Pioneering Discoveries R e a l Wo r k i n g Fa r m s
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R e a l Wo r l d S o l u t i o n s
Vol.3, Issue 1
Spring 2011
zz MORE DISCOVERY FARM GRADUATION REPORTS RELEASED Eric Cooley, Discovery Farms
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he Discovery Farms Program has made a concerted effort to review data from farms that have completed the program and assemble all the information in a usable format to share with producers and other interested individuals. This is a very time consuming process and Discovery Farms staff is working diligently to get this information put together. The graduation reports that are being produced have been designed to cover various aspects of the on-farm research conducted. It is intended that each report in continued on page 6
zz SECONDARY AND MICRONUTRIENT CROP NUTRITION Kevan Klingberg and Nancy Drummy, Discovery Farms
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ur Wisconsin spring planting season and summer growing seasons are right around the corner. Many agricultural producers have voiced interest in making sure that secondary and micro plant nutrients are properly supplied and available for this year’s corn, soybean and alfalfa crops. This heightened interest in sulfur, zinc, boron, manganese (S, Zn, B, Mn) and other plant nutrients arises from historically high corn and soybean cash grain prices and a futures market that suggests similar high grain value into the next harvest. As much as possible, producers are looking to manage soil fertility to maximize yield and remove crop nutrition from the list of conditions that could limit yield. Although this nutrient management process is always important and pursued by producers and their agronomists, there seems to be a heightened interest, especially in secondary and micronutrients as winter transitions to spring. continued on page 3
ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER:
Healthy soybean
Welcome to Pioneering Discoveries, with a unified format combining news and research from Discovery Farms and Pioneer Farm. Look for the dot for stories from Discovery Farms and this dot for stories from Pioneer Farm.
Director’s Column The UW Discovery Farms Program has been around for ten years working to better understand how agriculture impacts water quality. As I review what we have accomplished, I feel it is important to acknowledge that this program has had success because of the involvement and support of producers and their commodity associations. The Wisconsin Discovery Farms Program was designed to engage producers in: 99 The identification of issues, 99 The design of trials to better understand the issues, and 99 The identification and implementation of practices that reduce negative impacts on water quality.
I was at a meeting a few weeks ago when someone reminded the audience that “Discovery Farms is not about doing research on farms; it’s about engaging farmers in the process of solving problems”. This means that they are active partners in the entire process, not any one point in the process. To those farmers that have helped shape and direct this program over the past ten years—Thank You! What do I think the key lessons learned include? 99 We have a lot of good conservation going on in Wisconsin and over the past 40 years producers have done an excellent job of implementing practices to protect water quality; 99 Timing is everything. You can apply nutrients at the right rate, method and location, but if it’s at the wrong time (a critical time period) the losses can be very high; 99 Everyone can do better. Doing better is often about improving management decisions, not about making major changes in investment; 99 It’s not only about money. The vast majority of producers are trying to protect the environment, which means we need to find solutions that fit into their farming systems and goals. Doing something only because of the financial incentive usually doesn’t last; and 99 The vast majority of producers know their land and the issues better than anyone. To solve problems we need a strong relationship between agency personnel and producers—trust.
I have seen a lot of changes on farms over the past 29 years, most of them have been positive. We need to continue working together and listening to each other to enhance the quality of our natural resources and develop a truly sustainable agricultural industry.
Dennis Frame, Co-director, Discovery Farms 2 Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
continued from Secondary and Micronutrient Crop Nutrition on page 1 Boron deficiency in alfalfa
Law of the Minimum: Justus von Liebig, a German chemist from the mid 1800s, formulated a nutrient management concept called the Law of the Minimum which states that crop yield is proportional to the amount of the most limiting plant nutrient, whichever nutrient it may be. Once the deficient nutrient is supplied, crop yield and quality may increase to the point that another nutrient becomes limiting and the Law of the Minimum then applies to that nutrient. Liebig likened crop yield potential to a barrel with staves of unequal length. The barrel’s capacity is limited by the length of the shortest stave and can only increase by lengthening that stave. When that stave is lengthened, another one becomes the limiting factor. In a bigger picture, precipitation, cumulative growing degrees, first frost date and competition for sunlight are all part of “the barrel staves” and can legitimately become more limiting than any of the essential plant nutrients.
1% organic matter. Manure is also a source of sulfur. Therefore sulfur deficiencies can be more common on sandy soils that are low in organic matter, as well as fields that have not received manure applications. Crops differ in the amount of sulfur removed annually. Table 1 shows alfalfa and corn silage are large users of sulfur. Table 1. Sulfur removed from the soil through crop harvest.
Putting Von Liebig’s Law of the Minimum to practical use, as farmers prepare for their routine N-P-K nutrient management, they also want to make sure that their 2011 corn, soybean and alfalfa yields are not limited by lack of S, Zn, B and Mn.
Crop Alfalfa Corn
Sulfur is considered a secondary nutrient, yet can be as important to crop production as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Many crops contain approximately equal amounts of phosphorus and sulfur. The micronutrients Zn, B, and Mn are also essential for plant growth and reproduction, yet they are only needed in small amounts for optimum plant growth.
Oats
Portion Harvested Hay Grain Silage Grain Straw
Yield 4 ton 150 bu 15 ton 80 bu 2 ton
Sulfur removed 23 lb/a 10 lb/a 25 lb/a 5 lb/a 9 lb/a
A general recommendation for treating sulfur deficiency in alfalfa is to incorporate 25-50 lb/a of sulfur at seeding, or topdress 15-25 lb/a on productive hay. For corn or small grains apply 10 lb/a sulfur. These treatments will generally supply enough sulfur for 2-3 years. Sandy soils may need annual applications. For more information on sulfur, check out the recent articles on sulfur in the Wisconsin Crop Manager (http://ipcm.wisc.edu/WCMNews/tabid/53/Default.aspx).
Sulfur: Sulfur is a key component of amino acids, the building blocks of protein within plants. Sulfur is also involved in converting nitrate nitrogen into organic nitrogen. Sulfur deficiency interferes with protein synthesis, nitrogen use and nitrogen conversions within plants. Sulfur deficiency appears as a light green coloring of the whole plant. Sulfur deficiency can resemble nitrogen deficiency, although the symptoms are not as dramatic, and not localized to the older leaves. Legumes, especially alfalfa, have a high sulfur requirement, so deficiencies are often seen on these crops first.
Zinc: Zinc plays a role in many enzymatic activities, promotes plant growth hormones and starch formation. Zinc is also necessary for seed production and seed maturity.
Organic matter is a source of sulfur, releasing approximately 2.8 lbs of sulfur for every
Zinc deficiencies are most common in corn. Visual symptoms of zinc deficiency in corn are bleached 3
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streaks on the uppermost leaves. This bleached tissue is more predominate at the base of corn leaves. Zinc deficiencies are more likely on high pH soils, soils with low organic matter, and soils that have been eroded. General recommendations for applying zinc to corn is to mix 2-4 lb/a zinc into the starter fertilizer. Zinc may also be foliar applied.
Manganese deficiency in soybean
Boron: Boron activates certain enzymes and is involved with cell division, water uptake, and sugar translocation within plants. Boron is essential in plants for proper pollination and fruit or seed set, as well as nodule formation in legumes.
The University of Wisconsin nutrient application guidelines (UWEX A2809) recommends that micronutrients should be applied when soil test is low, when verified deficiency symptoms appear in the plant, and/or when the crop to be planted has high requirements for specific micronutrients. The relative need for S, Zn, B, and Mn uniquely varies, depending on specific crops. Table 2 provides relative sulfur and micronutrient requirements for Wisconsin crops.
Boron is the most common micronutrient deficiency in alfalfa. Deficiency symptoms in alfalfa appear as death of the growing tip, a bushy appearance of the plant and yellowing of the uppermost leaves. If soil tests are low, or deficiency symptoms appear on alfalfa, general recommendations are to apply 0.5-1 lb/a of actual boron each year, or 2 lb/a one time in the alfalfa rotation as a topdressing. Do not apply boron in the seeding year if small grains are used as a nurse crop.
Table 2. Relative sulfur and micronutrient requirements of common WI crops Crop Alfalfa Corn silage Corn grain Soybeans Wheat Potato Peas Sweet corn
Manganese: Manganese is involved in enzyme activities that move cells through the steps of photosynthesis. Manganese is also essential for certain nitrogen transformations in plants. Manganese Deficiency in Soybean: Soybeans have a high requirement for manganese, and deficiency symptoms are often seen on this crop first. Manganese deficiency is more common on high pH soils. Deficiency symptoms include interveinal chlorosis on the upper most leaves. To correct manganese deficiency in soybeans, general recommendations are to apply 3- 5 lb/a MnO or MnS04 in the row or 1 lb/a as a foliar treatment.
Sulfur H H M L L M ---
Zinc L H H M L M L H
Boron H L L L L L L L
Manganese L M M H H M M M
Including sulfur and micronutrients into fertilizer applications is recommended once it is determined that the crop to be grown has a high need for a particular nutrient and accompanying soil or growing conditions will contribute to positive crop response. Alfalfa is responsive to sulfur and boron. Corn is responsive to sulfur and zinc. Soybeans are responsive to manganese.
Testing and Supplying: While a deficiency of any essential element greatly reduces plant growth, the overuse of some micronutrients can be detrimental, especially on coarse textured soils. Our routine soil testing process in Wisconsin analyzes for organic matter, pH, phosphorus and potassium. Soil analysis is also available for S, Zn, B and Mn, but needs to be individually ordered (with associated fees) above and beyond the routine package. Plant tissue analysis, combined with an associated soil sample, from a suspect field area is a more reliable diagnostic tool than soil testing or plant tissue analysis alone, to identify micronutrient problems.
Micronutrients and Manure: Besides containing significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, livestock manure is a good source of sulfur and micronutrients. When manure is applied throughout crop rotations and/or just during the corn years, micronutrient deficiencies are less likely to occur. 4
Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
zz FIND OUT METEOROLOGICAL DATA AT A DISCOVERY FARMS WEATHER STATION NEAR YOU
Special Manganese Note: A spike of Mn deficiency in Wisconsin soybeans occurred in 2007. This was commonly found on fields where glyphosate resistant soybean varieties were planted on high pH and/or high organic matter content soils. Researchers from surrounding states have also reported this linkage. Thus, the potential for Mn deficiency on susceptible soils increases under that weed control and variety selection management.
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n addition to the real-time water quality monitoring that is being performed by the Discovery Farms Program, concurrent meteorological information is also collected near these locations. The Discovery Farms Program utilizes this information to understand how environmental conditions impact water quality data collected at stream, edge-of-field, and tile drainage monitoring sites.
Conclusion: Sulfur and micronutrient deficiencies, as well as crop response to applications exist in Wisconsin. Not all crops need the same sulfur and micronutrient recipe. Application decisions should be based on crop to be grown, soil testing, visual deficiency symptoms on plants, and plant tissue analysis. Nutrient management money is typically best spent in this order: 1) soil test; 2) Lime; 3) N-P-K; 4) Plant tissue tests; 5) Secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg, S); and 6) Micronutrients.
Other producers, apart from those participating in the Discovery Farms Program, have utilized this information to observe current conditions and make management decisions based on this and other information. In addition to temperature, wind speed, precipitation and relative humidity that can be commonly obtained, the Discovery Farms weather stations also include soil moisture and soil temperature at various depths. This information is useful to not only predict runoff, but can be utilized to assess when are good times to access fields for operations and manure hauling to reduce compaction.
References (all verified 04-06-2011) A comprehensive presentation: Soil Micronutrients From B to Z, was given at the 2010 WI Crop Management Conference. A slide presentation, including color pictures of deficiency symptoms and the associated written paper are available at: http://www.soils.wisc. edu/extension/wcmc/2010/ppt/Sturgul.pdf and http:// www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/wcmc/2010/pap/Sturgul. pdf.
Four locations— Cleveland, Belmont, Cashton (Jersey Valley Watershed), Colfax Red Cedar (Red Cedar Watershed) currently have Willow real-time weather station information that Cleveland Jersey Valley can be viewed online. A fifth site, Woodville (Willow Watershed), is Belmont in the process of being placed online. Links to these sites, along with real-time water quality monitoring data, can be found at: http://www.uwdiscoveryfarms.org/OurResearch/USGSRealTimeData.aspx
UWEX Soil Science includes a number of individual reports on sulfur, zinc, boron and manganese: Soil and Applied Sulfur: http://www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/pubs/A2525.pdf. Soil and Applied Zinc: http://www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/pubs/A2528.pdf. Soil and Applied Boron: http://www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/pubs/A2522.pdf. Soil and Applied Manganese: http://www.soils.wisc. edu/extension/pubs/A2526.pdf. Information pertaining to glyphosate resistant soybeans and manganese can be found in a paper presented at the 2008 WI Crop Management Conference: Does Glyophosate Interact with Mn in Soybean?, http://www. soils.wisc.edu/extension/wcmc/2008/pap/Conley1.pdf.§
On these pages, a list of parameters for each site is listed. Click on either “Real-time” or “Daily Data” hyperlink and check the boxes of the parameters you would like to view, the format, and the time period, up to 120 days, you wish to view. §
5 Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
continued from More Discovery Farm Graduation Reports Released on page 1 the series would be a stand-alone fact sheet so someone who is interested in a specific topic would not have to read through a comprehensive report of the entire project to get the information they are seeking. The main topics covered for each farm are: Farm, Site and Study Design; Equipment, Procedures and Sampling; Water Budget; Sediment Loss; Phosphorus Loss; Nitrogen Loss; and the Impact of Discovery Farms Research. Other topics specific to each project are also included in addition to these basic topics to cover other information learned. This design allows someone who is only interested in a single topic, such as sediment, to pull the sediment documents from a number of farms to assess information on sediment loss under different farming systems and physical settings.
99 Nitrogen Loss Potential at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy 99 Soil Moisture and Potential for Runoff 99 Single Storm Event Loss Comparison to Total Annual Sediment and Nutrient Loss
The fact sheets for each topic typically range from four to eight pages. Each fact sheet is condensed to a brief of two pages for a quick reference of the main points learned. The briefs from each project are combined to form a newspaper insert that is submitted to three of the main agricultural newspapers to share this information with the agricultural community. One final product produced from the graduation reports for each farm is a Power Point presentation for each of the fact sheets to enhance the information sharing of what was learned at individual farms.
99 C oncentration Comparison to Yield for Sediment Loss 99 Impact of Discovery Farms Research on: Agricultural Management at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, Public Perception, and Future Discovery Farms Research Site Criteria The initial phase of the Saxon Homestead Farm project results are presented in nine fact sheets. The series includes: 99 History of the Manitowoc County Discovery Farms Project Area
Recent graduation reports that have been completed are Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy and the initial phase of research completed at Saxon Homestead Farm. The Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy project results are presented in thirteen fact sheets. The series includes:
99 Farm, Site and Study Design 99 Equipment, Procedures and Sampling
99 Farm, Site and Study Design
99 Water Budget at Saxon Homestead Farm
99 Equipment, Procedures and Sampling
99 Understanding Water Loss at Saxon Homestead Farm: Surface and Tile Water
99 Water Budget at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy
99 Sediment Loss at Saxon Homestead Farm
99 Understanding Water Loss at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy: Surface Water
99 Phosphorus and Nitrogen Loss at Saxon Homestead Farm
99 Understanding Water Loss at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy: Tile Drainage
99 Challenges with Experimental Design and Tile Monitoring at Saxon Homestead Farm
99 Surface and Tile Drainage Comparison
99 Impact of Discovery Farms Research on: Agricultural Management at Saxon Homestead Farm, Public Perception, and Future Discovery Farms Research Site Criteria
99 Sediment Loss Potential at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy 99 Phosphorus Loss Potential at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy 6
Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
Fact sheets, briefs and presentations on these farms and other completed projects are available from the UW Discovery Farms Office, PO Box 429, Pigeon Falls, WI 54760, 715-983-5668 or at our website: www.uwdiscoveryfarms.org. As data and reports are finalized for individual farms, the Discovery Farms Program is concurrently analyzing data on specific topics combining data from a number of farms to gain a better understanding of these topics. The combined evaluation of multiple farms will allow for improved knowledge of the role that farming systems, management, and physical settings have for the potential for sediment and nutrient loss. This information will allow producers to make more informed management decisions in their daily operations. §
zz NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FARMER EDUCATION ENTERS A 2ND DECADE Nancy Drummy, Discovery Farms
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utrient management planning is a practice that most farmers are familiar with today, but in the mid 90s nutrient management planning was a relatively new concept. Paul Kivlin and Dennis Frame believed that before farmers would adopt this practice, they needed a better understanding of what nutrient management planning entailed and how it affected them. So together they developed a teaching curriculum that would provide farmers with the basic information required to write their own nutrient management plan. The idea was simple: Provide farmers with information they can use….and they will use it.
NPM program have continued to update the program to reflect current research findings. The most recent update to the NMFE curriculum took place in October 2010. The updated curriculum, along with workshop handouts, speaker notes, and technical references are available on a CD available free of charge through the UW NPM program or Scott Sturgul at ssturgul@wisc.edu. Additional teaching modules included on the October 2010 CD include: Discovery Farms research/monitoring information, cover crops, grazing, tile, and karst topography.
From 2000 to 2010 the Nutrient Management Farmer Education curriculum has been delivered to over 3,000 farmers representing more than 900,000 acres in 35 different counties across Wisconsin. Teamwork is the foundation of this program’s success. The delivery team has generally consisted of the county land conservation staff teaming up with local UWEX and NRCS staff. More recently area technical colleges have offered the NMFE curriculum in partner with county agency staff. This has proved to be an effective partnership with the local agency providing maps and conservation plan information, while the technical colleges conduct the classroom sessions. The educational curriculum is flexible enough so that it can be delivered in half day workshops, or broken down into shorter sessions delivered over a period of time. The curriculum has maintained its original format, however the UW Discovery Farms and
In 2010, eighty one percent of the farmers who participated in the NMFE went on to complete a nutrient management plan for their own operation. Seventy seven percent of the plans were prepared using the SnapPlus software program. As part of their nutrient management plan, farmers received field maps, soils maps, manure spreading restriction map and were offered assistance in manure spreader calibration. With the Working Lands Initiative program requiring farmers to have a nutrient management plan for their operation, participation in the NMFE program is 7
Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
risk include frozen and/or snow covered ground, and high soil moisture content. Understanding when and why runoff occurs can help farm producers develop a nutrient management plan that is flexible enough to adapt to ever changing conditions. Farm producers understand better than anyone how water moves across their farming operation. Piecing this information together with sound nutrient management practices can create nutrient management plans that are well understood, flexible and can be implemented. That is the goal of the NMFE program
expected to increase. Once a farmer completes the NMFE he is considered certified by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture to prepare a nutrient management plan for his own operation. Helping farm producers to understand the risks associated with spreading manure is an important part of the NMFE program. Discovery Farms research has shown that the conditions that have the highest potential for runoff
If you are interested in participating in the Nutrient Management Farmer Education Program, contact your local UW Extension or land conservation department to find the program closest to you. ยง
zz GET OUT AND CHECK WINTER WHEAT FIELDS Nancy Drummy, Discovery Farms
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ains the last few weeks, combined with a prolonged period of freezing temperatures has created sheets of ice over winter wheat. Ice sheeting limits plant respiration and can lead to decreased stand survival. Before applying nitrogen to wheat this spring get out and evaluate your stand. Nitrogen plays two roles in wheat production. Nitrogen increases tillering in wheat, and in doing so, can compensate for less then optimal stand count. If tiller number is greater then 70 tillers per square foot, it may be advisable to delay nitrogen application until just prior to jointing. A delayed nitrogen application increases nitrogen use efficiency and lessens the likelihood of nitrogen loss. However, if tiller count is less the 70 tillers per square foot, applying nitrogen at green up can stimulate tiller number. Applying nitrogen in the morning on slightly frozen soil can help minimize wheel traffic problems; however, offsite movement of nitrogen can occur. Nitrogen is an important component for high yielding wheat, but too much nitrogen can have a negative effect on yields. Excess nitrogen causes excessive vegetative growth which leads to lodging, and an increase in leaf diseases due to the dense canopy. The nitrogen recommendation on soil with organic matter between 2% and 9.9% is 70 lb/N per acre. Remember to take credit for manure applications or legumes where appropriate. One final note: agronomists have been finding an increase in crop sulfur deficiencies in recent years due to less atmospheric nitrogen deposition and increased crop yields. If your soils are testing low in sulfur you might consider applying part of your nitrogen application as ammonium sulfate. ยง
Winter Wheat
8 Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
zz DISCOVERY FARMS WISCONSIN: PROVIDING LEADERSHIP FOR ON-FARM MONITORING IN MINNESOTA Margaret Mangan, Environmental Outreach Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
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he Wisconsin Discovery Farms Program inspired discussion about on-farm monitoring in Minnesota and is the primary model for the Discovery Farms Minnesota program. The Wisconsin program has been on the ground for a decade and has proven to be a reliable and accurate source of water quality information. Minnesota is taking advantage of the momentum and recognition created by the Wisconsin program and working hard to emulate their success.
producers, the steering committee includes members from the Nature Conservancy, the Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Clearly define the role of all partners Discovery Farms Minnesota is coordinated by the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resources Coalition (MAWRC) in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
Wisconsin Discovery Farms staff are great mentors and have provided Minnesota staff with valuable information and insight. During early meetings, the Wisconsin staff shared mission statements, work plans, monitoring protocols and sampling methods. They talked honestly about the challenges they faced during the inception of their program and how Minnesota could avoid similar problems. Staff from the two states have engaged in many great conversations and are continually learning from each other.
The MAWRC provides administrative support for the program and is responsible for collecting farm management data. The Discovery Farm staff, as hired by MAWRC, maintains a strong relationship with producers and has in-depth knowledge of each farming operation. Discovery Farm staff travels throughout the state giving presentations, meeting with interested producers and providing information to members of the steering committee.
Below is a list of some of the lessons learned and evidence of how the structure and function of the Wisconsin Discovery Farms Program has “flowed� across the border.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture supports Discovery Farms Minnesota by providing technical assistance and expertise in water monitoring. Similar to the USGS in Wisconsin, MDA is responsible for data collection and management. The MDA identifies appropriate locations for monitoring equipment, develops procedures for site maintenance, sample collection, processing and analysis, and calculates water quality data (flows, loads, and yields).
Lessons Learned Strong leadership is essential In Wisconsin, the Discovery Farms Program is led by a steering committee with members from agricultural producer organizations. This committee also includes stakeholders from environmental organizations and state agencies. Discovery Farms staff work with this steering committee to make all major decisions that affect the program. Discovery Farms Minnesota also emphasizes farmer input and direction. The Minnesota program adopted the idea of a steering committee, which is comprised of representatives from nine agricultural producer groups. This committee guides the overall direction of the program, assists in the identification of research priorities and helps in the selection of farm sites. In addition to
Installing a flume in the Root River Watershed 9
Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
zz INFORMATION SHARED AT MULTI-STATE DISCOVERY FARMS MEETING
Start with an observation period The first two to three monitoring seasons are considered an observation period. Baseline data is collected, but no management recommendations are made. In Wisconsin, each Discovery Farm has a two year establishment phase in order to understand runoff patterns before any changes in management occur. Similarly, Minnesota Discovery farms will have a two year period for data collection and assessment of environmental performance. After the observation period, Discovery Farm staff will work with producers to identify opportunities to install new practices (if data indicates it may be beneficial) and evaluate the impact of those changes.
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n March 1st and 2nd, 2011, Wisconsin Discovery Farms staff, steering committee members and participants met with Discovery Farms staff and participants from Minnesota and North Dakota to share information to enhance the programs in each state. After an update was provided by each state on the status of the individual programs, breakout sessions on research, producers, and outreach were performed to share information on the three specific topics.
Combine environmental data with farm management data
In the research group, a number of topics including: establishing similar monitoring protocols between state Discovery Farm programs to allow for comparable research results, agronomic and management data collection, project designs, and data delivery were discussed. In addition, a template was developed in this session to give general information on current and completed research to be utilized by each state for each of the research farms. This will aid in the discussion and comparison of similar research projects between states.
On-farm monitoring should go beyond water quality information to include crop yield, farm costs, and other measures that help explain the decision–making process behind land management practices. Unlike many other monitoring programs, the Discovery Farms programs in Minnesota and Wisconsin realize the need to look at the entire farm operation when evaluating the relationship between agriculture and water quality. Collecting information about the entire farm helps staff identify practices that will improve environmental performance as well as farm profitability.
The producer group discussed the relationship between producers and Discovery Farms programs and what could be done to enhance the cooperative effort. Discussions on outreach by producers, on-farm data collection, and identifying research needs were some of the topics discussed.
Enhancing the Value of Discovery Farms through Partnerships The Wisconsin and Minnesota programs are both gathering water quality information under real-world conditions and providing practical, credible, site-specific information to enable better farm management across the upper Midwest. There are certainly differences between the agricultural landscape in our two states and not all data is comparable, however there are areas such as southwestern Wisconsin and southeastern Minnesota where the potential for collaboration is great. Monitoring protocols are similar enough to allow for comparisons, which may expand the scope of each program. Building a strong partnership across state lines may expand funding opportunities and will increase the impact and value of both programs.
The third group, outreach, discussed what methods should be used to get collected data delivered. These discussions included prioritizing the information to be delivered, the audiences information needs to be delivered to, and methods used to deliver the information. In addition, educational efforts on a multi-state basis were discussed. On the second day of the conference, the group convened as a whole to cover policy issues, research needs on a multi-state level, potential funding opportunities, and multi-state collaboration on programming and outreach. The Multi-state Discovery Farms meeting proved to be very beneficial in forming a more cohesive link between Discovery Farms research activities going on in Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota. §
Discovery Farms are currently located at several sites in southern, southeastern, and central Minnesota. All sites are operational and collecting snow melt runoff. Two new Discovery Farms will be established in 2011. §
10 Pioneering Discoveries -Spring 2011
Pioneering Discoveries - Spring 2011
Directors Dennis Frame 715-983-2257 drframe@wisc.edu Fred Madison 608-263-4004 fredmad@wisc.edu
Program Assistant Judy Goplin 715-983-5668 jgoplin@wisc.edu
Outreach Specialists Kevan Klingberg 715-983-2240 kevan.klingberg@ces.uwex.edu Nancy Drummy 920-382-4286 ndrummy@powerweb.net Eric Cooley 608-235-5259 etcooley@wisc.edu Paul Kivlin 715-425-3112 paul.t.kivlin@uwrf.edu Amber Radatz 608-235-5182 aradatz@wisc.edu
Data/Information Systems Susan Frame 715-983-5668 susan.frame@ces.uwex.edu Research Specialist Aaron Wunderlin 920-839-5431 aaron.wunderlin@ces.uwex.edu
This newsletter can be found on the web at: www.uwdiscoveryfarms.org Regarding the mailing list, call/e-mail 715-983-5668 or jgoplin@wisc.edu. UW Discovery Farms is a producer-led research and outreach program based out of the University of Wisconsin-Extension. The program is unique in that it conducts research on working farms located throughout Wisconsin, seeking to identify the impacts of production agriculture on water quality. The program is managed by faculty from the University of Wisconsin, along with oversight from a steering committee of producers, citizens and agency personnel representing a wide variety of non-profit and government organizations. Funding has been provided by the State of Wisconsin, UW-Extension, as well as a number of annual grants from producer groups and our federal partners. An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements. Request for reasonable accommodation for disabilities or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed. Publications are available in alternative formats upon request. Please make such requests as early as possible by contacting the Discovery Farms office at 715-983-5668 so proper arrangements can be made.
Director Phil Wyse Assistant Director Alicia Prill-Adams
PRODUCTION STAFF: Dairy Enterprise Manager Cory Weigel
RESEARCH STAFF: Research Manager Dennis Busch
Equipment Operator Fred Koeller
Research Coordinator Gretchen Kamps
Farm Laborer Mark Tranel
Research Specialist Randy Mentz Research Technicians Justin Daugherty Rob Crubel
Please visit our website at: www.uwplatt.edu/pioneerfarm Please send correspondence to Pioneer Farm Research Specialist via e-mail, mentzr@uwplatt.edu, or phone, 608-342-1819.
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Pioneering Discoveries Vol. 3, Issue 1 INSIDE More Discovery Farm Graduation Reports Released...................................................................... 1 Secondary and Micronutrient Crop Nutrition....... 1 Director’s Column....................................................... 2 Find Out Meteorological Data at a Discovery Farms Weather Station Near You............................ 5 Nutrient Management Farmer Education Enters a 2nd Decade................................................................. 7 Get Out and Check Winter Wheat Fields................. 8 Discovery Farms Wisconsin: Providing Leadership for On-farm Monitoring in Minnesota.................... 9 Information Shared at Multi-state Discovery Farms Meeting...................................................................... 10
A newsletter from UW Discovery Farms and UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm