Summary
Groundswell has monitored the Treinen's conservation easement for three years. We featured the Treinen farm during a recent Soil Health Day so others can learn how they take steps to promote soil health and protect water quality. We're grateful to work with Wisconsin farmers like the Treinens who are leading the way to care for land and water.
One of the best parts about working as Groundswell’s Easement Stewardship Manager is meeting people who value conservation. Vern and Vicki Treinen are two such people. Today, I want to share the great work the Treinens are doing on their farm in DeForest.
I’ve monitored the Treinen’s conservation easement for three years now. During this time, I’ve learned that the Treinens plant cover crops and compost cattle manure. These practices promote soil health and protect water quality. Healthy soils build organic matter and make farms more resilient to extreme weather events.
This past summer, Groundswell showcased the Treinen farm at a Soil Health Day event in partnership with American Farmland Trust (AFT). This event featured soil health instruction and demonstrations. Our goal was to help others learn from the Treinens.
Many members of the Treinen family attended, along with a host of conservation professionals and other landowners. One landowner was Jeff Endres, of Yahara Pride Farms. Jeff discussed his organization’s work to promote water quality through improved nutrient management.
Interestingly, we also learned that Vern incorporates biochar—black carbon produced intentionally for soil enrichment—into his compost mix. (We’ve also experimented with biochar at Groundswell’s Westport Farm.) Vern uses cover crops to counteract soil compaction and provide additional organic matter. After performing various soil tests, the event concluded with more great conversation and networking over lunch.
Here at Groundswell, we’re grateful to work with Wisconsin farmers like the Treinens who are leading the way to care for land and water. You can feel good knowing they’re inspiring others to do the same.
I look forward to sharing more updates like this with you as we get back into the growing season. If you’d like to support Groundswell’s efforts to educate landowners about sustainable farming practices and are in the giving spirit, consider making a donation.