By Erica Gentry
In Wisconsin, farmers are increasingly turning to one another to share ideas, test new practices, and learn what works on real farms. Organized groups of farmers are creating opportunities for this type of peer-to-peer learning by bringing together farmers, researchers, and conservation partners to address water quality challenges while supporting productive and profitable farms.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension supports farmer-led efforts by collaborating with many groups to design and interpret on-farm research, connect groups with University experts, and provide outreach opportunities that highlight the innovative work farmers are doing across the state.
Many of these groups formally receive support through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program. Funding from the program supports on-farm demonstrations and research projects focused on reducing nonpoint source pollution from agricultural land while identifying practical conservation practices for farmers.
Building Consistent, Statewide Research
Extension helps coordinate research projects across participating groups by developing consistent, science-based protocols that can be replicated statewide. These projects allow farmers to evaluate practices under real-world conditions while generating meaningful data that supports statewide conservation efforts and strengthens peer-to-peer learning opportunities among farmers across Wisconsin.
Source : wisc.edu