The aesthetic damage is more than just cosmetic. “It’s the most common sawfly found infesting landscapes and Christmas tree plantations,” according to the University of Wisconsin, which notes these sawflies thrive in pines like Scots, red, Jack, and Mugo—common species in holiday tree lots.
Category: Extension
Cool spring has given way to a warm, wet growing season for Wisconsin crops
During a recent training session for crops and soils specialists, plant pathologist Damon Smith with the University of Wisconsin says growers are experiencing weather that is ideal for corn tar spot infection.
“It’s too early to see symptoms now,” he told them, “but it is likely that infections are occurring and that growers need to be vigilant in their scouting of susceptible fields in coming weeks.”
Here’s how a $200,000 USDA grant aims to boost central Wisconsin farmers’ markets
The grant-funded research will also send University of Wisconsin students to farmers’ markets in Marathon, Portage, Wood, Waupaca and Adams counties this summer through summer 2027 to collect data on things like where are people visiting from, how much money do they intend to spend at the market and other area businesses, and what they love about farmers’ markets, Haack said.
Dairy cows tested for avian flu ahead of WI fairs
“With county fairs, there’s always a lot of movement of cattle whether it’s within the county or if there are open shows,” Jerry Clark, a crops and soils educator with UW-Madison’s Division of Extension, said. “These cattle are moving across county lines and so it’s just another way that fairs are doing their part.”
Story of agriculture is best told by those who live it says Alice in Dairyland Halei Heinzel
One of the greatest privileges of serving as Alice was working with the Dairy Innovation Hub, a collaboration between UW–Madison, UW–Platteville, and UW–River Falls. This partnership allowed me to highlight the incredible research being done in dairy science, from improving sustainability and animal health to advancing food safety and agricultural technology. These researchers and students are writing the next chapter of our state’s agricultural legacy, one data set at a time.
Wisconsin’s labor shortage is a barrier to economic growth, report says
“A lot of Wisconsin businesses have been struggling with finding employees, and they have been for a number of years, going back to before COVID,” said Steven Deller, a professor of agricultural and applied economics at UW-Madison and one of the report’s authors.
Leslie Schroeder’s flax-to-linen dream weaves its way into Wisconsin
The Emerging Crops Accelerator program through Extension at the University of Wisconsin-Madison included fiber flax production in its November 2024 strategic plan. The team has supported Schroeder’s studies through supporting her grant applications and finding her farming equipment.
Get answers on rare blooms, tree diseases and lawn care
You will find good information online from the Pacific Bulb Society and, of all places, Extension Horticulture of the University of Wisconsin.
A Wisconsin wildlife update, and we meet DNR Secretary Karen Hyun
Bats, birds, turtles, coyotes and more are the subject of study and conservation efforts, especially in the spring when they can be readily seen. We talk again to David Drake and Jamie Nack, wildlife specialists with UW-Extension, about these and other Wisconsin critters.
10 hazardous plants and animals to beware of in Wisconsin, and tips for avoiding them
Fortunately, a little basic sense and some insider tips can help us avoid the perils of Wisconsin’s outdoors — or at least deal with the effects of ill-fated encounters. One valuable resource on that front is a free 40-page booklet from the University of Wisconsin-Extension titled “Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin: A Guide to Insects, Plants, and Wildlife.”
Stretch of dry weather is a welcome change for Northeast Wisconsin farmers
Kevin Jarek, regional crops and soils educator with UW-Madison’s Division of Extension for Outagamie & Winnebago counties, noted, “If I were to go to counties like Shawano and Waupaca, especially the western parts of those counties, they get much lighter in soil. It’s a sandy loam texture, whereas here as we get closer to Lake Michigan, we tend to have a lot of clay.”
Tom Still: Rural health advances may be jeopardized by federal cuts
The National Farm Medicine Center was established in 1981 as a nonprofit entity dedicated to rural health and safety research and service. It partners with Marshfield Clinic Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin Extension on studies that have shown strong results over time.
Growing season begins in Wisconsin, winter weather concerns subside as growth returns
Daniel Smith with UW Extension’s integrated pest and crop management says that since February, the temperatures have warmed up and had more precipitation.
Latin, Hmong immigrants enrich Wisconsin farm organization through cultural contributions
Martin Ventura, the Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens Specialist at UW-Madison Extension, manages and maintains farms in the Milwaukee area, some of which are farmed by immigrants, particularly in the Hmong community. UW-Extension, Ventura said, had a former partnership with the Hmong American Friendship Association to establish a Hmong heritage garden plot, allowing local communities to farm.
Wildlife Wednesday; and a Wisconsin filmmaker’s journey
Birds, amphibians, large predators and their babies all come out in springtime, explain our guests, two UW-Extension wildlife specialists. Then, we talk to a filmmaker and Wisconsin native about his Tomah-area film project.
Maple sugaring is a Wisconsin tradition, but could climate change put it at risk?
As expected with a warmer climate, the season for collecting maple sap will shift to earlier in the year, according to University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
When is the last frost before spring gardening can start In Wisconsin?
Another good resource for gardeners is the University of Wisconsin Extension. The scientists and specialists experience the same gardening challenges when it comes to weather conditions and pest management and can provide geographically specific advice to plant what food crops.
Gardener shares photo of unexpected guests lingering in snow-covered backyard: ‘Another example’
Liatris, also known as blazing star or gayfeather, are flowering plants native to North America. The perennials appear dead during winter but bloom again in spring. They’re known for their bright purple flowers and are popular with pollinators, per the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
How podcasts can help you embrace lifelong learning
With the growing popularity of podcasts in recent years, there has never been a better — or more convenient — time to be a lifelong learner.
Wisconsin’s lack of snow concerns local farmers as they look toward spring
Dan Smith with UW Extension’s integrated pest and crop management, says the recent snowfall is good for their crops, but it may not be enough to keep crops like alfalfa, wheat, and small grains from winter kill.
“There are a couple of factors that we should consider when we’re thinking about winter kill, for alfalfa, we’re primarily considering those conditions where we don’t have snow cover, like December and January this year,” explained Smith.
Are organic egg prices less impacted by bird flu?
Meanwhile, the price of conventional eggs is beholden to supply and demand, said poultry specialist Ron Kean of the University of Wisconsin Extension.
“The price of those really goes up and down according to national demand,” Kean said. “I like to think of it like gasoline prices, where it can really fluctuate a lot.”
‘Adulting’ classes offered by UW-Extension
Offering classes under the broad umbrella of “independent living skills” are people like Amanda Kostman, a family living educator with the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Human Development and Relationships Institute.
Why are egg prices rising in Wisconsin? Here’s what’s behind the egg shortage
Of course, $3.65 is just an average. Egg prices are similar across most U.S. states but can vary slightly, said University of Wisconsin-Extension poultry specialist Ron Kean.
“I would say the Midwest tends to be a little bit cheaper, but, by and large, prices are pretty similar, because we can ship eggs pretty easily,” Kean said. “So, if they’re a lot cheaper in one place, people will probably ship (those) eggs to the more expensive areas.”
Tax season prep, and learning adult skills
We call it “adulting” when young people face grown-up situations. But there are actual classes that teach independent living, financial literacy and health maintenance skills. Amanda Kostman, a UW-Extension Family Living Educator, joins us to explain.
New bird flu case found at poultry farm in Wisconsin
Extension Specialist for Poultry Science at UW Madison, Ron Kean, is urging farmers to take extensive measures to prevent the virus from spreading to their flocks.
“Keeping them indoors, if possible, certainly cleaning and disinfecting anything that’s coming into the flock,” said Kean. “People tend to be a big carrier, we think. So, changing clothes, changing shoes, especially, or designated footwear.”
Ex-ranger writes state parks guidebook, and UW-Extension ‘ag agents’ evolve
After years of reorganization, the Agriculture Institute within the UW-Madison Division of Extension has a growing staff of experts and researchers to help Wisconsin farmers. Institute director Heidi Johnson and Extension specialist Steven Hall join us.
DATCP on holiday scams; Budgeting your money this gift-giving season
Plus, how to budget for the holidays with Clare Dahl, a financial educator with UW-Madison Division of Extension in Dane County.
$12M bridge project will finally connect Dane County with Devil’s Lake via state trail
A 2021 study done by UW-Extension researchers found the proposed trail connection could attract hundreds of thousands of cyclists and snowmobilers from across the region, generating more than $6 million a year in direct economic impact.
Farmers without health insurance are only one medical hardship away from financial strife
A program of UW-Extension and a free community resource, Covering Wisconsin has Health Insurance Navigators located within communities throughout the state who help people understand their options, compare plans, connect with programs that provide financial help, and sign up. Farmers can get help understanding how being self-employed impacts their eligibility in programs and how to find affordable coverage.
Why some farmers are making the big switch from dairy to beef production
While beef-on-dairy production continues to grow in the U.S., it was a novel concept in 2018 when it came to the attention of Ryan Sterry, regional dairy educator with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
“A few colleagues and myself were noticing more chatter about this, more farms were experimenting with it,” Sterry recalls.
Sharing your fall harvest; What is Agroforestry?
UW Extension Educator Kevin Schoessow is back to talk about the Spooner Agriculture Research Station. And the food they have donated to local organizations. We also talk about the work being done at the Savannah Institute to integrate trees and shrubs with crops and livestock on farms.
Want tulips and daffodils next spring? Wisconsinites should plant bulbs now. Here’s how
“Bulbs are going to need a 12- to 16-week chilling period. When you put them in the ground that temperature should go down slowly, so they have the first 3 to 5 weeks developing their roots at 45 to 50 degrees, and then the next 3 weeks at 38 to 42 degrees,” said Lisa Johnson, horticulture educator for University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
Wisconsin farmers re-evaluate weed management after rainy spring, dry summer
“Fall is the best time to look at perennial weed control,” said Jerry Clark, a northwestern Wisconsin crops and soils educator who serves Chippewa, Dunn and Eau Claire counties through the Division of Extension at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
How threats are escalating for Wisconsin’s public officials
Melissa Kono trains other municipal clerks around the stateas an associate professor with UW-Madison Extension Trempealeau County.
“There are outright threats, right? But there are also comments and things that are said that feel threatening,” she said.
Wisconsin Master Naturalists, Ho-Chunk Nation to host ‘Caring for Grandmother Earth’ volunteer summit
For more than a decade, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Extension has been offering the opportunity for people to become Master Naturalists by attending expert-led training sessions and volunteering their time to conservation efforts. Altogether, Master Naturalists volunteer over 25,000 hours of service each year to over 700 organizations across the state.
Healthy lawns; update from the UW Arboretum
Turf expert Doug Soldat is back with his annual fall lawn tutorial. We talk with him about the latest in lawn care research.
In the last half hour Native Plant Garden Curator at the UW-Madison Arboretum, Susan Carpenter is back. She’ll have updates on classes and tours, and what’s happening in the fall native gardens.
The emerald ash borer is now in every Wisconsin county. But the fight isn’t over. Why?
Homeowners and communities can also take steps to slow the spread. Ash trees should be checked out for emerald ash borer symptoms, and insecticides can be applied according to guidelines provided by a certified arborist or the University of Wisconsin extension. Trees can also be removed, and replaced with non-susceptible species.
Best & Worst Places to Retire (2024)
“Location during retirement is often based on an individual’s situation and desires. Many of the factors that should be considered will be specific to the person, couple, or family,” says Jonathon Ferguson a financial capability specialist with the Financial Education Division of Extension at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Yet, all retirees or soon to be retirees can benefit from understanding the taxation implications of their retirement locations. State rules regarding taxation of pension benefits, social security benefits, long term capital gains, etc. can vary a lot.”
Wisconsinites can now file state and federal taxes for free online
Clare Dahl, a financial and life span educator with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension, supports the change.
“Any time that access to free tax filing is expanded, it’s good news for everyone,” said Dahl, whose division supports the volunteer-run Richard Dilley Tax Center.
What’s causing the abundance of earwigs in Madison?
But the bug can be indicative of a larger pest problem and can often have a foul odor, according to the Dane County UW-Extension.
“I am getting a number of submitted photos of plants with holes in the leaves and no obvious culprit,” said Lisa Johnson, horticulture research specialist with the UW-Extension. “These are likely to be earwigs or slugs. Populations of both are high this year due to excess moisture.”
UW Extension grant program helps producers conduct on-farm nitrogen research projects
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides an abundance of resources to guide a producer’s decisions according to the 4 R’s of nutrient management: right source, right time, right rate, right place. But nutrient management is complex and site specific. To help producers and consultants get a better grasp of the nitrogen needs on individual farms, the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) was born.
Wisconsin farmers face profitability challenges with wet weather and soggy field conditions
“We had the warmest February on record and our soil moisture was down to 16% in some areas. And now we’ve gone from one of the most severe deficits to one of the most severe surpluses (of moisture) in just a couple of months,” said Kevin Jarek, University of Wisconsin Division of Extension Crops and Soils educator for Outagamie County. “In my 25 years with Extension, this is unbelievable.”
‘Here & Now’ Highlights: Zac Schultz, Anthony Chergosky, Natasha Paris
Includes interview with Natasha Paris, Regional crops educator, UW-Madison Extension.
How to take control and adapt to the evolving ag industry landscape involving technology
Written by John Shutske, a professor of biological systems and engineering and also an Extension specialist at University of Wisconsin-Madison.
2024 Wisconsin County Agent Association award recipients named
Among the recipients are Luiz Ferraretto, UW-Madison Dairy Nutrition Extension Specialist, Department of Animal and Dairy Science, and PJ Leisch, Extension Entomologist, Director, Insect Diagnostic Lab.
UW-Extension receives $1 million to help site solar and wind projects
The goal is to make large-scale solar and wind projects work for all involved, said Sherrie Gruder, sustainable design specialist and energy strategist for UW-Extension, who is overseeing the initiative. Gruder said the grant will help local governments and residents “have a voice in making the projects work well for the values and the goals of the communities in our state.”
Scorpion, moths, beetles: Wisconsin bugs skitter into spotlight
UW-Madison Extension Entomologist PJ Liesch spends much of his time identifying and confirming insect sightings. This spring has brought him a number of unusual observations, including a scorpion.
By Youth for Youth awards more than $25,000 to area youth programs
The application window is open now for another round of By Youth for Youth funding thanks to the city of Madison, UW Extension and United Way of Dane County securing a climate specific grant. Any youth climate-focused projects can apply for a grant of up to $5,000.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources establishes Spongy Moth Resource Center
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the creation of a new central location for information and resources related to the spongy moth. The Spongy Moth Resource Center is part of a combined effort by the DNR, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension.
Fear over avian flu has died down for Wisconsin dairy farms. But experts warn of continued threat.
Jackie McCarville is a regional dairy educator for the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Extension in southwestern Wisconsin. She also feels like concern around avian flu has died down, especially as many farms begin work in their fields this spring.
“But I think it’s still in the back of a lot of minds: what happens if it does get into Wisconsin?” McCarville said. “What considerations should we be looking at? It’s a great time to look at your biosecurity plan to see what you can do to protect your farm.”
Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, said much of the national dairy industry has been opposed to doing more testing for the virus on farms. He said the number of avian flu tests in cattle across the country has actually declined since the federal order requiring them went into place.
Do people still participate in No Mow May?
The UW-Extension office said it depends on the lawn. Lawns that are solely turfgrass will provide few resources for pollinators. But lawns that have low-growing plants like dandelions will provide nectar and pollen.
Does ‘No Mow May’ actually help pollinators? How can you participate? Here’s what to know
Do pollinators actually benefit from an unmowed lawn? Sometimes. It depends on the lawn, according to experts from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Lawns with turfgrass don’t provide as many resources for pollinators compared with a yard containing an abundance of low-growing flowering plants. Adding more flowering plants, shrubs and trees to your yard can increase benefits to pollinators.
How to grow roses from seed, plus what might have caused a tree to die
Trees often send out new growth later in the spring. Heat and drought stress can also kill trees, especially new plantings with a limited root system. Serviceberries are susceptible to fireblight that can quickly kill a plant. The University of Wisconsin Madison has a helpful factsheet on this disease.
How much do you know about No Mow May? Here’s some surprising facts about the pollinator-friendly movement
“Any habitat that provides more flowers is going to be a benefit to pollinators. That being said, if your lawn is all grass with no flowers at all, not mowing for the month of May is not going to have any impact on pollinators,” said Hannah Gaines-Day, research scientist at UW-Madison’s department of entomology. “So, if you’re participating just to participate but you have no flowers, then the pollinators are not going to see a benefit.”
Farmers find many opportunities with grasses but don’t forget the benefits of alfalfa
Authored by Matt Lippert, the dairy educator for Wood and Clark County with the UW-Madison Division of Extension.
Milwaukee program prepares women for successful reentry after incarceration
Tahnee Aguirre, a financial security educator for UW-Madison Extension, which provided the rent education and financial literacy classes, said the women already had the tenacity and intelligence to be successful. Now they have a vision.
“Now that they see it and know what they need to do to make it happen, they have a better chance to achieve their goals,” Aguirre said. “Their opportunities are endless.”
Ag Briefs: Worried about bird flu? UW educators can help protect your livestock
The University of Wisconsin Division of Extension Dairy Program Area educators have created an HPAI factsheet with pertinent information and helpful resources outlining key action steps to help dairy farmers protect their animals from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).
Best online savings accounts
“First, consider whether an online savings account is the only banking product you need right now,” says Jonathon Ferguson, a financial capability specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Financial Education Division of Extension. “Online savings accounts can be great due to their relatively high-interest rates and tech tools. However, these accounts do not solve all needs.”
How sheep could be a key to Wisconsin’s solar energy future
This spring Alliant Energy and the University of Wisconsin-Madison will break ground on a 2.25 megawatt, roughly 15-acre solar array that will be used to study agrivoltaics at the university’s Kegonsa Research Campus 10 miles southeast of Madison.
Researchers will study the soil and water quality of the solar site, its effect on wildlife, and the feasibility of grazing animals and growing crops among the array, said Josh Arnold, UW-Madison campus energy adviser.
As winters warm, Wisconsin fruit growers brace for the worst
“The colder it is during the winter, the more cold hardy they’re going to get and the more heat they’re going to need in the spring to be able to wake up,” said Amaya Atucha, a fruit crop specialist with University of Wisconsin Extension.