{"title":"Virtual Farmer's Coffee Chats","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"tools-farm-solutions-what-s-working-in-the-field","title":"Grain Farmers \u0026 Friends: Battling Weeds, Building Better Systems","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"431\"\u003eJoin us for a practical conversation on weed control in organic grain farming — from cultivation tools and timing to innovative equipment and field-tested strategies. Hear directly from experienced organic grain farmers about what’s working on their farms, the challenges they face each season, and the creative approaches helping them build resilient, sustainable systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"433\" data-end=\"449\"\u003eMeet the lineup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"451\" data-end=\"1138\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eGreg Dineen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a 41-year-old farmer located near Kenilworth, Ontario, currently in his 12th year farming organically. He farms alongside his wife, two young sons, and parents on 430 acres at the edge of the Dundalk Highlands. Their rotation includes corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, and black beans. A self-described “recovering (relapsed?) engineer,” Greg enjoys machinery design and is currently leading a project with the University of Guelph on ultra-low-cost electric grain drying. His farm trials have included top-dressing cereals with hog manure and digestate, twin-row and swathed soybeans, snow-combined corn, and low-population corn in organic production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1140\" data-end=\"1642\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDean Martin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and his two sons operate Harrow Organic Farms in Harrow, Ontario, farming 1,500 acres of certified organic grains and oilseeds across Essex County and Pelee Island. Dean has been cash cropping for over 40 years and began transitioning to organic production in 2005. A University of Guelph graduate (83A), he is a former director of The Seed Corn Growers of Ontario and a past speaker at both the Southwest Agricultural Conference and the Guelph Organic Conference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"2062\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003ePhil Oegema\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e transformed his 1,200-acre family farm to organic production in 2012. Today, Oegema Grains grows organic crops using innovative tools like the Weed Zapper while also operating an organic elevator supporting fellow farmers. As the 2024 President of the \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eOntario Soil and Crop Improvement Association\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, Phil champions farmer-led innovation and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2226\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe discussion will be moderated by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDr. Erica Shelley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, helping guide a lively and insightful conversation on all things organic grain farming.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organic Council of Ontario","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51701228896577,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/1769\/4017\/files\/Weed_Control_Different_strategies_and_equipment.png?v=1780322480"},{"product_id":"from-soil-to-berry-voices-of-the-growers-copy","title":"The Organic Shelf Series: Supply Chain Reality (Where Things Break)","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"34\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonday, June 22 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Zoom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"431\" data-start=\"36\"\u003eJoin us for a candid conversation exploring the realities of the organic supply chain — where systems run smoothly, where challenges arise, and what it takes to keep organic products moving from farm to shelf. This virtual session is a space to connect with others across the sector, share experiences, and discuss the pressures, opportunities, and solutions shaping today’s organic marketplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"501\" data-start=\"433\"\u003eThis Month’s Topic is: \u003cstrong data-end=\"501\" data-start=\"456\"\u003eSupply Chain Reality — Where Things Break\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"733\" data-start=\"503\"\u003eFrom sourcing and transportation to processing, certification, retail logistics, and consumer demand, this discussion will take a behind-the-scenes look at the weak points and resilience strategies within the organic supply chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"949\" data-start=\"735\"\u003eWhether you’re a farmer, processor, distributor, retailer, or simply interested in how organic products reach consumers, come ready to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others working across the sector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1006\" data-start=\"951\"\u003eNo presentations, no pressure — just good conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1038\" data-start=\"1008\"\u003eBring your coffee and join us!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"1376\" data-start=\"1040\"\u003eWe’ll be joined by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eAngela Donnelly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (Co-Owner of Raise the Root Market, Toronto, ON) and \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eRebecca Kerrivan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (Resident CNP of Jo-Anne's Place, Peterborough, ON). The discussion will be moderated by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDr. Erica Shelley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, who will help guide a lively exchange on all things organic!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"display: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/j\/87544815743\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/j\/87544815743\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree to attend. Registration required.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport the Movement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDid you know Ontario Organic is a member-based organization? By becoming a member, you support our advocacy efforts, educational resources, and the growth of a strong, competitive organic sector—especially in uncertain times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/guelphorganicconf.ca\/pages\/oco-membership\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us in shaping the future of organic agriculture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organic Council of Ontario","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51701239087425,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/1769\/4017\/files\/SupplyChainReality_WhereThingsBreak.png?v=1778683443"},{"product_id":"the-market-garden-diaries-managing-the-workload","title":"The Market Garden Diaries: Managing the Workload","description":"\u003cp\u003eMonday, June 29 | 12:00–1:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us for a relaxed, informal coffee chat focused on the realities of organic market gardening and the day-to-day challenge of managing the workload. This virtual session is a space to connect with fellow growers, share what’s working on your farm, and talk through the systems, tools, and strategies that help keep production moving through the busiest parts of the season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Month’s Topic is: \u003cstrong\u003eManaging the Workload\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom planting schedules and harvest coordination to labour constraints, efficiency hacks, and burnout prevention, this conversation will explore how growers are balancing the many demands of market gardening while staying productive and sustainable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re running a small garden plot or scaling up production, come ready to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others navigating the season alongside you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo presentations, no pressure — just good conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring your coffee and join us!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll be joined by Sean Smith of Crooked Farmz and Kristine Hammel, with more speakers to be announced, who will share insights from their experience in market gardening. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Erica Shelley, helping guide a lively exchange on all things organic growing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree to attend. Registration required.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport the Movement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDid you know Ontario Organic is a member-based organization? By becoming a member, you support our advocacy efforts, educational resources, and the growth of a strong, competitive organic sector—especially in uncertain times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/guelphorganicconf.ca\/pages\/oco-membership\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us in shaping the future of organic agriculture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organic Council of Ontario","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51701295219009,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/1769\/4017\/files\/themarketgardendiaries_5.png?v=1778685842"},{"product_id":"grain-covercrops","title":"Grain Farmers \u0026 Friends Cover Crops That Work","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"046ebc82-ccb6-4a60-b68e-dd2b33cea08e\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-5\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"378\"\u003eFrom building soil health to managing weeds and improving resilience, cover crops play a major role in organic grain systems. Join us for a practical discussion exploring how organic grain farmers are using cover crops in real-world rotations, what species and strategies are working best, and the lessons learned from years in the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"380\" data-end=\"599\"\u003eHear directly from the farmers growing our food as they share their experiences, challenges, and the thinking behind their decisions — all while cultivating healthier soils and a more sustainable future for agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"617\"\u003eMeet the lineup:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"1306\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eGreg Dineen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a 41-year-old farmer located near Kenilworth, Ontario, currently in his 12th year farming organically. He farms alongside his wife, two young sons, and parents on 430 acres at the edge of the Dundalk Highlands. Their rotation includes corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, and black beans. A self-described “recovering (relapsed?) engineer,” Greg enjoys machinery design and is currently leading a project with the University of Guelph on ultra-low-cost electric grain drying. His farm trials have included top-dressing cereals with hog manure and digestate, twin-row and swathed soybeans, snow-combined corn, and low-population corn in organic production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1308\" data-end=\"1810\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDean Martin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and his two sons operate Harrow Organic Farms in Harrow, Ontario, farming 1,500 acres of certified organic grains and oilseeds across Essex County and Pelee Island. Dean has been cash cropping for over 40 years and began transitioning to organic production in 2005. A University of Guelph graduate (83A), he is a former director of The Seed Corn Growers of Ontario and a past speaker at both the Southwest Agricultural Conference and the Guelph Organic Conference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1812\" data-end=\"2222\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003ePhil Oegema\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e transformed his 1,200-acre family farm to organic production in 2012. Today, Oegema Grains grows organic crops using innovative tools and farmer-led practices while also operating an organic elevator supporting fellow farmers. As the 2024 President of the \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eOntario Soil and Crop Improvement Association\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, Phil champions practical solutions and innovation in sustainable agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2224\" data-end=\"2389\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eThe discussion will be moderated by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDr. Erica Shelley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, helping guide an engaging conversation on organic grain farming and cover crop strategies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2224\" data-end=\"2389\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree to attend. Registration required.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport the Movement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDid you know Ontario Organic is a member-based organization? By becoming a member, you support our advocacy efforts, educational resources, and the growth of a strong, competitive organic sector—especially in uncertain times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/guelphorganicconf.ca\/pages\/oco-membership\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us in shaping the future of organic agriculture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Organic Council of Ontario","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51701312258369,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/1769\/4017\/files\/WeedControlDifferentstrategiesandequipment_1.png?v=1780322822"},{"product_id":"organic-shelf-series-scaling-without-losing-identity","title":"Organic Shelf Series: Scaling Without Losing Identity","description":"\u003cp\u003eMonday, July 20 | 12:00–1:00 PM\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us for a relaxed, informal coffee chat highlighting retailers working with organic products. This virtual session is a space to connect with peers, share what’s working (and what’s not), and talk through the opportunities and challenges of bringing organic products to market at scale while staying true to your values and identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Month’s Topic is: \u003cstrong\u003eScaling Without Losing Identity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom branding and merchandising to sourcing decisions, consumer expectations, and growth pressures, this discussion will explore how retailers can expand their organic offerings without diluting what makes them distinct in the marketplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re a small independent shop or part of a larger retail team, come ready to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others across the sector.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo presentations, no pressure — just good conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring your coffee and join us!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ll be joined by Angela Donnelly (Co-Owner of Raise the Root Market), Rebecca Kerrivan (Jo-Anne's Place), and Kim De Lallo of the Canada Organic Trade Association. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Erica Shelley, who will help guide a lively exchange on all things organic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree to attend. Registration required.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupport the Movement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDid you know Ontario Organic is a member-based organization? By becoming a member, you support our advocacy efforts, educational resources, and the growth of a strong, competitive organic sector—especially in uncertain times.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/guelphorganicconf.ca\/pages\/oco-membership\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us in shaping the future of organic agriculture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organic Council of Ontario","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51701319008577,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/1769\/4017\/files\/FarmerChat1080x1080_17.png?v=1778686711"},{"product_id":"market-garden-diaries-what-s-actually-selling","title":"Market Garden Diaries: What’s Actually Selling","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"33\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonday, July 27 | 12:00–1:00 PM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"35\" data-end=\"386\"\u003eJoin us for a relaxed, informal coffee chat focused on the realities of organic market gardening and the ever-changing question: \u003cem data-start=\"164\" data-end=\"190\"\u003eWhat’s actually selling?\u003c\/em\u003e This virtual session is a space to connect with fellow growers, share what customers are looking for this season, and talk through the crops, trends, and strategies helping market gardens thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"388\" data-end=\"438\"\u003eThis Month’s Topic is: \u003cstrong data-start=\"411\" data-end=\"438\"\u003eWhat’s Actually Selling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"440\" data-end=\"686\"\u003eFrom staple vegetables and specialty crops to CSA demand, pricing, market trends, and customer habits, this discussion will explore what’s moving at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and local food hubs — and what growers are learning along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"688\" data-end=\"860\"\u003eWhether you’re running a small garden plot or scaling up production, come ready to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from others navigating the season alongside you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"862\" data-end=\"917\"\u003eNo presentations, no pressure — just good conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"919\" data-end=\"949\"\u003eBring your coffee and join us!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"951\" data-end=\"1309\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eWe’ll be joined by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eSean Smith\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e of Crooked Farmz and \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eKristine Hammel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, with more speakers to be announced, who will share insights from their experiences in market gardening. The discussion will be moderated by \u003cspan class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"whitespace-normal\"\u003eDr. Erica Shelley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, helping guide a lively exchange on all things organic growing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Organic Council of Ontario","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51701321400641,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0900\/1769\/4017\/files\/themarketgardendiaries_1_25e8c6da-26e4-4562-a820-b3d9a4bd82a2.png?v=1779801236"}],"url":"https:\/\/guelphorganicconf.ca\/collections\/virtual-farmers-coffee-chats.oembed","provider":"Ontario Organic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}