Rural Issue

Farming has role in water protection

The State of Michigan has released a 30-year plan to protect and enhance water resources.  Office of the Great Lakes Director Jon Allen tells Brownfield the first phase of Michigan’s Water Strategy focuses on stewardship and healthy ecosystems. Allen says the farming community has been actively involved in reducing soil and nutrient runoff, but reducing phosphorus in Lake Erie will take a combined effort of the Great Lakes region.  “We really continue to look at everything from drainage practices and farming practices holding water, infiltration practices, fertilizer application rates and timing—all of those pieces are critical.”

Brownfield’s Nicole Heslip interviews Jon Allen: