PortalWisconsin.org accepts submissions from Wisconsin artists who are interested in displaying their work in our online gallery. There is no specific deadline; we accept applications on an ongoing basis. There is no fee to apply.

In September 2009 the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched its “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative. The initiative promotes local and regional food systems by stimulating community economic development and ensuring equitable access to affordable fresh and local food.

The upcoming Smithsonian exhibit Key Ingredients: America by Food is coming to Reedsburg, Wisconsin. The non-profit Wormfarm Institute and the Wisconsin Humanities Council will be hosting this traveling exhibit for 6 weeks beginning in October 2010.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced today that competitive grant funds will be available for technical assistance, education and research projects in management intensive grazing. Applications for all projects must be postmarked by March 29.

The Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is pleased to announce that they are requesting proposals for the 2010 Specialty Crop Block Grants (SCBG).  Completed proposals must be submitted to juli.speck@wi.gov by 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 1, 2010.  Selected proposals will be submitted to the USDA for final approval and projects should be able to commence in late fall or early winter 2010. 

"The small towns and rural communities that dot Wisconsin's landscape make valuable contributions to our state heritage," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers.  The large majority of Wisconsin's school districts are rural - and every year the DPI recognizes the commitment of rural school and community projects at an award ceremony at the state capitol.

We're working on putting together the Wisconsin Downtown Action Summit with these great partners:

Wisconsin Downtown Action Council
http://wisconsindowntown.org/

Arts Wisconsin
http://www.artswisconsin.org/

1000 Friends of Wisconsin
http://www.1kfriends.org/

This year learn about the heart of your farm and what makes everything grow – your soil. We offer several classes on soil, soil sampling, organic matter and enhancing fertility. And these are just a few of our workshops. We have classes on tractors and innovative ways to promote your products at farmer’s markets. Take a grant writing class or look into getting organically certified. Perhaps this is the year to add a meat CSA to your farm operation - find out how. Want to venture into some value-added products? We offer soapmaking, goats milk processing, and beekeeping.

I had the pleasure recently of attending the Midwest Rural Assembly in Sioux Falls, SD. This assembly was the first regional follow-up to the National Rural Assembly organized by the Kellogg Foundation as part of their Rural People, Rural Policy program. The Assembly brought together over 170 participants from 13 states to discuss social and policy issues facing rural areas.

Revitalizing Wisconsin's Downtowns represents a set of web-based presentations (webinars!) on topics relevant to downtowns that lend themselves to further dialogue and peer learning at the local level.  The Webinars are presented by state and national experts, who are available to answer your questions during the sessions.