Marbleseed Conference 2025 - Session

Jackie and I will share a brief history of Hoch Orchard and Gardens. We will touch on our reasons for leaving the business and the path we took to keep our life-long project producing organic food the community. Our transition out of temperate zone farming to tropical permaculture was not quick or simple. We were able to take the sting out of the loss of our farm by starting a smaller hands-on permaculture project in Belize. We built an off-grid house in an Eco-development where the motto of the community is “Independent together”. Jackie and I are managing six acres of green space to set up a permaculture production system within the 100-acre community. We will wrap up our workshop describing the community and our new project.

The high cost of organic feed and bedding is a major obstacle to profitable organic swine production. Researchers from the University of Minnesota just completed a 3-year project that address reducing feed and bedding costs by growing hybrid rye for organic pigs. In this workshop we will share results of the project and demonstrate 1) how different fertility of swine manure can affect yield of organic winter hybrid rye, 2) how feeding hybrid rye can affect pig growth and pork quality, and 3) how much can be saved for feed and bedding by growing winter hybrid rye for organic pigs. We will discuss the best practices in organic winter hybrid rye and pig production and key factors for saving production costs. The workshop will help farmers improve organic small grain and pig production efficiency and make decisions on raising small grains for organic pigs.

Does planting larger garlic cloves actually increase yield? How long should I leave a silage tarp on to thoroughly kill weeds? For 37 years, farmers in Practical Farmers of Iowa's (PFI) Cooperator's Program have been conducting research on their farms to answer questions like these, and you could, too! PFI's Cooperator's Program is a community of curious and creative farmers taking a scientific approach to improving their farms. In this session, you will hear three farmer-Cooperators explain why they do on-farm research and how it has shaped their growing practices. They will walk you through how they ideate, establish and complete an experiment by highlighting one or two of their favorites. These farmer panelists primarily have experience experimenting with vegetable crop and livestock production , but this session may interest any farmers who are curious about conducting research on their farms. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR226114XXXXG004.

Embarking on a new market garden farm venture can be overwhelming, with myriad questions on staffing, crop selection, marketing strategies, and overcoming challenges like pests and weather. In this session, we offer a candid and holistic exploration of our journey managing a 15-acre vegetable farm from initial uncertainties to eventual successes.

Delve into practical insights on employee management, optimizing soil health, strategic crop selection, and navigating through failures. Discover essential tools and techniques for sustainable farming practices. Participants will gain:

• Strategies for effective employee management in a farm setting.
• Insights into selecting and growing diverse vegetables tailored to market demands and environmental conditions.
• Practical knowledge on pest and disease management, drought mitigation, and soil health.

Join us as we share firsthand experiences and invaluable lessons learned, empowering you to approach your own market garden farm with confidence.

Farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a way of life that connects people to the land and to each other. But behind the beauty of sustainable farming lies a set of challenges that can take a toll on mental health: isolation, stress, financial pressures, and the emotional weight of unpredictable circumstances. This session provides a welcoming space for us to come together, share their stories, and find strength in their shared experiences
Led by a farmer’s daughter turned therapist with knowledge and appreciation for the agricultural lifestyle, this session invites you to step away from the fields for a moment and into a space of shared stories and collective resilience. Through guided discussion and interactive activities, participants will explore the challenges they’ve faced, from financial stress to burnout and feelings of isolation. More importantly, they’ll uncover the creative solutions and inner strengths that have helped them persevere.
This session emphasizes the importance of community in navigating the ups and downs of farming. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences in a supportive and confidential environment, fostering connections with fellow farmers who truly understand the unique demands of this way of life. Together, the group will celebrate the victories—big or small—and discover new strategies for maintaining emotional well-being while managing the demands of sustainable agriculture.
By the end of this session, attendees will leave with a renewed sense of community and the tools to continue building a supportive network among their neighbors. In the same way that healthy soil nurtures strong crops, a thriving community nurtures strong farmers. Join us in cultivating resilience and strengthening the bonds that hold our farming communities together.