As planting season surges, barriers remain for organic farmers

If you are a farmer or live in a rural area, you know that planting season is in full swing. Progress rates are well ahead of last year. On May 22, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that 87% of Nebraska’s expected corn and 95% of Iowa’s, has been planted. Soybeans and other crops are not far behind.

Each year, the first farmers planting are those using conventional production methods. Weeks will pass before organic farmers follow suit. Organic corn, for example, is typically planted two to three weeks later than conventional corn.

This is necessary to manage weed control and avoid cr...