MOSA Certified Organic

05/14/2026

🎧 The Taproot Project Podcast: Organic as a Movement

What does the USDA organic seal really mean? The USDA organic seal represents decades of organizing within the agricultural community to establish a codified system of principles and practices for crop and food production that works in partnership with nature, rather than against it. In this episode, Kate speaks with two long-time organic advocates and farmers about the effort to establish and uphold a national standard for organic foods and the value of the USDA organic seal for the consumer and producer.

“We are all dependent on each other for the protection of the ecosystem in which we live.” -Harriet Behar

Follow and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/41VCL5WCzK1ddLvh5oq6h2?si=7ec5f31871b849ea

05/09/2026

Organic Agronomy Training Service: Organic W**d Management in Soybeans

Managing w**ds is often the top challenge for organic growers, and one of the main reasons conventional farmers are hesitant to transition. Some farmers accept the w**ds, finicky harvests, and lower yields that come with them. Some expect a pass with a hand-hoeing crew to walk their beans. Then there are those growers who achieve a high level of organic w**d control without any hand labor.

What knowledge and tools help provide quality and consistent w**d management in soybeans?

05/07/2026

🎧 The Taproot Project Podcast: Farmland Commons - A Legacy of Sustainability

Any conversation about the future of farming eventually hits the issue of land access. Land is expensive, and within the market system a parcel of land will typically sell to the highest bidder– making existing farmland susceptible to development. But taking farmland out of private ownership can stabilize farmland and ensure it serves the community for generations. Our guests will share about the Farmland Commons model and what it looks like on the ground in East Knoxville, Tennessee.

“Sometimes transferring of wealth means that next person may not look like you. They may not be your direct lineage or bloodline, but they have a deep respect for the work that you have done.” --Femeika Elliot

Follow and listen wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3oaxVQ4ghalLDazfdtGpM1?si=c57499ee05b74b9d

05/02/2026

Webinar: Understanding NRCS Cost-Share Programs for Organic Grain Farmers

If NRCS programs feel confusing or intimidating, you’re not alone. In this episode, Sam Tilton talks with Thomas Manley to unpack the cost-share opportunities available to organic grain farmers—and explain how good conservation planning can strengthen an operation long after the contract ends.

2 likes. "Understanding NRCS Cost-Share Programs for Organic Grain Farmers │Organic Advisor Call Series 2025"

04/30/2026

🎧The Taproot Project Podcast: From Mexico to Illinois, One Farmer's Journey

Antonio Delgado has been a trailblazer in northern Illinois’ food system since 1980, when he moved to Elgin from Michoacan, Mexico. He helped establish one of the region’s first farm-to-table restaurants and has since gone on to operate his own farm and farm-to-table restaurant. Kate speaks with Antonio about farming journey. This episode was supported by Raices Latinas: Agriculture in McHenry County, a storytelling project that celebrates the contributions of Latine farmers to McHenry county.

“You’ve got to love farming. If you love farming, you’re always going to have food.”-Antonio Delgado

You can find new episodes from The Taproot Project wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6tDqB6JfvHIrCBq4TlhwKO?si=096381b4d73d4755

04/23/2026

📣 Midwest TOPP Winter Newsletter

Take a look at the great work happening in the Midwest behind the USDA Organic Transition Initiative - Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).

In this issue:
✨ Partner Spotlight - Wisconsin TOPP Team
✨ Partner Success Stories
✨ News & Announcements
✨ Upcoming Midwest Events

If you would like more information about TOPP, visit: organictransition.org

🔗 Read the Newsletter here:https://cms.organictransition.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MW-TOPP-Q1-2026-Newsletter.pdf

03/26/2026

📣 Now Hiring -- Organic Inspector

Primary responsibilities include conducting annual, additional, and unannounced inspections. Consider applying if you have experience conducting inspections for the National Organic Program and want to be part of an organization with high integrity.

📍 The ideal candidate would be based in Missouri, northern Arkansas, western Kentucky or Tennessee, or southern Illinois.

📅 Applications accepted until the position is filled.

If you are a contract inspector and are ready for a stable paycheck, paid time off, a full benefits package, continuous education opportunities, and less time on the road, visit our website for a detailed job description:
🔗 http://mosaorganic.org/join-us

03/12/2026

📣 Hiring -- Organic Inspector

MOSA Certified Organic is seeking an experienced individual to join our Inspection team! If you are a contract inspector and are ready for a stable paycheck, paid time off, a full benefits package, continuous education opportunities, and less time on the road, visit our website http://mosaorganic.org/join-us for a detailed job description.

Primary responsibilities: conducting annual, additional, and unannounced organic inspections. Consider applying if you have experience conducting inspections for the National Organic Program and want to be part of an organization with high integrity.

📍 For the staff Organic Inspector role, we are considering applicants in the following states: Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas, and Tennessee

📅 Applications accepted until March 27th or until the position is filled.

MOSA — Midwest Organic Services Association — is a non profit organization based in Viroqua, Wisconsin, dedicated to promoting organic integrity through practical, reliable, and friendly certification services. MOSA is USDA NOP-accredited and offers organic certification for farms, processors, handlers, retailers, and restaurants. In addition to certification, we support clients with material input reviews, educational resources, and outreach to help strengthen the organic sector and facilitate transitions to organic practices.

02/25/2026

Thinking about crop insurance for this year?

Now’s the time to take a closer look at our resources crop insurance for organic and transitioning to organic farmers.

Scott Myers of Woodlyn Acres Farm in Northern Ohio, shares how insurance helped after a tough season: After 8 weeks with no measurable rainfall and a 40% drop in hay yields, Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) Insurance helped make up the income they lost.

Scott also uses Whole Farm Revenue Protection to cover their mix of crops — including hay and specialty crops — so a bad year doesn’t put the whole operation at risk.

If you’re weighing your options, we’ve pulled together real farmer stories, videos, and practical resources to help you figure out what might work for your farm. Learn more at tilth.org/education/cropinsurance/

02/23/2026

MW TOPP Collaboration Brings Joy and Learning at the Farmer-Distiller Field Day

OGRAIN coordinated a Farmer-Distiller Grain Connections Field Day with group of talented, young, fifth generation farmers and entrepreneurs, and several MW TOPP partners—bringing together farmers and distillers to learn about the organic grain supply chain. This field day included a morning farm tour, lots of local food, a lunchtime grain chain panel, and afternoon distillery tour.

Read more: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xDJUogfFJSm0wNZOLKVblD8HeEfL8-mO/view

02/23/2026

The Taproot Project: Reviving Domestic Elderberry Production and Markets

In the 90s, a small team of researchers from the University of Missouri tasted some elderberry wine and wondered why this ubiquitous native fruit wasn’t a part of local farming operations. Nearly three decades later, Missouri leads the country in elderberry production. Kate speaks with Patrick Byers and David Buehler, two people who helped build the domestic elderberry market, about the cross-sector collaborations that made it possible.

“It’s such a magical time now in ag. We’re at a crossroads. We need corn and the beans, but we can do things that benefit humans and the environment at the same time.” -David Buehler

You can find new episodes from The Taproot Project wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5Rh3PsxsLrAcJ3tIqIoeaa?si=ZTfeJ8rATVmYCkp2gTLKUg

Podcast Episode · The Taproot Project · December 17, 2025 · 37m