Livestock
Livestock
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
Parasite Patrol: Mastering Fecal Egg Counts for Healthier Herds & Flocks
Intestinal parasites in sheep can significantly impact the health and performance of a flock. From decreased production to a compromised immune system, sheep owners of all types can struggle with high parasite loads. Extension colleagues are excited to share this workshop to equip producers with tools and strategies to help curb intestinal parasites in their flocks. Topics for this event include:
- Intestinal parasite life cycle
- Development of resistance
- Management strategies
- Hands-on experience with fecal egg counts (FEC) using a fecal sample from their animals
Sheep producers with any flock size are welcome to join.
Visit https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/beef/ for agenda and registration information.
Producing Quality Beef Workshop-Rescheduled
RESCHEDULED DATE for the Producing Quality Beef workshop in Bloomington!
We have the same great program lined up, but please call 608-833-7177 or visit our page to RSVP for the NEW DATE of February 25.
Registration table will open at 10:30am and program will begin following the slaughter sale at Bloomington Livestock Exchange. Lunch/refreshments provided!
Noontime Beef Roundup Webinar Series
The Extension Livestock program is launching a new webinar series called “Noontime Beef Roundup.” This free series is designed for beef producers and industry professionals to learn important topics related to the beef industry.
When: The second Thursday of each month, from January to March 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST
Where: Online via Zoom
- Jan. 9, 2025 – Biosecurity: Dr. Julia Herman
- Feb. 13, 2025 – Seller Reputation and Its Influence on Buyers: Dr. Kellie Curry Raper
- Mar. 13, 2025 – Direct Marketing: Dr. Megan Nelson, Adam Hartfiel, and Beth McIlquham
To attend, register at https://go.wisc.edu/4e791d. After registering, you’ll get an email with the webinar link.
Visit the Livestock Topic Hub for more information.
Latest News in Livestock
- Even though the value of an individual beef animal is higher now than at any point in history, every decision and investment made on a beef operation must maximize returns and potential profit. This is particularly true for beef cow/calf operators, as a decision today will likely impact profitability for many years to come.
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is hosting a workshop highlighting intestinal parasite management for Small Ruminant, Dairy, and Beef Producers.
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is hosting a workshop highlighting intestinal parasite management for Small Ruminant, Dairy, and Beef Producers.
- The University of Wisconsin-Madison is excited to announce the 2025 Badger Lambing School, a hybrid educational program designed for sheep producers. This program will take place every Wednesday in February 2025, culminating in an in-person session on March 1, 2025, at the UW-Madison Arlington Research Station Sheep Unit.
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.
