Are you a new farmer in Wisconsin raising vegetables and fruits and interested in accessing resources to create a more successful farm business while benefiting the land? Looking for funding and support for a hoop house to extend your growing season?

Join us for an informational introductory webinar on support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through funding opportunities through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) that offer support for about 200 practices, including high tunnels, cold storage and more.

Wisconsin farmers will share their personal NRCS program experience along with NRCS staff advising on next steps to apply.

All beginning farmers are encouraged to attend, particularly those growing vegetables and fruits and anyone who has not yet connected with NRCS.

Webinar will be recorded and the link sent to registrants.

Speakers:

Eric Allness, Acting State Conservationist (welcome)

Meagan Duberstein, NRCS EQIP Coordinator

Meagan Duberstein is the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) State Program Specialist for the WI NRCS. Meagan has been with the Wisconsin NRCS for 12 years as a soil conservationist, and has assisted many producers and landowners with implementing conservation practices on the land. Her time with NRCS has given her the opportunity to work in several counties to get conservation projects on the ground including Adams, Clark, Kenosha, Portage, Racine, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, andWood. Originally from central Wisconsin, Meagan attended UW-Stevens Point and continues to live in the area with her family.

Katy Dickson, Christensen Farm
A family farm with three generations playing in the dirt and raising healthy and wholesome vegetables, fruits, and chickens for eggs and working to diversify with grazing Scottish Highland cattle. After 12 years traveling the world, Katy and her husband Mark returned to the farm next to the one she grew up on. This farm is a certified-organic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operation.

Robert Pierce, Half the 40 Acres
Robert was born and raised on Madison’s South side. As the owner of Half the 40 Acres, he has been growing and selling produce for over 20 years. Robert started as a vendor at the South Madison Farmers Market in 2000 and has been the Market Manager since 2001. He is a community leader and advocate in the development of sustainable locally grown food systems.

 Lisa Kivirist, Renewing the Countryside

About Conservation Connectors

This new project amplifies outreach of conservation programs and resources to historically underserved farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Through workshops, field days, webinars, and personal connections, Conservation Connections taps into a team of seasoned and experienced farmers serving as Connectors, linking underserved farmers to resources within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Historically underserved farmer groups include African Americans, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, veterans and beginning farmers.

Host Partners

Renewing the Countryside is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen rural areas by championing and supporting rural communities, farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and other people who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects. The Sustainable Farming Association advances environmental stewardship, economic resilience and strong, diverse communities through farmer-to-farmer networking, education, demonstration and research. This project is made possible with funding support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).