Small grants available for dairy farms

Grow Wisconsin Dairy grants of $2500-$5000 available.

The Dairy 30X20 program is accepting applications through March 15. There are two kinds of grants for improvements on the farm. Both grants can be used to support transitioning to organic and/or managed grazing.

 Here’s a link to the information:  http://datcp.wi.gov/Farms/Dairy_Farming/Grow_Wisconsin_Dairy_Grant/index.aspx

Or farmers can call or email the Farm Center for more information: (855-943-2479) or GrowWisconsinDairy@wi.gov.

The Food Farm

John, Jane, and Janaki Fisher-Merritt - Wrenshall, MN

The Fisher-Merritts LIVE their sustainable beliefs. “We farm organically because it’s the right way to farm; we’re certified because a buyer requires it,” says John. The 15 acre farm’s crop rotation set-up is both art and science; and their commitment is so great that they invested $40,000 in a state-of-the-art root cellar in order to supply their CSA members with vegetables year ‘round.  They received the MOSES Organic Farmer of the Year Award in 2009 at the Organic Farming Conference in La Crosse, WI.

Golden Grains

Edwin & Nancy Knoll - MOSA 1st Certified Grower & Processor in 1999

Starting in 1988, Golden Grains may be the first certified organic feed mill in the USA.  Every detail of the facility is geared to protect grain quality and organic integrity.  The unique bean roasting equipment produces some of the highest quality protein product in the industry.  With the knowledge gained from many years of experience, thoughtful planning, and detailed record keeping, Ed and Nancy can offer some of the highest quality feed, seed, and soil amendments available.  “It’s satisfying to be part of a movement that’s had a lasting effect” says Ed.

Sno Pac Farm & Foods

Nick and Pete Gengler – Caledonia, MN

“Before eating healthy became popular, people bought Sno Pac vegetables because they tasted great.” The world’s first frozen organic vegetable grower/processor, Sno Pac “certified” as an organic farm in the 1950s by sending an affidavit to Rodale’s Organic Gardening magazine. Today, Sno Pac has been NOP certified as both a grower and processor since 2002. To stay competitive in today’s market, they respond to food trends, including local and regional. Thriving in the same region since 1943, few companies are as local as Sno Pac.

Krusen Grass Farms

Altfrid and Susan Krusenbaum
Elkhorn, WI – MOSA-Certified since 2003

Altfrid grew up in urban Germany and Sue in the Elkhorn area. They are pasture enthusiasts who were active in the European organic movement first, then moved to Wisconsin where they focused on grass-fed management for 10 years before certifying organic. Committed to biodynamic, sustainable farming as well as to promoting grass-fed and organic, and educating and training other farmers, they utilize a leader/follower system by bringing cattle, pigs and chickens into their systems and having interns help them work their operation.

Von Ruden Farm

Darin and Joann Von Ruden
Cashton, WI - MOSA-Certified since 2007

Darin operates the farm that has been in his family since the 1930s. It was farmed by his grandfather and father. He took over upon his dad’s retirement and began the transition to organic in 2005. With 41 cows, the focus is now on herd health and rotational grazing instead of milk production. “Some operations milking 13,000 lbs are making more money than those milking 30,000. Smaller farms can be more profitable on a per cow basis.” The cows are healthier, mastitis problems are minimal, and fly problems have all but disappeared with pasture-based production.