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!

"The MFAI New Farm is a beautiful property with views of the terminal moraine, glacial kettles, native forest and conservation pollinator strips. Nestled amongst these beautiful landscape features, MFAI staff get to trial alternative crops and perform regenerative ag research that we’re excited to show to our guests, friends, and partners. We hope you are able to join us for this first year at New Farm!”

- Dr. Nicole Tautges, Research Director

Here's what you can expect:

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

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

-Lunch cooked by MFAI Staff featuring savory crepes and cakes made from millet, East Indian chutneys, buckwheat desserts, and a salad featuring mung bean sprouts

-Farm tour of research fields, prairie strips, and conservation practices

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

-Wagon Ride to view and learn about the wooded kettle on the farm, a deep depression with an interesting geologic origin

-Happy Hour in East Troy

We're looking for sponsors for the field day, including in-kind donations of supplies.

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.

Booth and Presentation Sponsor $250

-Booth at Field Day

-Time to talk about your work with attendees at lunch

-Acknowledgement in press release and digital ads

-Logo and mission on day-of materials

Friend of the Fields $150

-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