Rodale Institute

🌱 Organic Transition in Action: Just Squeeze Citrus LLC🍊 What does it really look like to transition from conventional to organic? In our latest Organic Consulting case study, Rodale Institute Organic Consultant De’Anthony Price sits down with Herb Young, owner of Just Squeeze Citrus in Coolidge, Georgia. On his six-acre farm, Herb tends more than 1,350 fruit trees across ten citrus varieties, all in a high-density planting system. After years in conventional agriculture, Herb discusses his transition to organic farming. If you’re considering an organic transition or want to learn what the process looks like from a farmer’s perspective, this is a story worth reading. 🔗 Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/e47sUHTP

Meet our Research Technicians! 👩🔬🌱👨🔬 The team of hardworking technicians in the research department collaborates across all projects and research programs, coordinating with scientists and farm operations to plan and implement experimental trials. From collecting and processing samples for analysis, to training and managing interns, they enable a smooth and functioning field season in an always-dynamic environment. Carolyn Garrity serves as our laboratory coordinator, in addition to running our research on integrated weed management. Corey Lunden is our perennial systems technician, managing projects on temperate fruit and nut crops and agroforestry systems. Casey Lapham operates as our field coordinator while managing projects on industrial hemp, and Sara Major, our livestock coordinator, supports projects on gastrointestinal parasites in organic and pastured pig operations. We’re grateful for their expertise and commitment to pushing regenerative organic research forward!

📣 Final reminder!
Applications for the 2026 Rodale Institute Farmer Training (RIFT) Program close on November 30, 2025. RIFT offers an immersive, full-season education rooted in organic principles and backed by decades of Rodale Institute research. Trainees learn directly from our farmers and scientists, gain real experience managing crops and livestock, and build the skills needed to launch their own organic farm or agricultural career. If you're ready to take the next step, now is the time. 
 Submit your application before November 30 — https://lnkd.in/eGyt6aCa

Webinar: Midwest Vegetable Systems Trial—utilizing No-till And Biochar To Improve Sustainability Of Organic Vegetable Production November 19 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST A common practice for vegetable production is the use of black plastic mulch (BPM). BPM has its benefits, but it also is expensive and creates a large amount of waste, some of which ends up as microplastics in the soil. By using no-till management and deep mulch, vegetable producers can reduce these expenses and plastic waste while also providing benefits to soil health. This webinar will discuss the Midwest Vegetables Systems Trial which combines different tillage management systems with the use of biochar as a soil amendment. Join us to learn more about biochar, organic vegetable production in the Midwest, and the various tillage management practices that can benefit soil health and reduce the labor needed for weeding. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eh2TmgEQ

🌱 Keeping Regenerative Real On November 17 at 2PM CET, join IFOAM – Organics International for an important discussion on the regenerative roots of organic agriculture. Our Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Andrew Smith, will join global leaders in organic and regenerative farming to explore regenerative greenwashing, showing how the term is being unhelpfully co-opted and highlighting how to spot it and call it out. 📅 November 17, 2PM CET 🔗 : https://lnkd.in/eJQYTMcn

🇺🇸 Yesterday, we honored Veterans Day and extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who have served or are currently serving our country. At Rodale Institute, we’re proud to support veterans who continue their path of service through organic farming, nourishing their communities and our nation from the ground up. 🌱 This year, we’re also celebrating our 2025 Veteran Farmer Training graduates who have completed their program with us. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and commitment to growing a healthier future. 👉 Swipe through to see some of our incredible veterans from our main campus in action!

Farming is more than a profession - it’s a calling. 🌱 In his latest article for Fast Company, Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Tkach challenges us to reimagine farming as an innovative and purpose-driven career path that offers meaning, resilience, and renewal for people from all walks of life, including U.S. military veterans. As the average age of farmers rises and farmland continues to disappear, regenerative organic agriculture presents not just a solution for our food system but an opportunity for a new generation to find purpose in working the land. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dHKs5Y_g

🌱 Join us for a Climate-Smart Farming Demonstration Field Meeting! 📅 Thursday, November 20, 2025 🕘 9:00–11:00 a.m. (check-in begins at 8:45) 📍 UC Hansen Agricultural Research & Extension Center 5836 Beardsley Rd, Camarillo, CA 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eRSwiMtr

We’re hiring! 🌱 Rodale Institute is seeking a Chief Development Officer to join our leadership team and drive forward our mission to grow the regenerative organic movement. The Chief Development Officer will oversee all aspects of fundraising and development strategy, building relationships with donors, partners, and supporters to ensure the long-term sustainability of our work. If you’re passionate about advancing organic agriculture and have a strong background in nonprofit development, we’d love to hear from you! 🔗 Apply now: https://lnkd.in/dXni5Era

Is your business looking to source feed-grade ingredients and products from domestic producers? Join the us for the first Virtual Buyer-Seller Mixer, part of USDA’s Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). This online event will bring together buyers and producers of feedstuffs, including corn, soybean meal, and hay, who are interested in exploring new business opportunities. The mixer will take place December 10, 2025, from 12 to 3 p.m. ET. Participants will be matched for 20-minute virtual sessions to connect directly and discuss sourcing needs. For more information and registration, please visit:  https://lnkd.in/emD-xJF7