The fourth and final video in the organic oats production series. After harvest, the oat field is seeded to alfalfa in August, and Rick Schuchardt returns on November 13 for a final look before winter. In this video: • Drilling alfalfa at 23 lbs/acre (the drill's maximum rate) using GPS tractor guidance • Rapid emergence of alfalfa alongside volunteer oats from the summer harvest • Alfalfa growth of 3–5 inches on the hilltop and 10–12 inches lower in the field • How knee-hig

Part three of a four-part series on certified organic oat production in Nebraska. On August 25, the Schuchardts load oats out of the bin and test moisture and test weight before shipping to the miller. In this video: • Pulling bin samples with a grain probe and testing moisture and test weight yourself • Why local co-op scales set up for corn and soybeans can read differently than the miller's results • Running bin air during the day when humidity is low and temperatures ar

Part two of a four-part series on growing certified organic oats in Nebraska. This video covers pre-harvest decisions and combining the oats on July 22. In this video: • How weed pressure increases as oats mature in an organic field, and why a dryland corner was lost to weeds after a dry spring • Deciding whether to hay, shred, or reincorporate weedy areas • Harvest timing: targeting 14–16% moisture so the oats stay on the plant • Hand-testing moisture and test weight, and wh

Part one of a four-part series following a certified organic oat field at Schuchardt Farms in Nebraska from field preparation through the heading stage. In this video: • Field prep with a field cultivator and harrow on former soybean ground • Early planting on March 14 at about 105 lbs/acre to help outcompete weeds • Emergence on April 10 and growth checks on May 1, May 6, June 3, and June 14 • Broadcast fertilization with gypsum (SO4) and micronutrients based on soil sample

A field day at Schuchardt Farms comparing two ways to terminate a winter rye cover crop before organic soybeans: plowing it down versus roller-crimping and planting directly into the rye. In this video: • Seeding ND Gardner winter rye (Albert Lea Seed) at 117 lbs/acre, drilled November 16 • Why the field must be disced and harrowed to a smooth seedbed if you plan to crimp • Mowing and mulching shoulder-high rye in full anthesis, then plowing it down on May 28 • Estimating

Join Philip Schuchardt for a field tour of his family's organic farm near Elgin, Nebraska, recorded on August 7, 2026. Philip shares firsthand experiences with organic corn and soybean production, focusing on innovative approaches to weed management, soil health, and reducing tillage. The tour explores the use of roller crimping and cereal rye cover crops as alternatives to traditional cultivation, highlighting both successes and challenges encountered in the field. Topics co

OCIA Nebraska Board of Director’s Zoom Meeting Monday June 15, 2026 8:00 p.m. Roll Call: Simeon Mosel, Rick Schuchardt, Karen Ostry, Matt Adams, Jacob Passkya and Kim Mosel. Andrew Texley was absent. President Simeon Mosel called the meeting to order at 8:04 p.m. The minutes of the March 3, 2026 meeting were sent out for members to read before this meeting. A motion was made by Jacob to accept the minutes and seconded by Rick; all were in favor. Treasurer’s report shows th

Board of Director’s BOD Zoom Meeting Monday March 2, 2026---7:00 p.m. Roll Call: Simeon Mosel, Rick Schuchardt, Jacob Passyka, Andrew Textley, Matt Adams, Karen Ostry. Kim Mosel not in attendance. Meeting was called to order by President, Simeon. Minutes were sent and viewed by all board members and Program Administrator. Rick made a motion to accept the minutes and Jacob seconded it. All were in favor. There was no treasurer’s report. Old Business: Board Members discu

In this presentation, Philip Schuchardt shares practical insights on using weather forecasting to support day-to-day farm management. Drawing from experience on an organic farm in Elgin, Nebraska, he discusses how weather models can help farmers identify better windows for tillage, planting, haying, and other time-sensitive field operations. The talk also highlights real-world examples from recent growing seasons, including alfalfa harvest decisions, wet-year challenges, and

OCIA Nebraska Board of Director’s Meeting Saturday, January 10, 2026 UNL Eastern Research, Extension and Education Center 1071 Co Rd G, Ithaca, NE 68033 Meeting was called to order by president, Simeon Mosel. Roll call: Simeon Mosel, Karen Ostry, Rick Schuchardt, Matt Adams, Andrew Textley, Jacob Passyka and Kim Mosel New Business: Jacob Passyka was welcomed to the board officially. All officers will retain their respective offices. OCIA International AGMM Bylaws

OCIA NEBRASKA 2026 FEE SCHEDULE: Chapter Yearly Membership Fee: $100.00 New Farm Application to Chapter: $125.00 New Livestock Application to Chapter: $125.00 Annual Meeting Attendance Credit: $50.00 Member Recruitment Credit