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UW Extension presents nitrogen‑optimization and forage projects; 4‑H reports membership and camp growth
Summary
UW–Madison Extension staff described county pilot projects on nitrogen optimization, cover crops and alfalfa management, and 4‑H educators reported a 16% increase in youth membership, growing volunteer participation and expanded summer camp and after‑school plans.
UW–Madison Extension staff and Washington County 4‑H educators briefed the Land Use and Planning Committee May 15 on ongoing agricultural and youth programs in the county.
Zoe, a regional extension educator, described two nitrogen‑optimization pilot projects in Washington County. One project at Door Knocker Prairie Acres is in its second year and examines manure usage and cover crops; a second project at Branthens will start this summer and focus on legume cover crops following winter wheat to measure nitrogen benefits for subsequent corn crops. Zoe said Extension collaborated with the county Land Conservation Department and independent agronomists on the pilot work and that the projects will run multiple years to measure crop effects.
Zoe said she also secured a Midwest Forage Association grant to study alfalfa harvest timing and quality across the state and will work with lab analyses to inform management recommendations.
Kelly John, a Washington County 4‑H educator, said 4‑H has been conducting a needs assessment with local schools and employers and is developing summer day camps focused on STEM for kindergarten through eighth grade. Kelly said 4‑H membership in the county stands at 689 youth (a 16% increase over last year) with roughly 220 volunteers. The 4‑H residential camp this year expects about 107 campers and 22 teen leaders who will serve as counselors after training.
Committee members asked about private industry involvement in research projects and about opportunities for local schools to partner on after‑school programming; Extension staff said projects aim to remain neutral while leveraging nonexclusive industry partnerships when needed and that they are coordinating with local school districts on fall after‑school curricula.
The presentations were informational; no committee action was required.
