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Extension and cooperating agencies report higher attendance at manure workshops; HPAI testing focus remains on dairy
Summary
Cooperating agencies reported 78 attendees at winter manure sessions, more hands‑on programming, ongoing alfalfa and soil research projects, and discussed ongoing HPAI (avian influenza) surveillance that is affecting dairy testing protocols in some states.
Eric, representing a cooperating agency, told the committee that winter manure‑management sessions drew 78 attendees this year, up from 65 last year, and that the program shifted toward more hands‑on activities rather than presentations.
The cooperating agency report covered several research and outreach projects. Eric said staff will enroll additional farms in an alfalfa yield‑persistence project and continue summer soil projects to collect data for public outreach. Staff participation included Travis from Landmark Conservation and Shera Jossby, who took part in at least one session.
On avian influenza (HPAI), Eric said Wisconsin remained negative at the time of the meeting but noted a confirmed positive at a large poultry facility in Cheboygan County, Michigan. He described standard responses used elsewhere, including depopulation at affected poultry operations and quarantines up to about 10 miles in some cases. He said current concern locally is focused on lactating dairy cattle testing: milk plants are testing for HPAI, and agency staff are advising farmers on biosecurity and use of personal protective equipment. Eric said wild migratory birds are the primary pathway for introduction and that testing continues for animals being moved to exhibitions.
Why it matters: the manure workshops provide outreach and technical assistance to local producers and feed into on‑farm research projects. The HPAI surveillance and testing protocols can affect dairy operations, exhibition rules and biosecurity guidance for producers.
No formal votes were recorded on the cooperating‑agency report during the meeting; the segment was informational.
