Farmer Training Series
2008 Workshops
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute offers place-based education through cutting edge workshops. Our courses are designed to serve as entry points and pathways at every phase of an agrarian life - newly emerging farmers, farmers in transition and even those who have been farming for many years all benefit from courses offered in 2008. We are also creating opportunities for consumers to enter into farm life through cooking, gardening and farm tours. At MFAI, you will engage in interactive workshops and on-site field trainings.
The workshops encompass a whole-farm concept. Workshops are listed under four headings: The Land, The Farm, The Tools and The Community. The Land is the foundation of farm sustainability. These courses develop a deeper understanding of farm fertility. The Farm offers production-based workshops in market crops and animal production. The Tools are workshops that range from entry level equipment usage to finding added value on the farm, and result in practical skills that will accelerate business development and lead to more profitable practices. The Community represents the relationship that consumers need in today's society to feel more closely connected to the farms that produce the food they eat. Traditional farm life skills are taught in Michael Fields Kitchen with farm fresh products.
Invest in your future-- Sign-up today! Space is limited!
» Register online: General public | CRAFT members
To register by phone, please contact Therese at 262-642-3303 ext. 4 or Dori Sorensen, MFAI Education Coordinator, at (262) 642-3303 ext. 128.
| Soil Sample Analysis (Part II) | ||
| Date & time: | February 1, 9am-noon |  |
| Description: | Analyzing your soil samples can be complicated. Bring your farms soil test to this workshop and gain an understanding of fertility management strategies based on test results. Utilize the expertise of two fertility specialists who will offer advice on crop rotation, cover cropping and manure and compost applications for a multi-year fertility plan. (This class is a follow up to the Soil Testing workshop held in November 2007 - anyone with soil sample results is welcome to register). Limited to 70 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Soils 101 | ||
| Date & time: | February 1, 1pm-4pm | |
| Description: | Dig in and explore the makeup of soil. In this introduction to soil science, gain a deeper understanding of the combinations of mineral particles, organic matter, air and water that can give us the foundation for all we grow. Limited to 70 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Managing Organic Matter | ||
| Date & time: | February 2, 9am-noon | |
| Description: | Exploring organic matter and understanding how it influences soil health and fertility, will be the topic of this three-hour workshop. Sustainable farming strives for long-term profitability by maintaining quality soils that can provide long-term stable yields. The key to quality soil health can be found in the quantity of organic matter. Limited to 70 participants. CRAFT Field Day - Strategies for Fertility will be offered for CRAFT members only on August 16 at Angelic Organics. Registration is free. Become a CRAFT member at www.learngrowconnect.org. |
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| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Managing Cover Crops Profitability | ||
| Date & time: | August 22, 1pm-4pm | |
| Description: | Cover crops slow erosion, improve soil, smother weeds, enhance nutrient and moisture availability, help control many pests and bring a host of other benefits to your farm. You’ll reap dividends on your cover crop investments for years because their benefits accumulate over the long term. Learn how cover crops can boost the health of your soil and your profits. Limited to 70 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Pest Management Strategies for Vegetable Producers | ||
| Date & time: | March 6, 9pm-4pm | |
| Description: | Vegetable producers will gain new strategies for pest and weed management in a diversified operation. Learn from experienced farmers, an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) researcher, and a weed ecologist to develop a comprehensive look at challenges and solutions for managing problems in agriculture. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Post Harvest Handling (part I) | ||
| Date & time: | April 26, 9am-5pm |  |
| Description: | Providing the market with high quality products that are professionally handled is the
key to this workshop. Techniques in Cooling, cleaning, storing and packing vegetables for
wholesale markets and your CSA will be shared. Further topics will explore a trip down the audit trail, retail expectations, contracts, and food safety issues. Leave this workshop
with the confidence needed to expand your operation as you scale-up to meet the
demands of our growing regional food system. CRAFT Field Day - Post Harvest Handling (part II) will be offered for CRAFT members only on June 9th at Wellspring Farms. Registration is free. Become a member by visiting www.learngrowconnect.org. |
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| Price: | $100 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Introduction to Apple Tree Management | ||
| Date & time: | March 14, 9am-4pm | |
| Description: | Veteran apple grower, Bob Willard of Ela's Apple Orchard, will teach you the ins and outs of his operation. In the afternoon, walk the land of his more than a century old orchard and participate in the pruning and grafting of the trees. Limited to 40 Participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Ela's Apple Orchard | |
| Berry'licious | ||
| Date & time: | April 18, 9am-4pm | |
| Description: | This workshop will offer an introduction to strawberry, raspberry and currant production. There will be hands-on components that include, pruning currants and raspberries, and propagating currants. Participants will be able to take home their own currant bush and raspberries. Limited to 40 Participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Pastured Poultry | ||
| Date & time: | March 27, 9am-3pm |  |
| Description: | A morning discussion in the classroom about how to raise free-range chicken and pasture poultry will be followed by site visits that look at systems for raising chickens and poultry. Limited to 40 Participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Introductory Grazing | ||
| Date & time: | March 29, 9am-4pm | |
| Description: | Begin with hearing from specialists about a variety of systems for grazing and then tour area farms and see how their grazing methods are working. Limited to 70 participants. CRAFT Grazing Field Day will be offered for CRAFT members only on June 28 at Krusen Grass farm. Registration is free. Become a member by visiting www.learngrowconnect.org |
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| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Beekeeping | ||
| Date & time: | April 5, 9am-noon |  |
| Description: | Discover the fascinating world of bees. Learn how to get started as a beekeeper with basic beekeeping set-up and hive management skills. Limited to 40 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| CRAFT Orientation Workshop | ||
| Date & time: | April 11, 7pm evening session & April 12, 8am-4pm | |
| Description: | The Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) brings together farm interns and offers them a peer base where they can connect to others who share common goals. In this two day workshop, farmers share their experiences with members of CRAFT. Enjoy the learning sessions and take this opportunity to meet CRAFT members and join the alliance yourself. For more details and to register visit www.learngrowconnect.org | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Building Chicken Tractors (Part I) | ||
| Date & time: | April 19, 9am-noon & site visit 2pm-4pm | |
| Description: | Come ready to partake in a hands-on demonstration as we assemble MFAI-hoop style pens. These friendly enclosures are tall enough to enter, are light and easily moved. Also included in the price will be a Chicken Tractor Site Visit at VDB Organic Farms in Delavan, Wisconsin. From 2pm-4pm, VDB Organics invites participants to take a look at the hoop-style chicken tractors they are utilizing on their farm. Request more details and a materials list by contacting Janet Gamble, Education and Outreach Director - (262) 642-3303 ext. 127. Limited to 40 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and VDB Organic Farms in Delavan, Wisconsin | |
| Introduction to Biodynamics at Angelic Organics | ||
| Date & time: | May 31 | |
| Description: | Explore the comprehensive ecological methods behind the world-wide biodynamic
farming movement. To learn more and to register, visit www.learngrowconnect.org and check out the upcoming events. Making Biodynamic Preparations Field Day: Visit and participate in hands-on activities on September 27th at the Zinniker Family Farm in East Troy, Wisconsin. This event is free and open to the public. Call MFAI for more information (262) 642-3303. |
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| Location: | Angelic Organics Learning Center and the Zinniker Family Farm in East Troy, Wisconsin | |
| Brassica Pest Management Strategies - NEW! | ||
| Date & time: | Sept 17th, 1:30pm-4:30pm |  |
| Description: | The brassica genus includes cabbage, mustard, cauliflower, broccoli and turnips, among others. Beginning indoors, UW-System researchers will explain the biology and identification of the various brassica pests and their natural enemies, and how to tip the balance away from the pests. Given that biological control is often just one component of a pest management program, these presentations will also discuss research on other management options so that the best ideas can be shared and ineffective ones identified. Weather permitting, a field component will include demonstrations and hands-on practice with sampling methods for pests and natural enemies, and demonstrations of biological control methods. Join specialists Paul Whitaker (University of Wisconsin - Marathon County, Department of Biological Science) and Erin Silva (Organic Production Specialist, Department of Agronomy University of Wisconsin - Madison, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems) for this in-depth look at biological controls for insect pests of brassicas! Limited to 70 participants. See the brochure [pdf 732kb] for more information. | |
| Price: | $15 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Building Chicken Tractors (Part II) | ||
| Date & time: | September 13, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | A second opportunity to partake in the construction of a hoop style chicken tractor. These user-friendly enclosures are tall enough to enter and light enough to move easily. For more details, contact Janet Gamble, Education and Outreach Director (262) 642-3303 ext.127. Limited to 40 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Pine Row Farm & Pottery in Roscoe, Illinois | |
| Tractor Safety (Part I) | ||
| Date & time: | February 7, 9am-noon | |
| Description: | This lecture will cover safety precautions for tractor and equipment operations as well as exploring general maintenance. Limited to 40 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| CSA Management from Three Perspectives | ||
| Date & time: | February 8 & 9, 9am-4pm both days | |
| Description: | Production planning, succession planting, implementation, marketing, pricing, packing and delivery, subscriber communication, and community events will all be explored in this intensive CSA management workshop. Breakfast, lunches, and a dinner are included in the registration cost. Lodging is available at local hotels. Call Michael Fields registrar to arrange for a discounted rate. Limited to 70 participants. | |
| Price: | $240 (includes meals) | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Greenhouse Management | ||
| Date & time: | February 13, 9am-noon |  |
| Description: | The lecture will cover fundamental principles of greenhouse management. Topics including light, temperature, ventilation, timing, soil, containers, fertilizing, space requirements, and alternatives will be discussed, followed by a hands-on session in the greenhouse. Limited to 70 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Growing Wheatgrass & Micro-Greens for Profit | ||
| Date & time: | February 15, 9am-3:30pm | |
| Description: | Learn to use wheatgrass and micro-greens for profit in a greenhouse setting. Stages of production will be outlined and a look at the economics will be offered. In the afternoon, get into Michael Fields greenhouse and experience the process involved in each stage of production. Take home knowledge that you can apply to your farm right away. Limited to 40 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Hoop House Heaven | ||
| Date & time: | February 16, 9am-noon |  |
| Description: | Begin by thinking about the selection process for choosing an appropriate hoop house to meet your production needs. Then explore the details of hoop house construction, soil preparation, crop production, seasonal extension, as well as operational costs and economic returns. Limited to 70 participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Getting Organized for Organic Certification | ||
| Date & time: | March 13, 9am-4pm | |
| Description: | Learn how to transition into a certified organic operation. With the guidance of an organic licensing agent, learn the details of organic certification requirements and use the classrooms hands-on components to develop the tools and organizational systems you will need to record your farming practices. Limited to 70 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 (includes materials) | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference (UMOFC) | ||
| Date & time: | February 21-23 | |
| Description: | With 130 exhibitors and over 60 workshops, the Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference is an extraordinary, farmer-centered event. This gathering is the largest organic farming conference in the U.S. and is celebrated as the foremost educational and networking event in the organic farming community! This year, MOSES is offering the Midwest Organic Research Symposium in conjunction with the Upper Midwest Organic Farming Conference. This symposium runs concurrently with the Conference. Register at www.mosesorganic.org/ | |
| SPIN Cities: Farming Where We Live | ||
| Date & time: | February 28, 9am-5pm & February 29 9am-noon | |
| Description: | In this intensive two day workshop held at the Mitchell Park Pavilion in Milwaukee is sponsored by Michael Fields Agricultural Institute. In this workshop, participants will learn a new way to farm. It is sub-acre in scale and entrepreneurial in spirit. It requires minimal infrastructure, so it’s easy on the pocketbook and it is organic-based, so it’s easy on the environment. Register at www.growurban.org/register (Limited to 120 Participants) | |
| Tractor Safety (Part II) | ||
| Date & time: | April 3, 9am-noon | |
| Description: | Get out into the field and on the tractors to apply the information you learned in part I of Tractor Safety. Participants will practice procedures for driving and for connecting and disconnecting implements while in the field. (April 26 alternate/rain date). Limited to 40 Participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Sour Dough Breads | ||
| Date & time: | February 5, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Begin with milling whole grains and a living starter, then go through the process of making sour dough breads. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Dairy Processing | ||
| Date & time: | May 6, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Learn to make yogurt, butter and kefir. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Sausage Making | ||
| Date & time: | March 4, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Explore the techniques for making sausage and then enjoy a sampling. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Goats' Milk-based Soap Making | ||
| Date & time: | March 18, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Fresh goats' milk becomes soap for you to take home. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Lacto-fermented Beverages and Fruits | ||
| Date & time: | April 4, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Make natural sodas, Kombucha and fermented fruits, while learning about their health benefits. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Good Gosh, Good Grief; Do you know what's in your meat? | ||
| Date & time: | May 20, 9am-noon | |
| Description: | Learn from a farmer / nutritionist about the health benefits of eating grass-fed meats. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 40 Participants. | |
| Price: | $55 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Solar Water Heating for Your Home - NEW! | ||
| Date & time: | June 5, 6:30pm |  |
| Description: | Want to know more about generating your own renewable energy? We Energies is offering seminars, held at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute that introduce you to current technology, site selection, system sizing, available financial incentives and installer selection. For more information, visit: www.we-energies.com/RE | |
| Price: | $15 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Strawberry Jam Session | ||
| Date & time: | June 18, 9am-2pm |  |
| Description: | Pick your own strawberries and learn how to make them into strawberry preserves. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| PV Systems for Your Home - NEW! | ||
| Date & time: | July 10, 6:30pm | |
| Description: | Want to know more about generating your own renewable energy? WE Energies is offering seminars, held at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute that introduce you to current technology, site selection, system sizing, available financial incentives and installer selection. For more information, visit: www.we-energies.com/RE | |
| Price: | $15 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Currant Jam Session | ||
| Date & time: | July 23, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Pick your own currants and learn how to make currant preserves. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Food Preservation Basics - Tomatoes (Part I) | ||
| Date & time: | July 20, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Preserving tomato based foods. Pick your own tomatoes and learn how to preserve them using the hot water bath method. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Food Preservation Basics - Freezing Vegetables (Part II) | ||
| Date & time: | August 6, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Harvest and learn how to freeze corn, beans, peppers and make herb oil. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Raspberry Jam Session | ||
| Date & time: | September 10, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Pick raspberries and learn how to make them into raspberry preserves. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
| Vegetable Fermentation | ||
| Date & time: | October 25, 9am-2pm | |
| Description: | Preserving vegetables and making sauerkraut. Registration fee includes materials and lunch. Limited to 12 participants. | |
| Price: | $80 | |
| Location: | Michael Fields Agricultural Institute | |
CRAFT – Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training
Our friends at Angelic Organics Learning Center bring interns and farmers in our region together through training opportunities and field days.
CRAFT members enjoy a 20% discount on all MFAI workshops.
To learn more about CRAFT at Angelic Organics Learning Center, visit www.learngrowconnect.org.