The sparkling, frozen world of Wisconsin in winter presents several challenges to its dairy farmers. One of these challenges is how to manage dairy cattle wastes so that nutrients and organic matter are added to fields and pastures instead of streams and water sources. Ed Brick, a civil and environmental engineer, has completed the first year [...] [...more]
We need a lot more protection of erosion-prone land than we have. Windbreaks are an important component of this effort to control wind erosion. — Clive David, forestry researcher, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Strong winds can stir up trouble for farmers in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin. Every year, according to area estimates, high speed [...] [...more]
One of the things we were interested in was how to implement a composting system without changing a farmer’s existing setup. — Bill Connolly, UW-River Falls Windrow composting can help farmers manage dairy wastes economically, according to a study sponsored by the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS). Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls calculated the [...] [...more]
The preplant soil nitrate test can save farmers money while reducing the risk of groundwater contamination A two-year, on-farm research project found that the preplant test, conducted on more than 100 Wisconsin corn fields, showed an average potential cost savings to farmers of $11.90 per acre in 1990 and $5.90 per acre in 1991. “The goal of [...] [...more]
The Wisconsin Cut Flower Growers School offers practical information on how to grow and sell flowers using organic and sustainable production practices and manage a cut flower business. It will be held February 18-19 on the UW-Madison campus. More information is available here.
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The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development has recognized CIAS and Agriculture of the Middle as "influential initiatives" working on value chains over the past ten years. Value chains are strategic alliances between farmers, processors, distributors, retailers and other partners in the food supply chain. These partners work together to deliver high quality, differentiated food to the marketplace and share profits equally. CIAS has researched and developed teaching materials on value chains. CIAS researcher Steve Stevenson contributed to two articles in the value chain issue of JAFSCD; view the abstracts here and here.
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