Whole Farm Workshop Schedule
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is training the next generation of sustainable farmers. Join us in East Troy, Wisconsin where beginning farmers and advanced growers develop the skills and 
competencies they need to take their agricultural careers to the next level. At Michael Fields, you will engage with our Farmer Faculty in interactive workshops and on-site field training.
All workshops held at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, W2493 County Rd. ES, East Troy, WI 53120 unless otherwise noted. Please see our schedule and course descriptions below. Download a copy of the brochure here, 2013 Whole Farm Workshop Brochure.
We sincerely hope that workshop registration fees do not keep anyone from participating in the 2013 Whole Farm Workshops. That is why we work hard to find scholarship money to cover the costs of anyone that is not able to pay. These opportunities are listed below and check back for updates as they become available.
- For residents of Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha County residents. Seed Scholarship information
- * CRAFT and FairShare members receive a 20% discount on all Whole Farm Workshops
- Contact Jodie, farmandfood@michaelfields.org or (262) 642-3303 ext. 128, regarding scholarship need
Cultivating Organic Fruit for Market
January 18 from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
What about fruit? What are my options beyond apples, grapes and strawberries? Is diversifying with fruit the right fit for me? Learn ways to find success with integrating fruits crops into your whole-farm plan, such as: site observation, plant selection, considerations for transitioning and managing your land sustainably, and an overview of the pros and cons of different markets. We’ll focus on fruits suitable for growing in Wisconsin’s climates, including pears, currants and peaches, as well as some new fruit neighbors such as hardy kiwi, honeyberry, elderberry and saskatoons. Participants are encouraged to bring a base map of the area on their farm that they are considering for fruit production. We will use your sample projects and/or scenarios to practice design and make initial recommendations for fruit selection and plans for your project. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Farmer Faculty: Erin Schneider & Rob McClure of Hilltop Community Farm, LLC
Managing Weeds for Vegetable Production
January 18th from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
Learn how to control weeds for vegetable growing. Focus will be on using equipment to scale up vegetable acreage. We will cover specifics on different techniques used for different crops and, when applicable, explain how such techniques can be used at different scales. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Farmer Faculty: Mike Noltnerwyss, Crossroads Community Farm, LLC
Growing Specialty Cut Flowers
January 25 from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
Specialty cut flowers can be a valuable cash crop if marketed effectively, whether grown as a single income source or in addition to market farming. Learn about season extension for cut flower crops, organic cropping methods, growing from seed, cuttings or divisions, in greenhouses, high tunnels or in the field. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Jeanie McKewan, Brightflower Nursery
Multi-Species Grazing
February 1st from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
Learn how Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm manages free-range laying hens, pastured poultry, pigs, and cows in a rotational grazing system. Animals are moved through pastures, maximizing production and fertility for a higher return per acre than a single species system.
Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructor: Beth and Jody Osmond, Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm
Pastured Poultry
February 1st from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
Learn the nuts and bolts of raising meat birds, from day-old chicks to getting them to consumers. This is an exploratory course looking at care and daily management health, marketing, and cost analysis of raising broilers. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Beth and Jody Osmond, Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm
Irrigation Fundamentals for Vegetable Growers
February 8 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Scott Williams, Garden To Be
Renewable Energy Systems for the Farm: An Overview
February 9 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $70/$56*
This overview course will provide participants with a basic overview of solar and wind energy technologies and how they can be incorporated into a farm operation, to supply some or all the electrical or heating needs. Students will learn what it is, how it works, what it can do, components, systems types, basic site assessment, and basic sizing. Lunch is included in the workshop fee.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Clay Sterling, Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Post Harvest Handling of Vegetables
February 15 from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
This workshop will explore good practices for handling your produce from harvest to sale. Main areas of focus include: initial cooling needs; thorough washing; minimizing handling; proper storage; careful packaging. We will also talk about components of a good washing and storage area. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Cassie Noltnerwyss, Crossroads Community Farm, LLC
Cover Crops Basics
February 15 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
Join us to cover the basic principles of cover cropping including uses, species selection and management. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Jim Stute UW-Ext Rock Co.
Agricultural Business Fundamentals
March 1 from 9 a.m. to Noon $40/$32*
Looking to start a farm-based business? Have questions? This session will guide you through the essential steps and required state and federal paperwork to set up a business and begin keeping required records. You will leave with a check list of tasks to accomplish and strategies to get your business started on a path toward sustainable profitability and personal satisfaction. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor- John Hendrickson, CIAS, UW-Madison & Stone Circle Farm
Grant Writing
March 8 from 8:30 a.m. – Noon $45/$36*
Need money to help lease farming equipment, conduct research or start a community garden? This workshop is designed to help you find grant money and write grant proposals. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Margaret Krome, MFAI Policy Program Director
Integrating Shitake, Oyster, Wine Cap Mushrooms into the Market Garden
March 8 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
Harness the power of fungi into a high value food crop while increasing forest health and adding to your soil’s organic matter reserves. Learn how to grow shitake, oyster and wine cap mushrooms outdoors and find out what can be grown under cover to extend the harvest season. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Mary Ellen Kozak & Joe Krawczyk, Field and Forest Products Inc.
Beekeeping 1
March 9th from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
Dan will present instructions on a holistic approach for the new beekeeper. He will focus on how to develop an understanding and partnership with your bees. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructors: Dan O’Leary -Honey Valley Apiaries
Season Extension
March 22nd from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
This workshop will provide an introduction to season extension techniques. Primarily focused on hoop house production, other techniques such as low tunnels crop selection will also be addressed. Information will be aimed to a beginner-level audience and will include information such as site selection, economics, crop selection, and pest management. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Erin Silva, Associate Scientist, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Pest Management for Vegetable Growers
March 22nd from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
This workshop will provide an overview of pest management for organic vegetable producers. Topics will include an overview of ecological-based management strategies,compliance with the National Organic Program standards, insect management, disease management, and weed management. Aimed to a beginner farmer audience, the information will include both systems-based and specific recommendations for key crops.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructor: Erin Silva, Associate Scientist, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Beekeeping, the Second Year and Beyond
April 6th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. $40/$32*
This class is for those whole have already kept bees for one year and now find themselves with many additional questions. We will cover such topics as: bee behavior, equipment beyond the basics, inspecting hives, queens, splitting hives/making increases, swarm capture, preparing for winter, and mites. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructor: Jeanne Hansen, Dane County Beekeeping Association
Introduction to Biodynamic Agriculture
April 20th from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $60/$48*
Inspired by Rudolf Steiner, hands-on activities include preparation-making, plant observations, and applications to compost and fields. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor(s): Jim Favreau, Biodynamic Farmer
and Brian Wickert, Biodynamic Farmer & Viroqua Biodynamic Group member
Tractor Safety I
April 19th from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
For new or potential tractor owners, learn basic safety rules, operational procedures, and maintenance in this workshop. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: David Andrews, MFAI Executive Director
Holistic Dairy Care
April 24 from 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. $40/$32*
Dr. Dettloff will discuss the importance of soils, high forage diets, ten organic vet tools and the three pronged bio-diverse approach to animal health. Dr. Dettloff offers safe natural veterinary care for cattle, sheep and goats. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructors: Dr. Paul Dettloff, Organic Valley Cooperative & Dr. Paul’s Lab
Tractor Safety 2
April 26 from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
Get onto the tractors and practice procedures for driving, hooking-up
and taking off implements. (rain date May 3 from 9 a.m. – Noon) Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner *Pre-req: Tractor Safety 1*
Instructors: David Andrews, MFAI Executive Director
Financial Management Tools for Farmers: and anyone who dreams of being a farmer
April 26 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
In this workshop we will explain the basic elements of a farm business plan including enterprise budgets, cash flow plans, balance sheets, and other tools used in the financial management of a farm. We will show how to put them all together in a business plan. Finally, we will discuss how to use your business plan to obtain financing for your farm, whether it is through the USDA Farm Service Agency and its exciting new Microloan Program, or through a commercial lender such as Badgerland Financial. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructors: Paul Dietmann, Emerging Markets Specialist, Badgerland Financial & Carol Nagel, Senior Farm Loan Officer with USDA Farm Service Agency
Chicken Butchering
April 27 from 9 a.m. – Noon $40/$32*
This workshop will begin with an explanation in the classroom what is needed for butchering poultry. Then we will move to the nearby Zinniker Family Farm, for a hands on slaughter, butchering, and dressing of a chicken. Participants should dress appropriately depending on the level of involvement they choose. Suggested items to bring would be an apron, work shoes or rubber boots. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructors: Petra Zinniker, Zinniker Family Farm
The year in the Life of a Sheep: Health and Welfare of your Flock
May 3 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
Raising sheep since 1992, Paul and Carol will share their experience dealing with lambing, health, nutrition, reproduction, and marketing. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner/Intermediate
Instructors: Paul and Carol Wagner, Hidden Valley Farm & Woolen Mill
Farm-Scale Composting: A Means to attaining Farm Resilience through building Soil Fertility
May 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. & May 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $80/$64*
This workshop will provide the theoretical and practical basis for reconsidering the importance of composting in agriculture in order for it to become a central element for developing healthy and thriving farms. This course will explore, through composting, how one is able to begin to build a solid base to counteract the enormous loss of soil fertility and biological fragility of our farms. Drawing from the pioneering work of the German biochemist, Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, we’ll explore how his hot controlled fermentation compost process becomes a major pillar in establishing farm resilience and a strong and viable means to build soil fertility.
After an evening with an introduction of this method of composting we will have a full practical day on Saturday at our pilot project where we’ll look into the process of mixing the organic resources, establishing proper C/N ratios, setting the windrows, temperature, data collection, and overall management of a thriving compost site. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructors: Angela Curtes and Bruno Jorge R. Follador
Goat Milk Soap Making
June 14 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. $60/$48*
Goat milk soap will not only make your skin soft and beautiful but will add value to your farm based enterprise. Make your own soap and explore soap making techniques, benefits of hand made soaps, and marketing strategies.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Tracey Hall, Grace Note Farm & Roseberry Soaps
From Curd to Press: Home Cheese Making
June 21 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. $60/$48*
Join Home Cheese Maker Linda Conroy as we focus on 2 styles of cheese (Cheddar and Gouda) that you can easily make at home. Participants will be guided through the process of making each cheese, with a focus on details. From curd to press, you will be inspired to go home and try these yourself. Making a “home” cheese cave will be discussed and participants will leave with recipes, cultures and bottle of rennet to get them started. Samples will provided during lunch and during the presentation. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Linda Conroy, Moonwise Herbs
Garlic Braiding
August 10 from 2 p.m – 5 p.m. $50/$40*
Learn the basic techniques of braiding your softneck garlic at this hands on workshop. By turning your harvested garlic in to lovely braids, the value is doubled! You will leave the workshop with a braid of your own making, from garlic grown in the certified organic Michael Field’s Stella Garden and the knowledge and instruction to create braids for your markets. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructors: Jodie Janovec, MFAI Workshop Curriculum Coordinator
Farm Preservation in Estate Planning
September 27 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. $40/$32*
This workshop provides an overview of agricultural trends that can compel farm owners and families to explore estate planning options and preservation tools to help secure their farms for future farming opportunities. Learn about issues to consider as you begin to develop, communicate and implement a succession plan for your farm, and what preservation options, such as permanent conservation easements, are available to help you make the best decision for your farm’s future. Also, hear how one local land trust leverages local, state, and federal funding to purchase agricultural conservation easements on several projects in the Madison region. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner Instructors: Angela Curtes, Land Preservation Consultant & Jim Welsh, Executive Director-Natural Heritage Land Trust & Joy Kirkpatrick, Outreach Specialist-UW Center of Dairy Profitability
Cover Crop Applications
Date and time TBD $40/$32*
Special problems discussed and individual help in cover crops applications.
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Jim Stute UW-Ext Rock Co.
Goat Milk Processing
Date and time TBD $60/$48*
Use fresh goat’s milk in the kitchen to make a variety of goat milk products such as Chevre, Yogurt, and Ricotta.
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Tracey Hall, Grace Note Farm & Roseberry Soaps
