Researcher & Extension Regional Meetup

at Marbleseed’s 37th Organic Farming Conference

February 26-28, 2026.  La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Custom cultivator setups at Lazy Eight Stock Farm.

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) is partnering with Marbleseed’s 37th Annual Organic Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to host a special networking opportunity for organic researchers and extension specialists.

The Researcher & Extension Regional Meetup will give those working in organic research, education, and extension a chance to connect, share research updates, and learn about USDA funding opportunities. A happy hour on-site will follow.

  • Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm CT
  • Location: The La Crosse Center (300 Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI 54601)
  • Agenda:
    • Introductions
    • Update and discussion on competitive grant programs
    • Structured networking event
    • Closing and happy hour on-site
  • Price: Free to attend as an add-on to the Marbleseed Conference

We look forward to seeing you!

The networking session will be facilitated by Gordon Merrick, OFRF’s Policy Program Director, and Rebecca Champagne, OFRF’s Conservation Scientist. 

brown box with "National Organic Farmer Survey" and logos for OFRF and Transition to Organic Partnership Program overlayed on a photo of a honey bee on a white flower

In addition to the Researcher and Extension Regional Meetup, ORFR will be conducting TWO interactive listening sessions with organic and transitioning farmers during the Marbleseed conference to identify and prioritize the most pressing research needs for organic farmers and ranchers as part of our National Organic Farmer Survey.

These sessions will be held on Friday, February 27, at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm CT.

We appreciate any help with spreading the word to farmers about these sessions. OFRF will be facilitating, and farmers will be compensated for their time. Answers and insights from these sessions will remain anonymous and are used by OFRF to develop regional resources and direct advocacy.

Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference Details

Register for the main conference: Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference

Dates: February 26-28, 2026

Venue: La Crosse Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Cost: $175-400

The Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference and OFRF’s Researcher & Extension Regional Meetup are supported by the USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program logo

Buckwheat grows as part of research being led by Dr. Nicole Tautges, Research Director of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in Wisconsin, who researches developing markets and supply chains for Midwestern organic oat and buckwheat producers.