Organic Buckwheat and Spring Wheat growing at Oechsner Farms in Enfield, NY. Photo: Cornell Provided
GENEVA, N.Y. – Cornell Field Crops, in collaboration with New York Soil Health and NOFA-NY, will host the inaugural Cornell Organic Field Crops Conference on Feb. 6, 2025, at Jordan Hall on the Cornell AgriTech campus in Geneva, N.Y. This event will bring together organic field crop farmers, researchers, service providers, and industry representatives from across the Northeast to share knowledge, explore innovations, and strengthen the region’s organic farming community.
Designed for New York and Northeast organic farmers, the conference will feature expert speakers, advanced roundtable discussions, and an organic trade show. Key topics include reducing tillage and improving soil health, pest management, diversifying crop rotations profitably, transitioning to organic farming, and Cornell research updates.
“This conference fosters collaboration and innovation in organic farming,” said Kristen Loria, conference organizer and extension support specialist with Cornell University’s Sustainable Cropping Systems Lab. “Sharing research and farmer experiences equips producers with tools to create resilient and profitable systems.”
Featured Speakers and Agenda Highlights
The agenda includes presentations and panels led by leading researchers and experienced organic farmers:
- Dr. Erin Silva (University of Wisconsin-Madison, OGRAIN): Organic No-Till — Lessons from Wisconsin
- Jay Goldmark (Stone House Farm, Livingston, NY) and Dean James (Don Cotner Farms, Danville, PA): Farmer Panel on Reducing Tillage in Diverse Crop Rotations
- Dr. Amara Dunn (NYS Integrated Pest Management): Biocontrol and Biologicals for Organic Field Crops
- Dr. Ginny Moore and Dr. Mark Sorrells (Cornell University): Research Briefs on Seeds and Breeds
- Dr. Matt Ryan (Cornell University): Research Briefs on Weed Management
- Scott Myers (Woodlyn Acres Farm, Dalton, OH): Organic Transition and Farm Journey
- Dr. Heather Darby (University of Vermont Extension): Oilseed Crop Production and Processing Options
The day will conclude with advanced roundtable discussions and an organic trade show, providing opportunities to dive deeper into topics such as organic no-till, high-tech farming tools, funding opportunities, post-harvest handling for food-grade grains, and more.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)
- Location: Jordan Hall, Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY
- Cost: $40 (includes coffee and lunch)
- Scholarships: Available for beginning farmers and others facing financial barriers, supported by the Pete Gianforte Memorial Fund. Contact Kristen Loria (kal52@cornell.edu) for details.
For more information and to register, visit the Cornell Field Crops website.
Cornell Field Crops and New York’s Organic Agriculture
Cornell Field Crops supports the region’s organic farming community with applied research and education. New York leads the nation in organic field crops acreage, hay acreage, and organic dairy operations, with over 330,000 acres of organic farmland and annual sales of $325 million, according to the USDA.
For sponsorship inquiries or more information, contact Kristen Loria at kal52@cornell.edu or 607-351-0554.