Extension Supports Farmer to Farmer Learning Across Wisconsin

Jun 12, 2026

By Erica Gentry

In Wisconsin, farmers are increasingly turning to one another to share ideas, test new practices, and learn what works on real farms. Organized groups of farmers are creating opportunities for this type of peer-to-peer learning by bringing together farmers, researchers, and conservation partners to address water quality challenges while supporting productive and profitable farms.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension supports farmer-led efforts by collaborating with many groups to design and interpret on-farm research, connect groups with University experts, and provide outreach opportunities that highlight the innovative work farmers are doing across the state.

Many of these groups formally receive support through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s Producer-Led Watershed Protection Grant Program. Funding from the program supports on-farm demonstrations and research projects focused on reducing nonpoint source pollution from agricultural land while identifying practical conservation practices for farmers.

Building Consistent, Statewide Research

Extension helps coordinate research projects across participating groups by developing consistent, science-based protocols that can be replicated statewide. These projects allow farmers to evaluate practices under real-world conditions while generating meaningful data that supports statewide conservation efforts and strengthens peer-to-peer learning opportunities among farmers across Wisconsin.

Source : wisc.edu

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.