Local conservation leaders are celebrating the conclusion of the 319 South Fork Wildcat Creek grant by shining a spotlight on innovative practices that are helping protect water quality and improve soil health.
As part of the grant’s Phase III funding, equipment modifications played a crucial role in advancing conservation efforts. One of the key investments was the purchase of a John Deere HarvestLab™ 3000, a state-of-the-art monitoring system that allows livestock owners to measure nutrient concentrations in manure in real time.
This cutting-edge technology enables farmers to precisely target nitrogen and phosphorus levels based on soil testing, creating a “prescription” plan for nutrient application. The system can also generate application maps for treated fields, helping producers better track and manage their conservation efforts.
Officials say upgrades like these are a cost-effective way to help farmers adopt best management practices without the burden of purchasing entirely new equipment. “Adding modifications to existing equipment is a great tool to advance conservation practices on any field,” program representatives said.
The 319 South Fork Wildcat Creek grant has supported multiple projects over its lifetime, all focused on improving water quality, reducing runoff, and promoting sustainable farming practices throughout the watershed.