Interim Farm and Industry Short Courses will be offered the weeks of Jan. 5-9 and Jan. 12-16 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Courses offered the week of Jan. 5-9:

* Apple Management: Biology of the Crop and its Pests
For commercial apple growers who want to learn more about their orchards as complex living systems. Will cover the biology of the apple tree and its pests, and how biological principles influence management decisions.
Jan. 5-7 Instructors: Dan Mahr, Patty McManus and Teryl Roper
* Advanced Dairy Nutrition
Course will include in-class exercises on computer ration evaluations.
Jan. 5-9 Instructor: Randy Shaver
* Advanced Reproduction
Students will become proficient in artificial insemination, ovarian palpation and pregnancy detection. Embryo transfer and ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration will be demonstrated.
Jan. 5-9 Instructors: David Northey
* Using Computers to Assist in Decision Making
Learn accounting principles using AAIMS software, including setting up chart of accounts and applying that information to decision-making. Also covers methods for calculating cost of production analysis.
Jan. 6-9 Instructors: Gary Frank and Arlin Brannstrom
* Precision Agriculture
Topics include Global Positioning Systems and DGPs, grid soil sampling, yield monitoring, variable-rate technology, on-the-go sensors, GIS and related software. One field trip is planned.
Jan. 5-7 Instructors: Ron Schuler and Richard Wolkowski
* Wisconsin School for Beginning Market Gardeners
Overview of market gardening will emphasize skills for smaller scale producers. UW researchers will present the basic principles of market gardening, and how to develop connections between production and marketing strategies.
Jan. 5-9 Instructors: Helen Harrison, Horticulture staff and practitioners.

Courses offered the week of Jan. 12-16:

* Advanced Reproduction
(see week of Jan. 5-9 for description)
* Field Scout Training School
Instructors from Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Soil Science will cover pest identification and crop scouting techniques for field corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat. Topics will include seed identification, herbicide injury identification, and soil and tissue sampling.
Jan. 12-16 Instructor: Bryan Jensen
* Livestock Marketing
Class will analyze various marketing methods, how prices are determined, interaction of supply and demand for meat, techniques of market management. Industry guests will assess the roles of producers, livestock markets, packers, retailers, food service and the public sector.
Jan. 12-15 Instructor: Patrick Luby
* Milking Systems and Parlor Design & Operation
Milking systems courses designed for those with limited experience with milking systems evaluation, or who will do evaluations without vacuum recorders, air-flow meters, etc. Parlor Design will review the major components and considerations when designing a new facility, emphasizing low-cost parlor designs for expanding herds.
Jan. 12-14 Instructor: Doug Reinemann
* Pasture Management
Covers establishment, improvement and plant growth. In-depth discussions on pasture layout, fencing and water systems. Animal behavior on pasture, animal nutrient needs versus pasture growth, and supplemental feeding also covered.
Jan. 12-16 Instructor: Daniel Undersander.

The fee for each course is $200, which includes registration and instructional materials. For registration forms or information on parking and lodging, call CALS Outreach Services, (608) 263-1672.