Ag/NPS

FSA Loans for Livestock Farmers Workshop

Landowners and farmers in Southwest Wisconsin are invited to a workshop that explains the process of applying for a loan with USDA's Farm Service Agency. "The benefits of working with FSA include favorable interest rates and terms for farm ownership and operating loans, access to non-traditional types of credit such as microloans, and assistance in completing loan applications," says Joanne Reynolds, FSA Farm Loan Officer.

May 17th, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm, Iowa County Health and Human Services Building, Conference Room, 303 W Chapel Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533

Contact: Robert Bauer, 608-732-1202

Annual Cover Crop Survey

Cover crops can improve soil health, conserve resources and improve farm profitability. Now, your experience with what works and doesn't work can help shape the future of cover crop initiatives nationwide. Farmers who plant cover crops, used to plant cover crops, or have never tried cover crops are all encouraged to take this short survey, now in its fifth year.

Corn Seed Depth Critical - Don't Plant Too Shallow

Excessively shallow planting can cause poor emergence and rootless corn (“floppy corn syndrome”) later in the season. Shallow plantings increase stress, inhibit root developments, and reduce yields. 

In a recent Ohio State University evaluation of planting depths, grain yields were about 14%-40% greater for 1.5-inch and 3-inch planting depths compared to 0.5-inch planting depth.  Read more.

Dairy Farm Employee Newsletter

The Dairy Partner/El Compañero is a UW-Extension newsletter designed for dairy farm employees.  Written in both English and Spanish, the newsletter is meant to provide basic information about dairy cows, farm safety, and personal health to individuals who work on farms.  Please share this link with those you work with who might find this newsletter helpful on their farm.

Monitoring

Volunteer Stream Monitoring Workshops

The Rock River Coalition, with various partners, is offering numerous workshops to learn more about volunteer stream monitoring and how to participate.  Pre-registration required for all events as space is limited, no workshop fee.  Contact Nancy Sheehan to learn more.

Saturday, May 6, 2017 (9:00am-2:30pm)

Location: Amundson Center, Cambridge

Facilitators: Nancy Sheehan, RRC Stream Monitoring Program Coordinator, and Patricia Cicero, Water Resource Management Specialist, Jefferson Co. Land & Water Cons. Dept.

At this workshop you will learn how to measure water clarity, stream temperature, and dissolved oxygen. You will also learn how to assess stream health by examining aquatic insects.

Saturday, May 6, 2017 (9:00am-3:00pm)

Location: UW-Waukesha Field Station, Oconomowoc

Facilitator: Jayne Jenks, Waukesha County Parks and Land Use Dept

At this workshop you will learn how to measure water clarity, stream temperature, and dissolved oxygen. You will also learn how to assess stream health by examining aquatic insects.

Saturday, May 20, 2017 (9:30am-3:30pm)

Location: Turtle Creek Parkway Facility, Clinton

Facilitators: Nancy Sheehan, RRC Stream Monitoring Program Coordinator, Anne Miller, Conservation Specialist, Rock Co. Land Cons. Dept. , David Hoffman, Community Coordinator, Rock County Parks, and Lisie Kitchel, Conservation Biologist, Mussel Monitoring Program, WDNR

At this workshop you will learn how to measure water clarity, stream temperature, and dissolved oxygen. You will also learn how to assess stream health by examining aquatic insects. You will also learn about an additional monitoring programs: mussel monitoring!

Saturday, June 10, 2017 (9:30am-3:00pm)

Location: Marsh Haven Nature Center, Waupun

Facilitators: Nancy Sheehan, RRC Stream Monitoring Program Coordinator, Amanda Perdzock, AIS Program Director, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Jesse Weinzinger, Conservation Biologist, Mussel Monitoring Program, WDNR

At this workshop you will learn how to measure water clarity, stream temperature, and dissolved oxygen. You will also learn how to assess stream health by examining aquatic insects — and learn about two additional monitoring programs: mussel monitoring and aquatic invasive species monitoring.

Outreach

Newsletter

We are interested in your opinions and constructive feedback on this newsletter.  Of particular interest, we are currently considering changing from a monthly to a quarterly newsletter.  We are also looking for ways to pull in more information from municipalities and other regulated partners to better facilitate their efforts in meeting TMDL and regulatory requirements.

Stormwater

NASECA - Equations for Success: Holistic Approaches to Stormwater Management & Conservation and Leveraging Green Infrastructure

La Crosse, Friday, June 23, 8 am-3:15 pm (Breakfast & registration begins at 8 am).  Lunch and transportation will be provided

Registration:  $99 (includes breakfast, lunch, 5 CE/PDH, and learning materials)
Download/print event Agenda/Map and registration form

Erosion Control Site Inspector/Installer Training

Save the Date for our next Training
Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2017
Waukesha, WI

The two day course is designed for those who perform site management duties,  supervise or direct construction activities, install best management practices, and/ or inspect sites for compliance relating to erosion/sediment control and storm water management. This course will cover permit requirements, roles and responsibilities, construction site erosion control plans, and best management practices to reduce or control erosion and offsite sedimentation.

Wastewater

Statewide Phosphorus Multi-discharger Variance (MDV)

The WDNR website for the multi-discharger variance (MDV) has updated information for point sources that are interested in learning more about the MDV option for extending schedules for compliance with low-level phosphorus limits. The MDV factsheet [PDF] provides general information regarding this program. MDV Implementation Guidance [PDF] provides details about eligibility and implementation requirements for this program.

• Eligibility
• County resources
• Implementation