USDA is seeking farmers in targeted watersheds to install edge-of-field monitoring stations that will measure water quality as it leaves their fields.  Nine Michigan counties can apply for funding to address water quality concerns.

Watersheds eligible for this funding are located in portions of Calhoun, Clinton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe, Saginaw and Shiawassee counties. Farmers have until July 8, to submit applications for funding.

Michigan farmers can get paid to install monitoring systems

Water quality will be measured on fields where farmers installed conservation practices and on fields without conservation installed. The data collected will be used to determine the effectiveness of different conservation practices. Conservation practices typically evaluated include cover crops, no-till farming, irrigation water management and practices that reduce and trap nutrients and sediment.

The data collected will be used by the USDA to determine the effectiveness of voluntary conservation efforts. Conservation practices on private land help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture on water quality. Cover crops and no-till farming for example can reduce the amount of phosphorus, nitrogen and other fertilizers entering the Great Lakes.

More information about edge of field monitoring, including a map of eligible watersheds, is available on the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website at www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov.