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Writer's pictureErin Thompson

Cramped Conservation: WI Farmers Union and The Garden to host urban, small farmer workshop


Two people standing in a doorway. A sign above them reads, "the garden Neenah"
Erin Lenninger (WFU Conservation Coordinator) and Toby Gable (The Garden Manager) stand outside the urban farm.

The Garden is a new, urban farm in Neenah, Wisconsin that is growing food for the Fox Valley. Farmer Toby Gable is the general manager of The Garden and has a background working on small farms and in kitchens, which has steeped him in a deep appreciation for food, food systems, and the conservation ethic. 


“I’m a perennial student of the culinary arts & sciences, regenerative and sustainable growing practices, and the human interaction and community that surrounds,” Toby said. “Family, friends, food, farming and a beautiful future!”


As the manager of a new urban farm, Toby has had to balance experimentation and economic viability. This has informed his approach to conservation and future goals for The Garden. 


"I’m literally throwing the proverbial pasta of my knowledge at the wall to see what sticks and could be potentially viable,” Toby said. 


Toby is in the early stages of planning and implementing conservation at The Garden, but his first step was to send in soil tests. Through soil testing, Toby hopes to learn more about what his soil needs and what amendments, like compost and biochar, are best suited to his site. 


Plants growing in rows.
Field crops at The Garden.

The Garden already operates two high tunnels, which Toby cites as critical infrastructure for insulating his plants from both drought and heavy precipitation. This fall and winter one of the high tunnels will be heated to see how long the growing season can be extended – an experiment that may enhance The Garden’s economic viability overtime. 


Field irrigation has also been a challenge for Toby. Precise irrigation, like drip irrigation systems, are more efficient and use less water but can be very costly to install. Toby has drip irrigation in his high tunnels, but not in his fields. He noticed a big difference this year between produce grown in the high tunnels and produce that wasn’t. Vegetables that are susceptible to blight should stay dry. This was possible for Toby to achieve in the high tunnels because he could irrigate in a more controlled way. Out in the fields, he lost some of his peppers from too much precipitation and reduced ability to precisely control irrigation. 


A kale plant show up close.
The Garden grows a variety of vegetables, including kale.

Overall, there can be major barriers to implementing conservation improvements as a small farmer. From knowing what options exist to finding a way to pay for them, conservation can be confusing. Through the Farm Climate Smart WI project, Wisconsin Farmers Union will be hosting a conservation planning workshop on November 21 (10am - 2pm) at The Garden to help small, urban, beginning, and underserved producers better understand conservation options for their operations and how to obtain funding to implement them.


“Events like these can serve as an important first step in learning about conservation resources and options, provide a supportive sounding board while working through your conservation plans, or simply serve as a space to gather in fellowship with other farmers and resource staff,” Wisconsin Farmers Union Conservation Coordinator, Erin Lenninger said. “Wherever you are on your conservation journey, there is value for you, and to be shared by you!”


Two people stand in a greenhouse-like structure.
Toby and Erin chat in a high tunnel at The Garden

2025 Conservation Planning for Small-Scale and Urban Farms will be specifically tailored to small and beginning farmers. Land management challenges are distinctive for small and urban farms. Event attendees will learn from Kaitlin Schott (Natural Resource Conservation Service [NRCS] Urban Conservationist) and Merrie Schamberger (NRCS Resource Conservationist) about opportunities for implementing conservation that work on a small scale. The workshop will cover options like high tunnels, low tunnels, raised beds, soil carbon amendments, and more! As farmers are looking ahead to conservation goals for 2025, this planning workshop will cover:

  • New and existing conservation funding opportunities

  • Important funding timelines and key dates over the next year

  • ​Potential barriers and regulations for small-scale and urban producers to consider

 

Find more information about this workshop and register for free at wisconsinfarmersunion.com/fcs-events


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