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Organic Advisor Call Series

Welcome to the Organic Advisor Call Series — quick-hit conversations on the hottest topics in organic field crops.
Whether you're tuning in from your desk, truck, or tractor, you'll spend one hour each episode learning about emerging issues from expert farmers and industry leaders.
This season’s episodes cover everything from market outlooks and weed control in soybeans to cutting-edge tech like drones and robots — and a whole lot in between.

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Organic Advisor Call Series

Understanding NRCS Cost-Share Programs for Organic Grain Farmers

November 14, 2025 • Organic Agronomy Training Services (OATS) • Season 1 • Episode 7

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.

Resources from this episode:

Certified Technical Service Providers directory: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/technical-assistance/technical-service-providers
EQIP Organic Initiative overview: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-organic-initiative
NRCS Organic Transition Initiative fact sheet (PDF): https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/2023-NRCS-Organic%20Transition%20Initiative%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
NRCS conservation planning information: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-technical-assistance/conservation-planning
CSP program summary insert (PDF): https://sustainableagriculture.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2021-CSP-Insert-On-Screen.pdf

This series is brought to you by the Organic Agronomy Training Service and Albert Lea Seed, a fourth-generation, family-owned company offering a full line of organic and non-GMO field crop seed.

This event is supported through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). TOPP is a program of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative and is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).