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. Register today!
Alterra Coffee Roasters – A proud sponsor of the MFAI Whole Farm Workshops
Biological Gardening through Soil Enrichment
February 10 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $40
Promote life in the soil by utilizing materials that are more natural and life promoting. Learn about Midwestern Bio Ag’s fertilizer program for biological/organic farming systems that include much more than N-P-K. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructor: Tim Williams – Midwestern Bio-Ag
Raising Chickens
February 11 from 9:00am – Noon $40
The care, feeding and housing of layers and meat hens for production. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructors: Petra Zinniker – Zinniker Farms
Managing Weeds for Vegetable Production
February 16 - CANCELLED -
Vegetable producers gain new strategies for weed management in a diversified operation from a veteran organic farmer. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructor: Mike Noltnerwyss – Primrose Community Farm
Soil 101
March 2 from 9:00am – Noon $40
How soil is impacted by the addition of organic matter and tillage.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Jim Stute – Crops & Soils, UW Extension Rock Co.
Cover Crops Basics
March 2 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $40
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.
Permaculture on Family Farms
March 3 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $40
Discussions on the use of “what plant where” will be held, and you’ll also receive in-depth instruction on how to modify existing terrain in accordance with permacultural practices.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Joel Kellum, King’s Hill Farm
Introduction To Growing Specialty Cut Flowers
March 9 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $40
Learn how to add value to your farm stand with specialty cut flowers. This workshop will give an overview of selecting, growing, harvesting, storing, and displaying beautiful specialty cut flowers.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Jeanie McKewan, Brightflower Nursery
Intro To Broom Making
March 10 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $50
Discover the art of making handmade brooms! Wisconsin broom maker, Little John, will teach you how to make a real broom for decorative or functional use. All materials will be provided for your use. Discussion about decorative options will be included. Broomcorn and other supplies will be for sale for your future brooming needs! Limit 12 people.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: ”Little” John Holzwart
Adding Value Diversity to Your Whole Farm Plan
March 16 from 9:00am – Noon $40
The basics of planning and planting plans for an organic orchard, managing risk, equipment needs, and budgeting for transition to organic fruit production. Participants encouraged to bring their ideas and farm maps as we will spend some time on orchard design and getting feedback from others. We will focus on fruits suitable for our climate including labor, establishment and costs. Resources on orchard management, design and plant lists will be provided. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Erin Schneider – UW-Madison Research Gardener, Owner Hilltop Community Farm.
Growing Grapes in the Upper Midwest
March 17 from 9:00am – Noon $40
If you have ½ acre (250 grapevines),you can profit from growing grapes. Learn about site selection, grape varieties for cold climates, trellis systems, pruning, pest management, costs and marketing. Conclude with a wine tasting. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructor: Pam & Ken Rosmann – Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery
Soil Sampling Basics
March 23 from 9:00am – Noon $40
This hands–on workshop explores the theory and practical aspects of getting representative soil samples. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Jim Stute – UW Ext Rock Co.
Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management
March 23 from 1:00am – 4:00pm $40
Interpret a soil sample report (bring yours if you have one) and design a soil fertility program. Sign up today!
Course level: Intermediate
Instructor: Jim Stute – UW Ext Rock Co.
Home Brewing Beer
March 30 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $40
Learn the basics of making your own home brew. You will learn what you need to make delicious beer as well as resources, equipment, costs. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: John Hall – MFAI Farming Systems Agronomist
Tractor Safety I
April 13 from 9:00am – Noon $40
For new or potential tractor owners, learn basic safety rules and operational procedures. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Les Niles, Black Sheep Enterprises
Grant Writing
April 20 from 8:30am – Noon $45
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
Introduction to Beekeeping
April 21 from 9:00am – Noon $40
Learn basic beekeeping skills. Find what tools you need and the costs to start your own beehives. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructors: Dan O’Leary -Honey Valley Apiaries
Tractor Safety2
April 27 from 9:00am – Noon $40
Get onto the tractors and practice procedures for driving, hooking-up
and taking off implements. Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner *Pre-req: Tractor Safety 1*
Instructors: Les Niles, Black Sheep Enterprises
Introduction to Biodynamic Agriculuture
April 28 from 9:00am – 5:00pm $80
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, Ithaca HS Ag Instructor
and Brian Wickert, Farmer & Viroqua Biodynamic Group member
Native Pollinators
May 18 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $40
This workshop will teach you about some of the species of native pollinator insects and help people understand how to provide habitat for them to encourage their beneficial activities.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructors: Regina Hirsch, PhD, Eco-Fruit Outreach Specialist, UW- Madison
Goat Milk Soap Making
June 1 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $60
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
Beginning Organic Gardening
June 15 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $25, plus $5 for each child
Learn the basics of organic gardening. Topics covered will include what is the difference between certified organic, organic and sustainable. How do your growing and eating choices impact others? Learn how you can transition to organic, growing in small backyard plots, containers and raised beds. You will also learn how to create and maintain fertile soils. Learn how to deal with insects and diseases in your garden and how to choose plant varieties native to Wisconsin. Attending this workshop will greatly increase the amount of organic food you and your family grow and consume.
Bring your children ages 5 to 12, they can work/play, explore and enjoy a snack in our Children’s Garden with Michael Fields staff, Jodie Janovec, as you learn how to grow a beautiful and productive organic garden.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Judith Reith-Rozelle, Researcher Emeritus, University of Wisconsin
Goat Milk Processing
June 29 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm $60
Use fresh goat’s milk in the kitchen to make a variety of goat milk products such as Chevre, Yogurt, and Ricotta.
Sign up today!
Course level: Beginner
Instructor: Tracey Hall, Grace Note Farm & Roseberry Soaps
Renewable Energy Systems for the Farm: An Overview
July 16 from 9:00am – 3:00pm $70
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
Instructor: Clay Sterling, Midwest Renewable Energy Association
