Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) is seeking an Agroecologist to lead our Research and Outreach efforts. The Agroecologist will develop MFAI’s capacity to address pressing challenges facing sustainable agroecosystems in the 21st Century by collecting and mining data, conducting empirical experiments, modeling systems, and engaging stakeholders. Areas of emphasis will be developed by the Agroecologist […]

“Thank you for those inspiring speakers and the delicious food you shared at dinner last night!”  That was an email from a participant at Uplands Watershed Group’s 4th annual Conservation Celebration Dinner, again held at Folklore Village, near Dodgeville, Wisconsin.  The theme of this year’s gathering was “Water, Water Everywhere: Climate Resilient Farming.”  The evening […]

On December 5, 2019 several end of season hemp educational and networking events are planned around the state . Click on the town for details for that event Melrose, WI Green Bay Area Dr. Leah Sandler will speak at this day long event. Hillsboro, WI Mauston, WI 

One of the great things about being a certified organic farm is that we are required by law to “maintain or improve the natural resources of the operation, including soil and water quality.” Natural resources in this context means the “physical, hydrological, and biological features of a production operation, including soil, water, wetlands, woodlands, and […]

Dear Industrial Agriculture, It’s been a great experiment – a social, political, climatic, public health, and agricultural experiment, but I think it’s time for us to break up. A lot has changed, and I don’t think we’re a good fit for each other anymore. We had our “Get big or get out” moment in the […]

The annual farm-supporting musical and cultural extravaganza that is Farm Aid came to MFAI’s doorstep this month. Last Thursday, advocates from around the nation gathered in Lake Geneva for a day of exploring topics as diverse as empowerment histories of many Peoples of Color in this country to the ongoing farm crisis to the history […]

Friday, September 6th, 2019, 8:30 am – 1:00 pm, $20 This event will focus on growth comparisons of 10 -15 different high CBD oil Hemp cultivar lines with comparative CBD/THC tested levels, grain hemp production and a visit to an 8+ acre direct seeded high CBD oil hemp field. The tour starts at Michael Fields […]

This field day is SOLD OUT. Friday, September 13, 2019, 1-5 pm This CBD hemp field day, organized by West Star Organics, Circadian Organics, UW-Madison Horticulture and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, will focus on the harvesting, processing, and markets of CBD hemp. Included in the afternoon will be a panel discussion led by experienced producers, […]

In collaboration with the University of Wisconsin’s Great Lakes Bioenergy Center, the Department of Soil Science and UW-Extension, the Institute has launched an effort to improve estimates of soil erosion reduction achieved with cover crop use. We are measuring canopy development and biomass production of several cover crops in multiple cropping systems in on-farm trials […]

Do you enjoy being outside in the summer? Working with plants? This is a temporary position with our Research Department. Our organic corn breeding program uses classic plant breeding and modern screening methods to develop alternative corn varieties that perform well in organic systems, have elevated levels of protein and amino acids and can reject […]

Please join UW Extension, DATCP, and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute for the second in a series of webinars on industrial hemp production on August 7th, 2019 from 4 – 7:30 pm. This webinar builds from prior presentations and will address current research being conducted around the state, DATCP sampling protocol and timelines, grower questions from […]

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute researchers have long conducted research on farming practices that build healthy, biologically active soils, and our policy team has supported policies that create incentives for their inclusion in farming systems. A recent opinion piece in the on-line news group Food Tank speaks to the many reasons healthy soils matter so much […]

Conversations with farmers, crop consultants and crop insurance providers lead us to the conclusion that prevented plant will be claimed on significant acreage in 2019, especially since the full coverage crop insurance deadline for corn has passed. While this situation is difficult, especially in the current farm economy, it’s important to plan ahead and use […]

July 24-25, 2019 Crawfordsville, IN WHAT: Agronomy training in Organic corn, soy, and small grain production using a science-based curriculum. FOR: Agronomists, certified crop advisors, extension agents, and technical service providers serving transitional and certified organic grain producers. COVERING: • Organic Production Methods: weed control, nutrient management, crop rotation • Organic marketing and crop diversity […]

This past month on the 18th of April, MFAI, in collaboration with DATCP, University of Wisconsin Extension and UW Madison Agronomy, hosted our first webinar in a series about hemp production. The webinar consisted of sessions on governmental regulations as well as separate sections for agronomics of grain/fiber hemp and CBD hemp. The focus was […]

We created the Hemp Information Exchange to be a valuable resource for you and your industrial hemp endeavors. The exchange is where you can ask your production/harvest/storage/processing questions, get them answered, and learn from other people’s questions and answers – all in your inbox. If you would like to become a part of this network […]

Please join UW Extension, DATCP, and Michael Fields Agricultural Institute for the first in a series of webinars on industrial hemp production on April 18th, 2019 from 9am-1pm. While serious interest about industrial hemp production exists across the state from all types of growers and producers, there has been limited information available to farmers on […]

This April we invested in equipment which will enhance our research capabilities: an automated weather station and a no-till drill. The weather station, installed on our new research farm will log temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation and photosynthetically active radiation. This will allow us to more accurately measure these parameters, essential for […]

Dr. Esther Shekinah Durairaj, MFAI Research Scientist, assists with research and grant writing at the Institute. She earned her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Agronomy from India, and comes to the organization with more than 15 years of experience as an agricultural research scientist with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. During her time at […]

Two newly published research briefs: “Sequential cover crops: do synergies or antagonisms exist between species?” and “Do cover crops pay? Positive yield response reduces net cover crop cost” are available on Michael Fields Institutes website. These concise publications summarize original Wisconsin Research and are intended to provide research results and related recommendations in a user-friendly […]

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute welcomes Dr. Leah Sandler as our new Education Director/Research Agronomist. Dr. Sandler officially joined the MFAI staff on February 18th and will be part of our exhibit team at the upcoming MOSES Organic Farming Conference. Leah grew-up in St. Louis, Missouri to several generations of vegetable gardeners and completed an under-graduate […]

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is sponsoring the 30th Annual MOSES Organic Farming Conference Feb. 21-23, 2019 in La Crosse, Wis. More than 3,000 people are expected to gather for this popular conference, which features 60 workshops spanning all farming topics for beginning to experienced farmers. Nine in-depth courses take place the Thursday prior to the […]

Perry Brown, Executive Director, of Michael Fields Agricultural Institute along with Devon Hamilton, one of MFAI’s Policy staff, discuss sustainable agriculture….including cover crops, urban agriculture, youth work, genetic contamination, and industrial hemp. MFAI focuses on sustainable agriculture research, policy, youth work, urban farming, and farmer-led watershed conservation. Recorded: January 14, 2019, 7-8pm Listen to MFAI’s […]

Two newly published research briefs: “Sunn hemp response to planting date and mixes” and “Does cover crop radish supply nitrogen to corn?” are now available. These concise publications summarize original Wisconsin Research and are intended to provide research results and related recommendations in a user-friendly manner. These and future briefs can be found under the […]

February 20, 2019 Holiday Inn, Steven’s Point, WI Information and Registration Farmers and ag professionals from around the state are coming together again to share and learn about all things cover crops. Whether you’re a seasoned cover crop expert or an absolute beginner, there will be something for everyone! Topics will include managing manure with […]