Mark your calendars for two free events on Tuesday, November 1st.
Join us over lunch for the next edition of the Grassland 2.0 Digital Dialogue Series! Dr. Mae Davenport, Professor and Director of the Center for Changing Landscapes at the University of Minnesota, will present and facilitate conversation from 12 – 1:30PM CT. Dr. Davenport will discuss a unique research collaborative comprised of tribes, inter-tribal organizations, non-profit environmental organizations and the University of Minnesota. The focus of the collaborative is sustaining wild rice ecosystems and addressing tribal needs. Wild rice has declined dramatically in some regions in recent years. Dr. Davenport will share stories about protecting wild rice and food sovereignty through cultural exchange. Register for the Digital Dialogue here.
In the evening, Grassland 2.0 supply chain specialist Dr. Sarah Lloyd will speak about agriculture’s role in combating climate change as a part of the Doug LaFollete Environmental Speakers Program. The event will be in-person at the Majestic Theater in Madison, with an option to Zoom in. Dr. Lloyd will discuss how our farming systems are key to mitigating climate change and improving the health of our waterways.
“There are lots of opportunities in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest to step up to the serious ecological challenges we face, including climate change,” notes Lloyd. “We know that moving farm production systems into more perennial and pasture systems is our best bet. We need to make sure that the economics and policy are in place to support the risks farmers are taking as they make these transitions. I am excited to be part of the mix of people at the Environmental Speakers Program because we need to work together with supply chain partners, like processors, distributors, and eaters and policy makers to build good markets and good incentives for farmers and really move the needle.”
Dr. Lloyd will be joined by Grassland 2.0 partners Dr. Keefe Keeley of the Savanna Institute, Dr. Nicole Tautges of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, and Mark Shepard of Forest Agriculture Enterprises. The event will feature climate-friendly crops: Kernza® perennial grain, American hazelnuts, and aronia berries; provided in the form of sourdough bread, vegan raspberry tortes, and aronia berry rhubarb jam.
Doors open at 5PM for a cocktail hour and chance to mingle and chat with panelists, local bakers, and farmers who grow and use the featured crops. Attendance is free and all guests will be given one free drink ticket upon entry. Learn more and reserve your spot here. We hope you can join some or all of this exciting day of learning and discussion!