- Extension Response to June 2008 Floods
In June 2008, record rains on saturated soils caused widespread flooding, costing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Thirty southern Wisconsin counties were declared disaster areas. Backed by campus specialists, county extension faculty helped their neighbors assess damage and document losses even as floodwaters were rising. They contributed to positive impacts for farmers, families, homeowners, businesses, agencies and communities, from reduced losses, risks, stress and anxiety, to improved local and state agency performance.
- Managed grazing improves pasture yields and small farm profitability
Wisconsin’s small dairy and livestock farms make a big contribution to the state’s economy, yet remain vulnerable to market forces. With UW-Extension education through local partners and grazing networks, dairy and livestock producers are securing federally cost-shared pasture improvements, selecting economical forage varieties, adding fencing, controlling aggressive weeds, practicing land stewardship on hillsides, exploring niche markets and writing business plans.
- Small Business Development Center state network counseling services retain and develop Wisconsin’s businesses
The UW-Extension Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network provides one-to-one business counseling to help entrepreneurs and established businesses become more profitable, retain jobs and better compete in today's global market. Businesses receiving SBDC counseling increased sales by $113 million incrementally, created 1452 new jobs and retained 601. These businesses generated $ 4.6 million in state tax revenues, and obtained $1.7 million in financing, according to a recent survey.
- West Central Wisconsin Synergy program positions region for sustainable economic growth
Participants in the West Central Wisconsin Synergy Conference left the 2005 event with concrete action items—and some valuable new associates—to help address some common local concerns that often accompany rapid economic development. They are collectively committed to promoting sustainable growth, which is the belief that the quality of people''s lives and of their communities are shaped by a combination of social, economic, and environmental forces. Since 2003, representatives from nine counties in the St. Croix and Chippewa Valleys have attended the event.
