University of Wisconsin-Madison
Need your pressure canner tested for the upcoming food preservation season? Pressure Canner testing is available Monday through Thursday during office hours. Please call ahead to schedule a time. There is no charge to have your canner tested. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 715-726-7950.
Peonies are blooming and what a lovely sight. Down through history, peonies have been held as a symbol of beauty, prosperity and honor. Conveying the meaning of a ‘happy life’ or ‘happy marriage’, it’s not surprising that you can find them in countless paintings, stories and myths. Cherished by gardeners for centuries, peonies continue to […]
Some people consider shady areas in their landscape a challenge when trying to grow flowering plants. One of the many yards I have gardened in had quite a bit of shade. As I explored shade-tolerant plants, I discovered that there is a wide range of possibilities. The first step to planning your shade garden is […]
By Sandra Stuttgen, DVM Livestock Educator UW-Madison Division of Extension Taylor County The 2026 World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Report states that “1.3 billion people globally depend on farmed animals for food and income, and each year, animal diseases destroy more than 20% of global animal production. It’s estimated that 75% of emerging infectious […]
Each spring and summer, the United States typically experiences a multistate outbreak of salmonellosis associated with exposure to backyard poultry (BYP). Since March 1, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked 17 salmonellosis cases among Wisconsin residents to this year’s backyard poultry multistate outbreak. Backyard poultry, like chickens and ducks, can […]
Flowering bulbs can really liven up a landscape. They come in an enormous assortment of sizes and colors that some folks say is unequalled by any other flower group. If you are like me, when you think of flowering bulbs it’s the hardy types that come to mind. Spring just wouldn’t be announced without the […]
It appears that spring has finally arrived and we are now enjoying the spectacular color and aroma of many spring-flowering shrubs. I wait patiently through the months to experience the intense, orange fragrance of my mock orange shrub when it blooms this time of year. However, that scent also reminds me that it is time […]
As of early April of 2026, commercial nitrogen (N) fertilizer prices have increased by approximately 30% since the fall of 2025. Fortunately, there are management choices farmers can make to provide efficient use of N inputs and minimize negative financial impacts of this sudden price increase. 1. Identify a cost-effective N rate University of Wisconsin […]
Thank You, 4‑H Volunteers! As Volunteer Appreciation Week comes to an end, Jordan and the entire Chippewa County 4‑H staff want to pause and say a heartfelt thank you to the incredible volunteers who help make our 4‑H program shine brighter every day. 4‑H would not be possible without the time, talent, and care of […]
Hollyhocks are a classic flower. While they aren’t as common in gardens today, they can often still be found growing alongside older homes and on established farmsteads throughout the Midwest.In recent years, though, there has been a renewed interest in growing hollyhocks, which makes me happy – I’ve long been a fan. As a child, […]
A traditional favorite, Easter lilies are often given as gifts or used in decorative displays during the weeks leading up to Easter. Throughout history their beautiful, white trumpet-shaped flowers have been a symbol of joy, hope and life. As spring approaches, Easter lilies become widely available. Growers carefully time their blooms to coincide with Easter. […]
Add some leafy greens to your garden this spring Growing up, my mom always told me to eat my greens because they were good for me. She actually said that about a lot of vegetables if she saw them just sitting on my plate. An avid gardener, mom always had various leaf lettuces, spinach and […]
