MONROE — The producer-led group, Farmers of the Sugar River, has been awarded its third grant from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The 2020 grant is for $35,000. 

Farmers of the Sugar River covers all land in the Middle and Lower Sugar River watersheds, which are in Green, Rock and Dane Counties. The group of farmers demonstrate that by doing no-till and incorporating cover crops, there will be less soil erosion which will lead to cleaner waters. 

In 2020, they are planning to host a networking workshop, annual meeting, shop talk and summer field day to educate other farmers and the public. Most of the grant money is for incentive payments to farmers to implement conservation practices such as cover crops, no till planting for the first time or roller crimping a cover crop. 

More information is at https://greencountylwcd.com/farmers-of-the-sugar-river/ or from the Green County Land and Water Conservation Department located at 1627 4th Ave West, Monroe. Contact Tonya Gratz at the Green County LWCD for more information or determine a watershed at 608-325-4195 ext 121. The Green County LWCD serves as the fiscal manager and collaborator for the Farmers of the Sugar River group.