Did you know Wisconsin is second in the nation for total number of organic farms? Only California has more. Yet, due to rising cost of land, new farmers struggle to get into the business and growth of existing farms is limited. Organic farms use more human-scale, sustainable growing methods which build healthier soils. In turn, … Continue reading Farmland access: key to flourishing organic food system in Wisconsin
Calling all our regenerative farmers out there - we want to spotlight two grant opportunities with approaching deadlines: National Young Farmers Grant - Up to $5,000 for farmers and ranchers between 18 and 40 using farm practices that protect natural resources for future generations. Applications close on January 13, 2023. Fund-a-Farmer Grant - Up to $3,000 … Continue reading Two grants for regenerative farmers closing soon
Two articles came up in my newsfeed this week: One from The New York Times - Farmland Values Hit Record Highs, Pricing Out Farmers and from local news in Iowa - Record price for Iowa farmland now $30,000 an acre Let's pause to let that sink in. This record comes on the heels of the … Continue reading With farmland selling at record prices, next-generation farmers need our help
When you need an excuse to stay inside and on the couch, you can say it's for educational purposes when you're watching these new regenerative agriculture videos, just published. First up: FoxRAP's Listen to the Land Community Story Project, where we get to know our local farmers who grow our food, steward the land, and … Continue reading New regenerative ag videos for chilly weather
Did you know cereal rye is one of the most cold-tolerant and reliable cover crops, germinating even at temperatures just above freezing? It's one of the most widely planted cover crops, and can be planted right now in late October. If weather doesn't cooperate for strong fall establishment, you’ll still see it green up in … Continue reading Midwest Cover Crop Decision Tool: Find the best cover crop even as we coooool down
Somewhere we Wisconsinites were taught that leaves are enemies to banish from the landscape. We spend much time and effort on this endeavor. In reality, fall leaves are incredibly beneficial for our land, gardens, even livestock. They're full of carbon [plant food] and minerals drawn up from deep in the earth by the tree roots. … Continue reading 5 uses for fall leaves on your land
Are you an aspiring farmer full of questions on how to get started? Maybe you're a new farmer looking for advice or guidance? Are you a farmer with several years of experience under your belt and want to help the next generation? Programs around WI and the Upper Midwest are open for both opportunities. Check … Continue reading InspireBites: Be a farming mentor! Or mentee!
Wisconsin Pork Industry Needs Assessment The University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension invites you to participate in a Needs Assessment Survey for the Pork Industry in Wisconsin. Results of the survey will help determine the educational needs of Wisconsin swine producers. The Swine extension team can then shape programs to deliver valuable information to … Continue reading UW Swine Survey!
New funding from the USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program was recently announced, naming 70 pilot projects, of which 16 will involve Wisconsin farmers and ag groups. Wisconsin ag organizations like Organic Valley, Savanna Institute, and Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative have received funding to invest in regenerative practices like cover crops, pasture management, reducing tillage, … Continue reading InspireBites: Federal investment in climate-smart agriculture is coming to Wisconsin farms
Here at FoxRAP, we've got 4 pillar objectives: Connect community Grow local food and farm products Preserve farms Protect natural resources Right now, we have a big project underway that, while ultimately checks each of those boxes, will be a huge step forward for farmland preservation in our area. One tool we'll be using to … Continue reading Agriculture Conservation Easements: a critical land preservation tool
Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project 