Posted July 2009
Case studies of four innovative enterprises—Country Natural Beef, CROPP/Organic Valley, Shepherd’s Grain and Red Tomato—offer models of how mid-sized farms and ranches can prosper through producing and selling high-quality, differentiated food products into a variety of markets. Continue Reading...
Crops that are grown solely to provide soil cover or for the purposes of increasing soil fertility are referred to as cover crops or green manures. Due their ability to protect and enhance soils, cover crops are considered a fundamental aspect of any sustainable cropping system. [...more]
CIAS builds partnerships to incubate innovative ideas in agriculture, research new specialty crops, build markets for local food, train the next generation of farmers, survey organic agriculture, reduce pesticide use on farms, increase profit on family farms, and more. This document describes new projects we are launching, projects we're currently working on, and long-term projects we continue to monitor. [...more]
Wisconsin's colleges and universities offer a variety of classes and programs in sustainable agriculture, from practical skills taught at the technical colleges to a graduate degree in Agroecology at UW-Madison. In addition, student groups at a number of colleges offer non-formal opportunities for learning about and promoting sustainable agriculture. [...more]
Whether you are cooking at home or enjoying a meal out on the town, the 2009 Southern Wisconsin Farm Fresh Atlas can steer you to local, sustainably grown food. The 2009 edition will be available for free in Madison and across southern Wisconsin beginning April 18. [...more]
Farmers use a variety of systems to raise healthy animals. Today, most meat in the grocery store or at the local restaurant is from animals that were raised in a feedlot and fed significant amounts of grain in addition to hay and pasture. Grass-fed meat is from animals that are put “out on grass,” or fed a forage diet. [...more]
In 1989, farmers, farm and environmental groups, researchers, educators and other citizens joined forces to start CIAS. Twenty years later, we are recognized as one of eight national campus leaders in sustainable agriculture. We’ve worked across the state to put the Wisconsin Idea to work. Read about our accomplishments here.
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From June 12-14, a group of fearless riders braved the wind and hills of southern Wisconsin to raise money for, and awareness of, the Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers. The 2009 Ride to Farm covered about 200 miles. Ride stops included the farm of SBDF graduate Kyle Tews in Orfordville and Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville. Delicious dinners were provided by the Monroe and River Valley FFA chapters. Many thanks to all of our riders, supporters and sponsors!
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