Join farmer Robert Pierce for a tour of his farm, Half the 40 Acres, south of Madison and learn about various programs and opportunities to enhance conservation practices on your land.

Learn about soil health and see Robert's composting operation.

"For me, it's pretty simple; everything starts with healthy soil. To grow good food you need good soil and that has always been my priority here on the farm." Farmer Robert Pierce

Tour Robert’s new high tunnel and gain information on potential NRCS EQIP funding for such farm enhancements.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency FSA and other conservation staff will be on hand to answer questions and help connect you to additional resources and opportunities.

Event runs 4 to 6 pm with an overview from Robert at 4:30 pm and 5:30 pm.

Event is free to attend. Snacks will be served, including sampling from Robert's farm harvest. Registration requested but walk-ins welcome.

A warm invite especially to beginning farmers and new landowners. 

If you would like interpretation services, please contact Lisa Kivirist ideally a week in advance: lisa@rtcinfo.org; 773-706-4150

About Robert Pierce

Born and raised on Madison’s south side, Robert Pierce is the owner of Half the 40 Acres and has been growing and selling organic produce and managing the South Madison Farmers' Market for over 20 years. Robert is a community leader and advocate in the development of sustainable locally grown food systems and runs Neighborhood Food Solutions to connect people with their food source.

Additional resources attending:

John White, State Outreach Coordinator, NRCS

Katie Demrow, State Outreach Coordinator, FSA

Pattie Haack, Soil Conservationist - Dane County, NRCS

Diane Mayerfeld, North Central SARE & UW-Madison Extension

Lisa Kivirist, Renewing the Countryside

Questions?  Contact Lisa Kivirist, Renewing the Countryside at lisa@rtcinfo.org or call/text 773-706-4150

About Conservation Connectors

Conservation Connections: Linking New & Underserved Farmers with Conservation Resources uniquely utilizes a “boots in the field” team of Farmer Connectors to assist these farmers to tap into information and opportunities to create a more successful farm business and cultivate soil health. With funding support from the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), this project provides outreach and support to historically underserved farmer groups including African Americans, Asian, Latino, Indigenous, veterans and beginning farmers.

Event Hosts

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).