Tori Jennings
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute-
East Troy, WI
Herdsperson, Northwood Farm
Alumni, 2008 Public Policy Internship
When I became a Michael Fields Agricultural Institute Public Policy Internship in January 2008, my goal was to discover how I might combine my academic background and research interests with my passion for farming and food politics. The Michael Fields internship provided me with numerous opportunities to meet farmers, activists, and policy-makers from around the nation. The impact of those encounters illuminated my yearning to become a grass-based dairy farmer. To realize this goal, I subsequently enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Farm & Industry Short Course and School for Beginning Dairy Farmers.
Before classes ended in March 2009, I was offered a full-time herdsperson position at Northwood Farm. Northwood Farm is an organic dairy in Wonewoc, Wisconsin operated by Jim Goodman, his wife Rebecca and brother Francis—three farmers who are activists in the local sustainable food movement. Under the mentorship of Jim, Rebecca, and Francis, I am helping produce humanely raised grass-fed milk and beef. Northwood Farm produces high component organic milk for the artisanal cheese makers at Cedar Grove and direct markets beef at the Dane County Farmers’ Market. The Michael Fields internship was not only rewarding experience; it also gave me the tools and ideas to turn my dream of farming into reality.
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is a public, non-profit institute for education and research in sustainable agriculture, which admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.