Kewaunee County UW-Extension Agriculture educator Aerica Bjurstrom found a little bit of home abroad last month touring farming operations in Ireland. She was part of a 70-person group of county agriculture agents from across the country learning from Irish farming operators. Bjurstrom says climate, thin soils, and feeding practices makes it hard to compare Kewaunee County farmers with those of Ireland. She says both groups of farmers are experiencing external pressure from the general public.

Another takeaway for Bjurstrom was how Irish farmers have been able to adapt to its rainy climate, something local operators may have to do themselves if rainy and cold falls become the norm for the area.

Photo courtesy of Aerica Bjurstrom