Showcasing Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin Communities
Planting the Future: Agroforestry for People, Water, and the Land.
Agroforestry is a land management approach that integrates trees, shrubs, and other perennial plants into crop and livestock systems. By mirroring natural ecosystems, agroforestry improves soil health, supports biodiversity, and improves local climate resilience. Agroforestry plantings provide food, habitat, and income while protecting water and the land resources for future generations.
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Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Daybreak Foundation and Caerus Fund, we can advance agroforestry practices that not only benefit farmers but also build stronger, healthier communities and ecosystems. Our funders’ vision and commitment to regenerative agriculture and community health are enabling long-lasting community and ecosystem investments.
-Margaret Krome, former MFAI Policy Director
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Community Demonstration Sites
A Michael Fields Agricultural Institute led initiative, the Showcasing Agroforestry in SE Wisconsin project is partnering with Savanna Institute, and UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Milwaukee County Urban Agriculture Program to establish four publicly-accessible, educational demonstration sites.
So far, MFAI staff and project partners have planted over 400 trees and shrubs.
Mission:
The Wisconsin Grazing Coalition promotes managed grazing in Wisconsin through engagement, advocacy, and organizing to cultivate economically, environmentally, and socially thriving communities.
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Vision:
We envision a society that values and supports managed grazing and grasslands for their contributions to:
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Rural community vitality
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Farmer livelihoods
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Healthy and resilient food production
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Clean water and soil health
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Weather disaster mitigation and adaptation
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Increased biodiversity
Key Goals
Questions? Contact:
The Wisconsin Grazing Coalition advances managed grazing through:
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Improving Grazing Practices: Increase adoption and enhance management of grazing on farms statewide.
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Advocacy: Champion effective and equitable implementation of grazing-related programs and policies.
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Reforming the Farm Safety Net: Advocate for reforms to crop insurance, subsidies, and financing to better support grazers.
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Farmer Assistance: Provide financial and technical support for graziers to implement sustainable practices.
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Market Development: Build supply chains, processing capacity, and consumer markets for grass-fed products.
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Education and Outreach: Host conferences, field days, and beginning farmer programs to share knowledge and expertise.
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Equity and Access: Create pathways for beginning, and under-resourced farmers to access land and grazing opportunities.
Take Action
Join the movement to advance managed grazing in Wisconsin! Here’s how you can get involved:
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Join the Coalition: Submit a membership application and help shape the future of grazing in Wisconsin.
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Participate in Events: Attend field days, conferences, and workshops to learn more and connect with like-minded advocates.
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Advocate for Policy Change: Work with us to educate decision-makers on the benefits of managed grazing.
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Spread the Word: Share success stories, resources, and WGC updates on your networks and social media platforms.
Partners
WGC is an initiative with partnership, leadership, and guidance from:
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Audubon Great Lakes
Clean Wisconsin
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection
Ducks Unlimited
Glacierland RC&D
Golden Sands RC&D
Grassland 2.0
GrassWorks
Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition
Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Agriculture
Iowa County LCD
Marathon County Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
Wisconsin NRCS
Organic Valley
Pheasants Forever
Rural Climate Partnership
Sand County Foundation
Sauk County LCD
The Nature Conservancy
UW Extension
UW Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems
Wallace Center Pasture Project
Wisconsin Farmers Union
Wisconsin Land+Water