Dr. Ravi Teja Neelipally represented our lab at the 2026 Grow and Tell Field Day at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center’s Organic Crops Unit. During his presentation, “Harnessing Double Crops in Organic Grain & Forage Systems,” Ravi presented findings from the first year of the ongoing research at the Organic Crops Unit evaluating different approaches to integrating cover crops, small grains, forages, and soybeans into organic cropping systems.

The field session focused on how double cropping can help increase cropping diversity and make better use of the growing season while addressing practical challenges such as weed control, residue management, tillage, and timely crop establishment. Participants also took part in an interactive Myth or Fact activity that encouraged discussion around common assumptions about double cropping and organic grain production.

By connecting ongoing field research with questions and experiences from growers and agricultural professionals, the session highlighted how research at the Organic Crops Unit is helping identify practical strategies for building productive and resilient organic grain and forage systems in the Southeast.