Beginning with its initial proposal back in January of 2018, my conservation farming research project has been a long, sometimes challenging, process. But it truly has been an incredible learning opportunity every step of the way. With the survey responses all in and the majority of the analytical work complete, it feels like my hard work is finally bearing fruit. It feels like harvest time.
Continue reading Harvest timeAll posts by alanaherro2
Sowing the seeds
My project aims to combine two forms of data – satellite images and surveys – to gain a better understanding of conservation farming practices in Wisconsin. To do this, my plan has been to first send a survey to 500 farmers in Wisconsin and ask them about their experiences with cover cropping and no-till farming techniques. Then, using an algorithm developed by Ryan Geygan in Prof. Ozdogan’s lab which uses satellite data to identify conservation farming techniques, I would (1) verify the algorithm and (2) develop a database illustrating which conservation farming conditions produced what results.
Continue reading Sowing the seeds
Down to earth: how satellite images help farmers
In the 1950s my grandpa bought some farmland near Madison with the intention of developing and selling it. It remains undeveloped to this day, and each year is rented to a grower who farms it. In recent years, I’ve worked with my father to conserve portions of the land and improve the environmental practices on the area that is still farmed. These experiences sparked my interest in studying how technology can help farmers improve their profits and the environment at the same time.
Continue reading Down to earth: how satellite images help farmers
The Nelson Institute: Environmental Conservation Leadership Projects 