Learning Opportunities
2024 Soil Testing, Soil Health Workshop Series
DATCP, UW-Extension, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are collaborating to offer a series of free soil testing and soil health workshops. Attendees will learn:
- how soil biology and cover crops can increase soil fertility and boost yields.
- how to take soil samples, submit a soil test, and understand a soil report.
- how to determine what soil amendments to add to a field based on a soil report.
- how to apply for USDA EQIP funding to receive cost share to buy cover crop seed.
Open to all producers, these workshops are designed for growers who manage small to mid-scale diversified farm operations with a particular focus on supporting beginning and/or underserved farmers. Beginning, historically underserved and veteran farmers will receive a free soil test and a $50 stipend to cover their time and travel costs for attending.
The workshops will be offered at multiple locations. If you need help registering, please contact Andrew Bernhardt or the local contact that can assist in English, Spanish, or Hmong, if noted.
- Tuesday, September 17 - 4-6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 24 - 3-5:30 p.m.
- Monday, September 30 - 4-6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 1 - 4-6:30 p.m.
- Monday, October 14 - 9-11:30 a.m.
- Monday, October 21 - 4-6:30 p.m.
Grant Opportunities
Wisconsin farmers, non-profit organizations, producer organizations, government agencies, universities, and other agricultural groups are encouraged to apply to the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. DATCP seeks projects that will enhance the competitiveness of Wisconsin's specialty crop industries in domestic and foreign markets.
A federal grant program offered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the purpose of the Specialty Crop Multi-State Program is to competitively award funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops by funding collaborative, multi-state projects that address regional or national level specialty crop issues, including food safety, plant pests and disease, research; crop-specific projects addressing common issues; and marketing and promotion.
The Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) competitive grant program is designed to strengthen Wisconsin's agricultural and food industries by working to reduce the marketing, distribution, and processing hurdles that impede the expansion of local food sales of Wisconsin's food products to loca l purchasers.
Applications for the 2024 BLBW are due September 9 by 11:59 p.m. To learn more about the program, including how to apply, visit: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/BuyLocalBuyWisconsinGrants.aspx.
About the DATCP Specialty Crop Program
DATCP staff help specialty crop producers overcome challenges, increase profitability, and grow by promoting and administering U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grants for Wisconsin. Program staff collaborate with stakeholders and utilize grant funding to coordinate field days and workshops, create educational materials, and provide one-on-one technical assistance to producers.
We can provide assistance or connect you with resources that address:
Wisconsin Specialty Crops Video Series
Specialty Crops Introduction:
Ginseng:
Horseradish:
Hazelnuts:
Christmas Trees: