Coordinate demonstration farms in the great lakes watershed to show the right combination of traditional conservation practices and innovative technologies produce economic and environmental benefits

Oconto County has been awarded a $254,000 Cooperative Agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902), effective September 8, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2029. The primary objective of this award is to coordinate and operate demonstration farms throughout the Great Lakes watershed that showcase the combined effectiveness of traditional conservation practices and innovative technologies in generating both economic returns and environmental benefits. This initiative will provide farmers and landowners with practical, field-based evidence of sustainable land management approaches that address critical natural resource concerns including soil erosion, water quality degradation, and ecosystem sustainability.

Under this cooperative agreement, Oconto County will deliver conservation technical assistance and educational outreach through demonstration farm operations, enabling landowners and agricultural stakeholders within the Great Lakes region to evaluate and implement proven conservation technologies. The demonstration network will serve as a learning platform for disseminating best practices in soil and water conservation, supporting the NRCS's mission to assist private landowners and conservation districts in adopting climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management practices that enhance productivity while protecting natural resources.