This newsletter is co-written by your local UW-Madison Extension Ag Educators, Beth McIlquham (livestock) and Anastasia Kurth (crops and soils). 

Notes from your Regional Livestock Educator - Beth McIlquham 

-Buyer Beware When Purchasing Electronic Identication (EID) Tags: Remember to be a smart purchaser! Carefully read all labels and packaging so that the product you purchase is in fact the one you want, and this applies to your purchase of ear tags and electronic identification (EID) tags. To be official, tags must be imprinted with the animal identification number (AIN, 15-digit number starting with 840), the official US ear tag Shield, the phrase, ‘UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE’ and the manufacturer’s logo or trademark. To learn more, visit the UW-Madison Extension Livestock wesbite. 

-Finding a Veternarian for your Chickens: Many people with small poultry flocks and backyard chickens struggle to find a veterinarian which will take chickens as patients. Unfortunately, this often becomes an urgent problem when the chickens are sick. To learn more, check out this article written by Ron Kean, Poultry Extension Specialist. 

-Disease Digest: The UW-Madison Extension Livestock team has created a webpage that houses resources and information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. There have been no cases of New World Screwworm in the U.S., but more information can be found here. Theileria, a parasite carried by Asian Longhorned Ticks, was confirmed in Iowa. For animal owners of all kinds, please evalutate your biosecurity protocols, including pest management.

Notes from your Regional Crops and Soils Educator - Anastasia Kurth

June was an active weather month with the Wisconet station in Richland Center receiving 4.7 inches of rain. We also recently experienced warmer weather giving our crops a boost and making up the deficit in growing degree days. With this being said, these hot/cold and wet/dry cycles have been conducive for several diseases - one being tar spot on corn. Check out the Crop Protection Network Map for confirmed reports. The Agricultural Forecasting System is a great tool to routinely check. 

Scout your fields! Routinely scouting can help you make the best crop management decisions. Don't just drive by and scout, walk into the field and make a 'W' pattern to get the best idea of what is happening. Reach out to your ag educator or agronomist with findings. 

There are SO many great events coming up in July and August, please check them out. 

Have a great July! 

As pesky insects are making an appearance, stay alert with insect pest text alerts from the Bick Lab at UW. Also, check out the DATCP Pest Survey for weekly moth trap counts. 

Follow the Badger Crop Network to receive the latest updates from Extension Agronomy Professors! 

The latest Wisconsin Custom Rates are available! 

Drone flight in a corn field that had various cover crops. 

Join Crawford Stewardship Project, UW-Madison Extension, and Vernon County Land & Water to discuss grazing cover crops.

Having a set breeding season is crucial for cattle producers. But determining the ideal length of that season for your herd can be complicated.

Building a reputation for high-performing, quality cattle can take a while to build, but choosing to take a short cut in a bullish market can have long lasting consequences.

These pasture walks are free, informative, and a great way to join a growing group of graizers learning together.

Register HERE for the Winter Camelina Workshop. 

Beth McIlquham 

Regional Livestock Educator

Email: beth.mcilquham@wisc.edu

Phone: (608) 632-0599

Anastasia Kurth

Regional Crops and Soils Educator

Email: anastasia.kurth@wisc.edu

Phone: 608-477-3018

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