Looking for a Change? Consider Organic

How would you like to get over $20 per bushel for soybeans, or over $6.50 for corn? Those are some of the market opportunities for the 2005 crop. Market demand is quite high and has remained much greater than supply for many years.Of course price is only part of the equation. For the corn, soybeans, spelt and wheat there will be no pesticide, herbicide, or fertilizer to be applied. Of course, I am referring to the production of organic crops.

Yields

Some organic farmers report soybean yields similar to or slightly below conventional, and corn yields of over 100 bu/ac. Wheat yields will be down about 25 - 40% depending on variety and soil fertility.Yields for all crops can vary depending on your field conditions and your management successes.

No GMO

Organic farming generally uses newer varieties similar to conventional farming, but does not use any genetically modified (GMO) varieties.Organic crops should be grown from organically produced seeds. Grains and soybeans will require at least a 8 metre (25 foot) buffer zone to separate them from conventional crops. Corn will require a larger buffer to separate it from neighboring GMO fields. You will need to keep the crop separate at planting, harvest and storage, especially the equipment, if it is being used for both conventional and organic. Some farmers have separate combines and planters so that there is no chance of mixing with seed treatments or non-organic crops.

Weed Management

Weed management is critical for organic farmers since they are not using herbicides. Crop rotation, cover crops, and planting to get quick emerging vigorous crops are strategies to suppress weeds.In row crops, using a rotary hoe or weeder (tine) harrow a couple times, and inter-row cultivation (once or twice) are tools to mechanically remove weeds. Correct timing and equipment setup is critical to success. In my observation many organic farmers are doing well at keeping weeds under control.

Soybeans & Spelt

Soybeans and spelt are the two most popular crops on organic farms. Spelt is a fall-seeded grain very similar to wheat.Yields are 1 - 1.5 tonnes per acre. Spelt currently sells for approximately $400 per tonne. Europe is a significant market for our spelt crop. Soybeans are mostly sold in the food markets of the US or Asia. Quality at harvest is essential to get top prices.In recent years, the feed grade market for soybeans has been around $14 per bushel. Organic livestock production is expanding, and so is the market for organic feed grains, including barley, corn, oats as well as the forage crops.

Certified Organic

How does one get involved in organic farming? First of all, do your research.Talk to other organic farmers. Join an organization, such as the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario or Canadian Organic Growers.Talk to one of the companies who market organic grains, such as Great Lakes Organic, Wehrmann Farms, Saugeen Specialty Grains, Homestead Organic, SunOpta, or Thompsons.

Transition Period Required

Buyers of organic grains will want you to be “certified organic”.There are two main companies that currently certify in Ontario - Organic Crop Producers and Processors (OCPP) and GarantieBio Ecocert. Standards between the two are very similar.They require that fields have been managed organically for 36 months prior to harvest of the certified organic crop.Therefore there is a 2 or 3 year transition period where yields will be suppressed and organic premiums are not available. It is best to plan on forages or low input cereal grains for the transition period. Growers need to apply for inspection during the second transition year, and then to apply for certification and inspection each year to maintain organic status. The cost of certification is about $500 - $1000 per year, depending on the size and diversity of the farm.

Cover Crops & Rotation

Cover crops are always encouraged in organic production programs. Legumes are used to build organic matter and to increase the soil’s capacity to supply nitrogen. Rye is commonly used to build organic matter and to suppress weeds.Crop rotations are essential on organic farms.Good crop rotations reduce weed problems and help to build soil organic matter.

Opportunities

Organic has many opportunities and can offer alternatives to conventional crops.For more information visit the OMAFRA website.

Related Links

• Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
• Canadian Organic Growers
• Organic Alternatives to Conventional Crops

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