In Lafayette County, a concerted effort is underway to address the issue of idle manure storages. The effort is spurred by the conclusion of the Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater & Geology (SWIGG) Study which heightened awareness of groundwater quality within the community. 

In late 2022, Ruth Houtakker reached out to the Lafayette County Land Conservation Department with a request to properly close a manure storage on her farm. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that there were actually four manure storages on the farm, most of which had been idle since the 1980s when the family ceased farming due to financial hardships.

After numerous meetings and assessments, a plan was developed to close all four manure storages on the farm. Of the four storages, only one had minimal waste remaining in the structure, while the rest had composted down into a soil like material. This material and the remaining waste were mixed with the native soil to re-vegetate the sites once the project sites were completed. DATCP Conservation Engineering staff supported the project by visiting and surveying the site, provided design consultation and approval, and approving the final construction.

A significant portion of the project costs were offset through cost-sharing via the DATCP Soil and Water Resource Management grant awarded to Lafayette County. The project would not have been feasible for Ruth if she did not receive this grant funding. Ruth has expressed her many thanks for completing the project and commented on how her pasture is much better to look at now that the pits are gone. This project was a win-win – for groundwater and for Ruth!

In addition to addressing idle manure storages, the county is actively collaborating with farmers and other stakeholders to implement ongoing efforts aimed at safeguarding groundwater quality in Lafayette County with the adoption of other various conservation practices. Contact the county for more information. 

Article courtesy of DATCP 2023 Wisconsin Report on Soil and Water Conservation