Mike Ballweg, Agriculture Agent

• A field day for farmers, industry agronomists, and agency personnel where they learned about best
  practices for terminating cover crops that normally do not overwinter in WI. Terminating cover crops in a timely manner prevents a seed bank of these species that may become competitive against the desired grain crop thereby reducing farm profitability. About 35 people attended.
• Developed and delivered an educational virtual program for Eastern Wisconsin farmers and
  agronomists to learn about cropping systems that improve crop profitability while protecting water
  and soil resources.
• A series of virtual sessions for youth ages 12-15 who will be employed on a farm or operating
  tractors on public highways for their family’s farm, where they learn about workplace safety
  and other safety-related topics on farms and agricultural operations. The goal of this effort is to
  support them in receiving the required Tractor and Machinery Certification Certificate to satisfy
  state and federal requirements. This program was led by Stephanie Plaster, Agriculture Educator –
  Washington and Ozaukee Counties.
• Sheboygan County Master Gardener Volunteers and I recently met with Paul Pinkston, UWGB –
  Facilities Director to discuss Ash tree replacement on the Sheboygan Campus. Financial support
  comes from a Memorial gift made to the Sheboygan County Master Gardener volunteers.

“AN EXCELLENT FIELD DAY WITH A LOT OF EXCELLENT INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.”

Dan Smith, UW-Madison Nutrient and Pest Management Specialist discuss cover crop termination at a recent Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers’ field day. Warmer winter temperatures are requiring new practices prior to planting.

Field Day – Township of Greenbush