Developing critical tools for organic farmers

MFAI's Research Program is working to supply organic farmers with a special seed corn that is naturally high in essential amino acids. This is a critical development for the future of organic poultry production, as recent rulings by the USDA National Organic Programs have made clear that organic farmers may not feed synthetic methionine after October 2008. Methionine is the first limiting amino acid for poultry health and egg production. Our research team is working to avoid an abrupt disruption in the supply of organic poultry and eggs by creating a reliable supply stream of affordable, naturally high-methionine corn for farmers, grain handlers, and feeders.
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Keeping cows on pasture in the winter

Many dairy farmers are now practicing managed grazing on their farms. Most of the time, these farmers take their cows off of pasture in the winter and feed them in the barn. However, some of these farmers 'outwinter' their cattle on pasture when the ground is frozen. MFAI researchers teamed up to explore how keeping cows on pasture over the winter impacts soil nutrient levels, grass composition, grass yield, and grass root health and productivity.
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Developing and testing biodynamic methods

Biodynamic farming is similar to organic farming but it involves an expanded perspective and the use of various preparations based on manure and herbs. We compared biodynamic, organic, and conventional fertilization practices. We also developed a new biodynamic field spray based on manure, stinging nettle, and biodynamic herbal preparations. Our research consisted of both laboratory studies and a long-term field experiment. The use of biodynamic preparations, and especially of the new preparation, increased root growth and root health and resulted in a "yield balancing effect" (higher yields on bad years).
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Organic matter and root health

Sustainable farming means better management of soil organic matter and organic manures as the primary source of nitrogen for our crops. Our research helped us to better understand the linkages between the use of crop rotations and manure, and the health of roots and yields and nitrogen needs of corn. We developed an "organic matter budgeter" program for helping farmers to plan how cropping and manuring practices will influence the organic matter content of their soils. Then we tested the budgeter with many farmers in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
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Breeding high quality corn for sustainable farming

Organic and sustainable farmers need corn that performs well under their conditions, responds to low nitrogen conditions and competes well with weeds. They want nutritional value, good taste, and unique markets as well as yield. In 1988 Michael Fields Agricultural Institute began to breed, test, and produce new kinds of corn to provide an alternative. Recently, we started an informal partnership involving farmers, seed companies, our breeding program and breeding programs at USDA and Iowa State University. Our three breeding programs have developed well-adapted inbreds and populations with both yield and unique quality traits that might enhance both market and feeding value. The farmers and staff of Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), and our advisory council are helping to connect breeders, farmers, and smaller seed companies.
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Crop research assistant program

Assistantships are available for those who wish to participate in our crop research program. For more information, please contact Walter Goldstein at (262) 642-3303; ext. 112 by e-mail.