Outreach

On the ground, sharing what we know

Good research doesn’t mean much without good outreach and extension – we use innovative tools and various venues to get information into the hands that need it most. We seek to share relevant findings, consult and advise where appropriate, and perhaps most importantly, build farmer-to-farmer networks where we can learn alongside the growers we serve.

Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN)

The Organic Grain Resource and Information Network (OGRAIN) offers an educational framework for developing organic grain production in the Upper Midwest. Whether you farm 10 acres or 10,000, are an experienced organic grower or just considering the transition to organic, OGRAIN provides learning opportunities to improve your organic row crop and small grain operation. From weed control to marketing, grain storage to termination of specific cover crops, the OGRAIN community of experienced growers, researchers, industry experts and others is here to support you.

Seed to Kitchen Collaborative

The Seed to Kitchen Collaborative connects plant breeders focused on organic systems to Wisconsin farmers and chefs, to create delicious, well-adapted vegetable varieties for local organic production. This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to focus on vegetable variety characteristics important to local food systems, such as flavor, fresh-market quality and agronomic performance on smaller-scale diversified farms.

UW On-Farm Research Network

A recently-launched initiative, the WI On-Farm Research Network, is working to connect farmers throughout Wisconsin with each other and to the University with the following goals in mind:

• Collaborate with farmers to gather better information to answer their own questions about agronomic practices related to soil health goals.
• Connect farmers to share findings and learn from one another.
• Engage growers in existing projects, adding replications and valuable ‘real world’ applications.

Farm2facts.org

Farm 2 Facts (F2F) is a farmers-market data collection toolkit backed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

F2F assists farmers markets and market managers in aggregating, interpreting, and reporting data that they’re likely collecting already. F2F helps markets hone their decision-making, communicate with stakeholders, and secure funding. The F2F team has a one-on-one relationship with every customer, and develops software based on client feedback.

Designed by a team with over 30 years of experience with farmers markets. Tested in seven states. F2F works.

Extension Specialists

Many professors at UW-Madison hold multiple appointments, often some combination of teaching, research, and Extension. The faculty below are all Extension Specialists, focusing, at least in part, on organic agriculture. You can reach out to any of them with specific questions.

Dr. Julie Dawson

Associate Professor

Department of Horticulture

Area of focus: Organic horticultural crops and plant breeding

608-609-6165

dawson@hort.wisc.edu

Website

Dr. Erin Silva

Associate Professor

Department of Plant Pathology

Area of focus: Organic field crops

608-890-1503

emsilva@wisc.edu

Website

County Extension Agents

Many Wisconsin counties have an agricultural extension agent, and a growing number address organics as a part of their program. If your local agent doesn’t yet focus on organics and you’d like someone from our collaborative to reach out to help evolve their programming, let us know. If you’re an agent that would like to be listed here, reach out! agurda@wisc.edu