Agriculture
AGRICULTURE
Serving Vernon, La Crosse, Crawford, and Richland Counties
If it happens on a farm or in a field, the Extension Institute of Agriculture works with you to achieve better results. Our innovative dairy management programs range from genetics to farm and business management. Extension researchers work hand-in-hand with row crop, forage and fresh produce growers to provide best practices for every aspect of the growing phase. We also advise communities on using sustainable practices to create inviting spaces free from invasive species.
University of Wisconsin-Extension programs in Agriculture and Natural Resources help urban and rural people use research and knowledge to solve problems and take advantage of new opportunities. Agriculture and Natural Resources educators balance farm profitability and production of high-quality food, horticulture crops, fiber and plant material with protection of the natural environment.
Services We Offer
Ask an Agriculture Question
Looking for an expert to advise you on your agriculture questions? Please click button below and fill out the form and attach relevant photographs concerning your agriculture issues. Your inquiry will be responded to by an Extension staff member.
If you live outside of Wisconsin, please contact Extension in your state.
Asking a Gardening Question
Looking for expert advice on a lawn, landscape or gardening issue? Please click the button below and fill out the form and attach photos showing your garden concern. A Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener or Extension staff will respond to your inquiry.
If you live outside of Wisconsin, please contact Extension in your state.
Private Pesticide Applicator Testing
The University of Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) Program helps you become certified to apply pesticides in Wisconsin. They provide educational materials for the purpose of pesticide applicator certification in Wisconsin.
Soil Sample Testing
Just what is in your soil?! Let’s find out! A soil test provides more information about the nutrient levels of your soil.
Wisconsin Farm Account & Record Books
Farm Record Books are available for purchase at our office location.
Cost: $7.00
Cash and Check only.
Sign up for our newsletter!
Stay up to date on the latest Extension Agriculture news, resources, and impacts by signing up for our e-newsletter.
Farm Management News
- UW-Madison Extension is offering a virtual education Mental Health First Aid program to help the Wisconsin agriculture community identify and respond to a variety of behavioral health challenges.
- Extension Farm Management specialists and educators across Wisconsin are regularly featured by local and national news outlets to share expertise on a wide range of topics. With a shared commitment for research-based, culturally responsive educational programs, information, and tools to inform farm business management decisions, Extension provides invaluable guidance to a wide range of agricultural […]
- On April 15 and 16, 2026, at the Agricultural Research Station in Arlington, the UW–Madison Division of Extension Farm Management Program welcomed more than two dozen farm managers, agricultural consultants, safety directors, and farm workers to a full-day pilot workshop. The workshop explored newly developed safety training components of the bilingual Forward Farm Safety Toolbox, […]
- Extension is pleased to present preliminary findings from the 2025 Wisconsin Custom Rate Survey. The survey remains open as a comprehensive report covering all field operations, along with updated figures, is developed.
- (Madison, Wis., March 27, 2026) – Agricultural operations in Wisconsin have been significantly impacted by recent winter storms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events. “USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they […]
Agriculture Updates
- Through community-engaged science, UW–Madison Extension is building local capacity so that communities can thrive. By engaging communities in research and scientific inquiry, community members help shape research questions, data collection, and the use of results. That leads communities to have more trust in the findings and more “buy-in” when the findings lead to new procedures […]
- Modern farming utilizes technology and connectivity in ways that shape nearly all daily farm activities, from helping monitor a cow’s eating habits to managing fieldwork down to the inch where a seed is planted. A commissioner and team from the Federal Communications Commission saw precision agriculture firsthand at one of UW–Madison’s agricultural research stations in […]
- During the 2025 growing season, members of the agriculture community in Wisconsin will once again have access to a weekly climate outlook. The Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook (WACO) includes things like historical and current weather patterns, soil moisture, precipitation, and crop progress. Combining data from national and local sources, including the National Weather Service, regional […]
- Christine Bender remembers the moment 10 years ago when she told her parents she wanted to come back and farm long-term. “My mom started to cry because she was so happy,” Bender said. In the decade since Bender and her family created a succession plan, they’ve had many discussions about working together. Now she serves […]
- Extension awarded grant funding to seven projects that bring innovation to the division’s outreach mission. Extension annually solicits proposals for new projects around engagement and research. Innovation is a core part of Extension’s programming, which ensures that the division is addressing emerging issues in Wisconsin’s communities.
Visit the Agriculture Topic Hub for more information.
Meet Our Ag Educators
Regional Crops & Soils Educator
Sam Bibby
Serving La Crosse, Crawford, and Vernon Counties
Contact: 608-219-2055
Email: sbibby@wisc.edu
Regional Livestock Educator
Beth McIlquham
Serving Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, and Vernon Counties
Contact: 608-632-0599
Email: beth.mcilquham@wisc.edu