Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

SHARE collaborator Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization addressing the challenges of soil fertility, water quality, climate resilience, racial equity, food security, and farm success through research, policy, and education. MFAI is based in East Troy, Wisconsin, and serves diverse farmers and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond.

MFAI SHARE Projects

Field Research on Alternative Cover Crops

This project is dedicated to advancing the understanding and implementation of climate-resistant cover crops. It involves comprehensive testing to assess soil health and fertility, along with economic data to evaluate the viability and impact of these crops on sustainable agriculture.

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Educational Soil
Health Videos

This initiative focuses on creating and sharing educational videos to spread knowledge about soil health principles, best practices, and the latest research findings to a broad audience, including farmers, educators, and the general public.

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Farmer Outreach
and Engagement

Through organizing events and developing case studies, this effort seeks to engage the farming community in soil health improvement practices. It includes workshops, field days, and the dissemination of research findings to encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Learn More at www.michaelfields.org

The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute also partially funds research and outreach efforts in collaboration with the following organizations:

Artisan Grain Collaborative

A micro-grant program designed to support soil health initiatives across the grain chain. It facilitates small-scale investments in equipment and practices that enhance soil health, supporting farmers, processors, and end-users in the grain industry. Visit Artisan Grain Collaborative for more information.

Food System 6

Provides analysis and support for soil health finance and capital acquisition in agroforestry and grazing. It identifies and leverages financial opportunities to advance soil health practices. Visit Food System 6 - Food System 6 Accelerator for more information.

Midwest Farmers of Color Soil Health Network (MFCSHN)

A Michael Fields Agricultural Institute-led program specifically supporting soil health projects with the following

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led organizations:

Advocates for Urban Agriculture Chicago

Building on the success of its soil testing program, Advocates for Urban Agriculture Chicago will be continuing efforts to equip Chicagoland urban growers with comprehensive soil health support, analysis, and resources. The group's objectives are to offer soil testing, comprehensive soil health materials, and educational public workshops focusing on urban growers and community gardens that are part of AUA’s programs. Visit Advocates for Urban Agriculture - BIPOC, Grower, LGTBQ+IA, and Disabled Folks Organizing for Sustainable Food Systems for more information.

Groundswell Conservancy

Groundswell Conservancy supports and educates Hmong farmers on adopting and integrating soil health practices into their farming. The organization is focused on creating equitable access to agricultural land and resources, while also providing training on sustainable farming practices that benefit soil health. Visit Groundswell - Conservation Where You Live for more information.

The Latino Economic Development Center

The Latino Economic Development Center, in collaboration with Rodrigo Cala of Cala Farms, is an outreach program that offers training on soil health practices specifically tailored to Latinx farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. It aims to equip these farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable soil health practices within their operations, thus enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability. Visit Latino Economic Development Center – LEDC – An association of Latino entrepreneurs and leaders in the state of Minnesota for more information.

Motherland Community Project

Motherland Community Project is focused on providing training and mentorship in sustainable urban agriculture in BIPOC and underserved communities. It aims to improve food access, increase knowledge about soil management, and foster community engagement in urban farming practices. Visit https://www.motherlandcommunityproject.org/ for more information.

Neighborhood Food Solutions

Neighborhood Food Solutions engages in urban agriculture and skills development programs for various community groups. The project emphasizes hands-on training in soil health and related agricultural practices, aiming to empower communities with the knowledge to grow healthy food sustainably. Visit Neighborhood Food Solutions, Inc. | Healing the world one farmer at a time for more information.

Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council

Through a partnership with the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, Dan Cornelius of the Native Food Network, is working to expand soil health knowledge among tribal communities and support soil health demonstrations and research sites in tribal communities throughout Wisconsin. Visit Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council for more information.