May 20 2023 2:30p
(WGTD)---Some farmers in southeast Wisconsin have organized to advocate for a type of farming that enhances the quality of top soil and reduces stream-polluting runoff.
Operating largely out of the spotlight, the Watershed Protection Committee of Racine County eschews the still-common practice of tilling the soil in favor of relying on mother nature and the occasional planting of non-revenue producing cover crops.
Local environmentalist and occasional Morning Show co-host Nan Calvert explains that tilling the soil with heavy machinery can disrupt natural processes that occur in the soil. "It's chock-full of this microbiotic community that makes it sort of a living breathing thing, if you will, that makes it healthy" she said. "And there are all these interactions that go on underground. And when you till it it disrupts that structure."
Using tilling alternatives will strengthen the soil and lead to long-term economic gains, although the methods can require the purchase of more expensive equipment. In addition, the practices aren’t always feasible for farmers who may lease numerous, non-contiguous parcels of land.
Brian Gunderson is a seventh-generation farmer near Waterford. He’s a believer in no-till methods, especially after rain storms. "I go down to the creek or canal and I see my clean water running into a stream that looks like chocolate milk. Then how do i show the neighbors how to fix this?" he asked. "I kind of get angry that I need to do more."
Gunderson currently vice-chairs the committee, which includes members who farm beyond Racine County lines.
In addition to spreading the word about no-till farming, group members support each other by sharing information and participating in workshops.
Both Calvert and Gunderson were on a recent edition of the Morning Show. The program is archived here.
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