Join an OFA Farmer Circle
A supportive virtual community open to all farmers
What is a Farmer Circle?
Organic Farmers Association was created for farmers, by farmers.
In circles, farmers may share their experiences, voice challenges, identify farmer-led solutions, support each other, and form friendships or mentorships. Farmer Circles offer a place to build a supportive community for what farmers need on a regular basis.
The term farmer circle is symbolic of the relationships we aim to establish and maintain, allowing participants to share equally in the conversation in a non-hierarchical format. Farmer Circles meet via Zoom on a monthly basis and are facilitated spaces. Participation is open to all farmers who are organic curious, in transition, or already certified. OFA membership is not required to participate.
OFA’s purpose is to build and support a farmer-led national organic movement and we cannot do that without you! OFA Farmer Circles create a welcoming and safe space for farmers, farm workers, land owners, and others dedicated to the land and the organic movement to cultivate community with other organic farmers.
Current Farmer Circles
Collective Farmer Circle
The Collective Farmer Circle is a standing monthly community meeting open to all. This Circle aims to serve as a landing space for folks to come and learn about OFA, connect organic farmers across the country, and discuss what’s happening in the field. This circle may offer conversational focus around national programs, farmer challenges, etc. and is facilitated by the Farmer Services Team.
Soil & Soul Farmer Circle
The Soil & Soul series is a virtual workshop space for farmers who are organic curious, in transition, or certified organic. This series is designed to foster a holistic approach to farming, integrating wellness, cultural heritage, and practical skills for sustainable agriculture. Each session combines educational content with wellness practices and community storytelling.
Upcoming Farmer Circles
Collective Farmer Circle | Dairy animal health for the winter months | October 16, 2025 (1-2pm, ET)
As the dairy herd transitions to stored feed and colder temperatures, we will discuss activities and feeding regimes that can keep your dairy herd healthy and happy. Caring for the needs of animals of all ages on the farm improves the well-being and productivity of calves, heifers, and lactating and dry cows as they transition through these stages of life.
Soil & Soul | Sustainable Markets: Selling Organic and Building Community Relationships | October 9, 2025 (3-4pm, ET)
Let’s explore ways to sell within the community, from CSAs to pick-your-own models, while fostering meaningful relationships with customers. We’ll reflect on gratitude for abundance and the reciprocity that strengthens community-based food systems. Also, resources will be provided on accessing organic markets and cooperative platforms that support farmers at all levels. Join us as we cultivate strategies for success and sustainability in organic farming!
Collective Farmer Circle | Building Enthusiasm for Next Year’s Vegetable Production | November 20, 2025 (1-2pm, ET)
Learning from the successes and challenges of this past year is necessary for building future success. Have you reviewed the profitability of your various crops and farm enterprises to determine where you are generating a profit? What do you like to grow, and what grows well on your farm and with your infrastructure? What sells well through your markets? A discussion will be held on the factors that need to be reviewed and how to prioritize areas for next year’s production and improvements.
Soil & Soul | Growing Resilience: Advocacy for Farmers’ Rights and Land Justice | November 13, 2025 (3-4pm, ET)
Engage in a conversation on protecting land, livelihoods, and the future of farming. Our guest speaker, a policy advocate, will share key insights on farm bill issues, with a focus on land access and retention for ALL. We’ll cultivate resilience and empowerment, recognizing our role in shaping a just agricultural system. Join us in building a stronger, more equitable future for all who steward the land!
Collective Farmer Circle | Improving Your Crop Rotation | December 18, 2025 (1-2pm, ET)
Continuous row cropping with tillage does not build soil health and organic matter; therefore, cash grain operations without livestock need to give attention to incorporating legumes and small grains into their rotation through better system planning. There are strategies that work well, such as organic no-till with a killed rye mulch for soybeans or interseeding clover into standing corn. Methods and options for soil improvement, as well as marketing strategies, are all part of a successful crop rotation plan.
Soil & Soul | Circle of Reflection: Harvesting Wisdom & Setting Intentions | December 11, 2025 (3-4pm, ET)
Take space to pause, honor our journeys, and gather wisdom from the past year. Together, we’ll share personal reflections on growth, challenges, and lessons learned, fostering connection and collective insight. Through a guided gratitude practice, let’s recognize the transformation that has shaped us and the land we cultivate. Join us in closing the year with intention and stepping into the next season with clarity and purpose.
Meet the Facilitators
Ina Maka is a natural mother, a steward, a student, a homesteader, an herbalist, a great many of things that bring her back to connection with the earth, preservation, and the revolution that is fellowship. Ina’s purpose and approach to this work is reconnection. She understands that there is a disconnection, especially within her own community to healthy food. Ina understands that a lack of knowledge and resources plaques people just like me and causes a gap in lifestyle choices. Her personal mission is to bridge those gaps within her community.
Please feel free to contact Ina with any questions at ina[@]organicfarmersassociation.org
For over 40 years, Harriet has been an organic educator (UW Madison, MOSES) and an organic inspector, visiting thousands of organic operations. She was the chair of the National Organic Standards Board in 2019. Organic inspectors, farmers, ranchers, bankers, USDA personnel, crop insurance agents, retail stores, veterinarians, extension agents and more have benefited from her deep knowledge of organic methods and regulations through written materials, webinars and in-person workshops. Harriet worked at the cooperative that became Organic Valley for their first 8 years, as the marketing coordinator and a management team member. She and her husband have managed a certified organic farm since 1989, growing bedding plants, vegetables, herbs and small grains as well as small scale commercial operation selling eggs and honey.
Harriet(at)OrganicFarmersAssociation.org
Recent Farmer Circles
Get Involved
Complete this Interest Form to learn more about Farmer Circles and how to get involved.
If a Farmer Circle is not currently offered that interests you, please email Project Manager Ryann Monteiro at ryann(at)organicfarmersassociation.org.
