Supporting the Growth of Wisconsin’s Maple Syrup Industry
2022-02-22 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago)
Jeremy Solin, Maple Syrup Project Manager for the University of Wisconsin-Extension
Badger Talks is pleased to present a LIVE series of talks on topics that intend to inspire, delight, and pleasantly distract in a time we are all needing positive experiences. Tune in to hear UW– Madison faculty and staff experts on a variety of interesting and engaging topics.
Info here.

Wisconsin Cover Crops Conference
2022-02-24
Farmers and agricultural professionals from around Wisconsin are coming together to share & learn about all things cover crops. Whether you’re a seasoned cover cropper or an absolute beginner, there will be something for everyone!
Topics include maintaining soil health while managing manure, easy points of entry for beginning cover croppers, assessing soil health, using cover crops as an alternative forage, and soil health systems & extreme weather events. Many of the presenters will be Wisconsin grain and livestock farmers speaking from experience about what has worked and hasn’t worked in their Wisconsin conservation cropping systems.
Info and registration here.

Wisconsin Cover Crop Conference
2022-02-24
Farmers and agricultural professionals from around the state are coming together to share & learn about all things cover crops. Whether you’re a seasoned cover cropper or an absolute beginner, there will be something for everyone!
Topics include creating new opportunities for in-season manure, managing equipment for planting green, adaptive rye management, incorporating cover crops in vegetable rotations, cover crops as forage, and MORE! Many of the presenters will be Wisconsin grain and livestock farmers speaking from experience about what has worked and hasn’t worked in their Wisconsin conservation cropping systems.
Info here.

WI Cover Crops Conference
2022-02-24
This will be a statewide conference geared toward helping Wisconsin farmers, agronomists, and conservation professionals use cover crops more effectively. Many of the presenters will be Wisconsin grain and livestock farmers speaking from experience on the successes and challenges of adopting cover crops in Wisconsin cropping systems.
Dr. Abby Wick, North Dakota State University Extension Soil Health Specialist and Associate Professor will be the keynote for the event and share information on soil health in northern climates. A pre-conference social and educational event will kick off the conference at 4pm on February 23rd (additional registration fee).
Info here.

Focus on Forage Webinar Series
2022-02-26 12:30 - 13:30
Join the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nutrient and Pest Management Program and Division of Extension on Jan. 26, Feb. 2, and Feb. 9 for the 2022 Focus on Forage webinar series. Webinars are free and run from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required at http://go.wisc.edu/FarmReadyResearch. One certified Crop Advisor CEU is available for each webinar.
Dates, presenters, and topics are:

Jan 26, 2022 – Getting the Most Out of Your Silage. Luiz Ferreretto, UW-Madison Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, will summarize his research work on the use of inoculants to improve the fermentation, aerobic stability and nutritive value of conventional and alternative silages and forages, including sorghum-sudangrass. Additionally, Damon Smith, UW-Madison Field Crop Pathology Extension Specialist, will discuss disease and mycotoxin considerations, including the growing prevalence of tar spot, when making high quality corn silage.
February 2, 2022 – Alternative Forages – A Fit for Wisconsin Farms? Matt Akins, UW-Madison Dairy Extension Specialist, and Mike Ballweg, UW-Madison Extension Sheboygan County, will highlight their research work on growing and feeding forage cocktail mixes, providing an update of 2021 yield and forage quality data. Brody Stapel, co-owner of Double Dutch Dairy, will provide his perspective and suggestions for growing and feeding cocktail mixes and annual forages to a high production Wisconsin dairy herd. Lastly, Kevin Jarek, UW-Madison Extension Outagamie County and Carrie Laboski, UW-Madison Soil Fertility Extension Specialist, will share research on managing nitrogen applications annual ryegrass and forage cocktail mixes for forage yield and production and environmental quality.
February 9, 2022 – Benefits of Including Grass in the Dairy Ration. Debbie Cherney, Professor of Animal Science, Cornell University, will share her research on the benefits of incorporating high NDFD grasses into dairy rations. She will discuss forage management and quality, as well as impacts on ration formulation and lactation performance. Kimberly Schmidt, UW-Madison Extension Shawano County, will provide an update on ongoing Wisconsin research into feeding winter cereals and other alternative forages to the dairy herd.

Cover Crops - Green Thumb Gardening
2022-02-28 18:00 - 20:00
The Green Thumb Gardening class series will give you the practical knowledge to keep your home garden thriving! Dane County Extension educators and local horticulture experts will provide in depth and accessible information for everyone from the novice to the experienced gardener.
Info here.

Kemp Apple School: Apple Tree Care in the Northwoods
2022-03-05 09:00 - 14:00
Learn the ins and outs of growing apples in the Northwoods. Whether you are thinking about planting a small orchard or wondering why you keep losing your crop, this workshop will provide some helpful information. We’ll discuss orchard establishment, tree care, and how to put together a management plan for your trees. This program is designed for the home gardener with a handful of apple trees.
Info here.

Weed Management in Vegetable Gardens - Green Thumb Gardening
2022-03-07 10:00 - 11:00

2022 Manure Applicator 101 Training-Luxemburg
2022-03-07 12:30 - 15:30
Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety.
Info here.

2022 Manure Applicator 101 Training-Green Bay
2022-03-07 18:00 - 21:00

2022 UW River Falls Field Scout Training
2022-03-14 - 2022-03-15
This 2-day intensive course is perfect for those interested in crop scouting or seeking professional development.
Topics covered include: crop scouting techniques, nutrient management and deficiency symptoms, and pest identification/life cycle/damage symptoms and economic thresholds, including some pest management recommendations.
The class will have a field crop emphasis on corn, alfalfa, soybean and wheat, however many of the pests discussed are problematic in Wisconsin’s varied cropping systems.
Info here.

Vegetable Insects - Green Thumb Gardening
2022-03-14 10:00 - 11:00

Pesticide Applicator Training Program
2022-03-15 09:00 - 12:30
The UW Pesticide Applicator Training Program has created multiple formats for private applicator trainings to address increased training demand.
A private applicator is someone that applies restricted use pesticides to produce an agricultural commodity on their own property or the property owned or rented by an employer. Examples of agricultural commodities are grain and forage crops, fruit crops or horticulture products. A restricted use pesticide can be identified by checking the label of the product you wish to use.
A Private Applicator Certification is valid for 5 years. There are three steps toward certification: purchasing the training manual, training and taking the test.
Info here.

Wisconsin Online Nutrient Management Training
2022-03-15 10:00 - 15:00
This online training will cover the basic concepts of soil fertility management in Wisconsin and is meant to cover the material required to write your own nutrient management plan for your farm. This is a 5 hour class and will be taught via presentations shared over Zoom. All the classes are identical and you only need to attend one class. The materials from the class will be shared with participants, however, the course will not be recorded. The class will conclude with a brief introduction to SnapPlus.
Info here.

Culturally Responsive Programs: Exploring Capacity to Serve Wisconsin HMoob Farmers
2022-03-15 13:00 - 14:00
Participants reconvene to discuss culturally relevant activites that achieve better outcomes for HMoob farmers. Participants share existing programs that may be scaled up to achieve outcomes consistently across the state, and/or novel ideas for the development and implementation of programs to address necessary changes.
Info here.

2022 Manure Applicator 101 Training--Birnhamwood
2022-03-16 13:00 - 16:00

The Wisconsin Conservation Congress: Facilitating Public Participation
2022-03-16 16:00 - 17:00
In this 8th Annual CNR Spring Seminar Series, we are featuring seven speakers, each representing a different level of policy-setting in Wisconsin. This seminar series highlights the roles of the legislature, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, the Tribal Government, Non-Governmental organizations, and citizens in making decisions affecting our natural resources in Wisconsin. We invite you to join us for these fascinating seminars detailing the challenges and successes of setting natural resources policy.
Info here.

Dodge County Forage Council Annual Winter Meeting
2022-03-18 11:00 - 15:30
Dr. Mark Renz, UW-Madison Extension Weed Specialist in the Agronomy Department, will give an update on Waterhemp Management in Wisconsin forages, its history in Wisconsin, why are we so concerned, and how management differs based on the forage grown. The talk will focus on management in alfalfa.
The final presentation by Will Fulwider, UW-Madison Extension Crops & Soils Educator for Dodge and Dane Counties, highlights what we can learn from global sustainable agriculture systems. Drawing on his background working with wetland rice, agroforestry, and other integrated cropping systems, Will will touch on the core ecological principles of these approaches and what they may look like applied to the context of Wisconsin agriculture.
Info here.

2022 Manure Applicator 101 Training
2022-03-21 13:00 - 16:00

Seed Saving and Harvesting/Storage - Green Thumb Gardening
2022-03-21 18:00 - 20:00

Wisconsin Manure Applicator 101 Training
2022-03-29 12:30 - 15:30
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension is hosting Manure Applicator Training – Level 1 / Manure 101. Designed for employees of both for-hire manure applicators and farmers applying their own manure, this 3-hour training covers the basics of manure spill response, setbacks and regulations, neighbor relations and equipment/manure gas safety.
Register here.
Locations and Dates

Abbotsford City Hall: 3/29, 12:30 PM

Barron County Government Center: 3/8, 9:30 AM
Birnamwood: 3/16, 1:00 PM
Chilton: 3/1, 1:00PM, 6:00 PM
Chippewa Falls: 3/21, 1:00 PM
Darlington: 3/3, 8:00 AM

Green Bay: 3/7, 6:00 PM
Luxemburg: 3/7, 12:30 PM; 3/10, 12:30 PM
Zoom (online): Date TBD

Producing Vegetables in Perennial Dutch White Clover
2022-04-05 15:00 - 16:00
Lincoln Fishman of Sawyer Farm in Worthington, MA will talk through his no-till systems featuring details on planting into standing clover. Lincoln started with undersown clover a decade ago and has moved toward his current system as a way to both reduce tillage and address his long-term sustainability goals. He approaches his work with an open mind about plant competition, a willingness to experiment, and readiness to make changes based on the priorities for his farm.
Info here.

44th Annual Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention
2022-04-06 - 2022-04-08
Many times we discuss ways to manage or lessen some of the damage we have done to our lakes and rivers. Whether it be trying to control invasive species, restoring shoreland, or limiting the capture of certain fish species, we’re often playing “catch-up.” While all of those restorations and mitigation strategies are necessary, it is also important to protect our waterways that are still healthy! That’s the theme surrounding this year’s Wisconsin Lakes & Rivers Convention: Protecting What We Love for the Future. The hands-on workshops and engaging presentations during this year’s event will be centered around this theme of protecting our water resources. Our look “to the future” means we will also be focusing on success stories and recommendations of resilience, adaptation, and action in a changing climate. We will also be intentional about highlighting efforts and ideas that support diversity, equity, and inclusion in water resource protection and management. Mark your calendars and join this unique group of citizen scientists, businesses, and lake, river, and wetland professionals.
Info here.

Mechanization of Reduced Tillage Systems at Aurora Del Camp Farm, Spain
2022-04-12 15:00 - 16:00
Gilad Buzi of Aurora Del Camp Farm with discuss mechanization for his no-till peri-urban farm. His system uses compost, ramial wood chips, and a high degree of mechanization. In Europe, Gilad has access to a different range of small scale tools, which can make organic no-till more efficient, and gives those of us in the US plenty to think about.
Info here.

Should I be planting soybeans first, planting green? Pros and cons and a calculator to compare the economics of conventional vs soil health field practices
2022-04-13 12:30 - 13:30
The Badger Crop Connect series provides agronomists, crop consultants and farmers timely crop updates for Wisconsin.
Info here.

Gardening in Community Gardens - Get Ready and Grow
2022-04-19 17:30 - 18:30
Gardening in community gardens or small spaces can have challenges in addition to those that every gardener faces. In this program, we will talk about soil health, proper planting techniques, and weed control so you can improve the health and productivity of your garden plot for the upcoming growing season. This is a free and in-person program. No pre-registration required, please arrive on time.
Info here.

The Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool
2022-04-20 14:00 - 15:00
The April edition of the Digital Cafe series will feature Brian Dougherty, Field Agricultural Engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Brian is a part of the Soil Health Nexus team that worked to develop the Soil Health Matrix Decision Tool – a 101 tool for producers who are considering implementing a new soil health practice. The tool – which is currently in the pilot phase – it’s methodology and use will be discussed.
Info here.

Lake Superior Collaborative Spring Symposium
2022-04-27 - 2022-04-29
The purpose of the Lake Superior Collaborative Symposium is to share and discuss information on projects and data, provide networking opportunities among professionals working on conservation, restoration, and climate-adaptive projects in the Lake Superior Basin of Wisconsin, and to provide space for group input and action planning for the future.
The 2022 Symposium will include a combination of virtual presentations, in-person field trips, and networking opportunities that center the Lake Superior basin of Wisconsin. Attendees will also have the opportunity to join break-out discussion groups focusing on future planning for specific project areas.
Info here.

Best Practices for Watering Yards and Gardens
2022-05-10 12:00 - 12:30
Do you know that there is a right way and a wrong way to water your plants? Join us to learn about the water requirements for most plants, how proper watering practices can prevent plant diseases, and different ways to conserve water for your yards and gardens.
Info here.

SRW - All about Arlington
2022-05-10 19:30 - 20:30
Join Todd Taylor, the University of Wisconsin – Madison Sheep Research Program Manager at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station Sheep Unit, and Extension Educators for an in-depth look into sheep research, teaching, and extension activities and events at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station.
Info here.
