EVENTS
Date: June 3, 2017
Location: New Glarus Woods State Park
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SUCCESS STORIES
As older farmers retire, fewer young farmers are stepping in to take their place. The number of beginning farmers dropped 20 percent in the last five-year census period, and the average US farmer now tops 58 years of age.
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CIAS supports innovative graduate student research addressing the challenges faced by small- and medium-sized farms and food businesses. Awarded annually, our competitive mini-grants aid students as they initiate their research in sustainable agriculture and food systems.
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DIRECTOR'S BLOG
Kat Becker and Tony Schultz, who own and operate Stoney Acres Farm in Marathon County, are featured in a
UW-Madison campaign to show how partnerships with citizens and businesses are furthering the
Wisconsin Idea in each of the state's 72 counties.
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Wisconsin Farm to School Success Story: Plymouth High School Food Science and Agriculture Center
It all started with a small group of educators and a big idea: “What if our high school could grow its own food? What if we could create a state-of-the-art facility and a place for community learning?” recalls Jessica Mella, Plymouth School District’s Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator.
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Wisconsin Farm to School Success Story: Sheboygan Falls Farm to High School
Farm to school typically conjures images of a young child tasting their first cherry tomato, excitedly digging up a carrot, or squeamishly holding a red wriggler worm. But farm to school can also involve high school agriculture students engaged in hands-on soil science experiments, talented culinary students developing new recipes, and creative entrepreneurs selling produce grown at their schools.
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Organic Agriculture in Wisconsin: 2017 Status Report
Wisconsin is a national leader in organic agriculture. Wisconsin had 1,334 organic farms in 2015, nearly doubling over the last 10 years. This puts our state in a good position to participate in the growing market for organic food, both in the U.S. and across the globe.
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Options for Weed Control in Hazelnut Plantings (CIAS Research Brief #98)
American Hazelnuts (Corylus Americana) are native to the Upper Midwest. Hybrids between C. americana and European hazelnuts (Corylus avellana) show promise as a commercial crop and, as woody perennials, may offer environmental benefits by providing continuous cover on the land. However, competition from weeds can negatively impact the establishment and growth of hazelnuts.
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Evaluation of Manure Storage Capital Projects in the Yahara River Watershed
Better understanding the impact of livestock manure on water quality can inform clear, long-term manure management goals for the Yahara Watershed to reduce phosphorus loading from livestock manure.
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Growing Midwestern Tree Nut Businesses: Five Case Studies
The Midwest is home to some successful nut businesses, and expanding tree nut production in this region can potentially increase the sustainability of agriculture and food systems.
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Veggie Compass Helps Growers Make Data-Driven Decisions (CIAS Research Brief #97)
Fresh market vegetable growers with multiple crops and markets make numerous, complex production and marketing decisions. The Veggie Compass farm management tool was developed to help farmers make these decisions, based on data gleaned from their farm operations.
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Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers Course Available Online
Would-be farmers can now learn about pasture-based production and business management without leaving home. The Wisconsin School for Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers (WSBDF), the first course of its kind, is now available online.
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