“Wisconsin’s rich agricultural heritage and identity are coupled with a strong and enduring conservation ethic and sense of stewardship for our land and natural resources.  Renewing the Countryside - Wisconsin clearly shows how these vital traditions continue to shape how we live and work.  It showcases people and ideas that are transforming our state – through knowledge, innovation and creativity.”

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle 

"Such a beautiful book will surely engage readers in the unfolding story of hope for farms, businesses and communities that are working to protect the health and heritage of our state. It is heartening and inspiring to read about the great work that people are doing - they are teaching by doing what's right for our land. CROPP Cooperative and our Wisconsin family farmers in particular are proud to be featured among the many amazing profiles in Renewing the Countryside: Wisconsin." 

George Siemon, CEIEIO, Organic Valley Family of Farms

"Many people are talking about restoring the rural communities of Wisconsin.  In Renewing the Countryside Wisconsin, edited by Jerry Hembd, Jody Padgham and Jan Joannides, 2007, (Available at the University of Wisconsin Press) we can read about people who are putting talk into action.  We learn about everything from the goings on at Folklore Village near Dodgeville to the sustainable forestry work of the Menominee Tribe, innovations in cheese making at Cedar Grove Cheese factory in Plain, The Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, organic potato fields at Igl Farms near Antigo and much more.  With beautiful photography throughout, reading this book gives a positive view of what is being done to renewWisconsin’s rural communities.

Jerry Apps
Author of In a Pickle: A Family Farm Story