A bill that would allow University of Wisconsin-Extension specialists the ability to count their on-farm educational obligations toward their contract teaching hours has been signed into law. On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers passed SB79, which farm groups supported because Extension workers do much of their teaching on the farm or in the field instead of the classroom.
"Our state specialists are doing amazing work on the ground and in their communities, helping farmers adapt and grow their businesses and supporting the agricultural industry that is the backbone of our state," Evers said. "I am glad to sign this bill so they can continue doing their good work and be recognized for going above and beyond for our farmers and our state."
Under previous law, UW specialists who teach farmers outside of the traditional college setting were not able to count these efforts toward their teaching time on the university's accountability dashboard.
The rule change applies to specialists at UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Government & Policy