NR151 Progress & Resource Analysis
The NR151 Progress and Resource Analysis (NPRA) is a collaborative effort through partnership between the DNR, Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), University of Wisconsin-Madison and Wisconsin Land & Water. The project will estimate the rates of adoption of agricultural performance standards and prohibition across the state, quantify state and county resource needs to further adoption and identify barriers to better implementation of performance standards and prohibitions. The University of Wisconsin has been contracted to assist with data analysis. Project findings are projected to be complete in late 2026.
Project Background
Project Overview
As advised by University of Wisconsin researchers, 1,200 random agricultural sample parcels were identified across the state. The overall project is comprised of three distinct data sets: cropland parcels, livestock operations and cropland parcels on Silurian bedrock. Each sample parcel will be assessed for conformance with applicable agricultural performance standards and prohibitions. This data will be utilized to estimate statewide adoption rates and to identify total resource needs to adequately protect agricultural lands and resources across the state.
How will results be shared?
Data will be reported directly to UW for analysis. Results will be reported on a statewide scale in fall 2026.
What is Chapter NR151, Wisconsin Administrative Code?
Agricultural performance standards and manure management prohibitions are outlined in ch. NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code.
The agricultural standards and prohibitions were developed to control polluted runoff from all cropland and livestock operations while protecting Wisconsin’s water resources. Additional targeted performance standards that apply to a subset of cropland in areas with Silurian bedrock, which is a geological formation especially susceptible to groundwater contamination. ch. NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code, establishes performance standards for urban and transportation sources of polluted runoff as well, although those performance standards are not included in this analysis. Conservation practices used to meet the performance standards are identified in ch. ATCP 50, Wis. Adm. Code.
When was the last time a comprehensive assessment of Chapter NR151, Wisconsin Administrative Code was completed?
This project will serve as the first comprehensive statewide assessment of ch. NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code since the rule was introduced in 2002.
For Landowners of Selected Parcels
- How were sites selected?
Points were randomly selected on mapped agricultural cropland in Wisconsin (WiscLand 2.0 map of agricultural land use), livestock sites (tax assessment data for parcels with known agricultural improvements), and agricultural land on Silurian bedrock (WI Geological Natural History Survey maps of Silurian bedrock, intersected with WiscLand 2.0 maps of agricultural land use). Aerial photos were reviewed for each site to verify agricultural or livestock-related land uses. The random selection of sites and the collection of data on all selected sites is essential to prevent bias and ensure statistical significance of the analysis. - Will my farm’s data be published?
No information identifying specific farms or landowners will be published as part of the final report. Data will be aggregated to draw statewide inferences. - What is the intent behind this project?
This is a data collection effort as part of a research project to inform better implementation of the agricultural performance standards in ch. NR 151, Wis. Adm. Code. However, if staff observe immediate and significant water quality impacts while collecting data, they may work with landowners to address the concerns through available avenues and funding mechanisms.
- How were sites selected?