Wisconsin Farmers Union: Midwest CSA conference presenters announced

Contact: Danielle Endvick, 715-471-0398 or dendvick@wisconsinfarmersunion.com


Early bird registration deadline extended to November 9th

CHIPPEWA FALLS – More than 40 farmers, researchers and other presenters from throughout the Heartland will share their views and experiences surrounding community supported agriculture at the Midwest CSA Conference Dec. 3-4 at The Plaza Hotel in Eau Claire. Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU), organizer of the conference, in partnership with a range of Midwestern organizations, announced the full line-up of presenters earlier this week.

The conference will feature four tracks geared toward Beginning CSA Farmers; Production, Logistics & Technology; Building Community; and Financial Management & Business Planning. Attendees will learn first-hand from both beginning and experienced farmers. They’ll also hear about the latest research and resources available to CSA farms.

In a Farm Hacks session, self-proclaimed “farmhacker” Grant Schultz will share innovative ways to improve production efficiency and infrastructure using inexpensive yet robust do-it-yourself tools and equipment. Schultz has developed custom fruit and vegetable equipment, tree planters and electric tractors, and is jokingly referred to in some circles as the “Mad Scientist of Permaculture.”

WFU members Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko of Inn Serendipity in Browntown and Kat Becker and Tony Schultz of Stoney Acres Farm in Athens will co-present a session about on-farm food service and value-added farm products and projects. The talk will focus on ways CSA farms can diversify farm income and also expand community and relationships.

Other topics will include tips for beginning farmer success, land access strategies, marketing, member communications, finances, farm transition, legal aspects of CSAs, USDA and other government program availability, investment analysis and multiple sessions geared at deepening relationships, both with CSA members and the local community.

Labor is the major cost of production for crops on diversified vegetable farms. Preliminary findings will be presented from a two-year study on efficiencies in labor on CSA farms across Wisconsin.

During a keynote session with author Steven McFadden and a farmer panel on the Changing Landscape of CSA, group discussions will explore whether CSA farms are just a passing agrarian fantasy, or if they can serve as enduring cornerstones for community and ecosystem renewal in the Midwest and beyond.

“It’s been two years since we pulled together farmers and community supported agriculture advocates from throughout the Midwest to discuss the opportunities and complexities of this growing movement,” said Sarah Lloyd, Special Projects Coordinator for the Wisconsin Farmers Union. “We hope the Midwest CSA Conference brings farmers and CSA advocates together with friends and colleagues, new and old, and inspires them, giving them energy for the growing season ahead.”

The deadline for early bird registration and hotel block rates has been extended to Nov. 9. To register or for more details about the conference, visit www.MidwestCSA.com.

Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities, and all people through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors, and civic engagement. For more information visit www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com.