Nutrient Management

Most Iron County farmers recognize the importance of proper nutrient management, pesticide use, erosion control and state agricultural performance standards. The Land & Water Conservation Department assists local farmers in implementing conservation practices that meet the state Agricultural Performance Standards and Manure Management Prohibitions. All cropland and livestock operations in Wisconsin, regardless of size, must abide by these standards: http://dnr.wi.gov/runoff/ag/perfstds.htm.

History

Agricultural activities in Iron County began in the 1880’s, and peaked during the 1930’s. Since the 1970’s, the number of farms in have steadily declined. In 1970 there were an estimated 90 farms including 21,000 acres. By 2001, only 50 farms remained with 10,000 acres used for agricultural purposes; loss declined to 5,877 acres by 2003.

The county’s primary agricultural areas have historically been located within the northern tier Saxon, Kimball, and Gurney townships. These areas generally have the most productive soils and a longer average growing season due Lake Superior’s climate effect.

Trends

The county has limited livestock and poultry production. Dairy cows comprise the majority of farm animals found in the county. The number of dairy cows has decreased with the loss of small family farms, once so common across Wisconsin. In 1959, there were 1,057 dairy cows in the county, and by 1997, this number had decreased to 235. In 2010, there are approximately 600 dairy cows.

• See Iron County Agricultural Crop Statistics
• See Iron County Agricultural Land in Acres from 1980-2003