As the UW Discovery Farms Program graduates the first generation of Discovery Farms Core Farms, we are transitioning into research on a broader scale. Two new projects involving watersheds, operated by Discovery Farms, have begun in St. Croix county and Monroe/Vernon counties. In St. Croix county, the study watershed is a tributary to the Willow River, and eventually empties into the St. Croix River. In Monroe/Vernon counties, the watershed is a tributary to the Kickapoo River, and is the contributing area for Jersey Valley Lake County Park.
The watershed projects will involve many landowners and producers who live and farm in the area. One major component of the projects is education for both agricultural producers and community members. We will assist farmers in identifying critical sites on their land that may be contributors or aid in the reduction of nutrient and sediment losses to surface water due to runoff from manure, fertilizers or other sources.
The information gathered by this research will be utilized by UW Discovery Farms, UW Extension and other constituents for the purpose of educating the general public, farmers and interested parties on the effects of several kinds of nonpoint source polution areas. These sites will include city, farm and river sites.
In the early stages of the project, we have seen tremendous cooperation from landowners, producers, and community members in and around the study watersheds. We hope the willingness to work with us continues to grow, as these projects depend on involvement from all parties with a stake in a profitable rural economy and a healthy environment.