Marbleseed Conference 2026 - Session

Join the Organic Fruit Growers Association for an afternoon of learning about the challenges and rewards of growing organic fruit. We’ll focus on farmers’ practical experience and encourage open discussion. After a welcome and introductions, the afternoon will be divided into several sub-sessions:

• 1:20 pm - a farmer panel discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating organic fruits on diverse farms that also raise other crops and livestock
• 2:30 pm - four organic fruit growers present how they've implemented climate resilience strategies on their farms
• 3:20 pm - a brief discussion about research and knowledge sharing among/for organic fruit growers in the Upper Midwest
• 4:00 pm - a farmer panel speaks about whole-farm strategies for pest management on organic fruit farms.

The Wisconsin Schools of Grazing leads an interactive, personalized workshop on managed grazing. Learn to implement skills and calculations to lengthen your grazing season, reduce feed costs, and increase farm resilience.

In this session, you will learn how to:

• Assess the financial benefits of maximum grazing acres and days
• Match livestock numbers and acres to your farm goals to maximize grazing
• Manage your forage inventory
• Customize a forage and soil fertility plan for your land and livestock

The Grazing School team offers depth of experience and diversity of perspectives based on years of work with farmers to implement successful grazing systems. In this interactive session you will get hands-on experience calculating stocking rate and forage inventory to maximize the value of managed grazing on your acres. Bring your grazing plan, soil map, and other information to begin applying these concepts to your farm!

Session 1: A Deep Dive into Labor Management on Diversified Farms.
We'll consider how to create a culture of communication and shared labor on the farm. Hear from farmers, land stewards, and earthworkers about their experiences, tools, and practices in this interactive session. Walk away with new resources and wisdom that will enhance how you farm.

Session 2: Marketing for Large Sales: CSAs, Whole Animals, & More
Making a sale isn't always easy — especially if it's a large commitment, like an entire season's CSA share, whole or half-animal cuts, specialty item subscriptions, or bundled products. In this session, you'll learn tried and true marketing tactics that will turn potential buyers into loyal customers.

Curious about adding dry beans to your farm? Spend the afternoon learning the ins and outs of dry bean production. Join us as we discuss variety selection, production practices, common diseases, equipment for any size operation, and no-till production. We’ll learn from a diverse farmer panel and university researchers. Whether you’re looking to grow a small plot or 100 acres, you’ll learn useful information for your scale.

Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is partnering with Marbleseed to host a special Researcher & Extension Meetup on Thursday, Feb. 26, to give those working in organic research, education, and extension a chance to connect and explore collaboration across the region. This informal gathering provides researchers, extension agents, and technical service providers with an opportunity to connect, share research updates, and learn about USDA funding opportunities.

In partnership with OFRF, we are thrilled to offer free Thursday admission for researchers and extension professionals attending OFRF's Thursday gathering at the conference. Use the link below to register:

conference.marbleseed.org/registration/invite/OFRF-research-extension-OFC2026