Posts (archive)

The USDA is considering allowing the release of 2, 4-D tolerant corn, while biotech giants battle for control of the seed industry in a panic over intellectual property rights.

Are you interested in the future of organic agriculture in Wisconsin and are willing to do your part to help it grow? If so, the nomination period is now open for four seats on the Wisconsin Organic Advisory Council. Nominations must be submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) by Monday, March 19, 2012. [Read more…]

This guide is written for anyone seeking help from federal programs to foster sustainable and innovative initiatives in this country associated with agriculture and forestry. Sustainability is commonly understood to embrace the triple concepts of economic, environmental and social viability. Specifically, the guide provides information about program resources pertaining to natural resources conservation and management; […]

Wisconsin’s AmeriCorps Farm to School Program has created active and engaged Farm to School programs at schools around the state, and they are currently accepting new applicants.

The deadline just got pushed back, so you have until January 27 to fill out an application form and get in the Conservation Stewardship Program this year!

There are lots of federal and state programs to help build food systems (Really! For information about all of them, check out our Building Sustainable Places Guide). But how do we make it easier for farmers to access these programs? Well, Brittany did it, with a little help from us.

Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is offering again, at the end of January 2012, Community Supported Agriculture classes for beginning farmers. I have been a CSA member for a few years now, both in Iowa and Wisconsin, and I have to say it was one of the best decisions I have made (when it comes to […]

The Conservation Stewardship Program rewards farmers for the conservation they are already doing and provides the means to do more. As Chippewa County farmer Bob Bernier says, “You’re saving your soil, your costs are cheaper, and you’re going to make more money in the end. You’re a fool not to be in this program.” To get in the program for next year, fill out an application form by January 13th.

Many of the movement’s longstanding organizers and policy leaders are approaching retirement, and the movement needs to cultivate new activists of diverse cultural backgrounds and skills.  MFAI’s policy internship program helps prospective leaders gain a foothold in the movement’s varied advocacy positions.  We offer two five-month policy internships every spring with a small stipend of […]

In recent months, I have come across articles that imply the whole world is growing genetically modified (GM) crops. In a recent Ag College newsletter from my alma mater, an article stated that, if given a choice, the consumer would choose a GM product at the grocery store. However, I took time to look at […]

For many farmers who sell to the local market, hiring an expert is something that other farmers do. Many farmers think that there aren’t any experts out there for what they need, or that the cost would be too much. But in Wisconsin, some farmers are hiring experts through the state’s Producers First program, and their businesses are better for it.

RSF Social Finance, San Francisco, awards Michael Fields Agricultural Institute a $40,000 challenge grant. The Institute is one of only a handful of organizations doing research on organic corn varieties, along with educational workshops for beginning farmers, and policy work in Wisconsin and nationally. Help support the importance of locally grown, organic and biodynamic fruits and vegetables by stepping forward and help us reach our goal. [Read more…]

A coalition of forward-thinking farmers, economists, environmentalists, health professionals, sportsmen, rural citizens and others concerned with the quality and safety of food, water and air, will come together at the first annual Wisconsin Forum on Rural and Urban Agriculture to be held in Madison on November 11 and 12.

Farmers benefit. Students benefit. Communities benefit. Farm to School is such a no-brainer. We’re going to make it happen in Wisconsin, and we’re going to do it with red packets. (Watch the video…it will make sense.)

Regulations regarding raw milk vary from state to state. The FDA claims that people should not consume raw milk because it might contain dangerous microorganisms. Others claim it is safe, has numerous health benefits, and people should be able to consume it if they choose. In Wisconsin cow owners were denied the right to drink milk from their own cows. Right or Wrong? […]

We tip our hats to three Wisconsin farmers who were recently recognized for their excellent conservation! Jody Ausen, James Pingel and Jerry Wahleitner received awards from Secretary of Agriculture Ben Brancel on September 7 for being the top-ranked farmers in Wisconsin’s Conservation Stewardship Program enrollment this year. The Conservation Stewardship Program is for farms of all types and sizes, and rewards farmers for the conservation they are already doing as well as providing them the means to do even more.

With all of this talk about the need to create jobs, where do farmers fit in? Nationally, two great tools to help get new farmers into business and stay in business are on the chopping block. Our Senators could change this, but they have to hear from us first…

Insects are building resistance to genetically-modified crops, and bio-pesticides are found in the human bloodstream. What’s Next? …

Farmer advocates are willing to dive into red tape and become experts on the fine print, all to ensure that farmers have equal access to loans and other resources they need. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need them. [Read more…]

Children’s Garden at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

The Little Green Thumbs Project is a community initiative.
Time in the garden is a time to learn real life skills and community
interaction. The kindergarten and first grade students from Leona Doubek
Elementary are mentored by the students from East Troy High School. They planted the seeds together, transplanted the seedlings, and were left to interact at will.

The USDA isn’t proud of its history dealing with women and minority farmers. And there’s a reason for that – many perfectly eligible farmers have been denied farm loans because they were women or minorities. But the USDA is trying to right past wrongs… and put $1.33 billion behind it.

Are you a farmer or processor interested in becoming organic but put off by the cost of certification? You can now apply for a cost-share program that reimburses up to 75% of the cost of certification, up to a maximum of $750. Farmers already certified organic are eligible for reimbursements, too!

Do you realize the importance of organic seed and the support it gives? Support for a healthy community, farm and the future of agriculture are just a few…

“A Few More Years to Go”……… Back when I was farming, not that many years ago, I heard the phrase “I have a few more years to go” usually uttered by a farmer well past 65 or 70 years of age.  I think there is a lot of fear on the part of older farmers […]

Are you a farmer? Do you have an idea for a farm-related business? Is it related to branding, processing, product differentiation, labeling and certification, or marketing? If so, apply to the Value Added Producer Grant program by July 27!