Land-grant schools spark ag future

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Pumpkins populate a wagon near fall fields in northern Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, agriculture contributes more than $116 billion annually to the state economy. The University of Wisconsin supports agriculture through research and direct instruction.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

William Arnon Henry

Corn stalks stand on display at a county fair in Bayfield County, Wisconsin. Research at land-grant universities like the University of Wisconsin helps develop crops and methods that increase prosperity.

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Hay is made on a field in far-northern Wisconsin. William A. Henry wrote ‘Feeds and Feeding: A Hand-book for the Student and Stockman’ that became known across the nation as the standard text for farmers. The book is still available in print and online.

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An ersatz cow stands ready to help people learn where milk comes from at the University of Wisconsin-Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center near Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Under William A. Henry’s leadership the University of Wisconsin-School of Agriculture supported the dairy industry in Wisconsin.

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Plants grow in a greenhouse at a market garden in far-northern Wisconsin. Use of greenhouses extends the growing season for several weeks in the north. New techniques are often tested during research at universities.

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A sign marking Agricultural Hall stands on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

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Agricultural Hall stands on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The hall was completed in 1907 at the end of William A. Henry’s tenure at the university. Henry is credited with developing the School of Agriculture.

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A group of cylindrical silos stands on a dairy farm near Chequamegon Bay if far-northern Wisconsin. The silos were promoted during the tenure of William A. Henry by the University of Wisconsin as a way to minimize spoilage when storing silage for dairy forage.

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Curious hens eye a camera lens. Land-grant universities like the University of Wisconsin conduct agricultural research and training in almost every aspect of agriculture.

Jason Maloney/For Agri-View

Jason Fishbach is an emerging-crops specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Division of Extension in Bayfield County. He conducts a workshop regarding hazelnut production near Ashland, Wisconsin. University Extension services take training to people across states that have land-grant universities.

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The University of Wisconsin residence of William Arnon Henry, the then-Dean of Agriculture, stands with Lake Mendota in the background. Photo was taken about 1900. It's part of the Blanchard Harper photograph collection.

Wisconsin Historical Society, Image #24047

William Henry's book is known across the nation as the standard text for farmers. The book was republished in several later editions, co-authored by Frank Morrison. It remains available both in print and online.

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Jason Maloney For Agri-View

MADISON, Wis. – It’s human nature to look at the world as we see it and never question how it came to be. Often we take for granted what’s here, believing it has ever been thus. We often don’t realize when we look at things we think of as old that they only recently came upon the scene. And we also often forget the hard work and talent behind many of the good things we now enjoy.

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Jason Maloney from Washburn in northern Wisconsin lives between Lake Superior and the orchards and farms of Bayfield County. The retired soldier and educator grew up on a family farm in Marinette County.