Virtual workshop, March 6, 2020, 9 am – Noon, $40, supplies included. This workshop will focus on organic apple tree management in the Upper Midwest. Applications will mostly be geared towards backyard growers, but some commercial management considerations will be touched on. Topics will include tree planting and spacing, fertilizing, pest and disease management, pruning, […]

More and more growers are experimenting with no-tilling organic soybeans. New research shows interseeding cereal rye in spring can improve weed suppression, but timing, row spacing and good stand establishment play a critical role. By Julia Gerlach October, 2020 IN THE FACE of marketplace pressures and mounting instances of herbicide-resistant weeds, a growing cadre of growers are […]

In late July, Michael Fields sent a letter to the Wisconsin Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change to express our years of experience and a range of actions that the Institute recommends the State take to both mitigate and help farmers adapt to the severe impacts of climate change on agriculture. Ranging from programs to […]

MFAI is the recipient of a $250,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) program for perennial crop development efforts (see USDA’s announcement here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDANIFA/bulletins/291fdfc). MFAI was a member of a diverse coalition of more than 15 institutions, including universities, NGOs, farmers, bakers, and governmental agencies throughout the […]

Hello Michael Fields Community, We’re hoping that you and your family are doing well during this increasingly tough time. The COVID-19 pandemic is touching nearly every part of our lives – including food and agriculture. We are compiling a list of resources for farmers and for consumers, below.  Thank you to the organizations, government agencies, […]

During the current COVID-19 public health crisis the Michael Fields Agriculture Institutes main office will be closed to the public. We will respond to your phone calls, e-mails, texts and electronic meeting requests as normal. Please see our  Staff page for staff contact information. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please be safe […]

The Uplands Virtual Conservation Roadtrip is a collaborative project between Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and farmers in the Iowa County Uplands Watershed Group. The idea behind the road trip is similar to USDA’s #OurFarmer Roadtrip, in which it aims to showcase some farmers who incorporate diverse conservation management practices on their land. Through short videos, […]

Interested in learning more about the incredible work being done by the members of the Iowa County Uplands Watershed Group? Visit our new website at www.uplandswatershedgroup.com to find out! The website features the history of the group, as well as our connection with fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico, and includes resources and information about […]

Cover crops are grown for several of their benefits, ranging from protecting and enhancing soil to pest suppression. What about using them to sequester atmospheric carbon to counter climate change, which could serve as an income source from carbon credits? While carbon credits aren’t a current reality, once a cap and trade system is in […]

The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) has long been concerned about soil and water conservation and environmental sustainability. In recent years, an increasing number of landowners have approached us for advice on how to manage lands they have inherited or recently purchased, wanting the best advice on ways to optimize their conservation assets of soil, […]

OVERVIEW GULFS is a dynamic, interactive, and engaging youth-centered curriculum developing youth leaders in food systems change. Focused in Milwaukee and Madison, we aim for youth to learn constructive ways to create tangible change and support their families’ and communities’ well-being through a food systems lens. The curriculum is written for teachers to use both […]

Farmers of many sizes and kinds tell MFAI about the merit of conservation planning. As farmers in Iowa County’s Trout Creek-Mill Creek Farmer-Led Watershed project have found, sometimes the process shows them how they can save money on fertilizers or other inputs. It can also help them organize their farm activities and farm investments. Always […]

To all who want to heal and consecrate the Earth.  WATCH the film on Vimeo now! Following those on their mission who have been called upon to form the earth throughout four continents. This film was commissioned by Producer and MFAI Founder Christopher Mann, and filmed by Filmmaker Frigyes Fogel.  The private screening,  November 3, 2016 […]

Are you looking for ways to develop your innovative agricultural business?  Join us for a workshop designed to help you identify whether grants or other financial options might be right for you. Wisconsin farmers have used grants to develop value-added enterprises, try out innovative production and marketing techniques, and educate other farmers and the public […]

I would like to introduce and thank SWARM Artists’ Residency for making our busy summer days a brighter place. Swarm is an artist residency for Chicago-based artists and their non-local collaborators. It is a place for artists to come and do the work they often do not have time to commit to due to the […]

USDA Grant Writing Webinar – Transmitted May 11, 2016 (Recording coming soon) USDA specialists held a Grant Writing Workshop on May 11, 2016, that covered important things to know when applying for a grant.  Topics for this webinar included: Grant Writing Tips for Success – 10 Things You Must Do Look Before You Leap Don’t Take […]

The bees have arrived The condition of bee colonies across the United States is deteriorating and Michael Fields Agricultural Insititue is pleased to announce that a 3.5-acre parcel of land located on a farm in north central Indiana is now “a-buzz” with honey bees. In the summer of 2015, Trevor Hughes, the farmer operating the […]

Dr. Richard Quinney and his wife, Solveig, recently donated three framed photographs that were taken by Richard at his ancestral home, the Quinney Farm. Michael Fields Agricultural Institute rented the Quinney farm for several years as part of the USDA funded WICTS Project. The photographs will serve to remind the staff, Board members and stakeholders […]

Michael Fields partners with several organizations to manage land and programs to promote our mutual goals. The Greater East Troy Food and Farm Association grew out of a desire by four of these organizations (Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, the Yggdrasil Land Foundation, the Biodynamic Association and RSF Social Finance) to bring together a combination of […]

Friday, August 26, 2016  5:30-8:30 pm What to do with all these veggies? How can I prepare healthy and tasty foods?  Why not take a cooking lesson? Bring a friend and join Danielle Drogier and Lydia Gronwa from M.A.T.C. Dietetic Program for a night of deliciousness. We will begin cooking a 3-course meal at 5:30 […]

Join us for the “SACRED SUMMER: FOREVER YOUNG” Opening Art Reception Sunday, July 17th, 2016, at 2-3:30 pm at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (W2493 County Road ES, East Troy WI 53120- The “Big Brown Barn”). A beautiful exhibition of paintings by Artist Leo “Nello” Rotelli. Refreshments will be served at reception. EXHIBITION RUNS JULY 17 – SEPTEMBER 16, 2016. Admission is FREE! For more information call 262-684-5193.

David Andrews, Executive Director, at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute will be speaking to visitors of the Geneva Lake Museum on Tuesday, June 21st at 2 pm. His presentation will discuss how food moves from Farm to Table and the educational role the programs taking place at Michael Fields play. Come out and see him!   […]

Fun-filled, Hands-on Sustainable Lifestyle Events The Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service (MOSES) is offering farmers free tickets to the Mother Earth News Fair July 9 and 10 in West Bend, Wis. This event has more than 200 exhibitors with products and services of interest to market farmers and small-scale livestock producers. MOSES will have […]

The bees have arrived The condition of bee colonies across the United States is deteriorating and Michael Fields Agricultural Insititue is pleased to announce that a 3.5-acre parcel of land located on a farm in north central Indiana is now “a-buzz” with honey bees. In the summer of 2015, Trevor Hughes, the farmer operating the […]

David Andrews, Executive Director, at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute will be speaking to visitors of the Geneva Lake Museum on Tuesday, June 21st at 2 pm. His presentation will discuss how food moves from Farm to Table and the educational role the programs taking place at Michael Fields play. Come out and see him!   […]