Eric Madsen & Scott Ausborn – Organic Equipment and Weed Management for Beginners

When moving from conventional to organic row crops, you must have an effective weed management plan. You should consider historical pest problems, soil management, crop rotation, machinery, markets, weather, and time and labor. Eric and Scott will share how they have adjusted weed control strategies based on weed pressure, and share the practices that have worked for them.

• Eric Madsen grew up on his family’s farm near Audubon. The Madsen family members are working toward fully transitioning their corn, soybeans, oats and hay to organic production. In addition, they raise farrow-to-finish hogs, broilers and beef cattle.
• Scott Ausborn and his family live in Ida Grove, where Scott recently converted part of the 600-acre family farm to organic. The family grows corn, soybeans, oats and alfalfa. Scott is also employed with Blue River Organic Seed as a sales manager, and serves on the board of Iowa Organic Association.