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Extension reports on outreach programs, parasite monitoring and regional well‑testing proposal
Summary
Extension educators reported recent outreach programs, disease‑reporting guidance and a proposed multi‑county well‑testing project at a Richland County committee meeting.
Extension educators reported several outreach activities and a proposed multi‑county well‑testing program during the meeting. Staff highlighted a recent hands‑on “Parasite Patrol” for small ruminant producers, plans for AmeriCorps interns this summer, continuing grazing and producer‑led watershed work, and guidance about reporting avian influenza incidents. Separately, extension staff summarized a DAWS Water Study proposal to pay for homeowner well testing across three counties and asked the committee whether the county should budget to subsidize testing.
Beth, identified in the meeting as a regional livestock educator, described a small‑group “Parasite Patrol” event where participants performed fecal egg counts and discussed dewormer resistance and grazing strategies to reduce parasite load. Extension staff said interest had been strong and similar workshops (including FAMACHA training) are planned.
Staff also said the office received grant funding for AmeriCorps positions; interviews were completed and two summer interns will begin in about a month to support school and community partnerships. Extension staff said office hours for budgeting and individual financial coaching were being offered for residents.
On public‑health and animal disease guidance, extension staff said avian influenza (bird flu) is a reportable disease: any suspected cases must be reported through a veterinarian to federal/state animal health authorities (the meeting referenced the state reporting system, “the CAP”/state animal health reporting). Staff noted recent detections in poultry in several Wisconsin counties but said Richland County had no confirmed cases.
The DAWS Water Study proposal would support well testing in three counties. Extension staff provided current vendor pricing: a homeowner test is $68; if the county subsidized 100 tests at current pricing the gross cost would be about $6,800, and printing and mailing would add roughly $600. If the county paid half the test cost, the estimated county budget impact would be about $4,000. Staff said the last county well testing project was in 2021 and offered to drop past results into the committee folder for review before the next meeting. Committee members asked staff to provide the prior results and maps to inform whether future testing should target specific areas or be offered countywide.
Other outreach updates included upcoming field days, collaboration with neighboring counties on grazing and producer‑led watershed groups, and recent publications by extension staff in regional agricultural outlets. Extension staff said they will continue to circulate a monthly newsletter and will add bird‑flu resources in the next issue.
