Dane County Debuts First Edge of Field Monitoring Stations at Dane Demo Farms

August 20, 2025
execmedia@danecounty.gov, (608) 800-1127
County Executive, Land & Water Resources

SUGAR RIVER WILDLIFE AREA — Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today joined the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department (LWRD) and community partners to cut the ribbon on the county’s first edge of field monitoring stations. The new research tool, installed at Dane Demo Farms, will help track how farming practices impact soil health and local water quality.

The monitoring stations capture water runoff from farm fields to study how conservation practices reduce soil erosion and protect water resources. As part of the event, the public also viewed a rainfall simulator demonstration to see how different farming methods respond to rainfall.

“This is exciting and timely research on the impacts of rainfall on farmland,” said County Executive Melissa Agard. “The Land & Water Resources Department continues to lead with innovation and expertise. By learning how conservation practices perform on real working farms, we are strengthening the connection between agriculture and water quality, ensuring that Dane County remains both a farming leader and a clean water leader.”

The event highlighted the county’s ongoing investment in farmer-led research and education. Dane Demo Farms brings farmers together with county staff, researchers, and conservation partners to provide science-based, locally relevant data about conservation practices.

“Dane County is fortunate to have a nationally recognized Land & Water Resources Department that partners directly with farmers to protect our natural resources,” Agard said. “Their work shows that when we invest in collaboration and innovation, we create solutions that benefit our farmers, our land, and our future generations.”

For more information about Dane Demo Farms, visit https://demofarms.danecounty.gov

About Dane Demo Farms

Dane Demo Farms is a collaboration between local farmers, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dane County Land & Water Resources Department, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. It provides opportunities for farmers to direct local research on the impacts of conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality. It is an outlet for peer-to-peer education and outreach to farmers across Dane County.