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Farmers of the Sugar River to host annual meeting Feb. 21
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The cover crop was cut from the 2-foot by 2-foot square sample, weighed and sent to a lab for nutrient analysis. Results will be shared at the annual meeting for the group on Feb 21.

ALBANY — The annual meeting of the Farmers of the Sugar River will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Albany Lions Club, 402 Cincinnati Street, Albany, WI.  The Farmers of the Sugar River is a farmer-led watershed group, covering the Middle and Lower Sugar River reaches, that aims to teach other farmers how to implement conservation practices that save time and money while improving water quality in the Sugar River.  The meeting is a chance for farmers to learn from each other and network with others.  The public is also invited to attend to learn what farmers are doing to be more resilient to weather extremes.

The agenda for the day is meant to cover a variety of topics so that everyone can learn and take home a tidbit of information to use.  At 10AM Steve Apfelbaum, local ecologist and founder of AES, will start the day off and help the audience understand the importance of carbon in our world and how farmers can help with storing carbon.  His book, “S is for Soil” will be given to all attendees.  There will be a panel of local farmers that have been no-tilling for many years.  They will share what they’ve learned and tips for beginners to get into the practice.  There will be information on a biomass sampling project that was started this past fall to analyze the nutrients in the cover crops.  After a hot and delicious lunch prepared by the Albany Lions Club, DNR personnel will update the audience on the health of the Sugar River.  Farmers will get a chance to learn different methods to test their own soil for stability.  There will be a few farmers that talk about their non-conventional ways of using manure better.  The day will wrap up with farmers sharing demonstrations and trials they’ve been trying on their farms.  The program is slated to conclude around 3:15.

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP with Tonya Gratz at Tonya.Gratz@wi.nacdnet.net or 608-325-4195 extension 121 as soon as possible or for sure by Friday, Feb. 17 to make sure there’s enough food to feed everyone. There will be a $10 charge at the door to help offset costs for the day. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has awarded the group a grant through the Producer- Led Watershed Protection program which helps fund educational events such as this.