Wisconsin legislators participate in on-farm nutrient stewardship field day
DODGEVILLE, Wis. (August 16, 2019) – Wisconsin legislators, state agency representatives and local officials attended an on-farm field day on Friday to learn about sustainable farming practices through the Sustainable 4RWI partnership. Sustainable 4RWI focuses on the 4R approach to nutrient stewardship – using the right nutrient source, at the right rate, at the right time, in the right place – that allows for the achievement of cropping system goals including enhanced environmental protection, increased farmer profitability and improved sustainability.
The field day was hosted by Kyle Levetzow of Model Dairy Farms in Dodgeville as a partnership between Iowa County Farm Bureau and Insight FS. The event provided the opportunity for discussion on nutrient management plans and precision farming technologies with Insight FS, on-farm research with Discovery Farms, and conservation programming and groundwater studies from the Iowa County Land Conservation Department.
“We are proud to partner with farmers like Kyle Levetzow who live and breathe sustainable farming every day,” said Craig Sander, nutrient management specialist at Insight FS. “We look for the latest technologies to ensure we are good stewards of the land. No one can tell that story to policymakers better than those who do the work day in and day out.”
Model Dairy Farms utilizes no-till farming practices to improve soil health and reduce the risk of soil erosion. Iowa County Land Conservation provided a demonstration of how this conservation practice protects soil structure and water quality through a rainfall simulator. Insight FS staff shared how they work with farmers like Kyle to utilize 4R nutrient stewardship principles and technology to meet crop needs and environmental objectives.
“This event has been a great opportunity to highlight the conversations being had around nutrient stewardship between farmers and their advisors every day. We are glad we could invite policy makers to be a part of that conversation and to understand how we work together to meet production, conservation and water quality goals,” said Krista Dolan, Iowa County Farm Bureau president.
Photos available at https://photos.app.goo.gl/PL8LGSKDKfYiKjXs6
Photos: A group at the 4RWI event participated in a walking tour of the farm with Kyle Levetzow, before splitting into groups.
About Sustainable 4RWI:
Sustainable 4RWI is a collaborative project between the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and
Insight FS to showcase how farmers and ag retailers can work together to sustainably manage
crop nutrients using the 4R method. The project is led locally by the host farmer, county Farm
Bureau representatives and Insight FS field staff.
