HAGER CITY, Wis. ― Since joining the Western Wisconsin Conservation Council in 2019, Spencer Anderson has implemented various sustainable farming practices on his farm, leading to positive impacts while continually expanding his knowledge of conservation research and current insights.
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Anderson farms with his wife, family, and neighbor in Hager City, Wis. Their family farm was established in the late 1800s. Their diversified farm includes growing corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, and managing a cattle herd and sheep flock.
The Andersons use cover cropping and no-till practices on all their acreage. Recently, they started experimenting with aerial seeding cover crops, and found this method is quite water-dependent in the fall.
Over the last year, he’s also placed a greater emphasis on using the Haney Test to better understand soil health and fertility.
“One of the benefits of being involved with WWCC is the support we get to try new practices,” Anderson said. “Through partnerships with our local university (the University of Wisconsin-River Falls) and industry organizations, our group frequently takes part in sustainable farming research, constantly learning to improve our community and farms.”
Additionally, WWCC offers a cost-share program to help ease some of the financial burden associated with implementing a new practice on the farm.
“Our cost-share program is an excellent resource for farmers,” Anderson stated. “It can help alleviate the hesitation and fear that can come with trying something new on the farm.”
Annual survey results
The group, composed of 52 farmers, took part in a 2024 Member Conservation Practice Survey. The results highlight various conservation practices implemented by the group members: planting 16,392 acres of cover crops, using no-till and strip-till on 25,043 acres, and planting into cover crops (otherwise known as “planting green”) on 7,511 acres. Additionally, 40 farms followed a nutrient management plan as part of their conservation practices.
“Documenting our progress each year is beneficial for both our members and for showcasing our work and the conservation practices we use to improve water quality and reduce soil erosion,“ Anderson said. “It also helps encourage other farmers to implement similar practices on their farms.”
The potential environmental benefits of these practices:
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 4,643 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, which is equal to greenhouse gas emissions produced by 1,105 cars driven in a year.
- Prevention of sediment loss from farm fields of 79,910 tons, equivalent to 7,991 dump trucks worth of soil.
- Reduction of phosphorus runoff by 94,978 pounds, potentially preventing 47.5 million pounds of algae growth in local water bodies.
Data was analyzed by Houston Engineering, Inc., and Farmers for Sustainable Food.
“As our membership continues to grow, I encourage everyone to get involved with WWCC,” he said. “It’s great to connect and share ideas with other farmers. There is a wealth of valuable research and insights for us to share.”
Farmers interested in joining can visit the WWCC website at westernwisconservation.org for more information.
By the numbers
Number of acres covered by conservation practices among Western Wisconsin Conservation Council members:
- 2018 ― 26,841
- 2019 ― 101,514
- 2020 ― 155,520
- 2021 ― 159,932
- 2022 ― 145,295
- 2023 ― 174,877
- 2024 ―173,917
Potential impact of conservation practices:
- Phosphorus runoff reduction ― 94,978 pounds
- Sediment erosion reduction ― 79,910 tons
- Carbon dioxide emission reduction ― 4,643 metric tons
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About WWCC:
Western Wisconsin Conservation Council is a farmer-led non-profit group dedicated to promoting water conservation, environmentally sound agricultural practices and community engagement. The group is composed of grain, dairy and livestock member farms in the Kinnickinnic, Rush and Willow River watersheds in Barron, Dunn, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties. The group receives support from agricultural and environmental organizations, the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and other partners. More information: westernwisconservation.org
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