Soil Health in Organic Systems Monthly Calls: Managing Summer Stress: Pests, Pressure & Plant Resilience - Jul 2026

📅 15 July 2026 | 📍 Online

As crops hit peak summer growth, they also face increasing pest and disease pressure and environmental stress. In this one-hour call, we’ll discuss practical approaches to managing both biotic (e.g. pests and pathogens) and abiotic (e.g. extreme weather) stress through resilient growing systems, integrated pest management (IPM), and biological approaches to crop health. We’ll also explore how observation, timing, and ecosystem balance can reduce pressure while supporting productive, healthy plants.

Guest speaker: Dr. Jaime Piñero is an Extension Professor of Fruit Entomology and Integrated Pest Management and Program Coordinator for the Sustainable Food & Farming Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on sustainable pest management, insect ecology, and developing practical IPM strategies that help growers reduce pesticide use while maintaining healthy, productive crops. Through his research, teaching, and Extension work, Jaime works closely with farmers across New England to advance biologically based approaches to pest management and resilient agricultural systems.

Register in advance for this meeting:

Register Online on Zoom

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Join NOFA/Mass for our monthly soil health calls, where we explore the on-farm processes and practices that shape resilient, thriving soils. Our facilitators will guide participants through practical strategies that influence soil integrity in organic systems. Each session offers space to ask questions, discuss specific methodologies, and learn directly from peers about what’s working on their farms.

Topics range from organic amendments, cover cropping systems, reduced tillage and compaction mitigation strategies, nutrient cycling, soil biology and microbial life, organic systems plans, and other stewardship practices designed to strengthen the long-term health and productivity of your farm.

Date: Every 3rd Wednesday of the month starting in March – September

Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

TOPP is a network assembled by the USDA’s National Organic Program to support transitioning and organic producers with mentorship and resources. Farmer-to-farmer mentorship, workshops, webinars, field days, technical assistance, and other educational events will offer opportunities to learn about organic production, the certification process, market opportunities, and more. Read more and sign up to be a mentor or transitioning farmer mentee at organictransition.org