Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center
There’s big opportunity for organic agriculture in the Midwest, so we’re putting boots on the ground.
The Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center at Eztel Sugar Grove Farm provides research, education, and assistance to farmers looking to implement organic practices on their farms or diversify their crop rotations. It’s also an educational center for the public, and the site of collaboration between Rodale Institute researchers and local partners.
The Midwest Organic Center is located in Marion, Iowa near Cedar Rapids. If you are interested in taking a tour of our farm and speaking with our farm and research team, please contact midwest@rodaleinstitute.org.
Why Iowa?
In 2016, the USDA reported that Iowa—long considered the epicenter of agriculture—is fifth in the nation for number of certified organic farms. That makes the state representative of a growing movement. Yet the region lacks truly progressive, widespread access to research and training in regenerative organic practices.
About Etzel Sugar Grove Farm
Etzel Sugar Grove Farm is a 190-acre farm located in Marion, Iowa that represents the future of agriculture in Iowa. The farm implements and educates the public on regenerative agriculture practices that restore the health of Iowa’s farms, watersheds and environment.
Eztel Sugar Grove Farm is part of Indian Creek Nature Center, Iowa’s first and only privately owned and operated non-profit nature center.
Goals for the Center
Midwest Organic Center Staff
Drew Erickson
Farm Manager
Drew has had a diverse career in land management in which he has strived to work with nature. Following graduation from Colorado State University’s natural resource program, he spent several seasons with the United States Forest Service. Then he worked for a parks department in Oregon. Prior to joining Rodale Institute, Drew spent 8 years working at a farm in California’s Napa Valley. There he raised poultry, cared for horses, managed the forest, and assisted with producing fruits and vegetables. He joined the team at the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center in February of 2021. Since joining the Rodale team Drew has worn many hats; managing the research plots, maintaining the landscaping, facilities, and equipment, speaking at conferences, and leading tours of the farm. In his free time, he enjoys biking, hiking, skating, skiing, and watching his daughters play hockey or compete in dance competitions.
Sean Stokes, Ph.D.
Research Director
Dr. Sean Stokes received a PhD from Colorado State University in Soil and Crop Science and an MS from CSU in Environmental Toxicology. His research has focused on a variety of topics related to agricultural systems, including molecular changes to soil organic matter after biochar or compost application and the relationship between soil health and crop productivity in orange trees infected with citrus greening disease. Additional research in these citrus groves included evaluating the efficacy of pesticide applications and their degradation rates once applied. Another focus of Sean’s prior research includes evaluating non-traditional water sources such as produced water and agricultural runoff to understand the potential for treating this water and applying it as agricultural irrigation. Understanding the impact of various regenerative management practices on water quality and soil health will be a major focus of Sean’s research at the Midwest Organic Center since nutrient runoff and soil degradation are currently major problems in Midwest cropland.
Nathan Freesmeier
Research Technician
Nathan is a lifelong Iowan and has lived in Cedar Rapids for most of his life. He attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a degree in Biology. During his time at the University of Iowa, he learned about regenerative agriculture and how it could benefit Iowa and its largely conventional practices. He is especially interested in finding solutions to the major nutrient runoff problem that the Midwest suffers from. He looks forward to seeing the results that the research from the Midwest Organic Center produces.
Our Steering Committee
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View Our Latest NewsletterCONTACT US
Midwest Organic Center
3706 St. Peters Rd.
Marion, IA 52302
midwest@rodaleinstitute.org
P. 610.683.1414
Support Our Work
The Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center is working to make regenerative organic growing methods in Iowa sustainable and profitable. With your help we can grow organic acreage in Iowa and the surrounding states.
Donate TodayLive Weather Updates from the Farm
The Midwest Organic Center’s Hobo Weather Station continually collects data to inform future research trials on the farm. Our onsite staff use this data to connect weather patterns with soil moisture and temperature responses under different crop management practices. Check out the live data for updates anytime!