About the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, forestry, horticulture, natural resources, environmental stewardship, youth development, family well-being, and community improvement throughout Wisconsin. As the outreach arm of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Extension connects farmers, foresters, homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and community organizations with practical solutions grounded in scientific research.
Official Website
Wisconsin’s diverse landscape includes forests, lakes, rivers, wetlands, agricultural lands, rolling hills, and urban communities. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension develops programs specifically designed to address the environmental, agricultural, and economic needs found throughout the Badger State.
Core Services Offered
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a broad range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Wisconsin is one of the nation’s leading agricultural states and is internationally recognized for dairy production, crop farming, and specialty agriculture. Extension specialists help producers improve productivity and sustainability.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Precision agriculture education
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Major crops supported by Extension programs include corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat, potatoes, vegetables, cranberries, and specialty crops.
Dairy and Livestock Programs
Wisconsin is known as America’s Dairyland and has one of the most advanced dairy industries in the world.
- Dairy herd management
- Beef cattle production
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Forage management
- Farm business planning
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Gardeners throughout Wisconsin rely on Extension resources for science-based gardening and landscape management information adapted to northern climates.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Wisconsin Master Gardener Program trains volunteers who help educate communities about gardening, plant health, and environmental stewardship.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Native plant landscaping
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forestry and Woodland Management
Wisconsin’s forests provide important environmental, recreational, and economic benefits throughout the state.
- Forest stewardship
- Tree health management
- Timber management
- Wildlife habitat improvement
- Forest conservation planning
- Woodland sustainability programs
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
Extension programs help protect Wisconsin’s lakes, rivers, forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
- Water quality protection
- Watershed management
- Wildlife habitat conservation
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Land stewardship programs
- Conservation planning
Community Development Programs
Extension educators support communities through educational outreach and leadership development initiatives.
- Community leadership training
- Economic development education
- Financial literacy programs
- Health and wellness initiatives
- Food systems development
- Volunteer development programs
4-H Youth Development
The Wisconsin 4-H program provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s forests, agricultural lands, gardens, and urban landscapes face a variety of insect pests, invasive species, and plant diseases. University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension specialists provide science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these challenges effectively.
Ticks
Ticks are among Wisconsin’s most significant public health pests. Tick populations have expanded throughout the state and are associated with several diseases.
Common tick species include:
- Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks)
- American Dog Ticks
- Lone Star Ticks
- Brown Dog Ticks
Extension specialists provide educational resources on tick identification, habitat management, disease prevention, and personal protection strategies.
Forest Pests
Forest health is one of Wisconsin’s most important pest management concerns. Native and invasive insects can significantly impact timber resources, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem health.
Important forest pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spongy Moths
- Spruce Budworms
- Bark Beetles
- Forest Tent Caterpillars
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
Extension forestry specialists help landowners monitor forest health and implement sustainable management practices.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Wisconsin producers manage numerous insect pests that can affect field crops, vegetables, fruits, and specialty agricultural products.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Corn Rootworms
- Soybean Aphids
- Armyworms
- Cutworms
- Leafhoppers
- Stink Bugs
Extension entomologists provide pest monitoring updates and integrated management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Potato and Vegetable Crop Pests
Wisconsin is a major producer of potatoes and vegetables, making crop protection particularly important.
Common vegetable pests include:
- Colorado Potato Beetles
- Aphids
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Leafminers
- Cutworms
Extension specialists provide crop-specific recommendations that help producers protect yields and product quality.
Tree and Urban Landscape Pests
Urban forests and ornamental trees throughout Wisconsin face pressure from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Scale Insects
- Borers
- Bark Beetles
- Aphids
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Extension specialists provide recommendations for maintaining healthy urban and rural tree populations.
Garden and Landscape Pests
Home gardens and ornamental landscapes throughout Wisconsin encounter numerous insect pests and plant diseases.
Common garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Japanese Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Cabbage Worms
- Squash Bugs
- Spider Mites
Extension publications help gardeners identify pest problems and implement environmentally responsible management practices.
Lawn and Turfgrass Pests
Healthy lawns, parks, golf courses, and athletic fields require careful management to prevent insect damage and disease outbreaks.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Billbugs
- Sod Webworms
- Chinch Bugs
- Armyworms
Extension specialists provide recommendations for maintaining healthy turfgrass while minimizing environmental impacts.
Invasive Species
Invasive insects and organisms continue to threaten Wisconsin’s forests, agricultural lands, waterways, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Spotted Lanternflies
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Various invasive aquatic species
Extension personnel work closely with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, rapid response, and public education efforts.
Household and Structural Pests
Wisconsin homeowners occasionally encounter pests that invade homes and commercial structures.
Common household pests include:
- Ants
- Rodents
- Cluster Flies
- Wasps
- Stored Product Pests
- Boxelder Bugs
Extension resources emphasize prevention, exclusion, sanitation, and integrated pest management approaches.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a foundation of University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Economic threshold decision-making
- Biological control methods
- Cultural management practices
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial insects, pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and environmental health.
Research and Diagnostic Services
The University of Wisconsin–Madison conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, forestry, horticulture, pest management, environmental stewardship, and sustainable food systems.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Forest health monitoring
- Biological control
- Urban pest management
- Sustainable agriculture
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit Wisconsin residents, businesses, farmers, foresters, and landowners.
Educational Publications and Resources
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, gardening, forestry, natural resources, and community development.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Forest health publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree care resources
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, protecting forests, maintaining a garden, addressing tick concerns, responding to invasive species threats, or implementing sustainable pest management practices, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.