Heidi Johnson Named New Crop and Soils Educator for Dane County UW-Extension
January 25, 2013
Carrie Springer, Office of the County Executive 608.267.8823 or cell, 608.843.8858
County Executive
Brings Deep Experience in Horticulture, UW-Extension Service to the Role
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today that Heidi Johnson has been named the new Crop and Soils Educator for Dane County UW-Extension. She will bring her experience to Dane County’s new and existing farmers to provide a wide array of resources to help them maximize the profitability of their cropping operations.
Johnson has extensive experience working with the agriculture community through UW-Extension. She most recently worked for Jefferson County Extension as that county’s Crop and Soils Agent, and prior to that role, worked for UW-Extension in Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties.
“Every year, our hard-working farm families contribute $3 billion dollars annually to our local economy. Their efforts and innovation are recognized across the state, and the nation,” said Parisi. “Heidi’s experience and strong agriculture relationships will ensure that our farm families get the support they are looking for, whether they are new to farming or whether farming has been in the family for generations. I’m proud to welcome Heidi Johnson to Dane County and our UW-Extension team.”
Johnson attended UW Madison, earning a Masters and PhD while studying soybean aphid management in the Entomology Department and sweet corn and snap bean weed and nutrient management in the Horticulture Department. Heidi lives in Dane County with her husband and young son and is looking forward to working with the Dane County Ag Community.
“We are excited to have Heidi joining us here in Dane County. Her education and previous Extension experience will make her a valuable resource to Dane County farmers and our community,” said Carrie Edgar, Director of Dane County UW-Extension. “I look forward to working with Heidi and am confident that she will also provide strong support and leadership to the planning committee for the 2015 Farm Technology Days which will be hosted by Dane County.”
The Crop and Soils Educator administers education programs including crop production and horticulture, nutrient and land management, economics and marketing, farm and agricultural business management, and farm safety for youth and adults. A full listing of programs available through Dane County UW-Extension can be found at http://dane.uwex.edu.
Johnson will take over for outgoing Interim Crop and Soils Educator Lee Jennings, and will work closely with Nolen Andersen, Dane County UW-Extension’s Dairy and Livestock agent. Johnson can be reached at 608-224-3716 or by e-mail at Johnson.Heidi@countyofdane.com.
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