With Lack Of Details, Extension Fears Loss Of Service, Jobs

It’s been two weeks since we first learned that the University Extension Service could be dissolved into the Madison campus. We still don’t know much more — and that’s led to speculation by Extension employees and others that programs and jobs may disappear, especially in rural areas. The Extension is the U-W’s outreach arm and the main carrier of the Wisconsin Idea — the century long promise that the U-W’s learning opportunities are available statewide — but that’s already become frail with a reorganization and 25 vacancies among farming educators. Pierce County has been without an ag agent for two years, and County Board chair Jeff Hoist says he can get answers from private agronomists faster. The U-W Board of Regents will vote next month on merging the Extension and other programs with Madison, with the two year colleges to be merged with their nearby four year schools.