Dane Demo Farms 101

Soil Health Study Results with Chis Baxter

Dr. Chris Baxter, a Professor of Soil & Crop Science at UW-Platteville and an Extension Specialist, is here to share some interesting findings from a soil health study. This study was part of a project started back in 2018, and it was carried out by the UW-Weeds Team under the guidance of Dr. Rodrigo Werle. The main focus was to see how cereal rye can help keep weeds at bay, especially those pesky ones like waterhemp. The study provided great chance to see how using cover crops over multiple years can make a difference in soil health. Tune in to hear what Dr. Baxter and his colleagues have discovered from this study. Recommended Resources:  UW Crops and Soils Division of Extension: https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/ - search "cover crops" Chris' email: baxterch@uwplatt.edu Wisconsin Cropping Systems Weed Science: https://wiscweeds.info/

Slugs and Beneficial Insects with Dane Elmquist

Dr. Dane Elmquist, Conservation Cropping Outreach Specialist at UW-Madison Extension, shares some really interesting insights about how slugs, beneficial insects, and their interactions play out in no-till and cover crop systems. He's currently working on research at three Dane Demo Farms, keeping a close eye on pests and beneficial insects in the cover crop termination plots all across the county. Tune in to learn more about this pest management approach and how neonicotinoids can effect it's outcome. Recommended resources: UW Crops and Soils Division of Extension: https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/  Dane's email: dane.elmquist@wisc.edu Pest Management in Wisconsin Field Crops (A3646): https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/files/2025/01/A3646_2025_web.pdf  Clean Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup: https://www.cleanwisconsin.org/neonics/

Dane Demo Farms 101

What is Dane Demo Farms? Allow me to provide an overview! In just 28 minutes, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of this topic. While single-host podcasts can sometimes be less engaging, I believe this one offers valuable insights. My name is Kim Meyer, and I will guide you through the details of Dane Demo Farms. Please click to listen and learn more!

Transitioning to No-Till with Tyler Duerst

Tyler Duerst from Darlington, WI, discusses his experience in transitioning the family’s 300-cow dairy farm to a no-till farming system, despite the complexities of managing both liquid and solid manure. With the support of their crop consultant and with a little patience, they successfully achieved yields equivalent to yields seen with previous tillage practices. By making several adjustments to their planter and implementing a strategic approach to manure management, they have effectively adopted no-till farming and do not plan on going back to tillage anytime soon.

No-Till Alfalfa Seeding into Winter Rye with Jeff Endres

Jeff Endres of Endres Berryridge Farms near Waunakee, WI, shares his experience with no-till alfalfa seeding into winter rye. The Endres' have been exploring the concept of planting green in their alfalfa seeding process. Over the past several years, they have successfully implemented a no-till seeding method for alfalfa into winter rye. This method has resulted in a decrease in herbicide use on newly seeded acres and has demonstrated effective erosion control, even during significant storm events in the spring. Local resources for no-till alfalfa: * https://demofarms.danecounty.gov/Case-Studies Yahara Pride Farms: * www.yaharapridefarms.org Dane Demo Farms and Endres Berryridge Farms * https://demofarms.danecounty.gov/Endres