Madison, WI — Yahara Pride Farms (YPF) will host its second annual Ag Innovation Days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21 in Waunakee and Thursday, October 23 in DeForest. YPF, the agricultural affiliate of the Clean Lakes Alliance (CLA), is a farmer-led non-profit organization devoted to improving soil and water quality in the Yahara watershed.
“These two days really shine the spotlight on the advancements in conservation in Dane County and the proactive approach our farmers are taking to protect our lakes,” says Don Heilman, director of Yahara Pride Farms and president of the Clean Lakes Alliance.
Ag Innovation Days showcases local innovation in agriculture, including hands-on demonstrations of conservation technologies and exhibits by area agri-businesses and professionals. By helping to promote and expand the use of practices that keep nutrients on farmland and out of Yahara lakes, streams, and rivers, Ag Innovation Days also advances the Yahara CLEAN goal of 50% phosphorus reduction by the year 2025.
The event will feature educational and networking opportunities, including a cross-section soil dig to compare root growth of different cover crop seed varieties, vertical manure injection demonstrations with a presentation from VTI LLC owner Phil Reed, and a live-action manure spill response demonstration. Field experts in the exhibitor area will discuss conservation practices and answer questions about equipment.
Ag Innovation Days is produced by YPF and CLA and sponsored by Badgerland Financial and MSA Professional Services, Inc., with grant support provided by Organic Valley, Professional Dairy Producers Foundation, The McKnight Foundation, and the Village of Deforest. Event exhibitors include Carl F. Statz and Sons Inc., Crop IMS, Dane County Land Conservation Division, Dane County Extension, Diamond t Ag LLC, GYPSOIL, Kalscheur Implement Co. Inc., Partners in Production, VTI (Vertical Till Injector) LLC, Wipp Brothers Ag Services, and Ziegler Ag Equipment.
Visit yaharapridefarms.org for directions to both field locations, a schedule of activities, and to learn more about Yahara Pride Farms. Admission is free, and lunch will be provided by Badgerland Financial. Media and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend.
