Hancock Agricultural Research Station
The Hancock Agricultural Research Station is located in Waushara County in the part of Wisconsin known as the "Golden Sands." The station's sandy soils, most of which are irrigated, are representative of almost 2.5 million acres of sandy plain in central Wisconsin. Research at the Hancock station focuses on irrigated vegetable and field crops with an emphasis on potatoes, snap beans, cucumbers, field corn, sweet corn and alfalfa. The station has been recognized for sustainable agriculture research and outreach activities, and for research and demonstration work that supports integrated agricultural systems, particularly those focusing on ground water quality, environmental quality and wind erosion. In 2009, the Hancock station was staffed by 10 permanent UW employees, 2 limited term employees and 1 to 2 students.
Outcomes
The research data generated at the Hancock Research Station by the UW-Madison faculty has had a major impact on the development of the Central Sands of Wisconsin. The Hancock station also conducts research geared toward finding ways to curb losses and improve quality of stored potatoes. If the potato storage season could be lengthened by one month, the value to the Wisconsin potato industry could be up to $32 million per year.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
- School or College
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences