Organic Farming 101 Training

Organic Farming 101 In-Service Training

November 4, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

White County Extension Office
2400 Landing Rd, Searcy, AR 72143

This in-service training introduces county agents and agricultural professionals to the basics of certified organic farming. Participants will learn from three experienced organic farmers in Arkansas representing specialty crop, livestock, and row crop operations. The training covers organic certification standards, production requirements, and the certification process to help extension staff better assist farmers transitioning to organic production.

Link to Registration Page

Event Overview

  • Morning Session (9:00 AM – 12:15 PM): Presentations at White County Extension Office covering organic certification basics, farm panel discussion, and working lunch with resource partners
  • Afternoon Farm Visits (12:30 PM – 4:00 PM): Hands-on tours of Firelight Farm (no-till market garden) and Wholly Cow Farm (regenerative livestock operation)
  • Lunch Provided: Taco bar during working lunch session
  • In-Service Credit: Participants will receive training credit upon completion

What to Bring

  • Notebook for taking notes
  • Questions about organic certification
  • Any specific scenarios from farmers you work with
  • Comfortable shoes for farm tours

Travel Information & Directions

White County Extension Office

Firelight Farm (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)

Address: 167 Keith Rd, Searcy, AR

Website: thefirelightfarm.com

Directions: Coming from Highway 16, take a right on Keith Road. You will see the mailbox on the right side of the road. The gravel driveway will be on the left in front of the mailbox, just past a yellow natural gas marker.

Parking: Please follow carpooling instructions provided at the morning session.

Wholly Cow Farm (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

Address: 615 Graham Rd, Judsonia, AR

Website: whollycowfarm.com

Directions: From White County, the easiest route is to drive up Highway 157. At White County Central School, turn right on Highway 258, then left on Graham Road. This route will take you through The Berry Company, a blackberry farm. Google Maps should navigate you successfully.

Carpooling: Transportation will be coordinated to minimize the number of vehicles at each farm. Details will be provided at the morning session.

Resources for Organic Farming

Getting Started with Organic Certification

NCAT Organic Resources

SARE Publications

USDA Resources

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

Certifiers Working in Arkansas

Multiple organic certifying agencies serve Arkansas producers. Contact information for certifiers working in Arkansas can be downloaded here:

Oklahoma Dept. of Ag, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF)

Ongoing Support Programs

Contact Information

Event Coordinator:

Luke Freeman, TOPP Program Manager, CAFF
Email: lfreeman@uada.edu

Presenters & Resource Partners

This training is supported by Midwest TOPP, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, NCAT, and the USDA-AMS Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP).