By Blake Jackson
Livestock producers across Wisconsin have an opportunity to strengthen disease prevention efforts through the Holding the Line premises biosecurity mapping workshops, organized by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) in partnership with the UW-Madison Division of Extension.
The free educational workshops are designed to help livestock owners and veterinarians develop customized biosecurity maps for their operations.
Funded by a USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) grant, the sessions focus on practical strategies to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks by preventing the spread of harmful pathogens between farms.
Participants will learn how to identify key biosecurity zones, establish clear lines of separation, and manage the movement of people, equipment, and vehicles to minimize disease transmission. By the end of each workshop, attendees will leave with a draft biosecurity map tailored to their livestock premises.
The workshops will take place at multiple Wisconsin locations, including Menomonie and Spooner on August 27, Tomah on August 28, and Gays Mills on October 13, 2026.
Pre-registration is required because seating is limited. Registration closes one week before each session, with deadlines of August 20 for the August workshops and October 6 for the October event.
Livestock producers interested in improving farm preparedness and protecting animal health are encouraged to register early and attend the workshop most convenient for their location.
For more information, contact Kurt Grajkowski at kurte.grajkowski@wisconsin.gov or register online at https://forms.office.com/g/byXGdk499r?origin=lprLink.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artistgndphotography
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle