University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension

Modern farming utilizes connectivity in ways that shape nearly all daily farm activities. Extension's Agriculture Institute and the College of Agricultural & Life Sciences recently hosted a team from the Federal Communications Commission to see precision agriculture firsthand at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station. See photos from the visit, and learn why a strong signal is a crucial component of modern farming.

FCC Commissioner Visits Research Station to See Precision Agriculture in Action Modern farming utilizes technology and connectivity in ways that shape nearly all daily farm activities, from helping monitor a cow’s eating habits to managing fieldwork down to the inch where a seed is planted. A commissioner and team from the Federal Communications Commission saw precision agric...

The Center for Watershed Science and Education works with Wisconsin counties to develop well water monitoring programs to detect changes in well water quality and trends over time. Learn more about the program and featured community partners via the link. Extension is committed to bringing community members into the scientific process.

Well Water Trend Networks - University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Most communities have not been collecting data in a manner that allows them to understand trends. Think of these well water monitoring networks as a type of S&P 500 Index...

To help monitor 86,000 miles of Wisconsin waterways, Water Action Volunteers supports local organizations and agencies with standardized data-collection protocols, training, and technical assistance. The result is cleaner waterways for residents to enjoy. Extension is committed to bringing community members into the scientific process.

Water Action Volunteers: Engaging communities in monitoring water quality Growing up on the Wisconsin River in the 1960s, Arnie DeWitt remembers the not-so-pleasant smell and look of the water. “There would be foam on top of the river, maybe a foot thick,” he said. Now, DeWitt lives in Burnett County near the Yellow River, which currently meets criteria for high-quali...

Snapshot Day is an annual event that engages volunteers and conservation groups to search for aquatic invasive species, helping protect Wisconsin’s waterways. Snapshot Day 2026 is August 8. Learn more about the impact of last year's event and register for Snapshot Day 2026 starting on Monday. Extension is committed to bringing community members into the scientific process.

Aquatic Invasive Species Snapshot Day 2026 Event Information Date  August 8th, 2026Time  8:30am - 12:30pmSave the Date:Join the statewide search for aquatic invasive species! Volunteer registration opens June 1, 2026! An Overview of Snapshot Day Snapshot Day is a statewide, one-day event connecting volunteers, water lovers, and local conse...

Join us Thursday for the next Badger Crop Connect webinar to learn from UW experts about managing corn, soybeans, and other crops. The webinar is free to attend — just make sure to register via the link beforehand. Extension is committed to bringing community members into the scientific process.

Badger Crop Connect Badger Crop Connect Live webinars with UW–Madison experts to help Wisconsin farmers and consultants manage corn, soybean, small grain, and forage crops Timely Wisconsin Crop Updates for Corn, Soybean, and Forage Growers and Consultants Get real-time expert management tips for your or your clients....

The Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic provides assistance to community members to identify plant diseases and methods for control. Our clients include everyone from farmers and home gardeners to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Extension is committed to bringing community members into the scientific process.

Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic | University of Wisconsin-Madison Homepage Clinic Services Update (1/1/26) Visit our Digital Diagnosis page to submit photos for a digital diagnosis. A $25 fee applies. Visit our Sample Collection and Submission page for details on the clinic’s current physical sample submission process. Prices vary for this service. For a complet...

We are offering an online introductory gardening course this fall. Learn about growing plants in a way that is (finally) successful and prevent plant problems before they start. Learn more about the course via the link, and join the list to be notified when registration opens. Check back over the next few weeks as we continue to highlight the different ways Extension brings community members into the scientific process.

Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: Foundations in Gardening Growing and Caring for Plants in Wisconsin: FOUNDATIONS IN GARDENING An online, complete-at-your-own-pace introductory course where you learn key concepts for selecting, growing, and maintaining plants – from trees to houseplants to vegetables (and everything in between!)  What will I learn? | Ov...

Minimizing nitrogen loss to groundwater — nitrate leaching — is important for human health and long-term farm profitability. We are supporting farmer-led research to improve water quality through on-farm nitrogen management systems. Check back over the next few weeks as we continue to highlight the different ways Extension brings community members into the scientific process.

Quantifying Nitrate Leaching from Agricultural Soils There are several common ways to quantify nitrate leaching. Each method has different benefits and tradeoffs in terms of data accuracy, equipment needed, and time and labor requirements.

As Americans spend nearly 90 percent of their time indoors, any time outdoors is a good thing. The Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program delivers meaningful opportunities for adults to reconnect with nature and learn about conservation — a volunteer network over 1,000 strong. Check back over the next few weeks as we continue to highlight the different ways Extension brings community members into the scientific process.

New Graphic Highlights the Healing Power of Time Spent in Nature These days, much of life seems to have shifted indoors. As Americans spend nearly 90 percent of their time indoors, the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program is creating a counter‑current: structured, meaningful opportunities for adults to reconnect with nature—and experience measurable benefits t...

The Lower Fox River Watershed Monitoring Program brings together high school students and teachers and UW scientists. Classrooms "adopt" local streams for seasonal water quality monitoring, which helps ensure the long-term health of streams in the Green Bay watershed. Check back over the next few weeks as we continue to highlight the different ways Extension brings community members into the scientific process.

Lower Fox River Watershed Monitoring A network of teachers and students across NE Wisconsin joins forces with UW-Green Bay to collect data and provide informed support.