LA CROSSE, Wis. — The 34th Annual Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference wrapped up this past weekend in La Crosse, Wis. The conference took place Feb. 23-25, 2023, convening farmers, researchers and agriculture professionals to learn the latest organic production practices and build a supportive community of resilient organic, sustainable and regenerative farms.
The annual conference, organized by Marbleseed (formerly known as MOSES), featured more than 60+ speakers, 40+ workshops, full and half day Organic University classes, a two-floor trade show, organic meals, and round-table discussions, live music, plus many opportunities to network. This year’s Marbleseed Conference offered content on business management, soil health, and diverse farm operations. Despite a historic snowstorm, the conference drew 1,800+ attendees to La Crosse.
The three-day event commenced Thursday, Feb. 23 with in-depth Organic University classes running from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and half day classes running 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Â
Full Day ClassesÂ
- Developing a Marketable RotationÂ
- Farm Business Basics: Strengthen Your Foundation by Building Business AcumenÂ
- Fencing for Livestock: Making the Fence Right the First TimeÂ
- Postharvest Handling: Farmers are Food HandlersÂ
- Starting and Managing a U-Pick FarmÂ
Half Day ClassesÂ
- Farming “Climate Smart” Tree Seedlings for Forest RestorationÂ
- Nuts and Bolts of Small-Scale Contract Seed ProductionÂ
- Precision Row Crop Farming: Guidance on GuidanceÂ
- Add Value to Organic Grazing and Haying for Ecological Restoration
Workshops were offered on both Friday and Saturday on a range of topics from nitrogen fixation to haying for ecological restoration, to establishing on-farm pollinator habitat.Â
The trade show opened the evening of Feb. 23 and ran through Feb. 25. It featured more than 150 vendors — buyers, suppliers, and organizations offering services that support farmers. Admission to the trade show was included with conference registration. This year, Marbleseed also offered $20 Exhibit Hall only passes.
Keynote speakers Austin Frerick, Doug Crabtree and Anna Jones-Crabtree addressed cross-cutting issues that are critical for the organic movement: building resiliency on organic farms and in our food system.Â
Marbleseed also honored 2023 Organic Farmers of the Year, Ross and Harold Wilken of Janie’s Farm Organics and Janie’s Mill, and 2023 Changemaker Marcia L. Eiynck of Beargrease Botanicals.Â
About Marbleseed
Formerly known as the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES), Marbleseed was established in 1995 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting farmers in their transition toward sustainable, organic farming systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially just. https://marbleseed.org/; 888-906-6737; info@marbleseed.org
— Marbleseed