We all have a responsibility to use our resources wisely. Farmers are great examples of how it’s done because they work hard every day to meet the needs of tomorrow.
Scott Timm comes from a diversified farming operation in Green County and has prioritized environmental sustainability. So much so, that he was named as one of Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s 35 under 35 for his work.
He says he doesn’t do it alone. He belongs to the farmer-led watershed group Green County Clean Waters, one of 47 groups in Wisconsin.
The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection funds these producer-led groups. The goal is to improve Wisconsin’s soil and water quality by supporting and advancing producer-led solutions that increase on-the-ground practices and farmer participation in local watershed efforts.
For example, Timm says 25 of the Green County Clean Water members have implemented cover crops.
Cover crops are plants that are grown, not as a main production crop, like corn or soybeans, but to provide a living root in the ground over winter.
With a cover crop, the soil is protected from rain and wind erosion. The crop helps absorb heavy rains before the new crop is established. Timm says the worms also thrive when there are cover crops. The more worms, the more nutrients and the more favorable soil structure, he says.
