UW Extension highlights livestock programming and county well‑testing efforts

UW Extension staff summarized recent and upcoming programming for Richland County, emphasizing producer education and public services tied to water quality and animal health.

Staff described a regional one‑day well‑testing event (March 24) coordinated across three counties; Richland County signups exceeded the county target (124 signups vs. a target of 100), and an EPA grant administered by Crawford County Stewardship will cover lab costs. The county noted the lab will process samples and adjust charges based on the final sample count.

Livestock educator Beth (UW Extension) outlined programming for beef producers, upcoming hands‑on artificial insemination training, parasite‑management clinics (‘‘parasite patrol’’) and youth engagement events. On pest concerns, Beth said the Asian longhorn tick has been found in Iowa and the Midwest but ‘‘has not been detected in Wisconsin’’; Extension materials and a forthcoming fact sheet and recorded presentation will be made available to local producers.

Why it matters: well testing informs groundwater quality planning and public‑health outreach; livestock programming supports producer biosecurity, animal health and local agriculture economies.

Next steps: Extension will publish a Richland County newsletter with event links, continue outreach for the well‑testing signups and finalize plans for summer and fall producer trainings.