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Benefits of Crop-Livestock Integration

In OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common concern about the lack of technical assistance and educational resources available for Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS). Integrating crops and livestock results in numerous benefits, however the process can also lead to increased complexity, especially for farmers who must adhere to National Organic Program rules and regulations.

This series of resources focused on Crop-Livestock Integration is informed by interviews with four highly-experienced organic producers that shared their challenges, successes, and advice for others interested in integrating livestock and crops on their organic farms.

Learn about the benefits of crop-livestock integration, including reduced inputs, improvements in soil tilth and health, higher nutrient densities in food and forages, pest control in crops and livestock, decreased need for mechanical cultivation, and more.

Benefits of Crop Livestock Integration report cover
By |2026-03-02T11:56:41-05:00August 30th, 2023|Cover Crops & Crop Rotation, Crop Livestock Integration, Insects & Diseases, Livestock, Resource, Soil Health|
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Crop Rotations and Crop-Livestock Integration

In OFRF’s 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA), organic farmers and ranchers across North America shared a common concern about the lack of technical assistance and educational resources available for Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems (ICLS). Integrating crops and livestock results in numerous benefits, however the process can also lead to increased complexity, especially for farmers who must adhere to National Organic Program rules and regulations.

This series of resources focused on Crop-Livestock Integration is informed by interviews with four highly-experienced organic producers that shared their challenges, successes, and advice for others interested in integrating livestock and crops on their organic farms.

Farmers with ICLS utilize carefully-planned rotations of  crops and animals that intersect and overlap to provide benefits to soil, crop, and livestock health. Read about and see illustrations of examples of integrated crop and animal rotations developed by organic farmers.

Crop Rotations and Crop-Livestock Integration report cover
By |2026-03-02T11:59:32-05:00August 30th, 2023|Cover Crops & Crop Rotation, Crop Livestock Integration, Insects & Diseases, Livestock, Resource, Soil Health, Weeds|
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Organic Management Guide for Canada Thistle

Effective Canada thistle management centers on exhausting its storage roots and preventing new seed production. This factsheet highlights the critical role of timing, especially removing shoots in late spring, when root reserves are at their lowest. Farmers will find practical organic strategies to disrupt regrowth, reduce thistle vigor, and maintain long-term field health.

By |2026-03-02T11:36:03-05:00November 21st, 2022|Resource, Weeds|
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Managing Yellow and Purple Nutsedge in Organic Systems

Controlling weeds is the top challenge for organic farmers, and nutsedges are among the most persistent weeds in organic production, with unique stress tolerances that make them difficult to control. This factsheet explains the biology and environmental preferences of yellow and purple nutsedge, along with organic management tactics tailored to their behavior. It also includes key preventative measures to help limit establishment and reduce long-term impacts on crop and soil health.

By |2026-03-02T11:35:05-05:00November 21st, 2022|Resource, Weeds|
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Field Bindweed Management: Organic Weed Control Strategies

Controlling weeds is the top challenge for organic farmers, and field bindweed can be especially persistent. This factsheet provides species-specific strategies for managing and preventing field bindweed in organic cropping systems. It includes practical tactics, tips for integrating them into your operation, and links to additional resources for further guidance.

By |2026-03-02T11:33:00-05:00November 21st, 2022|Resource, Weeds|
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Spotted Wing Drosophila: Identification & Management Basics

This factsheet outlines how to recognize Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) adults, eggs, and larvae, and explains the insect’s life cycle, timing, and factors driving its abundance. It provides key ecological pest management strategies—monitoring presence, using time and space to your advantage, maintaining clean fields, and supporting beneficial insects. Farmers will gain practical tools to limit SWD infestations and protect fruit crop quality and yield.

By |2026-05-14T14:05:45-04:00October 27th, 2022|Insects & Diseases, Resource|
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Solanaceae Flea Beetles: Organic Pest Profiles

This factsheet covers identification of tuber flea beetles and pale striped flea beetles, detailing their behavior, life cycles, and preferred hosts in the nightshade family. It outlines key ecological pest management strategies, including stressing the pest, supporting beneficial insects, and strengthening crop diversity. Farmers gain practical, organic tactics to limit flea beetle damage and protect solanaceous crops.

By |2026-03-02T11:39:21-05:00October 27th, 2022|Insects & Diseases, Resource|
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Brassica Flea Beetles: Organic Pest Profiles

This factsheet provides clear identification guidance for striped and crucifer flea beetles, including eggs, larvae, and adult stages. It outlines key ecological pest management strategies, emphasizing pest suppression, enhancing beneficial insect populations, and maintaining healthy crop diversity. Farmers will gain practical, organic tools to reduce flea beetle pressure and protect brassica crops.

By |2026-03-02T11:37:30-05:00October 27th, 2022|Insects & Diseases, Resource|
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2021 CALIFORNIA ORGANIC RESEARCH AGENDA

California is the nation’s top producer of organic agricultural commodities and specialty crops. Thus, it
is imperative to understand the unique needs of the organic growers in the nation’s most agriculturally
productive state. The 2021 CORA report provides up-to-date information on the stewardship practices
used by organic producers across the state and identifies the most pressing production and non-production
challenges faced by organic California growers. The findings presented in this report: 1) highlight the soil
health management practices that organic producers in California are currently implementing, 2) outlines the most pressing challenges and needs of certified organic producers in California, and 3) outlines priorities and recommendations to address those needs through public policy, research, and Extension programs.

2021 California Organic Research Agenda report
By |2026-03-02T11:40:58-05:00April 7th, 2022|Advocacy, Insects & Diseases, On-Farm Research, Resource|
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Impacts of OFRF Berry Research

This report offers a detailed review and impact assessment of OFRF-funded research on organic
berry production, with a focus on strawberries. These research projects address the most pressing
issues in the industry and this evaluation clearly indicates that OFRF investments have resulted
in important advances in organic berry production knowledge and practices, especially in
California. Overall, OFRF grant funding has advanced scientific knowledge and improved the
practices, ecological sustainability, and economic prosperity of organic berry farming. This
report recommends continued research support for organic insect, disease, and weed
management research efforts in berry production.

By |2026-03-02T11:42:18-05:00September 25th, 2019|Advocacy, Insects & Diseases, On-Farm Research, Resource|
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