The Extension Livestock Program provides timely resources and information to help farmers, consumers and allied industry to make informed decisions about beef cattle, poultry, sheep and goats, equine, swine, and meat science. There are also resources for youth caring for livestock.
Latest News
Livestock Producers Encouraged to be on the Lookout for Asian Longhorned Ticks
A tick species new to the U.S. is spreading fast — and Wisconsin livestock producers need to know about it. The Asian longhorned tick has already been found in Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. One female can lay up to 3,000 eggs, and thousands of ticks can feed on a single animal at once. Learn what to look for and how to protect your herd.
UW–Madison Division of Extension to Host “Parasite Patrol Plus FAMACHA” Training for Sheep and Goat Producers on May 1, Gays Mills
This workshop and its two hands-on sessions focus on managing the health and production risks posed by intestinal parasites (helminths) to flocks and herds.
Cyclone Lambing School Offers Practical Training for Sheep Producers
Sheep producers preparing for the lambing season can sharpen their skills and build confidence at the upcoming Cyclone Lambing School, an educational program focused on effective lambing management and problem‑solving.
Small Ruminant Parasite Management and FAMACHA Training
This workshop and its two hands-on sessions focus on managing the health and production risks posed by intestinal parasites (helminths) to flocks and herds.
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Latest Livestock Articles
Seasonal Lice Activity in Cattle: When and How to Treat
Cattle and lice can co-exist when lice don’t get the upper hand. Closely observe your cattle during the winter and quickly (and effectively) treat to reduce production losses for your cattle.
The Asian Longhorned Tick: An Emerging Threat
The Asian longhorned tick is an invasive species spreading toward Wisconsin and threatening cattle health. It can reproduce rapidly, cause heavy infestations, and transmit Theileria orientalis, a disease that leads to anemia, reduced productivity, and death. This article reviews the risks and outlines steps producers can take to protect their herds.
▶️ Watch: Key Considerations for Rebuilding Your Cow Herd
Iowa State’s Dr. Randie Culbertson breaks down the essentials of herd expansion. Learn how to strategically balance genetics and reproduction to build a more resilient, profitable cow-calf operation when rebuilding your herd.
Genetic Selection Using NSIP
Rusty Burgett discusses how genetic selection tools can be used to make more informed breeding decisions in commercial and seedstock flocks.