Organic field day to be hosted at KBS

Please join Herbruck’s on Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for an Organic Field Day, hosted at the Kellogg Biological Station, 9702 N 40th St., Hickory Corners, Michigan.

With over 500 certified organic farms in Michigan – and more in transition – organic production is an important aspect of Michigan agriculture. 

Organic practices can aid in creating resilient farming systems by successfully implementing cover crops, building soil health, planting green, and more. Information about the latest organic research and technology, alongside conversations with organic producers, is useful for both organic and non-organic producers. 

This year’s Organic Field Day, hosted by Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), will share the latest on soil health research and market trends. Featuring organic farmer Rick Clark, participants will also hear research updates on topics including planting green, no-till practices, cover crops, prairie strips, weed control, and more! The event includes tours of research at KBS – the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research and Long-Term Ecological Research sites.

Registration is $20.00 pre-paid or $25.00 at the event. Includes continental breakfast and lunch.
3.5 CEU credits available for nutrient management, soil & water management,
sustainability and crop management.

Reserve your spot today by either 1) downloading and mailing in the RSVP form below or 2) Calling or emailing Sherrie McKinch to reserve a spot; 616-642-3016, smckinch@herbrucks.com. Sherrie is able to take credit card information over the phone or answer any questions you might have about the event. Please register by July 2, 2021!

Download the RSVP form here!

Agenda

  • 8:00 – 9:00 AM ~ Guest Registration & Vendor Tents
  • 9:00 – 9:10 AM ~ Welcome from Brian Geerlings
  • 9:10 – 10:30 AM ~ Keynote Speaker & Market Updates
    • Organic No-Till, Rick Clark, Clark Land & Cattle
    • Marketing Corn Update, Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch
    • Marketing Soybeans Update, The DeLong Company
  • 10:30 – 11:00 AM ~ Break & Vendor Tents
  • 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM ~ KBS Field Tours
    • Organic Transition, Cover Crops, Soil Health, Planting Green, Prairie Strips, Weed Control Tools & Technology
  • 12:30 – 2:00 PM ~ Lunch & Vendor Tents

Speaker and Tour Information

Rick Clark is a 5th generation farmer from Williamsport, IN. The main goal on Rick’s farm is to build soil health and achieve balance with mother nature. Rick has developed and is constantly improving a systematic approach to regenerative farming. The farm strives to be a low-cost input producer, while maintaining an increase in yield year after year. The farm is 100% Non-GMO, 100% No-Till, and 100% cover crop. Rick is currently transitioning all acres of the farm to organic. He is most proud of developing a system of organic farming that utilizes no tillage. Rick suppresses the weeds with the use of cover crops. Rick cares deeply about human health as well, as it is one of the main drivers behind the organic no-till style of farming. Rick is building a system that will be viable and sustainable for generations to come.

The KBS Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) project advances sustainable and resilient agricultural ecosystems through the integration of long-term scientific research, education, and engagement with stakeholders and decision-makers. We provide science-based information to help make farming both profitable and good for the environment. While the lifespan of most agricultural research projects is only a few years, KBS LTER research has been running for over twenty years. One long-term treatment, which we will tour during the field day, uses no synthetic chemical inputs, representing organic farming practices.

The KBS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) site is part of the U.S. LTAR Network established by the USDA to develop national strategies for the sustainable intensification of agricultural production. LTAR is a partnership among 18 long-term research sites across the U.S. KBS LTAR scientists perform long-term research to inform the design of cropping systems that balance future needs for increased productivity with enhanced environmental performance and benefits to farmers and society. Our signature experiment—shared with other sites in the Network—compares today’s business-as-usual cropping practices against a set of aspirational practices in advanced systems designed by scientists and stakeholders working together.