Dig in with On-Farm Learning and Trainings
Join us every summer for on-farm learning at Marbleseed Organic Field Days. Field Days hosted by regenerative and organic farmers across the Upper Midwest who are using innovative organic farming practices and feeding their communities. From small urban farms and midscale silvopasture operations to larger scale row crops, we aim to offer field days for every type of farm. Come connect with community and get fresh ideas to try on your farm.
Marbleseed's Trainings connect farmers with the tools they need for a thriving farm business, supporting the growth of organic acreage, generating more revenue for small-scale farmers, and mitigating the impacts of climate change with farming practices that value land stewardship and whole ecosystem health.
Special Instructions for Visiting Farms with Livestock
Biosecurity is important on all farms, clean shoes and clothes are particularly important at field days where livestock are present. Marbleseed asks that all attendees observe the following biosecurity protocols when visiting farms with livestock.
- Wear clean or disinfected shoes that have not been worn on other farms with livestock or livestock buildings, or around a dense population of wild birds.
- Wear clean clothes that have not been worn around other livestock.
- Upon request of the host or staff during the field day, you may be asked to wear disposable plastic boot covers (provided by Marbleseed) over your shoes.
Current Field Days & Trainings
Check back regularly throughout the season as we add field days and trainings!
In-Person Mental Health First Aid Training
Thursday, August 7 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Cedar Rapids, IA
Within the farming community, we know that farmers face unique stressors and challenges, such as financial pressure, unpredictable weather conditions, and isolation. Due to the remoteness of farming, sometimes technical advisors are the only people farmers see besides their family or farm staff.
To support the farming communities coping with the many factors that affect mental health, Marbleseed is offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to farmers, farm technical advisors, and those who work in farmer support roles. This is a full-day, in-person training that will give participants the skills they need to support farmers who may be developing a mental health or substance use challenge or experiencing a crisis. This includes understanding signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use that may be affecting farmers’ well-being, as well as knowing the appropriate mental health resources available to direct farmers to more support.
We know that technical advisors and people who support farmers in other ways may also experience their own mental health challenges due to the pressures and demands of their roles. Mental health first aid training provides tools and self-care strategies to manage participants’ own mental health needs more effectively so they can better help farmers and be positive role models within their communities.
Welcoming Communities: Becoming an Ally and Upstander
Thursday, August 14 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Decorah, Iowa
“When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed, but when we are silent we are still afraid, so it is better to speak.” -Audre Lorde
In response to experiences of racism, discrimination, and lack of safety from farmers of color in our community, Marbleseed is engaging farmers and folks in rural places who recognize that creating a culture of welcome that embraces diversity makes communities vibrant and viable. This training will explore incidents of racism and discrimination in rural communities while providing skills, approaches, and resources to address them.
In addition to individual skill building, this training will strengthen the formation of a network of ‘upstanders and allies” that are working to create safety and belonging in communities across the Midwest. This is a blended training of a 45-minute educational video to be viewed prior to the event, with four hours in-person. The link to the video will be provided when you register.
We will offer a networking lunch followed by a Training of Trainers for those interested in facilitating the training in their own communities.
COST: $10.00 to defray the cost of lunch and materials. We have limited scholarships available. Please contact Sam at sam.gutierrez@marbleseed.org for more information.
Changemaker Field Day
Saturday, August 23 | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Gary, Ind.
Join us for an inspiring Field Day at Faith Farms and Orchard in Gary, Indiana, celebrating Marbleseed’s 2025 Changemaker Award winner, FAITH CDC (Families Anchored in Total Harmony). Recognized for their transformative work in food and environmental justice, FAITH CDC continues to lead powerful initiatives centered on food equity, social and environmental justice, economic development, and community health. Their mission to amplify marginalized voices and cultivate resilient, inclusive communities has made a lasting impact across northwest Indiana, and this Field Day offers a unique chance to witness that work in action.
This event will showcase FAITH CDC’s latest innovations in urban agriculture. From their upcoming solar panel field and ongoing restoration efforts to the cutting-edge flash frozen facility, guests will gain insight into how FAITH CDC is shaping the future of food systems. This event will highlight both the achievements and challenges of leading community-based agricultural work. Faith CDC’s “food as medicine” approach serves as a cornerstone of their work, connecting nutrition, wellness, and community empowerment. Attendees will engage with FAITH CDC not only as changemakers but as a resource and model for sustainable, justice-driven urban agriculture.
Based in Gary, Ind., FAITH CDC (Families Anchored in Total Harmony) is an organization dedicated to uplifting communities through initiatives in food justice, social justice, environmental sustainability, economic development, and health equity. The organization aims to elevate marginalized voices and build a resilient, inclusive community where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Marbleseed was proud to present FAITH CDC with the Changemaker recognition at this year's Marbleseed Organic Farming Conference. This award was in recognition of FAITH CDC's impactful food and environmental justice work in northwest Indiana.
Organic Multi-Species Grazing Field Day at Alden Hills Organic Farms
Wednesday, September 24 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Walworth, WI
Interested in multi-species enterprises, organic certification, managed grazing, or all three? You’re invited to a field day hosted by Alden Hills Organic Farms on September 24, 2025 from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. The farm is located at N237 Alden Rd, Walworth, WI. After a farm-to-table lunch, we’ll hear from Ethan Heelein, Alden Hills Organic Farms Livestock Manager, and Jason Cavadini, Grazing Outreach Specialist, on topics like managed grazing, pasture assessment, multi-species enterprises, and organic certification. The afternoon will be spent on a guided pasture walk featuring several of Alden Hills’ enterprises.
This event is hosted in partnership between Marbleseed, UW-Extension, Midwest TOPP, and Alden Hills.
More information and registration coming soon!
Field Day Archives
Missed a field day? Read event recaps and watch recordings of some of our Field Days here: