Marbleseed Conference 2026 - Session

Join the Organic Fruit Growers Association (OFGA) and instructors Madeline Wimmer, Ben McAvoy and Laura Mortinsen for a hands-on introduction to pruning perennial fruits. We'll open with a brief presentation on the theory, practice, and tools of pruning. Then you will have a chance to visit experienced fruit growers one by one as they show how to interpret the history and future fruiting potential of branches, demonstrate where and how to make pruning cuts, and display their favorite pruning tools. Leave with the confidence and knowledge to prune a diversity of fruiting crops!

Less tillage means healthier soil with more soil life, better water infiltration, and less erosion. Finding ways to reduce tillage in a complex vegetable cropping plan can be challenging, especially in the Midwest’s short growing season. Join this roundtable to share your successes, obstacles, and questions about reducing tillage and building soil health. The roundtable will be facilitated by growers and researchers experienced with reduced tillage systems for vegetable production in fields and high tunnels.

Join Luke and Linda Black Elk for a discussion of local edible and medicinal plants and the many ways we can sustainably harvest to incorporate these gifts into our everyday lives. The Black Elks are food sovereignty activists and teachers of traditional plant uses, gardening, food preservation, and foraging. They will have a selection of delicious herbs available for making your own Healing Spice Blend to take home!