The Extension Livestock Program provides timely resources and information to help farmers, consumers and allied industry to make informed decisions about beef cattle, poultry, sheep and goats, equine, swine, and meat science using research-based information. There are also resources for youth caring for livestock.

Livestock Educators work to:

• Collaborate with producers to identify needs and deliver research-based solutions to help them meet their goals
• Develop/maintain specific expertise related to livestock production/management
• Build trust-based relationships with various stakeholder groups

We work with:

• Partner agencies
• Campus departments
• Species-specific organizations

Upcoming Events

Beef Cow-Calf Workshops

All beef producers are welcome to attend to learn more about these timely topics.

· Selecting replacement heifers

· Winter feeding management of the cow herd

· Weed management

· Truck and trailer checks for safe cattle hauling

Please register by August 18th by contacting the following Extension Offices

· August 27, St. Joseph location: La Crosse County Extension 608-785-9593

· August 28, Gays Mills location: Crawford County Extension 608-326-0223

Visit the Livestock Topic Hub for more information.

Latest News in Livestock

• Fall 2025 Cattle Feeder Enterprise Projections now available
  October 13, 2025
  UW-Madison Division of Extension has assembled a set of projections using initial purchase prices for feeders calves derived from late September 2025 Wisconsin feeder calf sale reports.
• “Save a Calf, Save a Cow” workshop for dairy and beef producers happening in November
  October 10, 2025
  This workshop provides information and techniques to boost your confidence in preparing the cow for calving, obstetric techniques and newborn calf care.
• “Ewe Got This” – Lambing Basics Workshop
  August 18, 2025
  Prepare now before lambing season begins – join us for this comprehensive workshop discussing the lambing process and essential care for ewes and lambs.
• Small Ruminant Parasite Management and FAMACHA Training
  July 30, 2025
  This workshop and its two hands-on sessions focus on managing the health and production risks that intestinal parasites (helminths) pose to flocks and herds.
• Join Us for the Cow-Calf and Fall Forage Twilight Meeting
  July 28, 2025
  Cow-calf beef producers are invited to a free twilight meeting.

Staff

If you have any questions regarding Livestock in Vernon County, please contact:

Regional Livestock Educator, Beth McIlquham

Serving Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, and Vernon Counties
Contact: 608-632-0599
Email: beth.mcilquham@wisc.edu

Beth McIlquham serves as Regional Livestock Educator to Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, and Vernon Counties. She works with livestock/dairy producers and agribusiness professionals to solve production challenges and incorporate new research findings into outreach/educational materials to improve production, profitability, and efficiency.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on meat animals. Previously, she worked for Extension as educational support for Pierce County’s 4-H program, as well as with the Humane Handling Institute. At Pierce County, she built valuable relationships with families and volunteers in addition to executing various programs. Within the Humane Handling Institute, she assisted in putting on workshops for slaughterhouse employees. There, she had the opportunity to learn about humane handling techniques within cattle, swine, goats, and sheep, as well as the importance of captive bolt maintenance.

Beth’s main focus is on beef cattle production. She is grateful to be a part of the team here in Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, and Vernon counties and looks forward to meeting livestock industry players in the area.