Wisconsin farmers are expanding their efforts to improve water quality through the state’s successful Producer-Led Watershed Grant Program. The initiative helps farmers adopt conservation practices while working with conservationists to protect local waterways.
Brian Brown, a farmer from Paoli, has been part of the program since its early stages. “Our main focus has been education while also trying new practices,” Brown explained.
Since joining the program, farmers in the area have gone from limited knowledge about no-till planting and cover crops to actively testing different cover crop mixes and manure application methods. These practices reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.
“We’ve been able to open our doors and explain to urban communities what we’re doing to make our water cleaner,” Brown said. He emphasized that educating neighbors has played a key role in earning public support.
The program’s growth has been significant. “We started with about 15 groups,” Brown recalled. “Now there are nearly 50 participating across the state.” He believes the program is a great investment for Wisconsin.
Farmers are implementing key strategies like precise manure spreading, no-till planting, and planting cover crops to protect soil. “We’re not just spreading manure,” Brown clarified. “We’re putting nutrients where crops need them.”
Moving forward, Brown’s group is exploring nutrient tracking to measure how nutrients move through the soil and benefit crops. “We’re working closely with the university on nitrogen research as well as nutrient stratification,” he said. Their group plans to test tools like pedometers to track nutrient movement.
Looking ahead, Brown sees continued innovation as crucial. “At first, we just planted one cover crop species,” he said. “Now, we’re trying mixes like clover, rye, and also radishes.”
Brown encourages others to learn more about the program. “It’s like a community gathering,” he said. “You don’t have to commit to anything. Just join a meeting, see what’s happening, and try a practice where no one else can see.”
