FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Jamie Mara, communications
Peninsula Pride Farms
(920) 209-3990 | jmara@widba.com
New Demonstration Farm Network to host field day Sept. 7
KEWAUNEE, Wis. (Aug. 28, 2017) — The newly announced Door-Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network is excited to announce its first field day scheduled for Sept. 7.
Featured practices are tailored to farms in Door and Kewaunee counties but are applicable to farms across the state with similar conservation goals.
The Door-Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network is a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in cooperation with Peninsula Pride Farms, a farmer-led environmental stewardship organization. This network of farms will demonstrate the best conservation farming practices to protect the Great Lakes. Groundwater and surface water quality are top priorities for the farmers in the network, who contend with shallow, fractured bedrock that can provide a direct path for contaminants.
The network will test how specific conservation practice systems reduce erosion and sedimentation, control phosphorus runoff, increase organic matter and improve soil health in these conditions. This initiative will involve many partnerships to provide educational opportunities for the public, farmers, land managers, agribusiness, natural resource agencies and research organizations.
“We want to open a window to other farmers and the public to see what we’re trying to do to continuously improve our conservation practices,” said Tony Brey, whose dairy farm in Sturgeon Bay will be one of the demonstration farms. “Some of what we are doing is experimental and we realize not all of it will work. But if we aren’t willing to try new approaches, we will miss out on great opportunities for improvement.”
Farmers from Door and Kewaunee counties are encouraged to attend this event; however, farmers from neighboring counties are also welcome. The event is free thanks to the support of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Peninsula Pride Farms and DATCP. Go to peninsulapridefarmsinc.org for the complete schedule.
Details:
Thursday, Sept. 7 | Deer-Run Dairy, LLC | N1225 Sleepy Hollow Rd | Kewaunee, WI 54216
9:00 Welcome and introductions
9:20 Soils pit – Jamie Patton UW Extension
10:00 NRCS rainfall simulator
10:30 Low-disturbance manure applications
11:20 Working lunch
12:20 Closing remarks
RSVPs appreciated: Aaron Pape, UW Discovery Farms | aaron.pape@uwex.edu | (920) 366-2194
About the Door-Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network: Launched in the spring of 2017, the Door-Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network is a partnership between the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Peninsula Pride Farms and Great Lakes Restoration. The network tests the effectiveness of conservation systems, establishes a mechanism to transfer technology to those who need it most, creates opportunities for research collaboration and hosts outreach events to showcase accomplishments. Learn more at datcp.wi.gov using the keyword “Door-Kewaunee Watershed Demonstration Farm Network.”
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Editor’s Note: [Photo] The Door-Kewaunee Demonstration Farm Network will host its first field day on Sept. 7. The project includes four demonstration farms, including Brey Cycle Farm LLC, operated by the Brey family. From left: Jacob, Lauren, Moriah, Tony, Alexa and Evan Brey
