"This survey is a wake-up call." That's a quote from Thomas J. Vilsack, the U.S. secretary of agriculture, talking about our latest Census of Agriculture, which was recently released. What got his attention? Here's some statistics from the 2022 Census: The number of farms in the US dropped almost 7% since 2017 - a continuing decline … Continue reading Latest Ag Census packed with eye-opening numbers; what they mean, what we can do
"Of the many epic challenges that climate change is bringing to humankind, one of the most significant is surely the need to reinvent agriculture.
Can the world’s farmers find a way to shift from large-scale, carbon-intensive industrial farming that is destroying soil and ecosystems to smaller-scale bioregional systems that not only respect nature but regenerate it?
Can we invent systems that grow enough nutritious food, distribute it fairly to all, and remake agriculture as a decentralized, place-respecting enterprise?
At this point in the unfolding climate catastrophe, these ambitions are not simply a nice fantasy to ponder. They are existential necessities. If humankind is going to avoid fatal disruptions to the planet’s ecosystems and civilization itself, agriculture must find ways to pursue some radical shifts.
In the short term, the top imperative must be new strategies for adapting to climate change: new cultivation practices, new crop choices, holistic commitments. Over the longer term, the art of farming must reintegrate itself with local ecosystems and the biosphere. Agriculture must do more than “sustain” an already degraded landscape. It must understand and improve the generativity of life itself.
Regeneration is not simply a set of techniques. It is a mindset and worldview. It is a deep priority and commitment. Regenerative agriculture is not only about improving crop yields and reducing harmful ecological impacts. It is about bringing new vigor to biogeoecological systems while enlivening us as humans.
The focus is not on beggar-thy-neighbor competition and market success that tends toward economic consolidation; it is about cooperative stewardship of dispersed, autonomous systems on a holistic scale. Everyone can flourish together."
A topic near and dear to FoxRAP's heart. UW Extension published a helpful 3-part article series: Demystifying the future farmer and planning ahead for a successful farmland transition. Key takeaways from Part 1 - Making farmland transition options available to landowners: Our current producers are aging out and an expected 70% of farmland will change … Continue reading Successful farmland transitions that benefit both current and future farmers
Although I've studied Spanish (on and off, ahem) since high school, only this year did I learn the powerful word, querencia. From the word querer, which means 'to want' or 'to love', querencia translates as 'fondness'. However, it's also a deeper concept, one with no English translation; a concept of belonging, a love of home, … Continue reading Celebrating Sconnie: Instilling an inclusive love of place
Minnesota launched what may be the nation's first-of-its-kind program to bring in a new, diverse generation of farmers as the current, 99%-white farmer population grows older. This $15,000 matching grant opened at 9:00 a.m. on January 4, 2023 and had 28 applications in the first five minutes. Within days, the funds were claimed, applications closed, … Continue reading MN grant program helps young farmers buy land
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
From the article: “We’re trying to create a more vibrant local food economy, one in which farmers can provide high-quality, healthy food to the people of this community while farming in such a way as to preserve our environment.” said Kristy Allen, one of the founding members of the [St. Croix Valley Food Alliance in … Continue reading InspireBites: “Wisconsin farmers join together to get healthy food to people in their region”
You're invited! Join Midwest GRIT, a Michael Fields Agricultural Institute program to empower small-scale grain farmers in the Upper Midwest, for a field day and lunch discussion at Gwenyn Hill Farm in Waukesha, WI July 29th, 9:30am -12:30pm. Gwenyn Hill Farm grows certified organic produce and practices regenerative agriculture, maintaining the biodiversity of the fields and woodlands. In addition to diversified … Continue reading How an organic CSA and livestock farm incorporates food-grade grains
If you are a maple syrup producer or tap maple trees in Wisconsin, your input is needed! Whether you make syrup for yourself or as a commercial producer, your input is valuable. Please help UW–Extension develop educational programs and resources to support maple syrup producers in the state by completing an online survey. The survey … Continue reading Supporting the future of maple syrup in Wisconsin
Governor Evers created the Meat and Poultry Supply Chain Resiliency Grant, investing up to $10 million to continue to grow Wisconsin's meat processing industry and improve the long-term viability of the state's livestock industry. Get more information or apply here. For more information on local meat processing, check out Wisconsin Farmers Union's report Meat Processing in … Continue reading Apply Now – WI Meat Resiliency Grant
Foxhead Regenerative Agriculture Project 