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183-2 Development of the University of Nebraska Organic Farming Research Program.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011: 1:20 PM
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Room 207B, Concourse Level

Elizabeth Sarno1, Charles Shapiro2, Charles Wortmann3, James Brandle4, Ron J. Johnson5, Drew Lyon6, John Quinn7, Dipak Santra8, Richard Ferguson9, Gary W. Hergert10, Stevan Knezevic1, George Gogos11, Robert Wright12, Charles Francis13, Laurie Hodges9, Peter Baenziger9, Richard S. Little9, Christopher Bruening11, Vicki L. Schlegel14, Teshome Regassa15, Stephen N. Wegulo16, Sam E. Wortman17, David Glett9, Katja Koehler-Cole4 and David Baltensperger18, (1)57905 866 Road, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Concord, NE
(2)Haskell Agricultural Laboratory, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Concord, NE
(3)University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(4)407 Hardin Hall, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
(5)Department Forestry and Natural Resources, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
(6)Panhandle Research and Extension Center, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Scottsbluff, NE
(7)School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
(8)University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Scottsbluff, NE
(9)Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(10)University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Scottsbluff, NE
(11)Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(12)Entomology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(13)University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(14)Food Science & Technology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(15)279 Plant Science Hall, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(16)Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(17)University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
(18)Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Recorded Presentation Audio File
In 2006, the University of Nebraska received a USDA/CSREES grant to certify farm ground to the National Organic Program (NOP) standards at four research farms within the various bioregions of the state to address production issues facing organic farmers.

To establish the objectives of the grant, an Organic Working Group was developed consisting of scientists, educators, non-profit organizations and an organic farmer advisory group to provide leadership for organic research projects conducted in Nebraska. 

Goals were to work with cooperating farmers to identify key issues to increase productivity, develop cultural practices and evaluate crop cultivars for adaptation within an organic production system.  Research projects included the Healthy Farm Index, a tool to measure biodiversity on organic farms; antioxidant study; cover crop study; nutrient management study and using a flamer for weed management.  A training program was developed for technicians in organic cultural practices, establishment of a farmer driven, on-farm research group and development of a website to provide research information.

Research results were integrated into classroom teaching programs to enhance classroom education programs and extend principles and practical knowledge to students to help them envision future systems that are different from current, conventional agriculture.

 

See more from this Division: ASA Section: Agronomic Production Systems
See more from this Session: Organic Management Systems Community: I