extension organic specialist in horticulture and agronomy. “Last year’s conference brought over 40 exhibitors, ranging from organic seed sales, to local food system nonprofits, to government offices working with transitioning and certified organic farmers. Despite the challenges of wet weather at planting, organic farmers are anticipating successful organic yields with organic soybean prices currently averaging $18.95 per bushel and organic corn at $8.20 per bushel.”

Register now for discount

Conference registration is available online. Registration is $100 until Nov. 17 and $120 after that date.

Hotel rooms are available at the Iowa House Hotel for Nov. 24. Guests may access room reservations by going to the website and entering group #1280, or calling the hotel at 319-335-3513 and mentioning the Iowa Organic Conference.

For additional conference information and directions to the conference, visit the 2019 Iowa Organic Conference webpage or contact Kathleen Delate at [email protected] or 515-294-5116.

Source: ISU, which is responsible for information provided and is wholly owned by source. Informa Business Media and subsidiaries aren’t responsible for content in this information asset.