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A Discovery Farms study has shown that Saxon Homestead Farm's grazed pastureland results in less soil loss and runoff than non-grazed sites.
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Picture a dairy farm. Now picture this dairy farm just three miles from Lake Michigan with the Centerville Creek, an intermittent stream, flowing throughout its farmland. Does this farm have an impact on ground and surface water reaching Lake Michigan? Only research can tell. That's what the Discovery Farms program is all about. The program develops on-farm and related research to determine the economic and environmental effects of agricultural practices on a diverse group of Wisconsin farms.
Discovery Farms research at Saxon Homestead Farm in Cleveland, Wisconsin (located in the Centerville Creek watershed), started back in Fall 2004. There, cows graze on pasture, and researchers wanted to better understand how pastureland impacted Lake Michigan's water quality.
Robert Klessig and his brother, Karl, and sister, Elise Heimerl (and their families), own and operate the 500-cow dairy farm as a fifth-generation family business partnership (learn more about the families on Saxon Homestead Farm). They were excited to be part of the Discovery Farms program. "We believe that grazing is an environmentally responsible form of food production," says Robert. "The study helped us maximize our grazing systems to better control ground water, erosion and water and soil runoff."
The Klessigs come from a long line of stewards of the land, embracing a strong conservation ethic and a fierce commitment to environmental well-being. They wanted to know if the farming system they developed was indeed environmentally friendly. And if not, where could they improve.
"We strive for vibrant pastures, healthy soil and clean water."
~ Robert Klessig
Grazing Does Help
The study revealed that surface runoff and sediment loss from the Saxon's grazed pastureland was minimal compared to observed soil loss at the farm's tilled (plowed) row crop field site and other "non-grazing" Discovery Farms sites. Researchers also determined that the majority of sediment loss occurred during the non-frozen ground period, specifically during early spring and rain events after the snowmelt period.
Through soil sampling studies, the Klessig and Heimerl families also determined the best way to utilize and apply nutrients from stored manure. In addition, they renovated a few grazing paddocks to reduce soluble phosphorus loss, which also provided benefits in increased feed quality. All of this information can help Saxon Homestead Farm—and other Wisconsin dairy farmers—manage their farmland and pinpoint best management practices.
Visit the Discovery Farms' website for a complete report of research done at Saxon Homestead Farm.