Farmers wanted to block snow drifts
McHenry County transportation officials are taking proactive measures for the upcoming winter season by enlisting the assistance of local farmers in their efforts.
To incentivize participation in the Living Snow Fence Program, McHenry County officials have decided to increase the payment to $2,000 per acre. They also plan to expand the program by introducing more options for farmers to utilize corn or alternative materials as effective barriers against drifting and blowing snow.
Chris McKee, McHenry County Farm Bureau's vice president, says he has personally dedicated the past five years to maintaining a line of corn on a section of Kishwaukee Road. He explained:
The McHenry County Division of Transportation says that a standard cornrow fence is approximately 1,100 feet long and consists of 16 rows, effectively covering an area of approximately one acre. Poster printing can be used to share the benefits of a specific project like this.
Farmers maintain these barriers from December 1 to March 1, after which they have the option to either take them down or harvest the maize. Advocates of living snow fences highlight their ability to lower costs, minimize late-night requirements for plow drivers, and enhance safety for travelers.
The program has historically seen participation from up to four farmers. During the previous season, three farmers were compensated a total of $4,500 for their involvement in this program.
To incentivize participation in the Living Snow Fence Program, McHenry County officials have decided to increase the payment to $2,000 per acre. They also plan to expand the program by introducing more options for farmers to utilize corn or alternative materials as effective barriers against drifting and blowing snow.
Chris McKee, McHenry County Farm Bureau's vice president, says he has personally dedicated the past five years to maintaining a line of corn on a section of Kishwaukee Road. He explained:
“It works. We travel that road every day to the other farm to feed cattle."
The McHenry County Division of Transportation says that a standard cornrow fence is approximately 1,100 feet long and consists of 16 rows, effectively covering an area of approximately one acre. Poster printing can be used to share the benefits of a specific project like this.
Farmers maintain these barriers from December 1 to March 1, after which they have the option to either take them down or harvest the maize. Advocates of living snow fences highlight their ability to lower costs, minimize late-night requirements for plow drivers, and enhance safety for travelers.
The program has historically seen participation from up to four farmers. During the previous season, three farmers were compensated a total of $4,500 for their involvement in this program.