The 13th Annual National FIELD School was a milestone event, gathering agricultural leaders, educators, and aspiring farmers from incubator and apprenticeship programs nationwide to share insights, innovations, and strategies for a more sustainable and accessible future in farming. Hosted in partnership with FAIRSHARE CSA Coalition and the University of Wisconsin Extension, this year’s FIELD School took place in the heart of Wisconsin’s agricultural community. It featured enlightening discussions and hands-on tours of local programs such as Crossroads Community Farm, the Farley Center incubator, and Squashington Farm, where attendees saw mentorship and sustainable practices in action.
This year’s event marked an exciting transition for the FIELD Network as Colleen Hanley, National Program Manager, and Caitlin Kenney, National Technical Assistance Coordinator at New Entry, join as key leaders. Together, they will guide the national network and provide resources, technical support, and mentorship to ensure our community of farmers and incubator programs can flourish. Their leadership is poised to strengthen the FIELD Network's mission of fostering resilient, community-centered farming initiatives across the country.
The event included workshops on food aggregation, mentor farmer programs, agroforestry apprenticeships, and land access—topics vital to the success of emerging farmers. With practical discussions on building long-term farm viability, financial benchmarking, and integrating learning within production demands, attendees left equipped with strategies to support aspiring farmers’ development within real-world settings.
Special recognition goes to Dr. Sarah Jane Ugoretz, Dane County Extension’s Diversified Vegetable Educator, and Sam Hsieh, Apprenticeship Manager at FairShare CSA Coalition, for their guidance and dedication to this year’s event.
As the FIELD Network looks ahead, we’re excited to continue nurturing partnerships and creating spaces for collaborative learning. With a steadfast commitment to expanding access and support for sustainable agriculture, the FIELD Network remains a vital force in building a resilient future for farming.