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County farm update: no‑till drill incoming; VSN will supply seed for initial prairie planting
Summary
County staff said a no‑till drill the county ordered will arrive in about a month and that the Viroqua‑area stewardship group (VSN) will provide seed for an initial prairie planting south of the highway shop; broader prairie plantings will be deferred to next spring.
County staff updated the committee on plans for prairie plantings at the county farm and the acquisition of a no‑till drill. The county had planned a larger prairie program with Viroqua stewardship partners but the expected NRCS/USDA equip grant did not materialize. As a result the county adjusted plans and obtained multiple quotes for a no‑till drill. Staff said the drill will be delivered in about a month and will be available for county use and for community rental.
The county will proceed this season with a limited planting in the field immediately south of the highway shop; VSN (Viroqua stewardship group) has agreed to provide seed for that planting. Staff said the seed VSN supplies is lower cost because it does not need to meet certain NRCS equip‑grant seed standards; the county compared an estimated $250/acre seed cost from VSN to a higher $600–$800/acre seed mix that met NRCS standards. "Part of this will be available for rent and things we're gonna have to organize," the presenter said.
Staff said larger portions of the county farm outlined for prairie will be prepped this year and planted next spring, and that prescribed burning is typically scheduled in years three to five after establishment. Highway and land conservation staff will coordinate on burning and other maintenance. The committee had no vote on the item; staff said they would return with operational details for drill rental and planting schedules.
