(JUNEAU) Farmers across Dodge County and beyond will spend a winter day talking dirt.
The Dodge County Farmers Healthy Soil, Healthy Water group is hosting its annual Soil Health Expo on Feb. 4 at the Juneau Community Center, giving growers a chance to learn from each other, hear from regional experts and take home ideas they can put to work this season.
“So basically our Soil Health Expo is an opportunity for farmers in the area to come and learn and see what other people in the area are doing,” Dodge County farmer Jeff Gaska said. “It’s really an opportunity to learn, listen, talk to other people that are doing it, and hopefully go back home to their farm and try something new or continue what they’re doing.”
The day starts with registration and breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the group’s annual business meeting and a welcome from Dodge County Farmers Healthy Soil, Healthy Water President Tony Peirick. Lunch is included, and the event wraps up with a social hour featuring pizza and refreshments.
One of the keynote speakers is Minnesota farmer Tom Cotter, who will share his own journey using cover crops, livestock, no-till and strip-till systems. Gaska said Cotter’s operation closely mirrors conditions in southern Wisconsin.
“He’s pretty much straight across the state, so very similar situation weather-wise,” Gaska said. “Someone that’s very relatable to what we’re doing here, but he is out of state, and we like to bring in a lot of different perspectives.”
The expo also features UW–Madison State Soybeans Specialist Shawn Conley, who will discuss the latest soybean research and what it means for local growers.
“He’s going to talk about the latest updates from his research, specifically looking at how planting date and maturity of soybeans have changed,” said Will Fulwider, a regional crops educator with UW Extension. “So definitely some very locally based research, some of that happening right here in Dodge County.”
Registration costs $50 per person and includes the event, meals and a 2026 membership. To register click HERE or call 920-386-3660.
