MICHAEL FIELDS AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTE INC

Programs

1. Education - michael fields agricultural institute's education program focuses on outreach for federal programs, and providing learning opportunities through workshops, events and webinars where learning happens with professionals or in a peer-to-peer setting/model. The education programs at mfai include wisconsin women in conservation (wiwic), midwest grain resources & immersion training (midwest grit), milwaukee urban ag network (muan), share, and 2501. These programs are actively creating events in the educational space and engaging stakeholders in all of this programming. Our outreach efforts are strengthened by partnerships with other non profits in the ag space, community organizations and our collaborative efforts with the universities across the region.the education department mainly focuses on outreach for federal programs, and providing learning opportunities through workshops, events and webinars where learning happens with professionals or in a peer-to-peer setting/model. The education programs at mfai include wisconsin women in conservation (wiwic), midwest grain resources & immersion training (midwest grit), milwaukee urban ag network (muan), share, and 2501. These…

   $1,419,656 spentof which $699,793 as grants$6,253 earned by the program
   69% of program spending

2. Research - michael fields agricultural institute's research program focuses on advancing agricultural research and management practices for alternative crops; I.e., anything but corn and soybeans. Advancing knowledge and practice of other crops can contribute to the extension of crop rotations in the upper midwest region, meeting the goals of diversifying the agricultural landscape, increasing productivity and soil health on working lands, fostering increased wildlife, insect, and microbial biodiversity on our working lands, and increasing the potential for ecosystem services provision to midwestern communities, such as enhanced water quality and soil conservation. Both grant-funded and farm enterprise activities that serve as innovation platforms and outreach/demonstration sites for midwestern farmers and community members, make up the program.michael fields agricultural institute's research program consists of two full-time agricultural scientists and one full-time technician, and operates with a mission of advancing agricultural research and management practices for alternative crops, I.e., anything but corn and soybeans. Advancing knowledge and practice of other crops can…

   $384,617 spentof which $8,969 as grants$13,441 earned by the program
   19% of program spending

3. Public policy - michael fields agricultural institute's policy program work turns farmer experience and research evidence into systems change. Our approach is grounded in collaborationwith farmers, grassroots groups, and partner organizationsto ensure that policies reflect the realities of those working the land. We organize coalitions across regenerative subgroups already engaged through our education network, from women farmers and urban growers to small grains producers. By linking these communities directly to the policy process, we elevate grassroots priorities into statewide and national conversations. The team also confronts the influence of money in politics by advancing political education, strengthening democratic practice, and promoting transparency. Working closely with mfai's research and communications teams, policy efforts use data to back farmer stories, evaluate federal programs, and craft evidence-based recommendations. Through campaigns and storytelling, we build public understanding and support for regenerative agricultureturning local insight into collective power.among mfai's public policy activities, we educated farmers and others about the farm bill policy…

   $240,759 spentof which $24,436 as grants$41,597 earned by the program
   12% of program spending

4. Food and farming systems - the integrated farming systems program is a model farm business enterprise that produces and markets perennial grains. Through this model business, mfai aggregates, cleans, and markets grain while generating real-world data on production costs, logistics, and buyer requirements. These operations inform our broader research, education and policy work by identifying barriers to entrysuch as infrastructure gaps, financing limitations, and policy misalignmentand by demonstrating practical pathways for perennial grain adoption. The program advances mfai's mission to build resilient, regenerative, and economically viable farming systems while supporting farmer income diversification and regional climate goals.the institute's farming systems activities included virtual workshops, cover crop & small grains field days. Farm and research field days took place as part of the institute's research and policy program work. Technological tools and solutions to enable production of healthy food with the least amount of chemicals and environmental impacts, while maximizing the quality of food products and rural livelihoods is key information mfai incorporates in…

   $22,344 spent$18,672 earned by the program
   1% of program spending

The 4 programs described on its FY2024 Form 990, listed largest first by expense. Program spending in total: $2,067,376.