A stream runs through a lush farm field on a sunny day.

Partnering with Wisconsin farmers to solve water quality challenges through research, collaboration, and education.

25 Years of Discovery Farms

Latest Articles

Proof of Progress Twenty Years Later on Kewaunee County Farms

Proof of Progress Twenty Years Later on Kewaunee County Farms

Since 2004, programs like Discovery Farms have been working with farmers in Kewaunee County to better understand how practices like cover crops and no-tillage can help keep nutrients on fields and out of waterways, positively impacting water quality.

Nonagricultural land: A sink or a source?

Nonagricultural land: A sink or a source?

To evaluate how land use and agricultural management affect water quality, Discovery Farms performed research on varying management systems in two western Wisconsin watersheds. Our main goal was to better understand how agricultural land management decisions affect soil and nutrient runoff. 

Four Ways to Efficiently Manage Nitrogen When Costs are High

Four Ways to Efficiently Manage Nitrogen When Costs are High

In April 2026, commercial nitrogen fertilizer prices increased approximately 30% since fall 2025. Fortunately, there are nutrient management choices farmers can make to minimize financial impacts of this sudden price increase.

Who are we?

The Agriculture Water Quality Program helps to address the water quality challenges facing agricultural producers in Wisconsin. Our Program adds support and structure for collaborations and initiatives to conduct research and education to improve water quality related to agricultural production for farmers, crop advisors, and conservation professionals.

We build on the research, knowledge, and experience of faculty and staff in Extension that have been working on this issue, including Extension’s very successful Discovery Farms® Program.

Contact our Extension Agriculture Water Quality Program team at agwater@extension.wisc.edu