OSA is leading a workshop for specialty crop growers interested in learning how to conduct organic variety trials on their farm. The workshop is offered as part of the Montana Organic Association’s annual conference on December 3, 2015, at the Holiday Inn in Bozeman, MT, and is co-sponsored by Lake County Community Development Corporation in Ronan, MT.
The instructor, OSA’s Steve Peters, has extensive experience in organic research, including past work at the Rodale Institute and Seeds of Change.
The workshop is geared toward organic specialty crop growers interested in learning how to conduct variety trials on their farm. Variety trials help growers identify the best performing varieties available for their local growing conditions. Choosing the right crops and varieties for local climates, field conditions, and markets can significantly minimize loss and increase agricultural success. For certified organic growers who are required to use organic seed when commercially available, variety trials are an important tool for identifying new or existing organic varieties that perform well on their farm.
Participants can expect to receive training in basic on-farm experimental design and how to effectively plan, manage, and evaluate a variety trial and use trial results.
The workshop will run from 8:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. The cost is $25 for specialty crop producers and $35 for non-specialty crop producers. Lunch is provided. Pre-workshop check-in begins at 7:00 a.m.
Following the workshop, participants are invited along for a free tour of Montana State University’s seed laboratory beginning at 2:00 p.m. Space is limited.
To register, go to www.montanaorganicassociation.org or contact Sandi Shanks at 406-297-7588 or sally[at]montanaorganicassociation.org.
This workshop is made possible thanks to the USDA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
