The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension welcomes new staff positioned to amplify outreach and education for Wisconsin’s cropping community.
As Wisconsin agriculture continues to evolve, the Division of Extension proudly provides research-driven information leading to informed decision-making and progress. These positions will play a vital role in creating a robust platform of research-driven resources, serving as a guide to assist growers in navigating their decision-making process. Read below to learn about the latest Division of Extension hires in the Crops and Soils Program.
Ann Kowenstrot – Diversified Vegetable and Emerging Crops Educator, Kenosha & Racine Counties
Ann is the new Diversified Vegetable and Emerging Crops Educator for Racine and Kenosha Counties. She is originally from northern Wisconsin and is looking forward to reconnecting with producers and growers in the state.
Ann earned a M.S. in Agriculture from Washington State University, focusing her thesis on identifying varieties of rhubarb for commercial production in Alaska. Since 2016, she has worked for the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Cooperative Extension Service and most recently as Farm co-Manager for the UAF Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station in Palmer, Alaska. She is focused on the land grant mission and fully supports and encourages community-driven research and outreach.
Landon Baumgartner – Nutrient and Pest Management Southwest Regional Outreach Specialist
Landon is the new Southwest Regional Outreach Specialist for the Nutrient and Pest Management Program within the Division of Extension. Landon coordinates with other UW educators, county conservation departments, and other partners to support nutrient and pest management education throughout Southwest Wisconsin.
Landon holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Aurora University. He previously worked as an intern soil conservationist with Illinois NRCS, and as a Conservation Specialist for Iowa County and at Dane County Land Conservation.
Anastasia Kurth – Regional Crops Educator; Juneau, Richland, and Sauk Counties
Anastasia is the new Regional Crops and Soils Educator for Sauk, Juneau and Richland counties. She grew up in Illinois and attended University of Wisconsin-Platteville where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in soil and crop science as well as environmental horticulture. After undergraduate graduation, Anastasia started her M.S. in Plant Science at North Dakota State University. Her thesis research focused on the agronomic, economic, biodiversity and environmental aspects of various cropping sequences. Anastasia is looking forward to serving the community and helping producers create more resilient cropping systems.
Melissa Ohlrich – Regional Crops Educator, Marathon and Clark Counties
Melissa is the new Regional Crops Educator for Marathon and Clark Counties. She grew up in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin before moving to Stevens Point where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Prior to working for Extension, Melissa worked as an agronomist for a vegetable farm in Waushara County. She worked with a variety of crops and loved getting her hands dirty in field work. Here, she furthered her fascination with crops and developed an appreciation for the hard work behind the farming process.
Find an educator near you, or find your local county office here.
