Humbleweed Farm Produce & Flowers Application

Application Date:

City: Champaign, IL

Please briefly tell us why you are applying to be part of the Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) program:
I am applying to be a part of the CNG program because it aligns with my farming practices and I'd like to continue to keep my produce standards high. I also hope that being certified will help grow my sales. I especially appreciate that this process is peer-reviewed by individuals that share a common outlook.

Are you currently third-party-certified for your produce operation by any other organization (Organic, Biodynamic, etc.)?
No
If yes, please note which certification and agency:

Have you held any certification/s in the past that you don't currently hold?  No
Note which agencies and dates:

Have you ever been denied certification? No
If yes, please note which agencies, and reasons for denial:

How long have you been growing and selling your products?
I am in my third year of operation, growing and selling produce.
How did you learn to farm? What has prepared you to farm successfully according to CNG standards?
I learned to farm by studying and attaining a horticulture certificate at my local community college. I volunteered at a couple local veggie farms (both farms practiced low-till, spray-free, sustainable methods of growing), and worked at a sustainable flower farm for a year before starting my small, no-till farm. I feel prepared to farm successfully according to CNG standards because my initial introduction to farming was through Jean-Martin Fortier's Market Gardener Masterclass, Eliot Coleman's The New Organic Grower, Master Cho's Korean Natural Farming, and Kristyn Leach of Namu Farm. Farming naturally is very important to me and I have every intention to continue to work with nature.
Total number of acres you want listed as CNG: 1
Do you have other acreage in "Conventional" Agricultural Systems? No
How many acres are in conventional agriculture?
List what you are growing conventionally and explain why these crops are excluded from certification.

General Listed Acreage Breakdown

Of the acreage that you want listed as CNG, list the number of acres you have in each crop category.

Vegetables: 1
Fruit: 0
Cut Flowers: 0
Hay: 0
Grains: 0
Dry Beans: 0
Sugarbush: 0
Other Acreage: 0

Specify other items: Annual Fruits

Specify other primary crop: Annual Fruits
Specify any other items you'd like listed as CNG: Luffa Sponges (From luffa gourds I grow)
List any crops you grow that will not be listed as CNG, and explain why you’re not seeking to certify them.
None

Specify other markets:

Farmland Management & Practices

Describe how you prepare your ground for planting.
Currently, my method of prepping ground for planting is to use the broad fork to loosen soil, add garden compost, and then transplant/direct seed. I am continuing to learn every year how and when to best terminate cover crops to plant in those beds (and using the died back cover crop as mulch).
Do you use Cover Crops? Yes
List the cover crop species you use:
Clover Buckwheat Tilling radish Peas/Oats mix
Do you use Compost? Yes

Describe your on-farm composting process.

Describe how you verify with your supplier that their compost is properly composted and does not contain prohibited ingredients like biosolids. I have yet to take that action of speaking to my compost supplier. I have however sent in samples of the garden compost to a soil testing facility to have a better understanding of what I was putting on my farm.
Describe your "other" source of compost.
List your compost application rates. Give a specific amount or range. 1-2 inches deep per 50" bed
Do you use Manure? No
List your general manure sources:
Please list application rates. Give a specific amount or range.
What time of year do you apply the manure?
Do you apply any manure within 120 days of edible crop harvesting?
Please list any other brought in fertility sources that you use (rock powders, lime, alfalfa meal, fertilizer mixes, etc.) For each product, list the full name, manufacturer, and OMRI status. Neptune's Harvest 2-4-1 fish fertilizer (OMRI status: Allowed)
How do you decide which inputs (fertilizers, pest/disease control products, etc.) to use on your farm? How will you determine if an input is allowed for use in CNG production? I decide which inputs to use on my farm by looking for products that have ingredients that is as natural as possible. For example, insect traps that I use to control the pest population on the farm are pheromone based. Moving forward, I will be using the OMRI list.
Have any chemical fertilizers been applied to the fields you are seeking Certification for in the last three years (36 months)? No
According to CNG guidelines, it is acceptable to apply OMRI-listed, chelated synthetic fertilizers to correct specific micronutrient imbalances only if micronutrient deficiency is documented in a recent soil or tissue test. Does the application of this fertilizer meet those requirements?
Specify types, amounts and application dates:
Have any non-acceptable pesticides and/or herbicides been applied to these fields in the last three years?No
If yes, then please specify type and most recent application date:
Do you use Professional Soil Testing services? Yes
In detail, describe your primary weed problems AND methods of control. Do not answer "none". You MUST indicate either actual weed challenges and/or LIKELY challenges, and you must ALSO indicate how you manage (or would manage) them. If you indicate a product, also specify how often it's used.
My primary weed problem is that the 1/4 acre plot of land that I farm on is a part of a larger area that is not managed by anyone else. Therefore, no matter how much time and effort I put into managing the weeds on my plot, weeds come back the next year. The weedy areas are also a source of shelter for wildlife which poses a threat to my crops. To combat this issue, the land owner and I are trying to divide and conquer weeding areas that usually get forgotten. Our primary methods of weeding is manually by hand and mowing regularly before the weeds have a chance to flower.
In detail, describe your primary insect challenges AND methods of control. Do not answer "none". You MUST indicate either actual pest challenges and/or LIKELY challenges, and you must ALSO indicate how you manage (or would manage) them. If you indicate a product, also specify how often it's used.
My primary insect challenge this year is cucumber beetles. Last year, I had an immense Japanese Beetle population. I managed the Japanese beetles by using RESCUE's Japanese Beetle Trap and using basil plants as a trap crop (I installed 3 traps around the perimeter of my 1/4 plot once towards the beginning of the season in the month of July. Both methods together worked very well. As for the cucumber beetles, I have ordered Pest Wizard's Cucumber Beetle Trap to set out in the field. In addition to the cucumber beetle trap, I will also be spraying NovaSource's Surround WP to protect my cucurbits and mulching my beds so that the beetles can't lay eggs in the soil. I am also working towards planting more native plants around the farm to help introduce beneficial insects to the farm's ecosystem.
In detail, describe your primary disease challenges AND methods of control. Do not answer "none". You MUST indicate either actual disease challenges and/or LIKELY challenges, and you must ALSO indicate how you manage (or would manage) them. If you indicate a product, also specify how often it's used.
My primary disease challenge stems from cucurbit loving insects. Therefore, the method of control for diseases will be controlling the pests on my farm. Currently, when I see a diseased plant, I remove it and put it in our burn pile. I use drip irrigation to minimize fungal and disease problems. I also prune my plants (such as my tomatoes) so that their is good airflow, and try to be mindful of spacing when I plant.
Please list any weed, pest, or disease products that you use (insecticidal soap, horticultural vinegar, copper, etc.). For each product, list the full name, manufacturer, and OMRI status. Novasource Surround WP (OMRI status: Allowed with restrictions) RESCUE Japanese Beetle Trap (OMRI status: Allowed) Pest Wizard's Cucumber Beetle Trap (OMRI status: Allowed)
Please list the water source you use for crop irrigation. If source is public river, pond or lake, please note the name: Well water
Are there any known contaminants in the irrigation water? No
If yes, please explain:

Microgreens & Sprouts

Please fill this out for your indoor operation only.

Provide a brief description of your operation. (square footage? in a greenhouse or other indoor setting? etc.)

Are any of your crops sprouted and/or grown without soil or substrate? Use the link below to view our guidance on sprouts vs. microgreens.
For sprouts, we require that all seeds are organic or CNG. If you grow or decide to grow sprouts, will you purchase only organic and/or CNG seed for your sprout crop?
What media are you using to grow your microgreens and/or sprouts? 

If you purchase potting mix or soilless media, list the product name, manufacturer, and OMRI status. If you make your own, list the ingredients.

Describe the mats or other substrate you are using. Provide product names.

What type of trays are you using in your operation?
What is your general irrigation set-up? Does water recirculate? What is the source of the water?

Although pests and disease are certainly less common for microgreens operations, there are still issues such as fungal gnats and damping off. What measures do you use to prevent pest and disease pressures?

How do you dispose of spent soil? Do you compost?

Is your operation fully indoors?
Are you growing any crops outside in the soil?

Maple

Are you a maple producer who seeks to certify your sugarbush?
Maple sap is considered a wild crop. CNG's Wild Crop Harvesting Standard states that wild crop must be harvested in a manner that ensures that such harvesting or gathering will not be destructive to the environment and will sustain the growth and production of the wild crop. Please briefly describe any steps you take to protect and ensure the sustainability of your sugarbush.

Do you use an organic de-foamer? custom_field:pf_dump_nearby$$
Over-tapping trees can stunt their growth. Do you (or will you) adhere to the Cornell Sugar Maple Research & Extension Program guidelines which state "trees 10-17 inches in diameter (31-53 inch circumference) should have no more than one tap. A tree 18-24 inches in diameter (57-75 inch circumference) should have no more than two taps. A tree larger than 25 inches in diameter (79-inch circumference) should have no more than three taps."
To maximize tree health and sap production, CNG supports Cornell's recommendation that all taps are 5/16" in diameter or smaller. Is this your practice, and if not, would you be willing to transition to 5/16" (or smaller) taps within the next three years? Please elaborate.

Seeds & Transplants

CNG certification requires the use of certified organic or CNG seeds whenever available. Please indicate the suppliers from which you source (or will source) your seeds. The CNG seed standard also applies to sweet potato slips, seed potatoes, day-neutral strawberry slips, and flower bulbs, corms, and tubers.
Second Generation Seeds Johnny's Selected Seeds High Mowing Organic Seeds Seed Saver's Exchange Heirloom Seeds The Buffalo Seed Company Wild Mountain Seeds
Please indicate, by typing your initials, that you will as a general rule purchase organically grown seeds, AND that you will only purchase conventional seed when the variety you wish to grow is not available in certified organic or CNG form. For each variety purchased in conventional form, you will identify (and keep records of) at least three commercial organic seed suppliers who do not carry that variety. ME
Do you purchase or grow using any Genetically Modified seeds? No
Do you use any chemically treated seeds in your operation? No
If yes, please list types:
Please note reason for purchasing treated seed:

Do you grow your own transplants? Yes
Do you purchase potting soil, or do you mix your own on the farm? Purchase
What ingredients does your potting mix contain? If you purchase a mix, please also indicate which product.
Metro Mix 830 OMRI Fox FarmOcean Forest Potting Soil
Are all of your transplants grown according to CNG standards, without synthetic fertilizers or wetting agents? Yes
If any transplants are not grown according to CNG standards, please list them here. These products may not be marketed as CNG.

Do you source any transplants from off your farm? No
From which suppliers do you source transplants?

How have you confirmed with your supplier that the transplants are grown without synthetic fertilizers or wetting agents?
Please list any bought-in transplants not grown according to CNG standards. This produce may not be sold as Certified Naturally Grown (except, in the case of perennials, after twelve months of CNG cultivation).

Chemical/Spray Drift and Buffers:

Is there any likelihood of Chemical/Spray drift contamination of your fields? Yes
If yes, please state the source (conventional farm field, golf course, neighbor's lawn, etc.) and any details you can provide (type of pesticide, fertilizer, herbicide used and/or what used for).
Conventional corn and soybean farm fields surrounding my farm and agricultural aircraft that sprays pesticides or fertilizer through aerial application in these conventional fields. I am not sure what type of pesticide, fertilizer, or herbicide they use.
Do you have an adequate buffer to protect yourself from potential contamination? No
Please refer to the CNG Buffer FAQ below and explain why your buffers are not adequate. My farm is located at an intersection. The corner diagonal from my farm is a conventional farm growing corn and soybeans. The distance between my farm and the conventional farm is at least 50 feet away but because my growing space is slightly at a lower elevation, I felt that it was important to note. Also, the wind picks up quite a bit in central IL from time to time, which makes me feel uneasy about the agricultural aircraft's application blowing over and settling in my field.
Please describe your buffer. Be as specific as possible and include buffer widths. On all sides, how far is it from your crops to the next closest use (road, conventional crop, residential yard)? Be sure to specify what is grown on neighboring land that is in agricultural use. For example: To the north and east, a wooded area of at least 100 yards separates us from the neighbor's corn fields, to the south is a fallow field at least 100 yards deep separating us from the road, and to the west about 60 feet separates our crops from a field where conventional corn and soybeans are grown.
The north side of the farm has no barriers and is about 20 feet to the road and about 55 feet to the neighboring church's lawn (not sprayed in the last 3 years I've been on the site). To the east of the farm, a 70 feet wide gravel parking lot and then mature trees of at least 25 feet are lined up along the property line. To the south is about 20 feet of mature trees and fencing. To the west of the farm is about 200 feet of gravel driveway, the landowner's home, mature trees, landowner's garden, and more mature trees. The two conventional farms near me that grows corn and soybeans are located about 150 ft NE of the farm and 300ft NW of the farm.

Agreements