department has several other projects ….

department has several other projects they work on. These projects include: working with farm, yard, and field projects that reduce manure and soil runoff, manure storage closures, well storage closures, leachate collection systems, clean water diversions, nutrient management planning, setting up fencing for grazing systems and setting up cattle lanes.

MANURE

Some farm, yard, and field projects that reduce manure and soil runoff are grass waterways, cover crops and barnyards. It is important to reduce this runoff because it runs into the streams and could possibly create a build up of algae. This algae could interfere with the aquatic life as well as making it unusable for citizens.

Manure is a very important part of farming and the department works with farmers to help collect and manage the use of manure in order to utilize it efficiently. The department makes sure that they collect as much manure as possible. They also insure that the manure is being moved around on the field efficiently to get the best possible yield. The cost of fertilizer is at an all time high and by avoiding using too much manure and making good use of it, farmers are able to save money and cut costs on fertilizer.

SOIL

Soil is also an essential part of farming and the department wants to ensure that the soil is and stays as healthy as possible. One way that this is done is by using cover crops. Cover crops are crops that are planted after the main crop is harvested. Cover crops keep the soil healthy and protect the soil from erosion. Having a living plant in the soil improves the health of the soil.

The department also introduces and encourages the use of no-till drills to help maintain healthy soil. No-till drills are an alternative to plowing and disking that dig up and disrupt the soil. By planting right into the field and avoiding this disruption, no-till drills help the soil stay healthier which makes it less likely to erode.

“The misfacts out there that are that no-till crops will yield less than if you did the tillage, but if it is done correctly no-till can yield equally as well as the regular,” Tessmer said.

Farmers are also able to send in soil samples to the department for testing.

WATER

The department also does water testing for private wells. Along with this, they work on leachate collection systems that prevent a build up of leachate and minimizing its environmental impact. Leachate is bad for water systems and the environment because it contains harmful contaminates.

The clean water diversions are structures that are implemented by the department to insure that clean water strays away from any contaminates.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING

By working with farmers and land owners to create a nutrient management plan, the department is able to keep track of soil samples taken from the property as well as any nutrients going into the soil. The plan also arranges how these nutrients are being applied to the land. A nutrient management plan insures that the environment of the property stays healthy and sustainable for future use. These plans are created by computer programs used by the department.

GRAZING SYSTEMS AND BARNYARDS

By setting up fences for grazing systems and creating a grazing plan, the department helps farmers set up a plan to move the animals around the pasture in a way that is most efficient for their property. Grazing systems help farmers reach the goals they have for their pastures and reduce soil and nutrient runoff.

Barnyards are areas of concrete outside of a barn where animals can be kept safely. The department works with farmers to set up barnyards in order to keep animals off of the soil when it is wet. Barnyards also allow for safe manure collection.

LONGTERM GOALS

By maintaining healthy land and water conditions, the department’s main goals are to reduce soil from leaving the fields and reduce the amount of phosphorus from leaving the land. Soil and phosphorus are extremely important when it comes to keeping a healthy, usable, and profitable environment.

“How is what we are doing today going to affect how our grandchildren could possibly be able to farm this land?” Tessmer asked when discussing the importance of the work that the department does. Keeping the environment sustainable for future generations is extremely important and the department is working very hard to make that happen.

CONTACTING THE DEPARTMENT

If you ever have any questions about land conservation or need advice about your land, garden, or farm, you can contact the department at (715)748-1469 or take a look at their page on the Taylor County website. Their office is located at 925 Donald street in the USDA Agriculture Service Center in room 104.