CHILTON, Wis. — Sustainable farming practices have become increasingly important in recent years as interest in farming’s impact on the environment grows. One farm leading the way in sustainable practices is Holsum Dairies in Calumet County.
Holsum, which has two milking sites and a heifer farm, is making strides in conservation practices thanks to the efforts of Agronomy Manager John VandenBoom. With VandenBoom’s help, the farm has implemented conservation practices, such as cover crops, reduced tillage and enhanced manure management, on its 5,000 acres and also encourages neighboring growers to do the same. The farm recognizes the need to protect soil health and water quality and remains committed to finding new and innovative ways to do so despite managing thousands of acres.
“Every year, the farm plants more acres in cover crops as we learn what works best through experimentation,” VandenBoom said. “This year, we plan to try more nitrogen stabilizers that can work with manure to make nitrogen more available to corn and have less dependence on commercial fertilizer.”
VandenBoom is also one of the founding members of the Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance, a farmer-led conservation group focused on advancing sustainable farming practices.
Now with 20 farmer-members, CCASA continues to grow. The group represents 25,901 acres and 23,801 livestock including beef, dairy and hogs. The group collaborates with university researchers, environmental groups and community leaders.
Now with 20 farmer-members, CCASA continues to grow. The group represents 25,901 acres and 23,801 livestock including beef, dairy and hogs. The group collaborates with university researchers, environmental groups and community leaders.
According to an analysis shared by Farmers for Sustainable Food; the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; and The Nature Conservancy, the practices adopted by CCASA farmers are significantly reducing the chance of harmful runoff into streams and lakes.
In 2022, members planted 15,324 acres using reduced- and no-tillage methods, planted 9,612 acres in cover crops and used low-disturbance manure injection on 7,969 acres.
Compared to more conventional farming methods in the group’s area, the analysis found that farmers reduced 27,994 tons of sediment erosion, which is equal to the capacity of nearly 2,800 mid-sized dump trucks, and an estimated 4,130 tons of carbon dioxide, equal to 834 miles driven by a gas-fueled vehicle.
The assessment also determined farmers prevented an estimated 19,674 pounds of phosphorus from leaving the fields. For reference, one pound of phosphorus in a lake or stream has the potential to cause the growth of up to 500 pounds of algae, which can degrade water quality.
CCASA’s members work together to offer conservation tips and information that can be used to reach their farms’ sustainability goals.
Several CCASA members purchase manure from Holsum; for those trying cover crops, Vandenboom helps members access a minimal disturbance toolbar to apply manure as a fertilizer. They see less soil erosion, better soil structure and nutrients remaining available in the fields.
“By using cover crops and limiting tillage, we aren’t seeing huge soil washouts where we used to,” VandenBoom said. “Our equipment carries across the land much better in fall for harvest, and having a living root year-round helps hold the phosphorus and nitrogen in our fields for the next year’s crop.”
The Nature Conservancy, a key supporter of CCASA, brings new soil health solutions to the group.
“John’s efforts to establish this farmer-led group, play an important role as a board member and his willingness to host field days illustrate the importance of farmer-to-farmer education networks,” Steve Richter, TNC’s director of agriculture strategies in Wisconsin, said. “He helps farmers succeed with new conservation practices. TNC helps by offering this group an annual donation used by many farmer members to try new practices. Sure, the gift helps, but the most important value of the farmer groups is building a network of farmers sharing lessons. These learning networks will accelerate the adoption of conservation on farms.”
VandenBoom’s commitment to environmental sustainability goes beyond his job. “I live in this community and have a vested interest in maintaining quality groundwater,” he said.
By The Numbers
Number of acres covered by conservation practices among Calumet County Ag Stewardship Alliance members:
- 2020 ― 25,795
- 2021 ― 62,916
- 2022 ― 112,693
*Multiple conservation practices can be used on a farm field
Potential impact of conservation practices in 2022:
- Phosphorus runoff reduction ― 19,674 pounds
- Sediment erosion reduction ― 27,994 tons
