Marbleseed Conference 2025 - Presentations

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.