UW Extension reports hands-on calving workshops, beef webinars and upcoming Driftless conference

UW Extension staff briefed the Richland County Natural Resources Committee on recent and upcoming agriculture outreach programs aimed at dairy and beef producers.

An Extension educator (Speaker 2) described a "save a cow, save a calf" hands-on calving workshop held in Gay's Mills that included Spanish translation for dairy workers and high engagement from a local dairy's employees. "Richland County is awesome," Speaker 2 said, praising high participation and questions from attendees.

Speaker 2 also described a continuing beef webinar series that runs December through March, a six-session online school for beginning beef producers scheduled for January–February, and the Driftless Region Beef Conference at the Grand River Center in Dubuque (registration previously announced around $175). Extension staff said they will include conference and workshop details in the monthly newsletter and can send registration information to committee members.

Extension staff also noted partnerships with the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors, Wisconsin Beef Council and DATCP for an upcoming beef direct-marketing workshop to be held in Vernon County as part of statewide offerings.

Next steps: Extension will circulate newsletter and registration links and Blake Roberts (a regional community development educator funded by a private donor) will present findings at next month's meeting.