Scott Maier

SCOTT MAIER

Scott Maier of Maier Farms LLC near Waunakee says progressive farmers and cost-sharing funds helped launch Yahara Pride Farms. The farmers were willing to try new conservation practices to reduce phosphorus runoff. But they also understood those practices involved taking risks. Because of that risk, the Cost-Share Program was introduced.

“In return for the cost-share payment, we asked farmers for their feedback and engaged them in bettering our practices” says Scott, one of Yahara Pride Farms’ founders. “We also wanted farmers to feel supported for stepping outside their comfort zones.”

That included himself and his family. Scott, in partnership with his son, Patrick, and his brother, Keith, and Keith’s son, Gavin care for and milk 1,600 dairy cattle and grow 1,800 acres of alfalfa, corn, and wheat.

The Maiers began experimenting with cover crops more than a decade ago. Today, they plant a cover crop combination of cereal ryegrass and barley on all the acres they own. When needed, they harvest some of the cereal rye for supplemental feed.

Scott says the advantages of the cover crop practices outweigh the extra management involved. That includes improved water infiltration as well as less erosion and dust. Cover crops also help to stabilize nutrients, he says.

The Maiers also use a low-disturbance manure injector on their highly erodible ground. They’ve found success with seeding cover crops and then injecting manure into the growing crops.

Since adopting these practices more than a decade ago, Scott has noticed an increase in root mass and organic matter. The practices don’t provide results overnight, but over time they help improve soil health and water quality, he says.

Since its start in 2014, Yahara Pride Farms has helped reduce 200,000 pounds of phosphorus runoff.

“That’s why I believe in Yahara Pride Farms,” Scott says. “It’s good for the farm, the community, and our family.”