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 

-Decision Tool Reminder: Just a reminder that UW-Madison Extension offers decision tools and software to assist beef, small ruminant, and swine producers make informed financial choices. All tools can be found on the UW-Madison Extension Livestock website. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

-Watch for Artificial Insemination Course: This summer, there will be a two-day artificial insemination course held in Richland Center. More information will be out soon. If you are interested, I encourage you to sign-up quickly after information comes out, as the class will fill up fast. More information will be advertised in this newsletter and on your local Extension's Facebook page. 

-Disease Digest: To see HPAI updates in dairy herds in Wisconsin, check out the Extension Dairy webpage. HPAI was confirmed in poultry flocks in Dane, Jefferson and Walworth counties in March. To see HPAI updates in poultry flocks, visit the Extension Livestock webpage. There have been no cases of New World Screwworm in the U.S. in livestock, but more information can be found here. For information on Asian Longhorned Ticks, check out the recorded Beef Roundup Webinar session where Dr. Olds presented the latest information. For animal owners of all kinds, please evalutate your biosecurity protocols, including pest management.

Notes from your Regional Crops and Soils Educator - Anastasia Kurth

Spring is here and fields will soon be full of activity! March proved to be an interesting month with plenty of snow. Read more about the Mid-March Blizzard in this article. April showers are how we will start the month. As overwintering crops are greening up, reminders to check alfalfa and winter wheat stands for any signs of winterkill. Indoor trainings and workshops will soon transition to field days and pasture walks. As always, reach out if you have questions. Have a safe start to planting season!

A rye cover crop greening up, and Dr. Brian Luck speaking at the Juneau County Planter Clinic in March. 

Sheep and goat producers seeking practical tools to improve herd and flock health are invited to attend Parasite Patrol Plus FAMACHA, a hands-on educational workshop hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension on May 1, 2026, from 12:30–4:30 p.m. at the Gays Mills Community Center, 16381 WI-131, Gays Mills, WI. 

Designed for those who train dairy farm teams, the Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) course provides practical tools and knowledge to improve milk quality and udder health. Participants will learn how to explain the “why” behind best milking practices, coach their teams in consistent routines, and develop the skills needed to prevent mastitis and achieve high-quality milk together.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) released an official special order on March 13, 2026 ↗️ aimed at protecting domestic birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The order explains why bird movement is being restricted and outlines the counties where these rules apply.

The UW–Madison Division of Extension Small Ruminant Webinar Series returns in 2026 with three expert-led sessions designed to equip sheep and goat producers in Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Upper Midwest with practical, research-based tools to support flock and herd success. Hosted by Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist Carolyn Ihde, the series connects producers with leading specialists in marketing, animal health, and direct-to-consumer strategies. 

Register HERE 

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 (text or call) 

@SCWIcrops_AK

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