The Indigenous Crops & Livestock Team is partnering with the Ho-Chunk Department of Agriculture, Menominee Department of Agriculture and Food Systems, and Ohe·láku Corn Growers Cooperative in Oneida to support Tribal producers to scale up Indigenous corn production effectively, improve soil health, and grow multiple culturally important crops together with livestock. We are working with Tribal partners to research and demonstrate ways to mechanize Indigenous corn harvest and processing to support Tribal producers in meeting demand for Indigenous corn (such as for the Tribal Elder Food Box program). 

We are working with the Division of Extension and UW College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to support our Tribal partners’ training needs, including introductory agronomy, soil health, equipment safety, and more.

The Indigenous Crops & Livestock Team also coordinates the UW Arboretum Indigenous Research Garden on Monroe Street. The garden was established in 2019 as a collaborative project for demonstrating traditional mounded companion planting, testing new research ideas, and engaging the campus and Madison communities around Indigenous food systems. If you are interested in volunteering at the garden, please reach out to Hanna McIntosh (hanna.mcintosh@wisc.edu).