Wisconsin Farmers Harness Hyper-Local Data for Better Yields

Farmers in Wisconsin are increasingly turning to hyper-local weather data to enhance crop yields and reduce operational costs. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a network known as Wisconet, which integrates advanced weather stations across the state. This initiative allows farmers to access precise weather information tailored to their specific locations, thereby informing crucial agricultural decisions.

David Bartling, co-owner of Bartling’s Manitowish Cranberry Co. in Vilas County, highlights the significance of data in modern farming. “The more data, the better,” he states, emphasizing the value of accurate weather insights in cultivating cranberries. With nearly 80 years of family farming experience, the Bartling family’s operations have evolved through the use of advanced technology, particularly in understanding environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture levels.

Wisconet Enhances Agricultural Decision-Making

The Wisconet initiative aims to support Wisconsin’s diverse agricultural sector by providing detailed, localized weather data. Chris Kucharik, a professor of agronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and director of the Wisconet project, explains that the network consists of meteorologists, engineers, and technicians who collaborate to offer detailed data to farmers. The network’s weather stations measure various factors, including air and soil temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed.

In a notable collaboration, Bartling and his neighbor, Michael O’Brien, who manages Vilas Cranberry Co., agreed to install a Wisconet weather station on a shared berm. This station delivers real-time updates on critical weather metrics, allowing Bartling to make data-driven decisions regarding fertilizer application and pest management. “When you’re applying fertilizer or treating for pests, to be able to do that according to data coming from right down the road from your own beds, that benefit is awesome,” he notes.

The accessibility of this technology is crucial for small farm operators. O’Brien points out that many farmers lack access to reliable weather data due to the high costs associated with obtaining advanced equipment. He stresses that the Wisconet data is invaluable, as it allows local growers to monitor weather patterns that could directly affect their crops.

Timely Information Transforms Apple Farming

Another farmer benefiting from Wisconet’s services is Bill Roethle, owner of Hillside Apples in Casco, located east of Green Bay. After relocating a Wisconet station from a nearby farm, Roethle experienced a significant improvement in accessing local weather data. Previously, he relied on a recorded service for updates, which often provided outdated information. “Now, I can pull out my phone and look at it myself. Better decisions can be made, because it’s right here and it’s up to the minute data,” he explains.

With the Wisconet station on his property, Roethle now receives timely data that aids in planning pest control measures for his apple orchard. The transformation from waiting days for weather updates to having instantaneous information illustrates the impact of technology on agricultural practices.

Wisconet has rapidly expanded since its inception in 2023, growing from 14 weather stations to nearly 80, thanks to support from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. The network consists of stations strategically placed in varied environments, including farms, forests, and urban areas. This diversity ensures that the data collected can be utilized for various applications, from agriculture to emergency management.

Moreover, Wisconet collaborates with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to enhance national weather forecasting and drought monitoring. The data collected is publicly accessible, allowing individuals to check conditions and trends across the state.

In contrast to standard weather networks, Wisconet stations offer additional sensors, such as those that monitor soil moisture at various depths. This feature addresses the specific needs of Wisconsin farmers, enabling them to receive alerts related to crop diseases and pest activity based on real-time conditions.

Funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Wisconsin Rural Partnerships Institute has played a pivotal role in developing tools tailored to the unique agricultural landscape of the state. Kucharik emphasizes the economic advantages for farmers: “Having specific and timely knowledge about their own area is a real economic advantage for Wisconsin farmers.”

The adoption of advanced weather data through networks like Wisconet marks a significant shift in how farmers approach their operations. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of precise data promises to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in Wisconsin and beyond.