New Forest Farm

Redesigning Agriculture in Nature's Image

More than 20 years ago, Mark and Jen Shepard began converting a degraded corn operation into Wisconsin's New Forest Farm -- a perennial polyculture experiment. Using oak savanna, successional brushland, and eastern woodlands as the ecological model, the 106-acre farm now supports hazelnuts, chestnuts, elderberry, apples, and other tree crops. Cows, pigs, turkeys, sheep, and chickens graze between the grassy alleys. Entirely solar and wind powered, New Forest is now considered one of the most ambitious models of perennial agriculture in the United States.

Soil Centric's Pro Tip

Author of the bestselling book, Restoration Agriculture: Real-World Permaculture for Farmers, Shepard has a new title "Water for Any Farm." This book will help farmers capture water where they want to. In addition to farm tours and workshops, Mark Shepard offers services in ecological agriculture design, consultation and installation through the company Restoration Agriculture Development (RAD).

External Links

New Forest Farm →

Restoration Agriculture Development Guide →