University UW-Extension Dairy Team
By University of Wisconsin Extension
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to UW-Extension Dairy Team serving Wisconsin's dairy industry. Learn about dairy programs, county educators, and continuing education for...
UW-Extension's Dairy Team serves Wisconsin—America's Dairyland—with education, research translation, and individual support. Wisconsin's 7,000+ dairy farms benefit from Extension's statewide network of county educators and campus-based specialists.
County-based dairy and livestock educators provide local presence throughout Wisconsin. These educators offer workshops, farm visits, and individual consultations. They connect producers to campus specialists and resources. The county presence ensures Extension accessibility regardless of farm size or location.
Campus-based dairy specialists focus on specific topic areas: nutrition, reproduction, young stock, economics, and more. Specialists conduct applied research, develop publications, and provide training for county educators. They're available for complex questions and statewide programming.
Programming includes workshops, conferences, webinars, and multi-session courses. Topics span nutrition, reproduction, management, business planning, and emerging issues. The annual Dairy and Beef Well-Being Conference and regional dairy days bring producers together.
UW-Extension's strong connection to UW-Madison's top-ranked Dairy Science department ensures research translation is a priority. Findings from university research reach farms through multiple channels including publications, workshops, and individual consultation.
Key Features
- County Dairy Educators: Local educators throughout Wisconsin. Workshops. Farm visits. Individual consulting. Accessible support.
- State Dairy Specialists: Campus-based experts in nutrition, reproduction, economics, and management. Statewide resources.
- Research Translation: UW-Madison dairy research reaches farms. Applied findings. Practical recommendations.
- Producer Workshops: Regional workshops on dairy topics. Hands-on learning. Networking.
- Online Resources: Publications, fact sheets, webinars. Dairy FYI website. On-demand learning.
- World Dairy Expo Connection: Extension programming at annual World Dairy Expo. Producer clinics. Industry updates.
Advanced Features
- Dairy Nutrition Programs: Feeding management workshops. Forage quality. Precision nutrition updates.
- Dairy Well-Being Conference: Annual conference on animal welfare, care, and emerging issues.
- Business Planning Support: Farm business analysis. Transition planning. Financial management.
- Beginning Farmer Programs: New farmer education. Mentorship connections. Business planning.
- Dairy Workforce Resources: Employee training. Spanish-language resources. Labor management.
- Environmental Compliance: Nutrient management. Regulations guidance. Best practices.
Ideal For
Farm Types: Wisconsin dairy operations, All production systems, Grazing to confinement
Competitive Advantages
What sets UW-Extension Dairy Team apart from alternatives:
- Serves America's Dairyland (Wisconsin)
- County educator network throughout state
- UW-Madison research backing
- World Dairy Expo connection
- #1 dairy science department translation
- 7,000+ farm reach
- Local accessible support
- Multiple learning formats
- Free or low-cost programming
- Strong industry partnerships
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for UW-Extension Dairy Team:
Many programs free. Workshops typically low registration fee. Publications free online. Extension supported by university and state.
Pricing Model: Free to low-cost programming
Extension supported by University of Wisconsin and federal/state funding. Low barriers to participation.
Pros & Considerations
- Premier dairy extension in Midwest
- World-renowned dairy expertise
- Research-backed resources
- Strong industry connections
- Practical farm applications
- Wisconsin regional focus primarily
- Program timing and travel
- Academic schedule constraints
- May not address all needs
Implementation & Setup
How to implement UW-Extension Dairy Team on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Workshops: 1 day to multi-session. Farm visits: As scheduled. Resources: Immediate.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for UW-Extension Dairy Team:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating UW-Extension Dairy Team:
- Who is my county dairy educator?
- What workshops are coming to my area?
- Have I explored Dairy FYI website?
- Would individual consultation help my situation?
- Am I on the Extension mailing list?