3

Wisconsin Report 2013 Wisconsin Report 2013

Natural Resources Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Service
4

NRCS technical 

assistance programs help 

protect the environment, 

preserve the nation’s 

natural resources and 

improve agricultural 

sustainability through 

voluntary conservation 

of private lands.
From the desk of the State Conservationist

Greetings!

It has been one year since I arrived in Wisconsin to take on the 

job of State Conservationist, following in the footsteps of Pat 

Leavenworth, who had guided NRCS here for 18 years. It has 

been a challenging year, getting my feet on the ground, meeting 

the players in this grand conservation arena, and learning to love 

the cold, not to mention enduring a 16-day federal furlough in October.

As you will see in the pages ahead, we have had many great accomplishments in this fi rst 

exciting year, and there are many people to thank for them:

Th e farmers in Wisconsin who stepped up to enroll in the Conservation Stewardship 

Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program, adding new acres 

of conservation; and the thousands of farmers and landowners seeking only 

conservation technical assistance to remedy an erosion problem, improve their water 

quality, conserve their water, or enhance wildlife habitat, thank you;

Th e many partners in conservation that we work with, particularly the Land 

Conservation Committees and Departments, collaborating to make the most of our 

dollars and provide the best technical assistance and programs possible, thank you;

Th e NRCS staff , who shoulder an at times overwhelming workload, but they gain 

the pleasure of seeing the work that they do build healthier land and water. In 2013,

conservation plans were written covering 353,301 acres. We obligated $32 million in 

contracts with farmers for conservation eff orts. To all of you, thank you! thank you! 

thank you!

I am proud to share with you the 2013 Wisconsin Report from NRCS, highlighting some 

of our conservation accomplishments. I welcome your comments and feedback, and look 

forward to another great year.

 Jimmy Bramblett

1
The mission of the USDA’s Natural 

Resources Conservation Service 

is to work with farmers and forest 

landowners helping them make good 

conservation decisions about their 

land.

NRCS programs are voluntary and 

incentive-based. Producers apply to 

participate in NRCS programs and 

we provide them with the technical 

guidance and βinancial assistance 

they need to implement proven 

conservation practices on their lands.

The conservation practices NRCS 

promotes - everything from practices 

that manage excess nutrients and 

waste on farms to practices that 

promote soil health, among a host 

of others, are helping to protect our 

natural resources for the long term 

while at the same time improving 

Wisconsin farms. It’s about taking 

care of the landscape in concert with 

agricultural productivity.

2
Conservation Technical Assistance

NRCS has assisted Wisconsin landowners in conserving resources on private lands for over 75 years. Technical 

assistance is the help provided by NRCS to address opportunities, concerns, and problems related to the use 

of natural resources. It helps landowners make sound resource management decisions on private, tribal, and 

other non-federal lands. This technical assistance is the primary mission of NRCS. 

Every county in Wisconsin has a conservation team to assist in conservation planning. These plans are speciβic 

on-farm resource assessments and serve as the foundation for participation in other programs. Having a 

conservation plan allows interested parties to participate in βinancial assistance and easement programs. CTA 

is carried out by NRCS in cooperation with local county conservation professionals.

Conservation Accomplishments of ALL NRCS Programs*

Highlights for FY 2013

• Conservation Plans Written on 353,301 acres

• Wetlands Created, Restored or Enhanced on 2,928 acres

• Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans Written = 86

• Land with Conservation Applied to Improve Water Quality = 423,623 acres

• Land with Conservation Applied to Improve Soil Quality = 388,828 acres

• Land with Conservation Applied to Improve Irrigation Efβiciencies = 5,608 acres

• Grazing with Conservation Applied to Improve Resource Base = 21,494 acres

• Non-Federal Land with Conservation Applied to Improve Fish and Wildlife Habitat Quality = 37,130 acres

• Forest Land with Conservation Applied to Protect and Improve Vegetative Condition = 23,956 acres

*Source: Performance Results System (PRS) report for NRCS Wisconsin September 2013

3
Environmental Quality Incentives Program

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides a voluntary conservation program for farmers 

that promotes agricultural production, forest management and environmental quality. EQIP offers βinancial 

and technical help to eligible participants to install or implement structural, agronomic or management 

conservation practices on their land to protect soil and water quality.

Farmers develop a conservation plan, if they don’t already have one, for the acreage affected by the EQIP 

practices. Conservation practices must meet NRCS technical standards. NRCS evaluates and ranks each 

application, with higher priorities given to the practices that address local resource concerns, and provide the 

most environmental beneβit.

Financial Assistance FY13 = $32.4 million*

 Number of Contracts FY 13 = 1550

 Number of acres = 147,955

 *includes all initiatives and special funding

In 2006, Art and Rheta Richardson were forced to sell 

their dairy herd after Art suffered a debilitating hand 

injury. That left them with some difβicult choices. 

“This land is dear to us,” Rheta explained. “We could 

have sold, plowed for corn – it was big decision what 

to do, at the age of 67.”

They had always had a small beef herd, and decided 

to focus there at βirst, grazing the old way – like 

Rheta‘s dad did when he started in 1959. 

NRCS District Conservationist Lisa Neuenfeldt in 

Waupaca told Art about a great new way to graze 

when he was in the ofβice working on a nutrient 

management plan. Lisa considers grazing to be one 

of the best practices available for soil health and 

successful family farm operations.

EQIP Grazing Success Story

Winter Bale Grazing Offers Perfect Solution for Richardsons

Photo by Michael Patrick Photography 

(michael patrickphotos.com)

4
Getting Started

“NRCS is so helpful, they have been phenomenal,” says 

Art. Adam Abel, NRCS Soil Conservationist, worked 

with Art to help him get started with a prescribed 

grazing plan for the farm, including pasture size and 

layout, fencing and watering systems and how to 

outwinter cattle in north central Wisconsin.

NRCS helped Art calculate how many animals the 

land could support, and Art has followed those 

recommendations when purchasing animals and 

selling stock. The NRCS technical assistance made all 

the difference, according to Art and Rita. They had 

lots of questions as they got started, and practical 

guidance from NRCS led to success.

The Richardson’s applied to the Environmental 

Quality Incentives Program for βinancial assistance 

for fencing, watering systems and other practices.

Fencing 

A well-planned fencing layout allows for βlexible 

management, whether it be grazing, taking a crop 

of hay, or outwintering. Payments for both interior 

and perimeter fencing are available through the 

Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Watering Systems

All paddocks have water via above ground pipeline 

for seasonal use. Buried pipelines supply winter 

water hydrants, which are heated and energy 

efβicient, allowing steady access through even the 

coldest days.

Feed and Forage

With 240 acres, 110 acres are now grass and hay 

for baling, and the rest are fenced and seeded for 

grazing. Large round bales are harvested through 

the growing season from the hay βields and also from 

the pastures when there is excess forage.With the old 

grazing system, pastures were depleted by Aug 1, but 

with the managed rotation, grazing can continue to 

November.

Winter Management

In the winter, cattle feed on round bales that have 

been placed evenly across the βield. The portable 

fencing is easily moved to allow cattle access to a 

few bales at a time. The outwintered βields recover 

very quickly in spring. Different βields are rotated for 

outwintering each year to move nutrients around the 

farm.

“The system works for Art and Rheta because they 

understand about leaving enough residue for healthy 

and rapid plant regrowth,” notes Adam. “What you 

leave is what you get back.”

Art no longer spends hours cleaning barns and 

hauling feed as he did with the dairy. On his farm, 

it takes him 15 minutes to move the fence to a new 

pasture or a new row of bales. Year round grazing 

systems offer a great alternative for any farm, 

especially small farms, beginning farmers and as Art 

and Rheta demonstrate, retiring farmers.

5

“I was skeptical. But this is such a pleasure. It’s fun 

and so easy, and so much better for the land and our 

health, and it’s proΫitable,” proclaims Art.
Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) encourages agricultural and forest landowners to maintain 

existing conservation systems and make new conservation improvements such as improved soil erosion 

control, better water quality practices, wildlife habitat management, or energy efβiciency improvements. CSP 

provides βinancial and technical assistance to help land stewards conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and 

related natural resources on their land The CSP encourages farmers to broadly improve their conservation 

effort to protect water and air quality, improve soil quality, store carbon in soils, add wildlife habitat, conserve 

water, and save energy.

Financial Assistance FY 13 = $1.7 million

 New Contracts FY13 = 308 contracts

 Number of New Acres FY13 = 94,424

Being a good steward of the land has its rewards.
7

Over 300 Wisconsin farmers enrolled 94,425 acres, 

in the Conservation Stewardship Program during 

the 2013 sign-up, pushing the state total over the 

800,000 acre mark.

Calvin Sebranek, of Richland County, enrolled the 

800,000th acre into the Conservation Stewardship 

Program in Wisconsin.

To show their support for conservation and the 

Conservation Stewardship Program, the Wisconsin 

Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection 

and the Michael Fields Ag Institute joined with 

the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 

in recognizing this milestone, and honoring Mr. 

Sebranek for his stewardship of the land at an event 

in Madison on Dec. 10.

The Sebranek farm is a 400 acre cash grain/beef 

operation in Richland County that has been in the 

family since 1942.

Conservation and environmental protection has 

always been a priority on the farm. In 1975, Calvin’s 

dad constructed the βirst grade stabilization dam 

on the farm. Under Calvin’s ownership several 

other conservation practices have been initiated. 

The cropland is farmed no-till with contour 

and conservation buffer strips. Through the 

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) 

Calvin has successfully completed a comprehensive 

nutrient management plan including the 

development of a 285 acre nutrient management 

plan. 

7

CSP Success Story

800,000 Acres Enrolled in CSP in Wisconsin

Calvin Sebranek (L) accepting a plaque 

recognizing the CSP milestone from Jimmy 

Bramblett, State Conservationist.

One long-term problem on the farm has been the 

increasing loss of cropland due to the encroachment 

of eroding streambanks. Fancy Creek runs through 

the most highly productive cropland on the farm. 

In recent years, severe storms have damaged the 

cropland and stream ecosystem. With assistance 

from NRCS District Conservationist Carlton Peterson, 

the Sebranek’s applied for EQIP to help restore the 

stream and stop the cropland erosion. Since 2008, 

over a mile of streambank protection and habitat 

improvement has been completed.

Calvin and Joyce have long believed in leaving the 

land better for future generations and held a strong 

sense of sustainable farming and environmental 

protection for family and community. CSP 

emphasizes conservation performance to earn 

higher payments. In CSP, farmers choose from 

many conservation enhancements to improve soil 

health, water quality and quantity, air quality, plant 

resources, wildlife and energy conservation.

Some popular enhancements include:

• Establishing cover crops to protect and improve 

soil health.

• Using new nozzles that reduce the drift of 

pesticides, lowering input costs and making sure 

pesticides are used where they are most needed.

• Modifying water facilities to prevent bats and bird 

species from being trapped.

• Rotating feeding areas and monitoring key 

grazing areas to improve grazing management.
8

Easement Programs

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)

WRP is a voluntary land retirement program to restore, protect and enhance wetlands on private property. It 

is an opportunity for landowners to receive βinancial incentives to restore wetlands that have been drained 

for agricultural production or have been altered by multiple βlood events. WRP provides long-term beneβits 

on a landscape scale. NRCS technical specialists work cooperatively with private landowners to maximize the 

beneβits of the restored land for water quality, wildlife habitat and diversity, βlood prevention and groundwater 

recharge.

In FY13, Wisconsin obligated $4.7 million* in 12 contracts covering 817 acres.

* includes acquisitions, restoration and maintenance funds.

NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program Easements to date

Iowa

Minnesota

Illinois

Outagamie

6

Green

Calument 

Lake

26

32

5

3

38

3

Lake

Superior

Lake

Michigan

Green Bay

Jacksonport

1

4

Madison

Michigan

Price

3

Dane

25

Polk

7

Clark

4

Vilas

Grant

Rusk

33

Iron

Bayfield

3

Sawyer

Forest

Sauk

4

Oneida

Douglas

2

Marathon

4

Iowa

3

Taylor

6

Rock

24

Dunn

7

Marinette

1

Dodge

21

Wood

13 Jackson

1

Barron

6 Lincoln

Burnett

2

Juneau

7

Monroe

Portage

5

Vernon

5

Chippewa

16

Adams

3

Buffalo

8

Langlade

Pierce

2

Green

3

Columbia

69

Brown

2

Waupaca

10

Lafayette

Richland

2

Jefferson

40

Saint Croix

1

Fond du Lac

19

Eau Claire

7

Waushara

13

Walworth

6

Waukesha

2

Oconto

Ashland

4

Shawano 8 Door

Washburn

2

Crawford

1

Florence

Trempealeau

Manitowoc

25

Racine 4

La Crosse

3

Winnebago

8

Sheboygan

Pepin

Marquette

Washington

Kewaunee

Kenosha 1

Menominee

Ozaukee

Milwaukee ^

4

DC serves more than one county

Easements

Per County

1 - 10

11 - 20

21 - 30

31 - 40

41 - 69
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Price

Dane

Polk

Clark

Vilas

Grant

Rusk

Iron

Bayfield

Sawyer

Forest

Sauk

Oneida

Douglas

Marathon

Iowa

Taylor

Rock

Dunn

Marinette

Dodge

Oconto

Wood Jackson

Barron

Lincoln

Ashland

Burnett

Juneau

Monroe

Portage

Vernon

Chippewa

Adams

Shawano

Buffalo

Langlade

Pierce

Green

Door

Columbia

Brown

Waupaca

Washburn

Lafayette

Richland

Jefferson

Saint Croix

Fond 

du

Lac

Eau Claire

Crawford

Waushara

Florence

Outagamie

Walworth

Waukesha

Manitowoc

Racine

La Crosse

Winnebago

Sheboygan

Calumet

Marquette

Kenosha

Menominee

Trempealeau

Pepin

Washington

Green Lake

Kewaunee

Ozaukee

Milwaukee

Robert J. Geitner

November 20, 2013

Green Bay

Lake 

Superior

Jacksonport

Michigan

Illinois

Minnesota

Iowa

Lake

Michigan

Easement

^ GRP - 21

^ EWPP - 44

^ FRPP - 97

^ WRP - 607

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)

FRPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farmland in agricultural 

uses. Working through existing programs, USDA partners with State, Tribal, or local governments and nongovernmental organizations to acquire conservation easements from the landowner. USDA provides up to 50 

percent of the fair market easement value of the conservation easement.

In FY13, Wisconsin obligated $1 million in four contracts covering 1,291 acres.

NRCS Conservation Easements to date - All Programs

WRP-Wetlands Reserve Program 

FRPP-Farm and Ranch Lands 

 Protection Program

EWPP-Emergency Watershed Protection

 Program

GRP-Grasslands Reserve Program

Easement Programs
10

Landscape Initiatives - Conservation Beyond Boundaries

NRCS recognizes that natural resource concerns transcend farm, county, and state boundaries. The most 

effective way to increase protection of natural resources is to target conservation to the most vulnerable 

or valuable areas and to apply a systems rather than a practice-by-practice approach to conservation. By 

approaching large-scale resource concerns on a landscape level, this science based approach puts conservation 

in the right places.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) in Wisconsin has focused on three Lake Michigan watersheds: Lower 

Fox, Manitowoc-Sheboygan, and Milwaukee River. NRCS is working with conservation partners to combat 

invasive species, protect watersheds and shorelines from non-point source pollution, and restore wetlands 

and other habitat areas. NRCS is also working with Federal and local partners to measure the effects that 

conservation practices have on water quality. The overall strategy is to accelerate conservation practice 

implementation in each focus watershed, so that water quality actually improves downstream.

Through βinancial and technical assistance from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), NRCS 

helps private landowners with conservation planning using a variety of conservation practices, such as cover 

crops, conservation crop rotations, βilter strips, prescribed grazing and wetland restoration.

In FY13, Wisconsin obligated $1.32 million in 40 EQIP contracts in these watersheds.

The rolling landscape of Washington County was carved 

by glaciers. It is this landscape that brought Terry Groth of 

Jackson, Wisconsin to the NRCS ofβice for some advice. He 

originally planned to crop the land but the steeper slopes 

on parts of his farm were prone to excessive erosion. Josh 

Odekirk, District Conservationist in Washington County, 

worked through the planning process with Terry and 

developed a conservation plan to address the resource 

concerns on the highly erodible soils on his farm.

One alternative to cropping the highly erodible βields 

included seeding them down to permanent cover. 

Since Terry was already raising sheep in conβinement, 

a rotational grazing system was a perfect βit. His plan 

outlined a system that included forage and biomass 

planting and fencing. 

“Fencing from the NRCS is a very important part of the 

success of my operation,” said Terry. “This grazing system 

would not have happened without the fencing, which was 

installed with assistance and funding from NRCS.” To 

complete the system, a pipeline and watering facility were 

installed and the pastures next to the stream were fenced 

off, allowing for a 30 foot buffer to intercept any nutrients 

and sediment from the βield. Now grass-fed lamb from 

Farm 45 is sourced to local markets, creating jobs and 

investing in the local economy by providing quality meat to 

local vendors.

Farm 45 is owned and operated by Terry Groth and located in the 

Milwaukee River Watershed, 15 miles from Lake Michigan. This 

watershed is one of the targeted areas for the Initiative.

Josh Odekirk (L), NRCS District Conservationist presents Terry Groth 

of Farm 45 a farm sign recognizing his participation in GLRI.

GLRI Success Story - From Planning to Pasture
11

GLRI - Lower Fox Phosphorus Reduction Priority Watersheds

Through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, a special sign up for farmers in the Lower Fox in the 

Green Bay area focuses on reducing phosphorus entering Lake Michigan. 

In FY13 Wisconsin obligated $2.83 million in 68 contracts to farmers for phosphorus 

reduction in these targeted areas. 

Marv Biese is a third generation farmer. All together Marv 

and his wife Patty farm 500 acres and milk 320 cows with 

250 young stock. They employ three full-time and βive 

part-time workers. In 2010, a βire destroyed their original 

barn. They quickly recovered and built a new barn and 

expanded to where they are today. They are proud to have 

upgraded to a state of the art operation with new milking 

facility, milking three times a day.

Plum Pride strives to be an environmentally friendly 

operation. Over the last few years, NRCS has worked 

with Plum Pride to plan and address the resource 

concerns on their growing operation, says NRCS District 

Conservationist, John Malvitz. 

The farm is implementing conservation systems that 

demonstrate what the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative 

(GLRI) effort is all about. With incentives from both the 

Conservation Security Program (CSP) and Environmental 

Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Plum Pride has 

implemented the following: cover crops, grassed 

waterways, stream crossings, hay harvesting for wildlife, 

split applications of nitrogen, plant tissue testing, low drift

spray nozzles, heavy use protection for animal walkways, 

a βilterstrip (buffer) and roof runoff structures. They also 

recently poured a concrete feed pad this fall with plans to 

integrate a leachate collection system. 

“Farms like Plum Pride make me conβident that GLRI effort 

can work,” says Malvitz. “It has been a pleasure to work 

with the Plum Pride Farm to implement conservation 

practices that will help reduce nutrient loading into the 

Plum Creek.”

SigniΫicant erosion from farm Ϋield runoff on the Plum Pride Farm Completion of a new grassed waterway

Phosphorus Reduction Area Success Story - Plum Pride Farm

John Malvitz (L), NRCS District Conservationist presents Marvin 

and Patty Biese with a GLRI farm sign.

Plum Pride Farms located in the Plum Creek Watershed in Brown 

County is owned and operated by Marvin and Patty Biese. This 

watershed is one of the targeted areas for phosphorus reduction. 

Plum Creek is a tributary to the Fox River and Ϋlows through the 

Plum Pride Farm. The creek is a major source of phosphorus to the 

Fox River which eventually empties into Green Bay.
12

Mississippi River Basin Healthy 

Watershed Initiative

NRCS continues to help farmers in the Mississippi 

River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) 

area. Financial and technical assistance is helping 

farmers install conservation practices to minimize 

runoff and reduce the deposition of excess nutrients 

into nearby streams.

In Wisconsin, three key Dane County watersheds, 

Pheasant Branch, Waunakee Marsh and Sixmile 

Creek, are the focus of intense agricultural 

conservation efforts to reduce nutrients feeding into 

Lake Mendota. This was the fourth year of a multiyear project between NRCS and the Dane County 

Land and Water Resources Department.

In FY13, Wisconsin obligated over 

$150,000 in 19 contracts in the three 

Dane County watersheds.

National Water Quality Initiative

The National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI), 

improves water quality, and aquatic habitats, and 

reduces sedimentation in priority watersheds with 

impaired streams. NRCS helps producers implement 

conservation practices such as cover crops, βilter 

strips and terraces to control and trap nutrient and 

manure runoff. NWQI was offered in three Wisconsin 

watersheds in FY13: Horse Lake-Horse Creek in Polk 

County, Pigeon Lake-Pigeon River in Waupaca County, 

and Big Green Lake in Green Lake County.

In FY13, Wisconsin obligated $1.6 M in 

35 contracts in these watersheds.
13

Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative

The Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative’s (DALCI) primary purpose is to restore, improve and 

protect the unique and diverse species found in the region’s working lands, forests, streams and prairies. 

A collaborative approach is the hallmark of this initiative. It brings together individuals, conservation 

organizations, and state and federal agencies. It looks at the watershed on a landscape scale and evaluates 

the best land treatment options.

Goals/Objectives

• Manage working lands to reduce erosion

• Manage woodlands for increased diversity

• Restore prairies, manage grasslands and oak savannas for habitat

• Restore cold water streams

The Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative was approved by NRCS in FY13. This designation 

targets additional funding for erosion control and βish and wildlife habitat projects in the four-state area.

In year one of the βive year initiative, Wisconsin obligated $2.37 million in 198 

contracts on working lands, forestland, prairies and savannas, as well as cold water 

streams.

The Driftless Area covers portions 

of the states of Minnesota, 

Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. State 

Conservationists met with partners 

involved with the Initiative in June 

2013. Pictured here from left to 

right is Ivan Dozier, STC Illinois, 

Jimmy Bramblett, STC Wisconsin,

Don Baloun, STC Minnesota and Jay 

Mar, STC Iowa.
14

Grazing

Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative

The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) in Wisconsin is comprised of individuals and 

organizations working together to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of 

privately owned grazing lands. Grazing lands include permanent pasture, pasture rotated with cropland, 

prairie, and oak savanna. Owners and managers of these grazing lands address natural resource concerns 

while contributing to the economic viability of their rural communities. GLCI emphasizes high quality, 

voluntary technical assistance and expanded research and education for farmers and managers of grazing 

lands.

NRCS has the primary responsibility to carry out the GLCI. NRCS Grazing Land Specialists and Soil 

Conservationists have the expertise and experience to provide technical assistance to landowners and 

managers regarding the long-term productivity and ecological health of their grazing land. Through GLCI 

efforts, WI NRCS has developed a training program for certiβication as a “Prescribed/Managed Grazing 

Planner” which enables NRCS and partners to assist land owners and managers in developing Managed 

Grazing Plans. This plan establishes a proper stocking rate, forage type, as well as facilities design for 

the type of livestock and intensity of grazing management desired. Wisconsin now has 55 conservation 

employees who are certiβied as Prescribed Grazing Planners, including 32 NRCS employees and 23 county 

or non-proβit organizations.

Highlights for FY 2013

• 140 farmers provided with technical assistance.

• 268 grazing plans implemented covering 12,243 acres.

• 5 Introductory Training Workshops for Conservationists.

• 3 Workshops for Grazing Land Planners and Grazing Educators.

• Approximately 6000 acres converted from cropland to pasture saving 12,000 tons of soil from sheet 

and rill erosion.

• Reduction in phosphorus and nitrogen runoff by 80 percent compared to cropland.

NRCS Grazing Specialist Brian Pillsbury assisting 

Fond du Lac County dairy grazier Dan Flood.
15

Outreach

Outreach is part of NRCS’ daily business. We work to ensure that programs and services are made 

accessible to all customers, while placing special emphasis on those who may be underserved. 

Historically, underserved audiences have included minorities, tribes, women, the disabled, new farmers, 

limited resource farmers and small-scale farmers.

Outreach involves understanding underserved customers and their needs, learning how best to 

communicate with various groups, earning the trust and acceptance of underserved customers, and 

developing partnerships and working relationships.

2013 was a successful year for NRCS outreach efforts. In Wisconsin, some of the activities include:

• Extensive outreach conducted for the National Hispanic and Women Farmer Claims Process - In 

Wisconsin, 147 claim packets requested. Outreach coordinated with FSA and RD.

• Organized a number of events for visiting dignitaries including tours for Secretary Vilsack to 

World Dairy Expo and hosting several visitors from the Czech Republic.

• Agreement with College of Menominee Nation to train tribal members to identify, train and certify 

Technical Service Providers (TSPs). Project adopted as a national model to work with Tribes.

• Continued coordination with the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council (WTCAC) 

to ensure NRCS Program meet tribal resource needs. Stewardship Report completed with 

collaboration of the 11 Wisconsin Tribes.

• Conducted educational seminars and published several informational brochures for Hmong, 

Beginning Farmers, and Limited Resource farmers.

• Buffalo County Prairie Management Meeting “Caring for the Faces and Spaces of Wisconsin”

• Participated in Veterans Career Fair which was an excellent networking opportunity. 

Educational seminar conducted by NRCS to help Hmong growers learn about the USDA programs available to 

them. 
16

Soils

NRCS is the premier soil conservation agency in the world - founded on soil science. No organization 

or agency can match NRCS when it comes to soil expertise and technical science delivery.

Unlock the Secrets in the Soil

NRCS knows that soil is the foundation of sustainable agriculture. An educational initiative called “Unlock 

the Secrets in the Soil” is providing farmers with important information about caring for their soil resource. 

Healthy soils are important for several reasons. These soils are more productive and farmers optimize 

production, improving their bottom line. Environmentally, keeping the soil healthy keeps nutrients on the 

farm - not in the local waterways. It also holds water for living plants and reduces the chance of βlooding by 

allowing the water to inβiltrate into the soil.

The four key messages for healthy soil are:

• Keep the soil covered as much as possible

• Disturb the soil as little as possible

• Keep plants growing throughout the year to feed the soil

• Diversify as much as possible using crop rotation and cover crops

NRCS Soil Health Information can be found at

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/soils/

health/
17

Soil Health Field Day

Brian Briski, (L) Karla Petges and Jeremy Zeigler, NRCS, demonstrate inΫiltration 

rates of healthy and degraded soils at a Ϋield day.

This Soil Health Field Day, August 2013, in Washington County, with 45 farmers in attendance, was one of 

several held throughout Wisconsin in 2013. 
18

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

Top 40 Practices by Financial Investment - FY 2013

 Practice Contracts FY 2013 Dollars

Waste Storage Facility 94 $10,144,896

Streambank and Shoreline Protection 168 $2,117,720

Heavy Use Area Protection 208 $2,048,583

Nutrient Management 453 $1,556,834

Manure Transfer 124 $1,550,554

Cover Crop 273 $1,300,231

Fence 342 $1,055,085

Pumping Plant 94 $898,798

Grade Stabilization Structure 152 $844,110

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan - Written 94 $725,440

Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops 98 $649,099

Grassed Waterway 310 $605,141

Closure of Waste Impoundment 54 $589,444

Prescribed Grazing 324 $557,031

Mulching 517 $518,233

Access Road 72 $486,008

Irrigation System, Sprinkler 19 $429,095

Irrigation Water Conveyance 25 $378,378

Stream Crossing 151 $371,598

Pasture and Hay Planting 123 $358,390

Stream Habitat Improvement and Management 74 $346,907

Forest Stand Improvement 87 $315,908

Subsurface Drain 88 $294,541

Tree/Shrub Establishment 101 $290,242

Lined Waterway or Outlet 42 $283,287

Pipeline 32 $278,774

Waste Facility Cover 8 $277,945

Underground Outlet 128 $253,837

Roof Runoff Structure 77 $246,960

Obstruction Removal 218 $241,300

Tree/Shrub Site Preparation 134 $192,999

Brush Management 198 $185,895

Wastewater Treatment Strip 49 $176,393

Critical Area Planting 647 $175,822

Spoil Spreading 101 $167,303

Pest Management 36 $126,955

Forest Trails and Landings 25 $99,161

Sediment Basin 10 $95,980

Pond Sealing or Lining, Compacted Clay Treatment 6 $92,961

Conservation Cover 69 $84,645

Herbaceous Weed Control 19 $81,122
19

Environmental Quality Incentives Program 

Top 40 Practices by Number of Contracts - FY 2013

 Practice Contracts FY 2013 Dollars

Critical Area Planting 647 $175,822

Mulching 517 $518,233

Nutrient Management 453 $1,556,834

Fence 342 $1,055,085

Prescribed Grazing 324 $557,031

Grassed Waterway 310 $605,141

Cover Crop 273 $1,300,231

Obstruction Removal 218 $241,300

Heavy Use Area Protection 208 $2,048,583

Brush Management 198 $185,895

Streambank and Shoreline Protection 168 $2,117,720

Grade Stabilization Structure 152 $844,110

Stream Crossing 151 $371,598

Tree/Shrub Site Preparation 134 $192,999

Pipeline 132 $278,774

Underground Outlet 128 $253,837 

Manure Transfer 124 $1,550,554

Pasture and Hay Planting 123 $358,390

Watering Facility 116 $68,049

Spoil Spreading 101 $167,303

Tree/Shrub Establishment 101 $290,242

Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops 98 $649,099

Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan - Written 94 $725,440

Pumping Plant 94 $898,798

Waste Storage Facility 94 $10,144,896

Subsurface Drain 88 $294,541

Forest Stand Improvement 87 $315,908

Roof Runoff Structure 77 $246,960

Stream Habitat Improvement and Management 74 $346,907

Access Road 72 $486,008

Conservation Cover 69 $84,645

Closure of Waste Impoundment 54 $589,444

Diversion 50 $54,860

Wastewater Treatment Strip 49 $176,393

Forest Management Plan - Written 46 $51,711

Well Decommissioning 46 $23,790

Upland Wildlife Habitat Management 43 $17,175

Irrigation Water Management 42 $28,900

Lined Waterway or Outlet 42 $283,287

Prescribed Burning 40 $12,206

Residue and Tillage Management, No-Till/Strip Till/Direct Seed 40 $68,640
4

Earth Team Volunteer Program 

The Earth Team/NRCS partnership works. It is a great example of cooperative conservation that results 

in environmental beneβits everyone can enjoy. NRCS applauds the volunteers’ hard work, dedication, and 

commitment to improving our nation’s land, air and water.

Earth Team volunteers choose us. They believe in us, our mission and the beneβits we offer the environment. 

They choose to work alongside us on our conservation projects. They do this for the experience, the selfsatisfaction, to help the environment and for a hundred other reasons. 

Wisconsin Volunteers

Cultivating Careers through Volunteerism

Assistant State Conservation Engineer (ASCE) is a mentor for seniors 

in the College of Ag and Life Sciences.

Scott Mueller, ASCE, is actively involved with the Biological Systems Engineering 

classes at UW-Madison. Seniors are required to complete a Senior Design Project to 

graduate. Many of these projects are completed under Scott’s guidance. 

A group of students, which included an Earth Team volunteer, worked on a design to 

restore the hydrologic conditions needed to support a wetland system. The student 

design team worked closely with Scott and NRCS subsequently used their design to 

 construct the wetland.

This real world experience is very beneβicial for the students and NRCS. Many of the students in the Senior 

Design Project have become volunteers for NRCS. Gaining this valuable training and experience with NRCS, has 

helped these volunteers secure career positions in the conservation βield. 

In FY13, Earth Team volunteers in Wisconsin collectively donated $102,486* worth of 

assistance to us, our mission and to our customers. Eighty-Ϋive volunteers invested 4,629 

hours of their time with us.

*Value of a volunteer hour is $22.14

Dave Hvizdak, Earth Team Volunteer 

and former NRCS Soil Scientist.

4

The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Wisconsin 2014

“When the land does well by its owner

and the owner does well by his land;

when both end up better by reason of their partnership,

then we have conservation”

Aldo Leopold, 1939