Agriculture

A first-of-its-kind study by the University of Illinois found that GLRI Demonstration Farms increased the adoption of cover crops among farmers in Eastern Wisconsin by 50% — a key improvement which will make a lasting impact in reducing nutrient runoff in the region.

The Great Lakes Commission issued a request for proposals for projects that will help improve Great Lakes water quality by reducing nutrient loads from agricultural watersheds and eroding shorelines and streams.

Seven projects in Indiana, Minnesota, New York and Wisconsin were selected for funding through the Great Lakes Sediment and Nutrient Reduction Program.

A GLRI demonstration project is testing the potential for cell lysis technology to protect water quality by lowering the phosphorus content of manure.

The Nature Conservancy, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Lenawee County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Regents of the University of Michigan will receive $3,712,124 in grants funded under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. By providing technical assistance and outreach to farmers, these organizations will help reduce the amount of nutrient runoff entering Lake Erie resulting in harmful algal blooms.

As a member of the Door-Kewaunee Demonstration Farms Network and Peninsula Pride Farms, Lee Kinnard of Kinnard Farms partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to be one of the first farmers in the nation to have a denitrifying bioreactor and a phosphorus removal system built in-line on the same tile system within a field.

Good management of farmland leads to positive environmental outcomes for healthy soil and clean water. In Western New York, the Macauley family has found that these practices can have an added benefit – a better bottom line for their farm business!

Instilled with commitment to land stewardship, the next generation of Kane Dairy farmers sets out to take their parent’s vision for helping the family land to new levels with financial and technical assistance from Natural Resource Conservation Service programs.

Farmers, conservation professionals and project partners gathered to commemorate and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Lower Fox Demonstration Farms Network.

A father-and-son farming team in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin are demonstrating what conservation practices and welcoming vital pollinators can do for soil health and crop yields.