The mission statement for Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) reads: “MOSES educates, inspires, and empowers farmers to thrive in a sustainable, organic system of agriculture.”

MOSES does farmer-to-farmer mentoring, organizes farmer field days, has an 800-number so farmers have access to organic specialists, and partners with other groups on meetings and educational opportunities.

MOSES is probably best known for organizing the largest organic farming conference in the country, the Organic Farming Conference. Faye Jones, Executive Director told Brownfield the conference is about 30% of what they do.

The 23rd annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference will be held February 23-25, 2012 at the La Crosse Center, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

With over 65 informative workshops, about 150 exhibits, locally-sourced organic food, live entertainment and inspirational keynote speakers, the OFC is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community.

Jones suggests navigating the conference by looking at workshop selections (at mosesorganic.org) and pre-selecting the top 4 you want to attend.

She suggests you come early and stay late, as activities continue until 10 or 11 at night. Breakfast is out at 7am.

The exhibit hall is a big draw for many who attend the Organic Farming Conference. Jones tells Brownfield, “It’s a mix of equipment, seed, and fertilizer dealers; consultants, brokers and buyers and educational organizations.

There are other vendors, as well, all with services and supplies relating to organic and sustainable.”

Don’t worry if you are a conventional farmer, not practicing organic agriculture. Jones explains, “Less than half of farmers that come to the conference are certified organic.”

There are a wide range of topics covered that are of interest to everyone.

The deadline to pre-register for the conference has passed, but anyone can walk in and register for 1 day or both days.

For more information on the conference, go to the MOSES website.

 Faye Jones tells Brownfield that she wants farmers attending to leave with hope and inspiration and ideas on how to improve their farming operation.

Conversation with Faye Jones