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UW-Extension Likely to Cut About 80 Staff Members
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/12/2016

The chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Extension program says local counties will have to do more belt-tightening as 80 positions are expected to be eliminated because of budget cuts. Cathy Sandeen said during a media conference call on Wednesday that each county would still have Extension offices in place, but staffers may need to be shared among neighboring counties to help streamline responsibilities.

The Extension is made up of agriculture agents, 4-H and youth specialists, and family living advisers. An annual $3.6 million cut in state funding means most counties will have to look at reducing staff.

About half of the 80 jobs are currently vacant, so the news doesn't necessarily mean current employees will be let go.

Sandeen said hundreds of letters were received during a recent comment period on the issue. Many farm groups, such as the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, the Wisconsin Association of Professional Nutrient Applicators, the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association and the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, have come out against the plan to cut researchers.

Chancellor Sandeen said a special 11-person steering committee is evaluating ideas on how to restructure the program over the next six month.


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