If you're interested in what it takes to go organic, check out the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Educations Service (MOSES) field day in Pana.

The Organic Row Crops, Grains and Forages field day will be held tomorrow, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Goldmine Farms. The free event will be held rain or shine.

There is always a market for high quality corn, beans, small grains and forages, accompanied by the organic price premium.  Producing these high-value crops takes planning, equipment and careful attention to fertility, crop rotation, and pest and weed control. This field day will include a tour of the Goldmine Farm fields and a review of the equipment and seed varieties used there.

Jack Erisman of Goldmine Farms has been farming organically since 1993 and has developed a rotation that includes high value specialty food grade corn, as well as cover crops.  His long rotation and numerous fields – he farms over 2,000 acres – gives him the flexibility to deal with weather issues and market demand.

The Erismans' livestock is a natural component of the pasture cycles used to raise organic crops. The animals spend their entire lives on the farm. The Erismans do not buy feeder calves or replacement heifers; bulls are also raised on the farm. They also do not use any pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers on the land or any antibiotics, vaccines, or hormones on their robust and healthy livestock.

Erisman continues to experiment, and is happy to share information with experienced organic farmers as well as help those wanting to start the transition to organic. Join us for this day of learning from a successful organic farmer. Refreshments will be served.

MOSES is a non-profit education and resource organization that works with farmers, farming organizations, and government agencies to organize its organic farm field days. Field day sessions are open to all farmers, agriculture professionals, and those interested in organic and sustainable farming practices. MOSES provides free information and resources to attendees of its field days, trainings and farm events.

Pre-registration is preferred. There are three easy options to register for MOSES field day events: online at www.mosesorganic.org,  call (715) 778-5775 or email: [email protected].