Dane Demo Farms

08/21/2026

Join us and friends from Yahara Pride Farms, Farmers for the Upper Sugar River, and Biological Farmer Friends of the Lower Yahara at one of next weeks quick soil health assessment training events!

08/07/2026

Want to evaluate your soil's health without a lab? Dane Demo Farms is hosting hands-on, one-hour DIY Soil Health Assessment Trainings on August 25 and August 27, 2026. Learn how to use a shovel, metal rod, and plastic tube to check your field's soil structure, water infiltration, compaction, and biological activity.

📅 Upcoming Trainings:
Tuesday, Aug 25 (11 AM - Noon): Laufenberg Farms (Waunakee, WI)
Thursday, Aug 27 (1 PM - 2 PM): Grove Farms (Columbus, WI)

🎁 Bonus for Locals:
Registered attendees who farm in Dane County receive a free, complete soil health assessment tool kit to take home!

📝 How to Register:
Spaces are limited. Secure your kit by calling, texting, or emailing Kim Meyer at 608-445-1474 or [email protected]. Look for the field day signs when you arrive!

🔗 Find more details and the exact addresses on the Dane County Event Page.

Do-It-Yourself Soil Health Assessment Training

07/31/2026

Interested in attending the WI Water and Soil Health Conference but don't want to pay to attend? Apply for one of 90 scholarships for first time attending farmers. It covers the conference registration, a night at the Kalahari, and dinner! More info here https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/wwash/

07/28/2026

07/28/2026

We all know sand bedding is amazing for keeping cows comfy and healthy, but have you ever wondered what it's doing to your fields after it leaves the barn?

In our latest podcast episode, we chat with Dr. Francisco Arriaga from the UW. He breaks down how sand buildup from manure can change your soil's texture and health over time - and it might be happening a lot faster than you think!

Do you use sand bedding on your dairy farm? While it keeps your cows comfortable, what is it actually doing to your fields? Dr. Francisco Arriaga—Professor in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences and State Specialist with the UW Divis...

07/21/2026

Last nitrogen sampling of the growing season—ear leaf samples.

06/30/2026

Revisiting infiltration work in the plots.

06/29/2026

Curious about camelina? Attend tonight's happy hour field day to learn more. Hosted by Biological Farmer Friends of the Lower Yahara members, the Wendt Farm.

06/26/2026

Listen in for an explanation of how we measure water infiltration in the plots.

06/18/2026

Quick tour of the plots on low acres. We're monitoring moisture, temperature, and yield under 3 cover crop rates, straight no-till, and tilled conditions. Tune in to learn more!