Organics in the Ozarks: An Event Connecting Farmers, Researchers, and Market Development

Organics in the Ozarks: An Event Connecting Farmers, Researchers, and Market Development

The Missouri Organic Association (MOA), in partnership with University of Missouri Extension, hosted the Third Annual Organics in the Ozarks on July 10, 2026, at the University of Missouri Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mt. Vernon, Missouri. The free, one-day educational event was designed to support organic and regenerative agriculture by providing farmers and agricultural professionals with practical production information, market knowledge, networking opportunities, and resources for successful organic production and transition.

The 2026 program featured two concurrent educational tracks: Organic Row Crop Production and Poultry Production, allowing participants to select sessions most relevant to their operations and interests. The row crop track covered organic grain markets, weed management in till and no-till soybean systems, food-grade soybean production, soil management strategies, and emerging technologies for organic production. The poultry track addressed the economics of scaling poultry production, poultry marketing strategies, and approaches to building successful poultry enterprises.

 
A key component of the event was connecting research and education with practical, producer-focused applications. Speakers included farmers, researchers, Extension specialists, agricultural professionals, and industry representatives. The afternoon program also included field demonstrations featuring flame weeder and weed zapper providing participants with an opportunity to observe technologies and production practices in a field setting.

The program also included a session led by MOA Executive Director Ethan Miller on “Streamlining Your Organic Transition,” which provided information and guidance for producers considering or currently navigating the transition to certified organic production. Networking opportunities were incorporated throughout the day, including morning coffee and mingling and a shared lunch, allowing producers to connect with speakers, agricultural professionals, and fellow farmers.

Overall, Organics in the Ozarks strengthened collaboration among farmers, researchers, Extension professionals, and industry partners while increasing access to practical information on organic and regenerative production. By combining farmer experiences, research-based education, market information, field demonstrations, and peer networking, the event supported MOA’s broader goal of strengthening organic agriculture and helping producers develop productive, resilient, and economically viable farming systems.

Written by: Swati Shrestha, PhD, Programs Manager