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Welcome Julie Diepenbrock, 4-H Program Educator

We are pleased to welcome Julie Diepenbrock as our new 4-H Program Educator. Julie brings a wealth of experience in teaching, counseling, and community service. She was an Extension Home Economist and 4-H Agent for Kansas State, as well as having been a 4-H member and volunteer. Julie will begin her work here on July […]

USDA Financial Assistance for Producers – Corona Food Assistance Program

Who is eligible? Eligible producers (person or legal entity) of specified agricultural commodities who have suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who face substantial marketing costs for inventories are eligible for CFAP (Coronovirus Food Assistance Program website) payments. These specified commodities include certain specialty crops, non-specialty crops, […]

Ivermectin Products for Animals – Not Intended for COVID-19 Treatment

Ivermectin is a drug used for treating internal and external parasites in humans and animals. Despite some research that showed it reduced the growth of SARS CoV 2 (the virus causing COVID-19) in cell culture, there is no scientific proof that it would be effective for treating COVID-19 nor that it is safe to try […]

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – What Does It Mean for Farmers

Farmers may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)) under certain circumstances. This article provides more information.

Stay Connected with Extension Taylor County – Contact Information Form

Extension Taylor County provides programs and information about many topics. Please complete this contact form if you would like to receive email notices or mailings to keep you up to date about our programming and other information. We will maintain your privacy, and we will not share your contact information with others. Your phone number […]

Avian Influenza and Biosecurity – 2020

There are potential negative impacts on agriculture and our communities in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worthwhile to be aware of some of the other threats such as avian influenza. Recent outbreaks in turkey flocks in the southeastern United States are a reminder. Such outbreaks can have both health and economic consequences. This […]

Federal Rural Resource Guide – Find Funding Opportunities for Assistance

Many of these resources have been shared before, but this guide brings them together in one chart, organized by categories and type of assistance. It was most recently updated April 8, 2020. The last two pages include a glossary of terms and links to data sources and to many federal agencies. USDA Federal Rural Resource […]

Food Pantry Updates

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some food pantries have made changes to their hours or method of operation. The food pantry at St. Paul’s Lutheran, 321 Park Ave N, Medford, is open from 4 to 5 pm on Thursdays. Clients should park in the lot and see one of the volunteers by the front door […]

How Extension Events Are Being Impacted by COVID-19

Published on April 9, 2020 by Matthew Call UW-Madison Extension continues to respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its impact on our in-person events. We are complying with state and local regulations as well as to ensure the health and wellness of our communities. Here are specifics around how our events are being impacted: Extension is following […]

Farm Women Coffee Chats via Zoom – Additional Chats Start May 8

Calling all farm women: April 23, 2020 Contact: Jenny Vanderlin, jenny.vanderlin@wisc.edu, 608-263-7795 Heart of the Farm – Women in Agriculture introduces online ‘Coffee Chat’ series Madison, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension’s Heart of the Farm-Women in Agriculture program will host a statewide ZOOM conference to introduce a new online ‘Coffee Chats’ series, […]

Extension Taylor County Office During COVID-19 Pandemic

For health information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) COVID-19/Coronavirus website and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19/Coronavirus website. Until further notice, Extension Educators throughout the state will be working from home, i.e. telecommuting. They will be checking emails and voicemail but may not be able to get back to […]

Nutrition Resources During COVID-19

Three Website recommendations from Beth Olson, State Extension Specialist, Nutrition Nutrition (defined as the foods we need to eat to be healthy) is not different during this time than what is normally recommended. However, there may be more constraints due to less frequent shopping, use of shelf-stable/frozen foods, and limited budgets. In addition, some people […]

Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic Changes in Operation During COVID-19 Pandemic

The UW-Madison Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic will not be accepting any physical samples for diagnosis. Customers may submit questions or digital photos by emailing pddc@wisc.edu. See post concerning current changes to the clinic’s operations. The clinic also has fact sheets and other resources available online for a great many plant diseases that are found on […]

COVID-19: Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources from U.S. SBA

The Small Business Administration has developed an excellent website summarizing programs and issues related to small businesses and COVID-19.

Pesticide Applicator Training during COVID-19 Pandemic

DATCP (Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection) has suspended pesticide applicator certification testing. It is extending pesticide applicator certifications until October 31. Applicators whose certifications expire January 31-September 30 can continue to operate as a certified pesticide applicator until October 31. There is also an option for trainees to work under the supervision of […]

USDA Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses, and Communities Affected by COVID-19

USDA Rural Development has published a fact sheet listing opportunities for immediate relief for homeowners, housing managers and tenants, and rural utilities. The fact sheet also includes deadline extensions for some programs. The fact sheet has information about foreclosure moratoriums on USDA single-family housing loans; multi-family housing information for owners, management agents and tenants; information […]

Unemployment Covid-19 Public Information

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWS) has a public information page that answers many questions about unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The page has information for both employees and employers.

National Emergency Library

Article from National Public Radio website: ‘National Emergency Library’ Lends A Hand — And Lots Of Books! — During Pandemic Concerns over the coronavirus have shuttered public and school libraries around the world, depriving their regular patrons of free access to the Internet, shelter and, of course, books — just when many of them could use them the […]

Connection During “Social Distancing” – Make That “Physical Distancing”

This recording (transcript included) discusses the importance of social connection and how it can be accomplished when we need to stay six feet away from others.. One of the points made is that it may be helpful to rename the term “social distancing”, and call it “physical distancing”. With the availability of social media, video […]

Food Safety and Related Safety Issues and COVID-19

Information from Barb Ingham, Extension Food Preservation and Food Safety Specialist at the Division of Extension has posted several articles on the topic of Food Safety in the Time of COVID-19. Let the Hotline Answer Your Questions What’s Got You Sick? Viruses vs Bacteria Importance of Washing Hands and Tools When Gardening Food Safety Basics: […]

COVID-19 Guidance for Farm Employers

Extension Farm Management has published information for farm employers to help minimize the impact that COVID-19 has on their farm and to minimize risk to employees, family, and friends. It is important to have good communication with employees and to keep them informed. See COVID-19 Guidance for Farm Employers

Emergency Disposal of Milk Through Land Application

In recent days, some dairy farmers have been getting notices that they may need to dump milk if processors are not able to handle it during the current COVID19 pandemic. If that happens, please note that there are correct and incorrect ways to dispose of milk. Please see the publication Emergency Disposal of Milk 4-26-17. […]

Financial Resources To Help Get Through COVID-19

COVID-19 is having financial as well as health impacts. The Division of Extension has added a new webpage, Financial Resources To Help Get Through COVID-19, that includes answers to frequently-asked-questions and provides links to other resources. This page is part of the Managing Your Personal Finances in Tough Times website, which also has other information […]

COVID-19 and Small Businesses

Extension Website: Navigating Coronavirus for Small Businesses The website provides business owners with links to information so they may prepare for the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wisconsin and plan accordingly impacts to their business operations. Small Business Administration Website The Small Business Administration has developed an excellent website summarizing programs and issues […]

Internet Access at Home for K-12 Students

Several Wisconsin internet providers are offering resources to enable K-12 students to connect to the internet at home. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has posted a list of these providers and expects to update the list as more become available.

StrongBodies Video

For anyone who would like to keep exercising while practicing social distancing and staying home, this video of a full StrongBodies class (Strong Women, Strong Bones) may provide inspiration and guidance. https://www.pbs.org/video/university-place-strong-women-strong-bones/ Stay well!

Managing a Farm during COVID-19 Extension Webpage

This webpage, Managing a Farm During COVID-19, on the Extension Farm Management website lists many resources, including links, that farmers may find helpful during these difficult times.

Food Resources to Help Get Through Covid-19

Many people are struggling to afford the food they need during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Across Wisconsin and the nation, many households have lost some or all of their regular income. Others have lost access to usual sources of food, such as school meals and senior meal programs. This webpage (provides information about public […]