The other day, I walked into the neighborhood grocery store and noticed that the shelves were packed with Halloween candy. Mums were already displayed out front. So, it’s only a matter of time before we see an array of pumpkins peppered throughout storefronts and garden centers to entice us into fall decorating mode.

Want to be a better gardener? Whether you're new to gardening or looking to deepen your skill set, “Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening” is the course for you!

Registration is open for the Fall 2026 course, which runs from Sept. 6-Dec. 12. This online, self-paced course covers the fundamentals of growing and caring for plants in Wisconsin. It also serves as an approved learning opportunity to become a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener. 

Learn more and get an Early Bird registration discount at: go.wisc.edu/9v9t76 

Dry Conditions in our Landscapes:

Gardening for Weather Extremes in Wisconsin: Extreme heat and drought

Determining Plant Watering Priorities

Insect related:

Soldier beetles

Wasps and bees

Fall webworms

Making Informed Mosquito Control Decisions

Find more horticulture articles at Wisconsin Yard & Garden, a weekly horticulture column by Bruce Spangenberg Horticulture Outreach Specialist. Plus, visit Wisconsin Horticulture – Division of Extension website where you’ll find: Ask Your Gardening Question

Margaret Murphy

Email: margaret.murphy@wisc.edu

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

Livestock producers and veterinarians are invited to attend a free Holding the Line Premises Biosecurity Mapping Workshop. Learn practical strategies to protect your animals from disease by managing access to, within, and from your operation. Participants will leave with a draft premises biosecurity map and valuable tools to strengthen farm preparedness. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Workshops will be held in Menomonie, Spooner, Tomah, and Gays Mills. Register today at https://forms.office.com/g/byXGdk499r?origin=lprLink

Two corn grain particle size treatments were fed to beef x dairy crossbred cattle to determine effects on feedlot performance and incidence of liver abscesses. The feeding trial involved 30 steers and 30 heifers and was conducted over two periods. Rations fed in each period compared whole vs coarse rolled corn. There were no differences between treatments in weight, and average daily gain. Increased surface area of the corn due to rolling decreased daily intake and tended to improved feed efficiency due to improved starch digestion. Liver abscess incidence was very low, only two livers.

Take the Biosecurity Situational Analysis Survey and help shape future biosecurity programs designed for Wisconsin producers. The survey takes just 15 minutes, is completely anonymous, and your input will make a difference. Complete the survey at https://go.wisc.edu/yrpc88.

Check out our statewide website to explore research-based resources and expert guidance that support animal health, herd management, and sustainable livestock operations.

Ryan Sterry

Email: ryan.sterry@wisc.edu

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

If you’re like me, you’ve been following reports from southern and Midwestern states showing that southern rust of corn is moving north again this year. Over the past two weeks, we have confirmed southern rust in both northwestern and south-central Wisconsin.

You can track current reports using the Crop Protection Network Crop Lookout Tool.

Now that southern rust has been found in Wisconsin, it’s important not to panic. Instead, focus on careful scouting over the next several weeks. Timely scouting will help guide both silage and grain harvest decisions.

Join UW-Madison Extension and project partners for a Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Project Field Day on August 19, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. north of Chippewa Falls. Learn from Extension specialists and local conservation leaders about irrigation and fertigation efficiency, water quality protection, soil conservation practices, local on-farm nitrogen research, and updates from the Chippewa Valley Farmer-Led Watershed.

Location: Seymour Cray Blvd., directly across from Lake View Drive (Field Site: 44.960483, -91.356770)

Check out our statewide website to explore research-based resources and expert guidance that support managing soil health, improving crop production, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Jerry Clark

Email: jerome.clark@wisc.edu 

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

The 2026 Badger Crop Connect webinar series returns for 2026!

This twice-monthly series provides Wisconsin-specific data and research to help you manage your or your clients’ field and forage crops. Webinars are held at 12:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from April through October.

To register for the series, sign up for email reminders, or watch prior webinar recordings, visit go.wisc.edu/BadgerCropConnect.

The statewide Extension website is your go-to place for helpful information, classes, and events offered across the state. Whether you’re interested in farming, gardening, health, youth programs, or community resources, you can quickly find tools and programs available in your area. Visit the statewide event calendar to find upcoming events happening in your area!

Chippewa

chippewa.extension.wisc.edu

Dunn

dunn.extension.wisc.edu

Eau Claire

eauclaire.extension.wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.