MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin farmers are invited to attend any of a series of Soil Testing and Soil Health Workshops happening this fall across the state, facilitated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
During the workshops, staff from DATCP, University of Madison-Extension and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services will present on the following topics:
- How soil biology and cover crops can increase soil fertility and boost yields
- How to take soil samples, submit soil tests and understand soil reports
- How to determine what soil amendments to add to a field based on a soil report
- How to apply for a USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding to receive cost share to buy cover crop seed
Open to all producers, officials said the workshops will be designed for growers who manage small to mid-sized diversified farm operations, with a particular focus on supporting beginning and/or underserved farmers. The field days will connect growers with the information and resources to improve soil health and increase access to USDA programs, such as the NRCS EQIP funding for cover crop seed.