Andy Holschbach, past director of the Ozaukee County Land and Water Management Department, has joined the board of directors for the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers as an advisor. He brings extensive knowledge of soil health, from his 37 years as the director. Additionally, he has experience as a zoning administrator and holds a degree in watershed management and soil science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and grew up on a dairy farm in Manitowoc County.

Andy understands the importance and impact of farmer-led watershed groups throughout the state. He helped establish the Clean Farm Families farmer-led group in Ozaukee County and the Ozaukee County Demonstration Farms Network.

He currently promotes soil health in the Milwaukee River Watershed through the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District. His work in this watershed complements SRPF, as 25% of Sheboygan County falls within this district.

Having seen dramatic improvements in soil health over his career, Andy is sincerely dedicated to helping farmers meet their soil health goals.

“I’m excited to be able to work with the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers,” Andy said. “It’s been excellent to meet with members and see how passionate they are about soil health.”

Andy believes that soil health goes hand-in-hand with farm profitability and works hard to share this message with farmers and the community.

“If we can truly help farmers improve their soil health by keeping the soil covered, maximizing the presence of living roots, minimizing soil disturbance and having crop diversity, farmers are going to become more profitable,” he said. “Additionally, the environment will continue to benefit with less runoff, less synthetic fertilizers and better soil drainage.”