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 

-Beef Quality Assurance (BQA): There will be a few in-person BQA trainings in southwest Wisconsins this fall. There will be more information to come in the next newsletter. If you need certification before then, please check out the online version found on the Beef Quality Assurance website. 

-In Case of Foreign Animal Disease: What happens if your farm becomes infected with a foreign animal disease? Learn more on the UW-Madison Extension Livestock website. 

-Disease Digest: The UW-Madison Extension Livestock team has created a webpage that houses resources and information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. In September,  HPAI was identified in Jefferson County in a commercial poultry flock. There have been no cases of New World Screwworm in the U.S. in livestock, but more information can be found here. An unvaccinated horse tested positive for West Nile Diesease in Grant County. For animal owners of all kinds, please evalutate your biosecurity protocols, including pest management.

Notes from your Regional Crops and Soils Educator - Anastasia Kurth

 Happy fall and happy harvest season! October signifies a busy month as combines are already working hard. Make sure you are cleaning combines between fields, so pesky weed escapes do not become a problem next year. Dry weather has made field work easier but has posed a challenge for cover crop establishment. Read more on cover crop selection for corn and soybean. Have a safe and prosperous harvest.  

Have you struggled with johnsongrass on your farm this year? I am looking to collect seed samples if you still have some standing. Please let me know if you do; I would be happy to take some seeds away for you!  

Are you interested in receiving funding to conduct a nitrogen trial on your farm? Read more about the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) and submit an application. I am happy to help design a project.  

Helpful Links: 

Ag Weather Outlook for Wisconsin

Alfalfa Cutting Tool 

Wisconsin Cover Crop Citizen Science Project 

Scenes from a pasture walk in Richland Center at the Berres Farm. 

This workshop is for beef, dairy, and their workers. This workshop provides information and techniques to boost your confidence in preparing the cow for calving, obstetric techniques and newborn calf care. Cost is $20. Find more information and registration by clicking on the picture above or the button below. With any other questions, please contact Beth McIlquham (contact information listed at the bottom of the newsletter).

Travel to the Marshfield Research Station to learn more about cover crop establishment, manure management, and PLW group efforts!

This is a letter from your herd's intestinal parasites. Click to learn what they have to say. 

One of the most exciting times for sheep and goat producers is the arrival of baby lambs and goats. Adequate nutrition and proper preparation can ensure the health and safety of dams and their offspring.

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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Thank you! 

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