Hydrogeologic studies: Developing resources for groundwater protection and land use planning 

When Bayfield County received a proposal for a concentrated animal feeding operation, groundwater safety was top of mind. “Bayfield County has a long history of protecting our water resources, whether they are inland lakes, waterways, or Lake Superior shoreland areas,” said Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County administrator. County supervisors realized that they needed a better understanding […]

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Corn growing in dry field during drought conditions

Resource for the Ag Community: The Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook

During the 2025 growing season, members of the agriculture community in Wisconsin will once again have access to a weekly climate outlook. The Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook (WACO) includes things like historical and current weather patterns, soil moisture, precipitation, and crop progress. Combining data from national and local sources, including the National Weather Service, regional […]

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New reports highlight growth and challenges for business owners of color in Wisconsin

Despite growth and success, business owners of color face key challenges, including access to financing, business locations, and anti-Asian racism stemming from the pandemic. A series of new reports out of UW-Madison’s Community Economic Development program highlight the growth and challenges faced by business owners of color in Wisconsin. The four special reports provide a […]

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Preparing Wisconsin’s rural communities for extreme weather events

Sherri Congleton, Vilas County Emergency Management Director, has seen the impact of changes in weather extremes over time.  “Even as a kid, I remember we had winter. It was cold, you had snow, you did those things.” But that’s not always the case these days. “Last winter we didn’t have enough snow to even open […]

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farmer on a field

Wisconsin’s agricultural industry tops $116.3 billion in increase from previous years; dairy sector represents 6.5% of state’s economic activity

Wisconsin’s agricultural production and food processing sectors represent 14.3% of the state’s total economic impact, contributing $116.3 billion in industrial revenues – an increase of 10.9% from 2017. Agricultural businesses in Wisconsin constitute 353,900 jobs (9.5% of jobs in the state) and $21.2 billion to labor income. Additionally, the dairy sector and its significant dedication […]

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Local coalitions in five counties begin new rural entrepreneurship program

Coalitions in five counties are partnering up with UW–Madison Extension on a new effort to engage rural entrepreneurs and strengthen community connection. As part of a grant-funded program from Compeer Financial, Extension is providing coaching and guidance for local groups to spur sustained entrepreneurship. The groups selected for this program recently moved into a phase […]

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Adam Riley posing for a photo in the mountains of Peru

4-H: Preparing youth for what’s next

During 4-H Week, we’re celebrating some of the ways that 4-H is building a ready generation in a changing world. 4-H members show they are two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active than other youth; and four times more likely to contribute to their communities. And, […]

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