FISC Ag Forward, a short course offered by the University of Wisconsin­–Madison’s Farm and Industry Short Course, took place on the UW–Madison campus on January 22 with another session tentatively planned for March. Sessions included a tour of the Dairy Cattle Center and introductions to the Dairy Innovation Hub and the university’s agricultural research stations.

Matt Ruark, professor of soil and environmental sciences and faculty director for the Dairy Innovation Hub, explained how the state-funded research and development partnership between UW–Madison, UW-River Falls and UW-Platteville, helps keep Wisconsin’s $52.8 billion dairy community at the global forefront in producing nutritious dairy products in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable manner.

Mike Peters, director of UW–Madison’s Agricultural Research Stations, provided an overview of every station across the state, explaining their unique features, research specialties and employment opportunities.

A networking lunch allowed students to chat with Rachel Zwieg, a FISC alumna, who along with husband Kyle were named National Outstanding Young Farmers.

Other UW–Madison FISC offerings in 2026 include a Beekeeping Short Course and the Turfgrass Apprenticeship Program.