On January 4-5, 2023, the Northwest Ohio Organic Grains Conference will be held in Archbold, Ohio. This new event is geographically positioned in the tri-state region (Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan) and is intended for current, transitioning and new-to organic grain farmers; crop consultants; agency personnel; and input suppliers.  The event venue will be at Founders Hall at Sauder Village campus. Keynote speakers for the event will be Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University, and Lea Vereecke, Rodale Institute, who will present both days along with selected organic farmers, crop consultants, and university personnel.

The event will begin on Wednesday, January 4^th at 1 pm with sessions focused on the existing/advanced organic grain grower that include the following topics and speakers:

• OSU Organic Corn and Sunflower Trials – Osler Ortez, OSU Extension
• No-till Organic Soybeans – Léa Vereecke, Rodale Institute
• Why Canola, Sunflowers, and Alfalfa are in my Rotation– Steve Turnow, farmer
• Soil Health in Organic Grains – Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University
• Farmer Panel: Future of Organic Grains – Dave Shively, Angela Schriver, Lou Kozma, Jim Jacobs

On Thursday, January 5^th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm sessions will be focused specifically on new and transitioning farmers and will include these topics and speakers:

• Soil Biology and Nutrient Cycling in Organic Grains – Dani Kusner, Organic Consultant
• Integrating Steel & Ecology for Better Weed Mgmt – Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University
• Importance of Crop Rotation – Léa Vereecke, Rodale Institute
• Lunch with Farmer Roundtable
• Organic Transition Process (and paperwork) – Julia Barton, OEFFA
• Farmer Panel: Getting N to Your Organic Grains- Levi Haselman, Scott Myers

• Grain Buyer Panel: Marketing Options for Organic Grains
• A Review of the 2023 Organic Corn & Soybean Enterprise Budgets – Eric Richer, OSU Extension

While each day is specific to advanced or transitioning farmers, respectively, it is strongly encouraged to attend both days of the conference.  The event will have numerous exhibitor-sponsors as well as networking time built into the schedule. If you are interested in being a conference sponsor, click here for sponsorship information.

Early Bird registration is $90 for both days ($60 for a single day) and due by December 9^th, 2022.  After December 9^th, registration increases to $120 for both days ($80 for a single day). Student (high school and college) Early Bird rates are $60 for both days ($40 for a single day). After December 9^th, student rate increases to $90 for both days ($60 for a single day).  Registration is online only through this registration link (coming soon). Registration is open to anyone. There will be no virtual option available for the conference. Registration to the conference includes dinner on the first day and lunch on the second day as well as all conference materials.

For those staying overnight, Sauder Heritage Inn is the conference hotel and rooms are blocked under “Grains”. Rooms are available until December 9^th, 2022. Hotel stay includes a hot breakfast. Book directly by calling (800) 590-9755.

Questions related to this event can be directed to Eric Richer, OSU Extension, richer.5@osu.edu and/or Maddie Newcomb Newcomb.84@osu.edu or by calling 419-337-9210.