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Agriculture
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AGRICULTURE
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
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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.
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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.
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Wisconsin Farm Account & Record Books
Farm Record Books are available for purchase at our office location.
Cost: $7.00
Cash and Check only.
Farm Management News
- A Farm Summit focusing on farmer suicide prevention will be held on Monday, Aug. 19, from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. in Baldwin, WI. There is a virtual option for those unable to travel to Baldwin.
- According to the USDA, 11% of U.S. farmers don’t have health insurance coverage. For dairy farmers, the number is even higher—a staggering 41%. While going without health insurance is problematic for any population, farmers and their families are particularly vulnerable to the ill effects of being uninsured. People without health insurance are more likely to […]
- The USDA has made available a courtesy copy of the recommended decision concerning proposed amendments to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders. The official version of this decision will be published in the Federal Register.
- Following this, a vote on the proposed changes is tentatively expected for this fall or early winter. It is crucial for producers to stay informed about these developments and understand how the proposed changes may impact them.
Agriculture Updates
- 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 […]
- This month presents two unique opportunities for farmers in the Midwest and Mid-South to advance their efforts to improve soil health and water quality, while protecting their profitability.
- The Wisconsin Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA) recently recognized several members during its annual awards and recognition program. An affiliate of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA), WACAA is a professional organization for county, area, and state Extension professionals to encourage excellence and professionalism in their work.
- 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.
- The Division of Extension and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education are excited to announce the nine recipients of the Wisconsin Idea Collaboration Grants. Now in its second year, this grant funding aims to promote collaboration with faculty across campus around Extension’s six focus areas: promote healthy relationships, empower health […]
Visit the Agriculture Topic Hub for more information.
Meet Our Ag Educators
![Headshot of Regional Crops Educator Sam Bibby](https://vernon.extension.wisc.edu/files/2024/06/Welcome-Newsletter-April-2024-502x650.png)
Regional Crops & Soils Educator
Sam Bibby
Serving La Crosse, Crawford, and Vernon Counties
Contact: 608-219-2055
Email: sbibby@wisc.edu
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Regional Livestock Educator
Beth McIlquham
Serving Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, and Vernon Counties
Contact: 608-632-0599
Email: beth.mcilquham@wisc.edu