The Hub connects science and farms, funding research that develops decision-making tools to improve Wisconsin’s dairies.
MOOVING COWS
“Mooving Cows,” an educational video game developed by Jennifer Van Os in UW–Madison’s Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, has been downloaded more than 20,000 times. The game provides dairy workers and enthusiasts with a virtual platform to practice low-stress cow handling skills and is now publicly available.
Photo right: At the 2024 Dairy Summit, Jordan Matthews of Rosy-Lane Holsteins in Watertown, Wis., noted that the farm integrates the game’s completion certificate into its formal training program for employees.
ONLINE, SELF-PACED, NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT CURRICULUM
The Division of Extension, Nutrient and Pest Management program developed an online, self-paced nutrient management curriculum at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that farmers could continue to access essential training. This fully online course, now in its second version, remains a valuable resource for farmers, allowing them to work through the modules at their convenience. DATCP now hosts it.”
Photo: Derek Yanke (left) from Echo-Y Farms in Loganville, Wis., appreciated the convenience and flexibility of the online course, which he took to enhance his knowledge and meet a landlord’s requirement.
SMART
SMART (SnapPlus Manure Application Realtime Tracker) is an online mapping tool developed by the creators of SnapPlus, which is required for all 590 plans with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. SMART integrates with SnapPlus, enabling users to see where to apply manure in real time. Users import their Snap files, and the tool moves with them in the field. It is used by custom manure haulers, farmers, and consultants.
Jeremy Heim, a farmer and custom manure hauler from Kewaunee, Wisconsin, shared, “We are excited about tracking devices to help us build trust with state and federal agencies. It’s been interesting building our experience with the tool. We are trying to be safer and better at applying manure, and this helps with that.”
Photo: The SMART app displays real-time zones where manure can (green) and cannot (red) be applied. It works on tablets and phones, which is critical for field use.