Farm and Food Program

Learn by doing... get involved in farming's outdoor classroom

Farm and Food Program student Michael Fields' Farm and Food Program promotes enlivened knowledge through practical training in biodynamic and sustainable agriculture. See our Garden Students in action by visiting our photo gallery.

We offer seasonal agricultural tuition-based immersion programs, short-term courses, workshops and tours. The Foundation Year is an exploration into biodynamic and organic agriculture through theoretical and experiential learning that develops core competencies and skills and agro-ecological literacy. The Foundation Year immersion program runs from February 1 through October 31. The Short-Term Foundation Study is a two- to four-month long placement with the Farm and Food Program, with rolling start and end dates. It is designed for students that are looking for serious immersion into agricultural study but need to find balance with personal schedules.

For application information, download the program handbook and application form [pdf 1.5Mb], refer to our enrollment process web page or contact us to receive a copy by mail.

Stella Gardens, a part of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, is an educational garden for our Foundation year students and visiting youth groups. We produce vegetables, herbs, flowers, fruit, and medicinal herbs for our Stella Gardens Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Fields Best Stores, and local homeopathic pharmacies.

Foundation Year: February 1st through October 31st

The Foundation Year prepares students for the challenges of farming, broadens awareness into issues of sustainable agriculture today, and penetrates the human spirit with enlivened knowledge.

The curriculum emphasizes biodynamic and organic farming practices, including soil fertility, food production techniques, plant classification and culture, transplant and greenhouse production, tool and equipment use, crop rotation, organic vegetable marketing and subscription sales.

This 9-month immersion program includes:

Pre-season two-month agricultural studies series
Cooperative instruction with area farmers
Regional farm tours
Project development
On-site CSA management and responsibility
Each student will receive a core competency and skills evaluation

Short-term courses: two- to four-month options available

Short-Term Placements are designed for students who are balancing their education with other life responsibilities. This option allows students to be fully immersed into the Farm and Food Program for short-term study. Start dates are rolling, so contact contact Therese today to get growing now: (262) 642-3303 ext. 117

Hands-on experiences in organic and biodynamic agriculture
Pre-season two-month agricultural studies series option
Self-designed independent study
Exposure to an agro-ecology curriculum in the classroom and out in the field

Agricultural Enterprise Development Track, a multi-year program for the advanced agricultural student

This program fosters aspiring agriculturists and farm-based entrepreneurs on Michael Fields Agricultural Institute's land. Students will enhance and expand their core competencies in the practical application of organic agriculture, business development and management, and marketing.

Garden Workshop and Farm Tour Series

Professional lectures, gardening courses, agricultural fieldwork activities, and regional farm tours are now being offered for the 2007 Season. Stay tuned to this website or subscribe to our newsletter for Workshop Series updates.

Excellent options for professional development in agricultural disciplines
Ideal for students and educators
Onsite visits to operating family farms

» Full list of upcoming workshops

Farm to Fork training at MFAI

There are many lessons to be learned by examining our local food system. MFAI is now offering custom-designed Farm to Fork group training programs. Previous training programs have included courses like culinary exploration, the ethics of food and an introduction to local food systems for ecology students. Contact Dori Sorensen, MFAI Education Coordinator, to design your Farm to Fork Training today.
» Farm to Fork flyer [pdf]

Volunteer Education Credits

Volunteer Education Credits allow the general public to gain experience while learning, by committing their time to volunteer work in the gardens of MFAI. A commitment of set weekly volunteer hours can result in cost-free workshops. The volunteer work in the garden will also provide hands-on learning experiences that contribute towards an individual's learning track. To find out more about the specific criteria for Volunteer Education Credits, contact Therese: (262) 642-3303 ext. 117.

Visit Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Kids and adults alike can get involved in farming's outdoor classroom by visiting Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. Visiting groups of youth (K-12) can explore the many wonders of the Farm and Stella Gardens at Michael Fields through hands-on, experiential activities, games, and seasonal care of the vegetable and herb gardens. Garden clubs, culinary arts students and environmental science college classes have all enjoyed and learned something new from the educational walking tours.
» Read more on visiting MFAI

SPIN-tastic Farming Goes to the Domes

MFAI and Mitchell Park Conservancy co-hosted the 2nd annual SPIN (Small Plot INtensive) Farming Workshop at the Mitchell Park Domes Pavilion in Milwaukee in February, as part of the Urban Agriculture Conference. SPIN farming is an agricultural enterprise model for urban and peri-urban areas complete with its own lexicon, planning and planting techniques, and marketing strategies. Read on to find out more.
» Read the full article

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.