According to the USDA, 11% of U.S. farmers don’t have health insurance coverage. For dairy farmers, the number is even higher—a staggering 41%. Recognizing how complex and confusing the health insurance system can be—and how crucial health coverage is to people’s well-being—Covering Wisconsin helps Wisconsin residents navigate the system. A program of UW-Extension and a […]

Bob Cropp | Professor Emeritus & Retired Extension Specialist | UW Madison Extension Milk prices are moving lower. The Class III price peaked in May at $25.21, fell to $22.52 by July and August will be around $20.  The Class IV price peaked in June at $25.83, declined to $25.79 in July and August will […]

Twelve (12) samples were submitted to Dairyland Laboratories for analysis on August 30, 2022, with overall moisture of approximately 64.92% to 76.84%.

Dairy farmers and the community recognize the importance of high-quality alfalfa in dairy rations. It provides protein, energy, and minerals and increases milk production while maintaining low feed costs. One of the most important factors in determining alfalfa quality is its maturity at harvest. Also, the yield of the first cutting of alfalfa is typically […]

Alfalfa PEAQ measurements and scissor clipping samples are collected by the Fond du Lac County Forage Council.

Alfalfa PEAQ measurements and scissor clipping samples are collected by the Fond du Lac County Forage Council.

Today it costs more to raise dairy heifer replacements than to purchase one, but farmers prefer to raise their own due to controlling genetics and management of these heifers for the milking herd.  Farmers have recognized breeding a heifer to give birth to her first calf at 23-24 months of age is the optimal time […]

Tina Kohlman, Regional Dairy and Livestock Agent Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors of society, including the agriculture sector, is a concern for all.  The agriculture sector contributes 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions, behind transportation, electricity, industry, and commercial and residential sources.  Greenhouse gas emissions from the barn comes mainly from enteric (rumen) […]

Each year, hundreds of youth in the 4-H and FFA Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goat Projects raise, manage, and feed their project animals in hopes of a grand champion ribbon or making a quality meat sale at the county fair.  But how does a youth livestock project fit into real-world agriculture? Recently Extension […]

As of January 1, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington Counties Agriculture Extension Programming is moving to a regional model, providing stronger support and educational resources in the area of dairy production management, crops & soils management, and farm business management. Michael Ballweg | Crops & Soils | michael.ballweg@wisc.edu | 920.459.5910 Tina Kohlman | Dairy & […]

Silage is one of the main ingredients in dairy cattle diets and is an important source of nutrients, particularly energy and digestible fiber.  Much progress has been done allowing farmers to grow and harvest quality forages including plant genetics, optimum maturity, soil fertility, and storage facilities.    However, this progress does no good if the […]

Dairy profitability is greatly affected by herd health and animal well-being. Providing proper care and housing throughout the dairy animal’s life significantly reduces metabolic and reproductive disorders and increases milk production. Management practices that address “how-to”, as well as judicious use of antibiotics are becoming increasingly important as producers strive to provide safe and wholesome […]

Dairy farmers have improved animal husbandry, herd health, and reproductive management in such a positive way, we now have one of the largest national dairy heifer inventories in history. As profit margins get slimmer in the dairy business, as well as the excess number of heifers raised on farms, many farmers are starting to use […]

Pricing corn silage is a difficult decision because it often comes at a time when the emotions of sellers and buyers are high. The seller has the opportunity to sell a corn field for either silage or grain and incorporate the fertilizer value of the stover back into the field. The buyer has the opportunity […]

Corn silage is unique compared to other multi-cut forage systems, such as alfalfa, as there is only one opportunity to harvest the crop annually. Therefore, farmers, agronomists, and agricultural professionals must diligently monitor corn silage acres to identify the optimal harvest time to maximize forage yield and quality, as well as to ensure the proper […]

  During extreme cold or hot temperatures, calves utilize extra nutrients to maintain their core body temperature.  The temperature range at which a calf uses no additional energy to maintain its core body temperature is called the thermoneutral zone.  For a newborn calf, a calf maintains its core body temperature with no additional nutrients from […]

When it comes to health issues on a dairy farm, lameness is usually the main concern along with mastitis and reproductive issues. Lameness includes any abnormality which causes a cow to change the way she walks. It can be caused by a range of foot and leg conditions including foot rot, digital dermatitis, laminitis, and […]

A calf’s successful transition from a milk-based diet to a diet of grain and forages requires proper rumen development. However, rumen development is a process that takes time. Regardless of how much milk one is feeding calves or what age they are at weaning time, if the rumen is not ready, calves are going to […]

The bi-annual Midwest Manure Summit was developed with the hope that bringing the best resources from around the country would fuel new conversations and innovations. This year’s conference included 180 registered producers, agribusiness professionals, government agency employees, and educators. Educators’ roles included program development and implementation; solicitation of nationally renowned speakers; sponsorship solicitation; web-site development; […]

When alfalfa fails due to winterkill, farmers must turn to alternative forages to make up for both the quality and quantity of the alfalfa lost in a growing season.  Extension Crops/Soils and Dairy Program members, Midwest Forage Association (MFA), and 11 local Forage Councils, including Fond du Lac County, partnered to host the Local Forage […]

  It is human nature to avoid conflict, stressful situations, and the unknown.  And often, it seems easier to avoid difficult conversations.  As agribusiness professionals and service providers, it is easier to focus on the technical component in a conversation rather than the emotional aspect. Extension Fond du Lac County Dairy & Livestock Agent Tina […]

When you reach for another layer, it is time to start making your calf care plan for winter. Tina Kohlman UW-Madison Extension Fond du Lac County Dairy & Livestock Agent joined Millaine Wells of Green Bay WFRV Channel 5 for a chat about nutrition, bedding, and the best housing for your calves. One-month-old calves begin […]

Every individual working in the Wisconsin agricultural industry counts and has a part in safety and health prevention efforts and that is why “every farmer counts” as this year’s National Farm Safety & Health Awareness Week theme. Women play an increasingly critical role in operating farms and ranches nationwide. In 2017, almost 30% of the […]

UW-Extension Launches New Podcast on New and Alternative Crops Agricultural diversification is a hot topic right now.  Faced with an ongoing stretch of depressed commodity prices, growers are looking for other cropping options.  To meet the need, UW-Extension has launched a new podcast to provide growers with research-based information on new and alternative crops.  Each […]

The transition from late gestation to early lactation is challenging for both animals and dairy producers and is an important phase of a cow’s lactation and production cycle. Closely managing cows during this time is crucial to making sure the transition goes smoothly for successful lactation. Extension Dairy & Livestock Agent Tina Kohlman collaborated with […]

Family-owned farms, food processors, and agriculture-related businesses generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity for Fond du Lac County while contributing to local income and tax revenues. Find out how Agriculture benefits Fond du Lac County.

The current COVID-19 situation with supply chain disruption and reduced demand for products has caused excess product to build up at some local dairy processing plants. To reduce milk supply earlier this month, some dairy producers have been instructed to reduce milk shipped with some feeding excess milk to calves, heifers, and lactating cows, or […]

With milk prices plunging lower and demand for dairy products declining because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some dairy processors do not have the storage capacity to take delivery of milk. As a result, some farms, including within Fond du Lac County, have been forced to dump milk into their manure storage facilities. There are several […]

As a Division of UW-Madison, Extension is following the lead of UW-Madison leadership in responding to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, in conjunction with public health and county officials. The latest guidance from UW-Madison and local government is to limit on-site work in addition to postponing events. This guidance is in reaction to a worldwide event […]

 **CANCELLED**CANCELLED**CANCELLED Fond du Lac County Market Livestock Project Orientation Meeting Monday, March 16, 2020 **CANCELLED** As you may be aware, Extension along with the UW-Madison community, UW-Oshkosh Fond du Lac Campus, and our county, have been keeping a close eye on developments around the novel coronavirus COVID-19. At this point in time, UW- Madison Extension […]

Ireland has a rich dairy industry, making up nearly 40 percent of its total agricultural economy.  Irish farmers utilize a heavy grass-based system that promotes animal well-being, low-inputs, and increased milk components. With a country two times smaller than Wisconsin, the dairy industry processes nearly 7 billion liters of milk annual, supplied by 18,000 family […]

Motivational interviewing encourages one to help individuals discover their interest in change and making a change in their lives, farm business, and/or production practices.  It is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change.  It is designed for a consultant or service provider to explore the farmers’ own reasons […]

Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. A recent Gallup poll found that 55 percent of Americans said they had experienced stress during a lot of the day. The farming community is not immune to stress; ongoing economic conditions in agriculture are taking a toll on farm families and their rural communities according to Trisha Wagner, Farm […]

“Change isn’t optional.  Change comes to us, no matter how much we resist.  Sometimes we chase it. Sometimes we avoid it.  But it still comes.  That is the nature of life.”  -Lee H. Baucom Agriculture is an industry known for hard work, resilience, strength, and supportive community.  However, farm families often experience many challenges such […]

During these tough financial and emotional times, farmers and everyone they do business with feel the effects of stress radiating through their work and home lives. Because service-providers provide technical support to their farm clientele, they may be uncomfortable or lack confidence when speaking to farmers in distress.  To address this issue, Extension Fond du […]

Alfalfa scissor cut results from May 21st and May 23rd are now available at https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/fdlag/alfalfa/.

Farm women need time to connect and network with others who wear the same, many hats they do, and face the same daily experiences and challenges.  Extension Fond du Lac, Manitowoc, Calumet, Sheboygan, Ozaukee & Washington Counties once again hosted the annual “Heart of the Farm” Farm Women’s Conference at Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center.  The […]

Beef quality assurance is a farmer driven program in which cattle farmers assume responsibility for producing a high quality, safe, and wholesome food product.  Farmers keep detailed records of animal husbandry practices and all animal health treatments performed on their cattle.  They also assure their best management practices in management, animal husbandry, and animal health […]

The Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil-Healthy Water (HSHW), in collaboration with UW-Extension and the Dodge County Alliance, held a cover crop showcase demonstrating 13 different cover crop mixtures growing in a harvested wheat field adjacent to Lake Sinissippi. All totaled, approximately 62 people attended the morning and evening programs on September 19th, 2018.  A […]

Tornado Disaster Relief Resources Fond du Lac County Health Department and Fond du Lac County Emergency Management, in partnership with United Way 2-1-1 and Red Cross, have put together a list of disaster relief resources available to residents affected by the recent weather events. Residents in Fond du Lac County and all residents of the City of Waupun are also […]

Approximately 160 participants attended the August 3rd Farmers for Healthy Soil-Healthy Water Field Day at the Hammer & Kavazanjian Farms in Beaver Dam, WI.  The Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil-Healthy Water have a mission of improving our community’s soil & water through conservation practices & education for the Rock River Watershed, which includes portions […]

The best lactation performance by dairy cows has been shown to occur when corn silage is harvested at 65-70 percent moisture.  This range of whole plant moisture also works well for achieving good packing and silage fermentation in horizontal silos.  Determining whole plant moisture prior to harvest is one management practice to ensure high quality forages.

If you are a youth age 10 & up, you may be interested in the  Summer Career Exploration Events Lakeshore Technical College is offering. Their activities include Tech Girls STEM Camp, Explore Ag, Explore Energy, and Explore Healthcare. For more information or to register, go to: https://gotoltc.edu/summer/. Registration deadline is June 1, 2018 for all classes.

On April 28, 2018, the Fond du Lac County Land and Water Conservation Department  will hold a clean sweep at the highway department from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Household and agricultural chemicals can be brought for proper disposal. Old, expired, and potentially hazardous chemicals are accepted. Workers in protective clothing will remove the items […]

Third and fourth-year college students pursuing dairy-related or food science degrees at one of Wisconsin’s four-year universities are eligible to apply. Additional scholarships will be available to high school seniors planning to pursue a dairy-related or food science degree at one of Wisconsin’s four-year universities or students studying in a two-year, technical school program related to […]

October and the fall season always remind us to begin preparations for change, and the start of a new agriculture meeting season!  Much planning and preparation has been done this past month for the upcoming meeting season!  And we are excited about it!  Programming includes those related to calf management, farm business succession, animal well-being, […]

Thirty-eight participants visited three local farms to observe the top growth of cover crops and to view the soil world beneath their feet.  On October 18th the Dodge County Farmers for Healthy Soil-Healthy Water held their first morning field tour.  These farmers have a mission of improving our community’s soil & water through conservation practices […]

This survey was created by Dr. Loretta Ortiz-Ribbing, the new UW-Extension (UWEX) Crops & Soils Area Agent whose position is split 50:50 between Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties, and by Amanda Young, the new UWEX Dairy & Livestock Agent located in Dodge County. In order to help us provide useful and effective programming, it […]

For the first time in Wisconsin, brown marmorated stink bugs have been caught in traps in agricultural crops (apple and pumpkin). If you are not monitoring for the bug on your orchard/farm, it would be a good time to inspect for the pest. Please see the article for more information.

Fox Valley Technical College (Chilton Regional Center) is offering  farm safety and equipment operation classes for ages 12 and older. Two sessions are being offered: June 20-24, 2016 or July 11-15, 2016. For complete details, please see the brochure.

This series of maps and images (PDF, 9874 KB) shows: Examples of karts features (like sinkholes) that make surface water and groundwater in Fond du Lac County particularly vulnerable to contamination from field runoff, leaking septic systems, and over-applied lawn and garden chemicals. Regulations and rules that farmers follow when land applying manure, whey, or […]

We  teach, learn, lead, and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.   2014 Annual Report

Friday – Sept 5th – Juneau Dodge Co Hwy Shop – 211 E Center St., 9am-11am Friday – Sept 5th – Mayville Dodge Co Hwy Shop – 850 Mallard Dr., 3pm-6pm Saturday – Sept 6th – Beaver Dam Dodge Co Hwy Shop – N8856 CTH A, Beaver Dam 8am-12pm For further information…       […]

We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.      2013 Annual Report 

For some thoughts on crop rotation, pest management, and doing the right thing, click HERE.

A Personal Battle with an Unbeatable Foe

RYAN BRAUN, PANERA BREAD, AND YOUR MORNING ORANGE JUICE ……………..a current events report on the natural state of being.

Agriculture takes to drone warfare ……and what will this mean for county agriculture agents?

Around the Corn blog—ramblings from an old county agent.