Wise Traditions 542: 40 Years of Farming Organically: Has it Been Worth It? With Bob Quinn
Sep 1, 2025
Bob Quinn, founder of the Quinn Institute and an organic farmer for over 40 years, shares his compelling journey in regenerative agriculture. He argues that organic farming not only yields better crops but also enhances profitability. Through personal stories, he dispels myths about the impracticality of organic methods. Quinn also highlights the growing popularity of organic farming trends and discusses the nutritional benefits of organic versus conventional foods. His insights encourage a reevaluation of farming practices for both health and community wellbeing.
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Conversion Sparked By On-Farm Results
- Bob Quinn switched fully to organic in 1988 after experimenting and seeing comparable yields and protein on his own fields.
- That on-farm success made him a believer and prompted a permanent conversion away from chemicals.
Drought Year Demonstrated Organic Resilience
- In a drought year Bob contrasted an organic field with a chemical field and found the organic field still yielded and avoided grasshopper devastation.
- The chemical field, despite spraying, had more grasshoppers and many fields harvested zero.
Convert Gradually, Start Small
- Start converting to organic gradually: take 10–20% of your land and learn before expanding.
- In five years a 20% incremental approach can lead to full conversion without risking the whole farm.
