Record-high Yahara Pride Farms signups in 2020
A record number of farmers in the watershed signed up for cost-share for conservation practices through Yahara Pride Farms (YPF) in 2020, which receives funding from Yahara WINS.
Success Stories
Manure aeration study reduces phosphorus content by 90%
WINS innovation grant study finds that aeration of beef cattle manure reduces the phosphorus content of liquid manure by 90%.
Dane County cover cropping enhancements
This project involved the use of a farm implement called a roller crimper to streamline the transition between cash crops and cover crops.
Stormwater basin treatment to reduce algae
A project funded with a Yahara WINS grant tested out a method for mitigating phosphorus in urban stormwater retention basins. Many practices in Yahara WINS are focused on preventing phosphorus from entering water bodies, but once phosphorus has already made it into a waterway, it can keep fueling algae growth unless removed or transformed. In … Read more
Yahara Pride Farms composting study
A two-year manure composting study project was completed in 2019. This project, funded jointly by Yahara WINS, Dane County, Clean Lakes Alliance and Yahara Pride Farms, had a goal of making both manure storage and transportation more feasible for farmers. Raw manure is high in water, which means manure storage pits fill quickly and that … Read more
Dane County innovative practices in 2019
Dane County has been a leader in runoff control practices, both as a Yahara WINS partner and through county-led initiatives. In 2019, Dane County continued its “Suck the Muck ” initiative, which involves removal of phosphorus-rich sediment from stream bottoms to stop the continued release of phosphorus into the stream. Following a successful first phase, … Read more