Buffalo Bills Fandom Meets Agriculture
In a lively discussion on the Ag Meter, Matt Jungman, Senior Director of Events for the upcoming Organic Growers Summit, shared insights not just about the event but also about his personal passion for football. Despite living in Illinois, Jungman is a devoted Buffalo Bills fan, tracing his fandom back to a cousin who played in the NFL alongside Josh Allen. “When you have someone related starting in the NFL, you kind of quickly adopt that team,” he explained, noting that he has remained loyal even after his cousin moved on. His enthusiasm for the Bills adds a relatable and fun personal touch to the upcoming summit coverage.
A Deep Dive Into the Organic Growers Summit
The Organic Growers Summit, taking place December 3rd and 4th at the Hyatt in Monterey, California, promises to be an essential event for anyone interested in organic agriculture. Jungman highlighted the Summit as a comprehensive gathering covering both production and the business side of growing organic crops. Its proximity to the Salinas Valley allows for a focus on locally relevant crops while also addressing broader regulatory and policy considerations affecting organic farming nationwide.
One of the event’s highlights is the Organic Grower of the Year competition, now expanded to a national level. Four finalists represent a diverse range of organic operations: one from California, one from Arizona, an organic cotton grower from Texas, and a family in Illinois cultivating a variety of Midwest row crops. The winner will be announced during the Summit on Thursday, December 4th, marking a celebration of excellence in organic farming.
Technology and the Future of Farming
Organic farming is growing rapidly, and the Summit emphasizes the integration of technology to make it more efficient. Jungman discussed innovations such as autonomous weeding robots and other smart tools designed to reduce labor demands. A dedicated tech walk and evening reception on Wednesday will showcase both current technologies and emerging concepts from startups and industry leaders like Reservoir Farms. Attendees will have a chance to see firsthand how technology is shaping the future of organic agriculture.
Jungman also noted the importance of partnerships with organizations like Western Growers and corporate sponsors like John Deere, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives innovation and progress within the organic farming community.
Bridging Today and Tomorrow in Agriculture
California agriculture, with its complex regulations, labor challenges, and water constraints, requires a balance between immediate efficiency and long-term innovation. Jungman emphasized that technology is a tool to maximize labor efficiency and overall crop management. “If some of that work can be done by a robot, it helps maximize the value of all that effort,” he explained, underscoring the role of automation in modern organic farming.
The pace of adoption for new agricultural technologies has accelerated, making tools that were once considered cutting-edge, like GPS-guided machinery, commonplace today. Jungman highlighted that farmers are increasingly embracing technology that demonstrates tangible return on investment, whether in labor, water conservation, or operational efficiency.
Education, Panels, and Interactive Learning
The Summit’s programming extends beyond technology, with educational seminars covering marketing, labor challenges, beneficial insects, and the intersection of organic and regenerative agriculture. Panels featuring experienced growers provide interactive learning opportunities, ensuring that participants gain practical knowledge they can implement in their own operations.
Investing in the Next Generation
A significant focus of the Summit is fostering youth involvement in agriculture. Through partnerships with local farms, college students can attend at no cost, gaining exposure to the industry and the opportunity to ask questions and learn from experienced professionals. Jungman emphasized the importance of introducing young people to organic and general agriculture early, noting ongoing support from organizations like FFA and community colleges.
Navigating Pesticides and Regulations in Modern Organic Farming
One of the ongoing challenges in agriculture is pesticide use, and Matt Jungman provided insight into how the Organic Growers Summit is addressing this critical topic. He emphasized that the landscape for pesticides is highly regulated, with few new chemical tools becoming available for growers. As a result, innovation in organic farming is increasingly focused on mechanical and autonomous solutions. Technologies like AI-driven laser weeders, exemplified by companies such as Carbon Robotics, are becoming essential tools. These autonomous machines operate efficiently, learning and improving through AI updates to minimize the need for human intervention, offering practical alternatives to traditional pesticides.
Jungman also highlighted the contrast between farming in Illinois and California, noting the unique challenges faced by growers in the Golden State. While Illinois farmers primarily manage seasonal planting and harvest cycles, California’s farmers contend with year-round demands, stringent regulations, water limitations, and labor constraints. “The overwhelming amount of challenge that a farmer in California is against is amazing to me,” Jungman observed, underscoring the importance of events like the Organic Growers Summit in helping farmers discover new efficiencies and solutions.
Retail Support and the Growth of Organic Agriculture
Retailers and grocery chains play a pivotal role in the expansion of organic farming. According to Jungman, companies like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Sprouts understand the consumer demand for organic options and are actively supporting this market segment. The Organic Growers Summit not only educates growers but also fosters partnerships with retailers to ensure that organic solutions are accessible to consumers and profitable for producers.
While organic agriculture may not be experiencing explosive growth, Jungman described it as steady and deliberate, with incremental increases in adoption. The real game-changer is technology, which is making organic production more manageable and efficient. Converting conventional acres to organic operations remains a significant commitment, and events like the Summit provide critical education and networking opportunities to help growers make informed decisions.
Attending the Organic Growers Summit
For those eager to participate, the Summit is designed to be both educational and immersive. Attendees can explore the agenda, connect with exhibitors, and learn about the Grower of the Year finalists by visiting organicgrowersummit.com. Rooms are available at the Hyatt Monterey, keeping the event self-contained and convenient for visitors. Beyond the professional benefits, the Summit offers a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty and local culture of Monterey, making it an ideal combination of work and leisure.
Highlights to Anticipate at the Summit
Jungman expressed excitement for two standout features of the event: autonomous and mechanical farming machines and the fellowship of the organic farming community. Attendees will have the opportunity to see innovative technologies in action, from commercially available machines to conceptual prototypes presented by startups like Reservoir. Equally important is the chance for growers to share experiences, compare notes, and learn from each other, creating a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere that is unique to the organic sector.
A Personal Invitation
Concluding the discussion, Jungman warmly invited all AgNet News listeners to attend the Organic Growers Summit on December 3rd and 4th. “It’s really been a pleasure chatting with you, and I look forward to seeing everybody here in a couple of weeks in Monterey,” he said, emphasizing the event’s blend of education, technology, and community.