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Agricultural researchers say practices such as managed grazing help independent farmers work around industry forces, such as corporate consolidation. (Adobe Stock)

With more federal aid, grazing grass is greener for WI farmers

The milk you drink or the beef you eat may have come from a farm that rotates its livestock in a certain way to establish a healthier landscape…

Between 2017 and 2022, Wisconsin saw a 23% increase in the acreage of farmland with cover crops. (Adobe Stock)

Sustainable ag movement goes data crunching

Farming trend researchers are poring over new federal data that only come around every five years. The latest information helps some organizations …

The American Biogas Council says across the U.S., more than 2,300 digester sites are producing biogas. (Adobe Stock)

Digesters: Helpful in reducing farm emissions?

Wisconsin is part of a movement to reduce livestock emissions by converting manure into energy sources, and there are calls to weave in a careful …

Research work led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute found while massive flood events call attention to cost impacts for state and local governments, increased frequency of mid-scale flood events can wear on rural communities. (Adobe Stock)

Taxpayers, like farmers, can get a bang for their buck from conservation funding

If you live in a flood prone community, soil health from nearby farmland may have something to do with it. Ag voices in Wisconsin say government-…

About 345,000 hogs and pigs live on Wisconsin farms, according to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service - Hogs and Pigs report. (Adobe Stock)

WI small-farm advocates push back on CAFOs

Family-farm advocates in rural Wisconsin are pushing back on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, as the livestock industry becomes more …

One of the apple blossoms found at The Cider Farm in southwestern Wisconsin, which strives for biodiversity in protecting species. (Photo courtesy of The Cider Farm)

Embracing Biodiversity: WI Farm Helps Pollinators Survive Climate Change

By Lela Nargi for the Food and Environment Reporting Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions …

The most recent Farm Bill covered areas such as agricultural conservation, trade and foreign food assistance, farm credit and research. (Adobe Stock)

Ag Research Community Urges Congress to Avoid Farm Bill Delays

The U.S. Farm Bill is up for reauthorization, and Congress faces calls to avoid any delays so certain programs can keep helping farmers and consumers …

Beyond improving soil and farm animal health, agriculture researchers say managed grazing also provides good habitat for pollinators and wildlife. (Adobe Stock)

WI Farmers Hope Grazing Funds Aren't Put Out to Pasture

Congress has been holding hearings on the next Farm Bill, which has major implications for the nation's food system. It also shapes conservation …

Like many sectors, agriculture is under pressure to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. But policies like the Inflation Reduction Act are providing extra funding, so more farmers can tap into programs that help improve soil health and water quality. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Program Constraints, 'Climate-Smart' Farming Gets Extra Aid

Farmers looking to enhance their range of climate-friendly practices are getting a boost with new federal funding. Wisconsin producers face a tight …

According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, cover-crop acres in the United States have increased to 10 million. (Adobe Stock)

WI Farmers Have New Tool to Stay in 'Cover-Crop Game'

Agriculture groups and government agencies aren't slowing down in trying to convince farmers to use more sustainable practices such as cover crops…

No-till farming is considered one of several conservation practices in agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

New WI Report Provides Snapshot of Sustainable Farming Efforts

Greenhouse gas emissions have been potentially reduced by 50,000 tons in the state, with the help of Wisconsin farmers supported by a statewide …

Supporters of managed grazing say grass-based farms and ranches are an important strategy for introducing new farmers and ranchers to livestock, because they're better for an operation's bottom line. (Adobe Stock)

WI Farmers to Get New Support for 'Managed Grazing'

Managed grazing is one of several ways farmers can implement climate-friendly practices, and after a lengthy absence, a key source of federal aid has …

The Midwest GRIT program is a joint project between the Wisconsin-based Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and the Artisan Grain Collaborative, which aims to diversify the Midwestern grainshed. (Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

WI Program Seeks to Create Resilient Grainshed

A new program is seeking to help Wisconsin's grain farmers build more environmentally and economically resilient operations. The Midwest Grains …

Several Wisconsin groups, led by Neighborhood Food Solutions in Dane County, are developing a training and production system that will help Black farmers be more successful with grains. (Adobe Stock)

WI Program Connects Black Farmers to Grain Market

MADISON, Wis. -- Federal data show the farming industry is older and mostly white, and an emerging Wisconsin program could open more pathways by …

Esther Shekinah is a research agronomist at the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, leading a project in Wisconsin to bring more women landowners into the world of conservation. (MFAI)

WI Women in Conservation Take Movement to Next Level

MADISON, Wis. - Efforts continue to close the conservation gap for women landowners in Wisconsin. This week, organizers say the movement is taking a …

WI Ag Researchers Lift the Cover on Cover Crops

EAST TROY, Wis. - Wisconsin farmers are looking ahead to the fall harvest, and those who use cover crops face a deadline to sign up for a research …

Supporters of cover crops say they can help with a farmer's bottom line in the long run while protecting natural resources. (Adobe Stock)

Ag Group: WI Needs Incentive Program for Cover Crops

MADISON, Wis. -- As Wisconsin farmers fan out for the spring planting season, conservation-minded groups say the state should do more to convince …

Sara George, a Wisconsin Women in Conservation regional coordinator, and her daughter check some vegetable plantings at D & S Gardens in Pepin. (Photo courtesy Kriss Marion)

WI Project Aims to Help Women in Farming Navigate Conservation

MADISON, Wis. - In Wisconsin, more women are taking over farms and owning farm land - but they're not seeing the same outreach as men to help them …

"Silvopasture" Movement Reaches WI Farms

MADISON, Wis. -- As brutal cold grips the upper Midwest, some farm animals are getting protection from the wind in forested settings. They're being …

Extreme weather events have resulted in more flooded fields for Wisconsin farmers in recent years. (Adobe Stock)

Ag, Conservation Groups Step Up Drive to Tackle Climate Change

MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin is among the states where a number of farmers have adopted conservation practices - to help tackle climate change issues …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing another $14 billion for farmers and ranchers who have experienced market losses caused by the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Time Running Short for Farmers to Apply for COVID Aid

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin farmers, who are struggling during the pandemic crisis, still have a chance to sign up for federal aid. But they're urged …

This Wisconsin farmer is using an air-seeder, which helps spread seeds for cover crops while work is being done on cash crops. The donated equipment is aimed at getting more farmers to adopt conservation practices. (Adobe Stock)

Like a Library Book, WI Farmers Share Equipment for Conservation

SEYMOUR, Wis. -- The fall harvest is here, and while many farmers say they wish to add conservation to their to-do-list, it's not always easy…

According to the USDA, there was a nearly 50% increase in cover-crop plantings between 2012 and 2017. Wisconsin researchers are gathering data on the effectiveness of these crops as more farmers adopt the practice. (Adobe Stock)

WI Researchers Try "Moneyball" Approach for Cover Crops

EAST TROY, Wis. -- Analytics are a key measuring tool in professional sports today, but data-driven assessments aren't limited to that industry…

In addition to environmental benefits, supporters of Kernza, an alternative grain crop, say it also could help reduce farm labor costs. (michaelfields.org)

Research Effort Aims to Get New Type of Grain to the Masses

EAST TROY, Wis. -- The Wisconsin agricultural sector could play a key role in accelerating production of a relatively new type of grain, which …

Supporters of conservation practices, such as cover crops, are hoping to convince more farmers to incorporate them into their operations as market challenges persist. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation Touted as WI Farmers Push Through Tough Times

FOND DU LAC, Wis. -- Wisconsin farmers aren't immune to changing weather patterns affecting the Midwest. That's why those who are adopting …

Some scientists predict that the Midwest will be nearly 10 degrees warmer by the middle or end of this century, a shift that could have devastating impacts on farmers. (Adobe Stock)

Movement Grows for More Federal Action on Climate Change

EAST TROY, Wis. -- Several farm organizations have launched a grassroots movement in hopes of seeing federal action on climate change -- and they're …

Licenses to hemp growers in Wisconsin grew from about 250 in 2018 to 1,400 in 2019. (StockPhotoPro/Adobe Stock)

Farmer Field Day to Cultivate Interest in Booming Hemp Industry

EAST TROY, Wis. – An event in southern Wisconsin is offering tips to farmers interested in the booming business of hemp. The Michael Fields …

Cover crops could help prevent fallow syndrome, which can decrease crop yield. (U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr)

Cover Crops Could Mitigate Wet Weather Pains for WI Farmers

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin farmers are struggling after wet and cold weather this spring and summer. Jim Stute, research director at the …

Small grains such as barley and rye help reduce nutrient runoff on farms. (Halee Wepking/Meadowlark Farm)

Small Grains Could Be Newest Wing of Farm-to-Table Movement

RIDGEWAY, Wis. — An event at the end of June is highlighting the important role small grains play in Wisconsin. From Grain to Plate Field Day …

Through Roots to Glory Tours, American chefs traveled to Benin and Togo to explore their cuisine. (Devon Hamilton/Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

Dinner Illuminates African Roots in American Cooking

MADISON, Wis. – There's a connection between African cooking and the United States. Devon Hamilton, associate policy director with the …

Wisconsin farmers should feel good about the new farm bill, according to one agricultural analyst. (Michael Pereckas/Flickr)

Sustainable Agriculture's Wins, Losses in Farm Bill

MADISON, Wis. – How did sustainable agriculture fare in the 2018 Farm Bill? One analyst breaks down the wins and losses. Margaret Krome…

Wisconsin has the seventh most hemp-planted land in the country. (Maja Dumat/Flickr)

Farm Bill Positions WI Hemp to Take Off

MADISON, Wis. – President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign the Farm Bill Thursday, setting the hemp industry up for a major breakthrough in 201…

As it grows, a single tree can absorb as much as 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, says the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Assn. (Glenn Fleishman/Flickr)

WI Christmas Tree Shortage: High Demand, Immigration Restrictions

ELKTON, Md. – Christmas trees will be available this holiday season, although growers say they've had a tougher time getting Balsam, Frasier …

Sustain Dane's 10th annual summit this year is focused on lifting up historically marginalized voices in the sustainability movement. (Sustain Dane)

Young Leaders, Racial Justice Focus of WI Sustainability Summit

MADISON, Wis. – Sustainability advocates gather next week at the University of Wisconsin for their annual meeting. The organization Sustain …

Local residents measure the turbidity of Lowery Creek on the Cates Family Farm. (Margaret Krome/Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

WI Citizens Learn What Makes Great Stream

SPRING GREEN, Wis. – Wisconsinites are getting their feet wet to find out more about their local streams. The Water Action Volunteers stream …

More than half of Wisconsin's top commodities depend on corn. (Pixabay)

New Research Shows Large Impacts on Crops from Climate Change

MILWAUKEE – While warmer average temperatures can have a dramatic impact on colder climates globally, new research shows how much it can affect …

This summer, kids at the Mellowhood Foundation will grow and sell their own line of hot pickles. (Mellowhood Foundation)

Introducing WI Youth of Color to Food Justice Movement

MADISON, Wis. – A program aimed at getting young people of color interested in food and agriculture is entering its second year with more …

Cover crops are grown for several benefits ranging from protecting and enhancing soil to pest suppression, but a study finds they also can be an income source for carbon credits. (Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

Study: Cover Crops Could Mean Carbon Credits

MADISON, Wis. — Cover crops have been around about as long as farming. Among other benefits, cover crops are good for the soil and create a …

The Meudt Creek and Nighthollow subwatersheds are unique to southwestern Wisconsin. (Joshua Mayer/Flickr)

Taking a Closer Look at Farm Runoff in SW Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. - New research is under way to help farmers and the environment in southwestern Wisconsin. Because the region's hilly landscape poses …

The Madison School District is hoping that high-school students will be more likely to get their meals from an on-site food truck than heading off campus to eat lunch. (REAP Food Group)

Farm-to-Table Food Truck Aims to Boost School Lunch Participation

MADISON, Wis. - A new food truck could be the answer to the school-lunch challenges that Madison-area high schools face. An open campus means only 25…

Proper pruning of organic apple trees is one of a number of topics to be covered at a March workshop by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. (MFAI)

Help Offered for Wisconsin's Organic Apple Growers

BLANCHARDVILLE, Wis. – The organic apple crop in Wisconsin next fall will depend on a lot of things that will happen this spring. Michael …

The benefits of cover cropping have become more apparent to farmers, who will get a chance to learn more about the practice at the annual Cover Crops Conference in early October. (Michael Fields Agricultural Institute)

Cover Crops Conference to Tackle Water Issues

EAST TROY, Wis. – The annual Cover Crop Conference, coming up Oct. 4 at the Jackson Town Hall in Jackson, will examine the role of cover crops …

More people are looking for a way to buy locally grown nutritious foods to improve their health and support the local economy. (UW Extension)

New Digital Roadmap to Wisconsin Local Food

MADISON, Wis. - Whether you're looking for locally grown organic food, a restaurant that serves locally grown food or a farmer's market, a new …

Victor Cabrera is leading a team of scientists at the University of Wisconsin trying to help dairy farmers manage the huge amounts of data they deal with. (William Graf/University of Wisconsin)

Dairy Farm App Could Revolutionize the Industry

MADISON, Wis. – Dairy farms generate massive amounts of data every day – too much for a farmer to analyze alone. But a new app being …

Helping beginning farmers get into production agriculture is one of the goals of the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, which is holding a nation meeting in Wisconsin. (Jean-Francois Mineri/Getty Images)

Sustainable Agriculture Experts Gather in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. -- One of the nation's premiere agriculture organizations, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, will hold its annual meeting …

Helping organic-corn farmers protect their investment in growing their crop by developing new and better organic corn seed is one of the ongoing research projects at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. (MFAI Photo)

Wisconsin Ag Institute Working On Better Organic Corn Seeds

EAST TROY, Wis. – Growing organic corn has always had its challenges, but researchers at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in East Troy are …

Farmers are being encouraged to enroll in the Conservation Stewardship Program. Deadline is Feb. 3. (Jessica Arp)

Important Farm Deadline Approaching

EAST TROY, Wis. – With the Feb. 3 deadline for applications just a few weeks away, farmers who are interested in enrolling in the USDA's …

Deportation of undocumented immigrants would affect tens of thousands of dairy farm workers and seasonal crop harvesters in Wisconsin. (rightdx/iStockPhoto)

Deportations Could Disrupt Wisconsin's Ag Industry

MADISON, Wis. – During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly promised to deport millions of people who are undocumented. A number …

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WI: Sustainable Agriculture and Farming