The Grant County Commission has been engaged in an ongoing discussion about potentially extending the length of time two pieces of county-owned land are contracted to local farmers for hay harvesting. The topic concerns county-owned land near the Grant County Airport and the Grant County Dog Pound.

Both areas are put out to bid each year, with the highest bidder winning the right to harvest the land for hay for the season. The conversation, which started as a simple request, highlights just how much science and experience goes into the work of a farmer.

During the Jan. 27 commission meeting, one of the farmers requested the county consider extending the length of time the bids are submitted for from one year to up to three or fi ve years. The idea being that if the farmer who wins the bid is guaranteed a longer harvest time from the land, they would be able to fertilize the soil. This would not only increase their harvested yield but also improve the overall health of the land.