MFAI Annual Alternative Crops Field Day

We hope you'll join Michael Fields Agricultural Institute staff and conservation partners for a first-ever field day at our New Farm, set in the heart of the Southern Kettle Moraine. These production fields and research plots are managed in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy's Pickerel Lake Fen Preserve near East Troy, WI. Fens are among the rarest types of wetlands in North America. They are dependent upon natural springs, and so management of the surrounding Mukwanago watershed's sensitive agricultural acres is imperative. Pickerel Lake Fen is one of the most biologically diverse fens in southeast Wisconsin and is one of the few fens in conservation protection. Several rare or endangered species are also protected at the preserve. Pickerel Lake Fen is dedicated as a State Natural Area.

The New Farm is upland of the fen, but includes several kettle depressions, through which contaminants can infiltrate groundwater. MFAI utilizes careful conservation practices - prairie strips, agroforestry, alternative crops, low tillage, and covers - to protect this landscape and create demonstration opportunities. Come see conservation and production in action!

Full agenda for the day to come soon.

Here's what you can expect:

-Trial plots of Proso Millet varietals, Buckwheat varietals, Pennsylvania Dutch popcorn, and Kernza in 2- and 6-year -old fields

-Multiple education stations including agroforestry, policy, and soil health

-Lunch cooked by MFAI Staff featuring savory crepes made from alternative crops and a salad featuring mung bean sprouts

-Farm tour of research fields and conservation practices in the Southern Kettle Moraine

-Fields Best Market Table with alternative crop flours and baking mixes for sale

-Participatory Pickerel Tank Recipe Challenge

What's the Pickerel Tank Recipe Challenge?

You may be wondering why the grass pickerel is the star of our Field Day Recipe Challenge? Because this beautiful fish requires heavily vegetated sloughs, slow-moving streams, and wetlands to thrive, it is a natural indicator of healthy, warm water wetland ecosystems. As such, the pickerel makes a wonderful mascot for a conservation agriculture field day in a sensitive landscape dotted by kettle lakes and wetlands. And yes, you can find the grass pickerel in Pickerel Lake, Lake Beulah, and others in SE Wisconsin - though largemouth bass, Northern pike, and yellow perch are more popular to catch and eat.

However, the recipes featured in the challenge DO NOT have to feature fish! We're asking sponsors to make a dish and share the recipe for something that represents them or their organization's mission or impact. They'll have an opportunity to explain what they do and why the dish represents them. You'll have an opportunity to sample the dish and vote for the People's Choice Award. And everyone will go home with a 2026 Annual Field Day Recipe Zine.

We're looking for sponsors for the field day, including those who want to participate in the Pickerel Tank.

Let's get your logo up on our web outreach materials! Sponsorship levels and opportunities are listed below.

Contact Kriss Marion for more information: kmarion@michaelfields.org or 608-636-4652.

Pickerel Tank Challenge Sponsor $300

-Booth at Field Day

-Time to talk about your work with attendees and share a sample and recipe that represents your organization's mission or focus

-Opportunity to win Challenge Prizes

-Acknowledgement in press release and digital ads

-Logo and mission on day-of materials, including Field Day Recipe Zine

Friend of the Fields $200

-Acknowledgement in press release and digital ads

-Logo and mission on day-of materials

Sustainable Supporter $100

-Logo on day-of materials

In-Kind Supply Sponsor

-Logo on day-of materials and signage