We are happy to report that Columbia County Land & Water Conservation Department has been awarded a 2020 Nutrient Management Farmer Education Grant from DATCP. This grant allows us to run a series of winter training classes for landowners who want to learn to develop their own 590 Nutrient Management Plan. In addition to providing an opportunity to develop your first plan, we will again be offering a chance to complete a review and update of your existing plan. This cooperative opportunity between UW-Madison Extension, Columbia County LWCD, NRCS and DATCP will again allow landowner the opportunity to learn to develop their own Nutrient Management Plan that will meet the 590 NMP standard. This year we will offer 2 different days in January for landowners to complete updates to existing plans and stay certified. This is a 1 day course, with 2 different days to pick from. We also offer a larger 3 day workshop for new landowners who have not previously done a plan. The grant allows us to provide class attendance incentives along with soil testing stipend. Land owners could be eligible for first time plan developments stipends greater than $1000. Having current soil tests is an important first step to being prepared to participate in the class. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity and want to get on the registration list contact the Land & Water Conservation Department @ (608) 742-9670.