By Blake Jackson
Making sound decisions can be challenging, but access to reliable information can make a significant difference.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension plays a key role in delivering research-based knowledge to communities across the state, helping farmers, gardeners, and agricultural professionals apply university findings to real-world situations.
Acting as a link between academic research and everyday practices, Extension focuses on turning complex data into practical guidance. “We develop research-based solutions to our clientele’s most challenging issues,” explained Heidi Johnson, Extension Agriculture Institute Director.
“We have adjusted our staffing model to meet the needs of Wisconsin’s farming and gardening communities by providing staff trained to specialize in topics that matter most.”
Specialists within Extension address a wide range of agricultural topics. Kelly Wilfert, an Extension Farm Law Outreach Specialist, helps farmers better understand legal considerations affecting their operations.
With limited access to attorneys in rural areas, she provides foundational knowledge so producers can approach legal matters with greater confidence.
“I get to help farmers understand the building blocks of legal risk and legal education so they can have better conversations with attorneys, better conversations with their business partners, and ultimately make an informed decision,” Wilfert explained.
In horticulture, Bruce Spangenberg offers practical advice on lawn and turf management. His work supports both professionals and homeowners, including resources like the Wisconsin Lawn Care Calendar, which outlines seasonal care practices.
Extension also supports dairy producers through regional educators like Jackie McCarville, who works closely with farmers on nutrition, genetics, and emerging technologies.
“The ways in which we help dairy producers is unique,” explained McCarville. “We’re non-biased in the dairy industry, so we aren’t trying to promote a specific product, we have non-biased research so we are giving producers all of the education and tools so they can turn around and make a decision on what product is going to be best for them.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Wisconsin, Education