Priority Area: Stewarding land and water resources
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Acquisition of a variable-speed manure spreader for Mann Valley Farm
This project introduces precision technology to manure management at the UW–River Falls Mann Valley Farm through a variable-speed manure spreader. The system allows operators to accurately control application rates, ensuring…
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Metals matter: developing a metal analysis lab for the Dairy Innovation Hub
This project expands research capabilities at UW–River Falls by creating a new metal analysis laboratory. The lab will provide advanced technology to detect and measure trace metals in soil, water,…
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Transforming nitrite and nitrate analysis through new analytical enhancement
This project expands analytical capabilities at UW–River Falls by introducing advanced technology for measuring key nutrients such as nitrate and nitrite—important indicators of soil health, water quality, and dairy system…
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Tracing the legacy: baseline assessment of potentially toxic trace metals under long-term manure application
This research project evaluates how long-term manure application on dairy farms influences the buildup of potentially toxic trace metals in soil, crops, water, and manure itself. By comparing fields with…
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Sustainable intensification of corn silage-livestock systems under tile drainage
This project aims to help Wisconsin dairy farmers boost forage production and protect water quality by testing a “stacked” system of practices in tiled corn‑silage fields. Researchers will evaluate how…
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On-farm evaluation of nutrient export from alfalfa production – a survey of Wisconsin production fields
Alfalfa is an essential crop for Wisconsin’s dairy farms, providing a high‑quality feed source that supports both herd health and farm profitability. To keep alfalfa productive and healthy year after…
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Advancing conservation in dairy cropping systems through farmer-led research
Wisconsin dairy farmers face growing pressures—from tight profit margins to unpredictable weather and environmental risks—that make it difficult to adopt new conservation practices. This project uses a participatory research model…
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Upgrades and repairs to the Kemper C2200 mounted forage harvester for research plots
This project supports repairs and upgrades to a specialized piece of equipment, a Kemper C2200 forage harvester, which is used for research on small crop plots. The harvester helps collect…
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Reducing nitrate leaching from dairy manure in corn silage systems
One of the biggest concerns in dairy farming is nitrogen pollution, which can harm both the environment and public health, especially when nitrogen from manure seeps into groundwater. This project…
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Evaluating novel dietary strategies to enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency in dairy cows
Microbial true protein (MTP), produced in a cow’s rumen, is a key protein source, but only about 80% is digestible in the small intestine. By increasing MTP digestibility, researchers hope…
