By Blake Jackson
The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI) will host its Annual Alternative Crops Field Day on Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at its newly established research farm, New Farm, located at N8832 Pickeral Lake Road in East Troy, Wisconsin.
The free public event will offer farmers, researchers, and community members an opportunity to explore innovative agricultural practices, emerging crops, and conservation efforts. Advance registration is requested to assist with meal planning.
“The MFAI Field Day has long been an annual tradition — a chance to bring farmers, partners, and community members together for practical, place-based learning,” says Ryan Martin, MFAI Executive Director.
“This year is especially meaningful as we host a field day for the first time at New Farm, our recently launched crop trial site, where we’re excited to connect research, education, and policy in the field. We hope to see you there.”
Visitors can participate in guided tours of research plots featuring proso millet, buckwheat, Pennsylvania Dutch popcorn, mung beans, Kernza perennial grain, agroforestry plantings, and cover crop trials.
Five educational stations will focus on soil health, water quality, alternative crop production, and the path from research to commercial markets.
Located near the Pickerel Lake Fen Preserve in Wisconsin’s Southern Kettle Moraine, New Farm demonstrates conservation practices such as prairie strips and cover crops that help protect nearby wetlands and groundwater while supporting productive agriculture.
“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,” says Dr. Nicole Tautges, MFAI Research Director, who supervises the crop trials.
“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 the farm!”
Lunch will highlight alternative grains, locally sourced ingredients, and South Indian specialties, while Fields Best Small Batch Grains will offer products for purchase. The event concludes with herbal mocktails and an optional hay wagon tour of the property’s scenic glacial kettles.
For more information, visit https://www.michaelfields.org/event-details/mfai-annual-alternative-crops-field-day.
Photo Credit: michael-fields-agricultural-institute
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, General