From this field work she developed a list of ideas for farmers interested in starting and maintaining an effective network. The need and the promise Many of Wisconsin's farmer networks grew out of farmers' and farm families' need to create farming systems that better meet their needs. Networks help farmers distribute information, offer moral and technical support, and share resource leads. Farmer networks sponsor field days, farm walks, and winter workshops that encourage a flow of ideas. Wisconsin networks have established sustainable agriculture libraries, tested the use of computers in making farm decisions, sought funding for on-farm research, developed marketing links with urban centers, and coordinated major conferences on topics of interest to farmers.
Most networks hold public events to teach non-farmers about their work.
This is a group of people who come together to push the envelope on what they are learning about management intensive rotational grazing. This moves everyone ahead. Cooperative networks also can help farmers feel less isolated. A shared purpose is the glue that adheres most networks. It inspires the group and gives it energy.