SAUK CENTRE, Minn. - Organic and sustainable farmers were assured last week that consumers continue to demand their products.
It was a message Scott Ausborn wanted to deliver when he helped organize the Organic and Sustainable Ag Information Day in Sauk Centre.
"Because times are tough on the economy, we wanted to get out here to tell farmers they are doing the right thing," said the regional sales manager for Blue River Hybrids. "Most of these farmers are already very motivated in their organic production. I just wanted them to see we appreciate them."
When he planned the event, Ausborn chose Stearns County because of the number of organic farms in the area. He contacted DeEtta Bilek of OCIA for help in contacting other companies to take part.
Jim Riddle, University of Minnesota organic outreach coordinator, was the featured speaker. He stressed that consumers want organic foods.
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While demand has remained steady, organic crop prices have recently been close to conventional grain prices, said Tom Bilek of Buckwheat Growers of Minnesota Cooperative.
Ausborn said conventional crop prices will either drop from their high levels or organic crop prices will go up.
"Corn and other crops have gone up so fast lately that organic hasn't had a chance to go up," he said. "It is getting better."
To get good crops, farmers need an important tool - a soil probe. Getting a soil sample tested will give the farmer important information on the soil's health.
There are indications that the soil needs nutrients, said Keith Cuvelier of SuperGro of Iowa. If the fields have ragweed, the soil needs potash. If there are problems with grasses, the soil is low in calcium. .
While organic matter is important, farmers also need to pay attention to the soil's mineral make-up, he said. Magnesium, calcium, sodium and sulfur are all important parts of a healthy soil make-up.
Zinc and maganese are vital for reproduction.
