These articles are a constant source of new organic program information. Also go to the Resources page to see these articles and many more by category.
If you still have a question, give me a call. Bob Whitney, 254.974.9442
Organic Cowpea Production in Texas
Texas guide to organic cowpea production, including varieties, planting, inoculation, fertility, weed control, pests, irrigation, harvest, markets, and seed sources.
USDA Steps Up Enforcement of Organic Imports at U.S. Ports
USDA is increasing oversight of organic imports using electronic NOP Import Certificates, Customs data, targeted sampling and enforcement to identify questionable shipments before they enter the U.S. organic marketplace.
New Organic Import Codes: Why Better Trade Data Matters to Organic Farmers
New organic-specific import codes will improve tracking of organic products entering the United States, giving farmers, handlers and policymakers better information about trade volumes, origins and market competition.
2026 Organic Cotton Market Summary
U.S. organic cotton production held nearly steady in 2025, while stronger Pima opportunities, lighter demand and global competition are beginning to reshape planting decisions for Texas growers.
Texas Organic Experience Comes to the National Organic Standards Board
Texas organic grower and produce-industry leader Jed Murray has been appointed to the National Organic Standards Board, bringing practical experience in organic production, marketing and policy to the national organic program.
Organic Variety Production Tour – Thursday, September 3rd
New Deal, Texas | Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. | No registration fee One of the continuing challenges for organic crop producers is finding seed varieties developed for the conditions in which we actually farm. This is especially true in the Texas High Plains, where crops must perform under heat, limited rainfall, declining irrigation capacity,…
One Common Organic System Plan for Everyone – Maybe?
USDA’s new Common Organic System Plan could make organic certification more consistent and portable, but its usefulness will depend on how widely certifiers accept and implement it.
Can You Grow a Sweetclover in Far West Texas?
Far West Texas organic growers are evaluating Hubam sweetclover for forage, soil improvement and nitrogen fixation under challenging alkaline, saline and sodium-affected soil and water conditions.
A Pesticide Was Detected—What Does That Mean for My Organic Crop?
A pesticide residue detected on an organic crop does not automatically mean loss of certification. The pesticide, residue level, crop, possible source and production records all determine what happens next.
Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)
I got emails from several of the national organic groups telling me that the Cost Share program for organic certification was finally open. On one of the emails, they had a link to the website so I could actually see how the program was going to work. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is still the…
TAMZ107 Stands Out in a Wet Year for Corn Ear Rots
A wet 2026 Texas corn trial highlighted TAMZ107’s strong ear-rot resistance, showing how years of public plant breeding can deliver disease protection directly through the seed.
Sunn Hemp is One of My Favorite Cover Crops!
Sunn hemp has fast become one of my favorite summer cover crops. This organic plot at the Texas A&M AgriLife Stephenville Research Center is already up to my elbow and still growing. The value is easy to see in the picture below. A seed tube in the drill stopped up, leaving a space where the…
New World Screwworm Update for Texas Organic Livestock Producers
I am writing this post to try and keep you updated on the procedures, policies and movement of New World Screwworm in Texas. I have had several internal meetings with Extension Entomologists, Livestock and Veterinarian Specialists recently to better understand the situation, get status reports and possible treatments. I am also on a “Task Force”…
Lessons from a Study on Hay Variability: Insights for Organic Producers – An Update
I wrote this longer article back in October of 2024, but since we are in the midst of cutting hay right now, I thought an update would be a good thing! So, before discussing the surprising variability found among individual hay bales from a single field, it is worth remembering that a forage analysis is…
Organic Agriculture, Markets, and Trust: Emerging Trends for Texas Producers
Organic Agriculture as a Long-Term Strategy Organic agriculture is increasingly revealing itself as more than simply a production system built around prohibited substances. Over the long term, it may be better understood as a biological and economic strategy centered on trust, resilience, traceability, and system function. While conventional agriculture often optimized around maximum efficiency, scale,…
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