Articles

Land Management

Organic farming and pesticide reduction are just two of the land management strategies addressed through CIAS projects. We are also looking at strategies to keep mid-size farmers and food-related businesses on the landscape.

Organic Research Initiative

The goal of this project is to increase the number of research and outreach projects at UW that benefit organic farmers.  CIAS has compiled a status report on organic agriculture in Wisconsin. This report demonstrates the need for increased programming to serve this large and growing group of producers. CIAS is also part of the Governor's Task Force on Organic Agriculture. For more information, contact John Hendrickson or Michelle Miller.

Renewing An Agriculture-of-the-Middle

Funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation and the USDA’s SARE program, a national task force is being assembled that will articulate an initiative to renew what is being called the “agriculture-of-the-middle.” This term refers to a disappearing sector of mid-scale farms and related agrifood enterprises that are unable to successfully market bulk agricultural commodities or sell food directly to consumers.  The task force will author a white paper that will launch a dialogue with government and non-governmental organizations whose interests would support the development of this initiative. For more information, contact Steve Stevenson.

Agriculture of the Middle web site

Harmony valley compost project

In 1991, organic vegetable growers Richard DeWilde and Linda Halley noticed an increase in foliar diseases after they stopped using composted manures following the sale of their livestock. DeWilde and Halley teamed up with CIAS and Robert Goodman, UW Professor of Plant Pathology, to learn if application of composted dairy and goat manures would increase their crops' health and yield. Their work revealed that composted manures can significantly increase yields of vegetable crops including radishes, beets, and carrots. Some plant diseases were less severe in the plots treated with composted manure.

Pesticide Use and Risk Reduction

The Pesticide Use and Risk Reduction project emphasizes communication and learning between farm organizations, researchers, and others to help farmers find pest management options to high-risk pesticides.

CIAS leads this effort to address the short- and long-term impacts of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) on Wisconsin commodities and producers. The project links 14 agricultural organizations committed to reducing reliance on high-risk pesticides with researchers, EPA-V and EPA-HQ. The farm organizations disburse money for research and outreach to their various constituencies.

Current PURR Project initiatives include:

Eco-Apple Project

The Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, two grower networks, three consultants and UW researchers are working with CIAS to develop production methods consistent with sustainable apple production in Wisconsin. The project is training Extension educators and other agricultural professionals about pesticide reduction strategies for growers. Visit the Eco-Apple Project web site for more information.

Southeastern network growers:

  • John Aue, network coach
  • Kristin Kleeberger, network coordinator
  • David Flannery, Apple Holler Orchard, Sturtevant
  • Wendy and Ken Schaefer, Arrowhead Orchards, Clinton
  • William and Judy Stone, Brightonwoods Orchard, Burlington
  • Robert Willard, Ela Orchard, Rochester
  • Connie and Fritz Brockhus, Apple Hut Orchard, Beloit
  • Don and Paula Awe, Awe's Apple Orchard, Franklin
  • Dan Scheel, The Elegant Farmer, Mukwonago

Northeastern network growers:

  • Matt Stasiak, network coach and coordinator
  • Daniel and Julie Kielar, Kielar Akers Orchard, Sturgeon Bay
  • Jane and Wade Fletcher, Fletcher's Crooked Tree Orchard, Casco
  • Jeff, Jim and Steve Wood, Wood Orchard, Sturgeon Bay
  • Bill Roethel, Hillside Apples, Casco
  • James Seaquist, Seaquist Orchards, Ellison Bay
  • Dave and Helene Pagoria, Helene's Hilltop Orchard, Merrill

IPM resources (University of Wisconsin Extension):

  • Patricia McManus, plant pathology
  • Teryl Roper, horticulture
  • Dan Mahr, entomology

County Educators involved in the Eco-apple Project:

  • Jerry Clarke, Chippewa County
  • Paul Hartman, Brown County
  • Steven Huntzicker, LaCrosse County
  • Steven Kohlstedt, Richland County
  • Pat Murphy, Wisconsin NRCS
  • Patti Nagai, Racine County
  • Vijaikumar Pandian, Bayfield County

Contacts: Michelle Miller and Sheri Butterfield Young

Pesticide efficacy and residue testing program

All pesticides, even biological pesticides certified for use in organic farming systems, must go through rigorous testing before they can be registered for use. Farmers who grow “minor crops” such as fruit and vegetables rely on land grant universities to help them test pesticides for their particular crops, cropping systems and environments. PURR is working to reformulate a program at the UW that will address grower needs for efficacy and residue testing on minor crops. Cranberries are of special interest; Wisconsin is the number one producer of cranberries and no other state in the North Central Region is testing products for them.

Governor’s Task Force on Organic Agriculture

Established by Governor Doyle, this task force is exploring ways to buoy Wisconsin’s rural economy by adding value through organic agricultural production, processing and marketing. CIAS and the PURR project are representing the University of Wisconsin – College of Agricultural and Life Sciences as ex-officio members of this task force. Our role is to provide information about the work of the University on organic agriculture and share with the University community what is discussed at the meetings. See our report Organic Agriculture in Wisconsin: 2003 Status Report.

Federal conservation programs for apple and cherry growers

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) implements the Environmental Quality Initiatives Program (EQIP). In the past, orchardists have not participated in this program because it is not tailored to address their needs. PURR is working with a subcommittee of the NRCS State Technical Committee to change this. Together, we are drafting and implementing a proposal that will support the efforts of apple and cherry growers to upgrade their orchard management, including Integrated Pest Management strategies, to produce high quality fruit while realizing environmental benefits.

For more information on the PURR project, contact Michelle Miller or visit the Pesticide Use and Risk Reduction Web site.

Troy Gardens

Troy Gardens, a community owned and managed property on Madison's north side, provides community supported agriculture, community gardens, prairie restoration, and affordable housing for neighborhood residents. CIAS and the Friends of Troy Gardens together secured a $493,603 grant from the Kellogg Foundation for sustainable agriculture education and outreach.

Most of this grant will go to the Friends of Troy Gardens for staffing and project expenses. UW-Madison funds will be used for:

  • Participatory research projects focused on the agronomics and economics of the CSA farm
  • Investigation of ways to engage all of the neighborhood's ethnic groups in this urban agricultural effort
  • Student internships and university class projects at the Troy Gardens site
  • Supporting a learning community where university students, staff, faculty, and Troy community residents participate as equals

For more information, contact Steve Stevenson.

Friends of Troy Gardens web site

Related web sites:

Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
This National Agricultural Library site features information on sustainable and organic agriculture and CSA.

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas
Technical assistance and publications on sustainable farming. Call them for a free, specialized search.

Center for Holistic Management
Tools and strategies to help you improve your quality of life, environment, and bottom line.

ETC Group (formerly RAFI)
The ETC group is an international NGO working for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and responsible technology use.

The CyberFarm
Links to information for small, diversified farms, from the barn to the orchard to the woodlot.

Ecolandtech reference desk
A wealth of links and information on ecological farming and gardening, homesteading, and health.

Family Farmer
An activist site on farm policy and family farms.

FAO Organic Agriculture page
Links to organic farming documents from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Gifts and Graces of the Land
Photographs and words of American family farmers by Cynthia Vagnetti and Jerry DeWitt. A feast for your eyes.

The New Farm
The New Farm presents compelling success stories with expert resources for crop and livestock production, direct marketing, local food systems, policy campaigns and community-building collaborations.

Organic Farming Research Foundation
Links to information about OFRF's grant program and research.

Sustainable Farming Connection
Where farmers find and share information on sustainable agriculture.

Whole Farm Planning: The Minnesota Project
Whole-farm planning information and tools.

The Worldwatch Institute
Your source for cross-disciplinary, global environmental information.