Farmers, agricultural professionals and others interested in organic agriculture are invited to attend the 2026 Organic Conference on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) near Mead, Neb.
Hosted by Nebraska Extension, the conference will bring together organic producers, researchers, educators and industry professionals for a day of information-sharing, discussion and networking focused on organic agriculture.
The conference will feature research-based information and practical perspectives relevant to organic producers and those considering organic production. Topics will address current opportunities and challenges facing Nebraska’s organic agriculture community.
The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is free, with support from the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program and Nebraska Extension. Lunch will be provided. Please pre-register for meal planning purposes and to ensure resource materials are available. Seating is limited.
The conference is part of Nebraska Extension’s ongoing efforts to support producers through research, education and connections with agricultural experts and peers.
Additional information and registration are available on the 2026 Organic Conference website.
Topics and Presenters
The 2026 Organic Conference will feature a diverse lineup of researchers, extension educators, industry professionals and growers sharing practical information and experiences related to organic production.
Joel Gruver, Western Illinois University, will open the educational program with a presentation on crop rotations and holistic management, exploring strategies for building productive and resilient organic farming systems.
James Schroepfer, Crop Fertility Services, will discuss soil health’s complementary role with soil fertility, highlighting the relationship between soil health and nutrient management.
A Nebraska grower panel will share firsthand perspectives on organic production, offering attendees an opportunity to hear directly from farmers about their experiences, challenges and opportunities.
Afternoon sessions will allow participants to select from several concurrent group discussions, including:
- Alfalfa in Organic Rotations — Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension
- Crop Budgets — Shannon Sand and Glennis McClure, Nebraska Extension
- Disease Management in Organic Grains — Dylan Mangel, Nebraska Extension
- Grain Markets: What Organic Producers Need to Know — Brian Halweil, Rodale Institute
- Growing No-Till Corn in Living Alfalfa — Ben Miller and Léa Vereecke, Clear Frontier
- Insect Management — Samantha Daniel, Nebraska Extension
- Keeping Organic Certification Simple — Rodale Institute Consulting
The afternoon format gives participants the flexibility to choose sessions most relevant to their operations and interests, with several topics offered during multiple time slots.
Conference Schedule
- 8:30–9 a.m. — Registration, coffee and vendor exhibits
- 9–9:10 a.m. — Welcome, Katja Koehler-Cole, Nebraska Extension
- 9:10–10 a.m. — Crop Rotations and Holistic Management, Joel Gruver
- 10:10–11 a.m. — Soil Health’s Complementary Role with Soil Fertility, James Schroepfer
- 11:10 a.m.–noon — Organic Production: Nebraska Growers’ Perspectives, farmer panel
- Noon–12:50 p.m. — Lunch and vendor session
- 12:50–1:40 p.m. — Concurrent group discussions
- 1:45–2:35 p.m. — Concurrent group discussions
- 2:40–3:30 p.m. — Concurrent group discussions
- 3:30–3:40 p.m. — Evaluation and closing, Katja Koehler-Cole
- 3:40–4 p.m. — Fellowship and networking
ENREEC is located at 1071 Co Rd G, Ithaca, NE 68033.
