Ag-Water Nexus Program Links Farms and Water

By Blake Jackson

Agriculture plays a major role in Wisconsin’s economy, and the way farms are managed has a direct effect on the state’s water resources. To help students better understand this connection, the Ag-Water Nexus Seminar and Ag-Water Nexus Field Experience offer an interdisciplinary learning opportunity that brings together agricultural production and environmental stewardship.

The courses rotate among four University of Wisconsin campuses, giving students exposure to diverse agricultural regions across the state. The spring 2026 courses will be hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

“By linking agricultural practices with water systems through hands-on, real-world learning, the Ag-Water Nexus program strengthens our commitment to educating future leaders who can address essential environmental and economic challenges in agriculture,” said Dr. Joseph Sanford, assistant professor of agriculture and biological systems engineering at UW-Platteville.

Supported by the Freshwater Collaborative, the program is offered through the Wisconsin Ag-Water Nexus, a partnership among faculty from UW-Platteville, UW-Green Bay, UW-River Falls, and UW-Stevens Point. Students must be enrolled at one of these four institutions to participate.

The Ag-Water Nexus Seminar is a one-credit online course that highlights current research and applied projects focused on agricultural water challenges in Wisconsin. Students interact with faculty, graduate students, and industry professionals through guest lectures, discussions, and online reflections.

The Ag-Water Nexus Field Experience is a one-credit, in-person course scheduled for May 1-3, 2026. During the three-day experience, students visit farms and cooperatives, take part in hands-on activities, and engage with researchers, conservationists, and producers to better understand real-world agriculture and water management challenges.

For enrollment information, contact Dr. Joseph Sanford at sanfordj@uwplatt.edu (course AGRIC 3990).

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