The Prairie Organic Grain Initiative (POGI) is looking for farmers and agronomists to participate in an on-Farm Nutrient Management Consultation Program for organic farmers, offered in partnership with Dr. Martin Entz and Joanne Thiessen Martens of the University of Manitoba.

Why do you need a management plan?

Having sufficient amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, as well as other nutrients, is key to good yields, quality grain, and long term sustainability. Knowing your current whole farm nutrient status and needs can help identify deficiencies and guide your management decisions.

A nutrient budgeting spreadsheet will assist farmers and agronomists in assessing the whole farm needs while also allowing them to explore alternative crop rotations and other nutrient management scenarios. This will help farmers make more informed management decisions.

How does it work?

A trained agronomist will visit your farm to gather field crop histories, and take samples of soil and plant tissue. During harvest, the farmer will take additional grain samples. All of the samples will be sent to a lab to discover nutrient concentrations. The agronomist will use the nutrient budget spreadsheet to help analyze the information, and share it with the farmer. By understanding the current nutrient status and needs, they will work together to explore management options.

Eligibility:

If you are a farmer:
* Must have a green manure in the 2016 growing season
* Fields must be under certified organic management
* Growing field crops (i.e. cash grain, legume, oilseed crop operation and/or mixed farms)

If you are an agronomist:
* Successfully complete the University of Manitoba nutrient management training via webinar in June 2016, date to be announced.

Cost and Payment:

The total cost of the program is $1000 per farm for one year. POGI will subsidize up to 70% of the cost to the farmer. POGI will also pay agronomists $500/farm plus actual travel expenses.

How to Participate:

If you are a farmer or agronomist interested in this program, please contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 1-855-521-2400

Organic agronomist training in Manitoba

In partnership with the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative, the University of Manitoba is offering a training program for agronomists interested in providing agronomic advice to organic and ecological farmers. The purpose of the program is to train agronomists, and farmers, who wish to become full-time or part-time extension agronomists, in the art and science of organic grain production.

This year-long program involves an initial in-person meeting onJune 16, 2016, followed by support throughout the next 12 months. This support involves direct access to instructors and to each other through social media. Participants will meet again in June 2017 to report on progress in organic crop advising; to share experiences with other agronomists and to suggest improvement to decision support resources.

Date:June 16 2016, 8:30-4:30
Location:Ian N. Morrison Research Farm, Carman MB

Please direct questions toThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or 587-521-2400. Clickhereto register online.