retaining farmland
As a teenager in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I worked on a seed farm. I detassled corn, collected pollen, and pollinated silks that were just emerging from the ears. It was hard work, in middle-of-the-summer heat, for little pay. I grew to respect the effort required to raise a crop.
Ozaukee County reminds me of my childhood Lancaster County. I live next to a farm, so I hear the cows complaining that their grazing fields have been changed; My nose encounters the nuanced odors of a freshly manured field; I see springtime shoots reaching for the sun. I love it!
As a youth, I never had the opportuntiy to participate in 4H, but now as an adult, I’ve enjoyed my connection to this remarkable program that encourages youth to “make the best better.” If you’ve never been a part of it, you’re missing an inspirational opportunity. Kids, from 8-17 acquire knowledge, skills and leadership in a wholesome, inclusive setting. My experiences as a herdmanship judge at the County Fair and as NRC member (which oversees the UW Extension office which supports the 4H program) reveal the power of this program in inspiring young leaders with a connection to the land.
Farming has never been easy, but it’s getting tougher. Inputs (fuel, fertilizer, seeds, equipment) are more expensive; traditional market forces upset annual planning; consolidated farms create efficiencies smaller farms struggle to achieve; increasingly challenging weather factors add significant crop risk…. Family farms that dot Ozaukee are finding it harder than ever to survive.
And even if greater technology and better understanding of soil health offers some light, there are practical obstacles for farmer implementation.
County government can not “own” private sector forces. But the societal benefits of better soil, cleaner water and retention of open spaces warrant county help to overcome these obstacles. Specifically, we can help farmers overcome the dual obstacles of (1) practical knowledge of these evolving practices, and (2) availability of required—but expensive—equipment.
RESULTS: And in the past fours years, we have taken effective steps to address these obstacles:
Brought in nationally recognized soil health speakers to share their experience with local farmers.
Worked with farmers and other agencies to establish a network of demonstration farms that undertakes and shares innovative farm practices that can lead to greater profitability.
Expanded our partnership with the Clean Farm Families to increase the number of farmers (and acres) enjoying holistic soil management practices
Innovative ways to access major equipment needs - using grant-funding to acquire a crimper-planter and county funding for a tractor to pull necessary equipment which can be shared between farms.
The number of Ozaukee acres under best soil management practices and no-till is has grown over 200% in the past 4 years.