Coronavirus concerns cancel agriculture events

UPDATED: March 31, 2020

The ag industry began feeling the impact of COVID-19 with the March 12 announcement from Wisconsin Public Service of the cancellation of it's 60th annual WPS Farm Show scheduled for March 31 - April 2 in Oshkosh. 

Matt Cullen of WPS said in a new release that the decision to cancel the signature event was made in order to protect the health and safety of attendees, and follows recommendations issued Thursday by Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

As reported by Wisconsin Ag Connection, the following groups have announced whether or not they will be holding their respective events. This list will be updated as more information comes in. 

CENTER FOR DAIRY RESEARCH - Cancelled: All short courses through April 10. Postponed: CheeseExpo2020 and Spring CDR Industry Team Meeting.

COMPEER FINANCIAL - Moves to virtual service - As a preventive measure and out of an abundance of caution, Compeer Financial will move to virtual service via phone and online, temporarily closing all offices effective Wednesday, March 18. Offices will remain closed through Tuesday, March 31, at which point the organization will re-evaluate the situation, closely following CDC recommendations and guidelines.

DATCP PESTICIDE APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION - Cancelled: Exams scheduled on and after March 18, 2020. Online exam available for individuals to become temporarily certified until Oct. 31 as a commercial pesticide applicator. This video details how to sign-up for the exam.

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, TRADE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION: Cancelled: ‘Unexpected Tomorrows’ workshops scheduled March 26 in Green Bay; April 9 in Beaver Dam; and April 16 in Dodgeville.

Farmers and their families in need of assistance can contact the Wisconsin Farm Center: 1-800-942-2474.

2020 Wisconsin Dairy Showcase - Cancelled: The 2020 Wisconsin Dairy Showcase, scheduled for April 22-25, 2020 at the Alliant Energy Center. The show will not be rescheduled. 

Pending: UW-Madison State FFA CDE Judging, Madison, April 24

Pending: Sectional Speaking Contests - various (All WI Schools are closed through April 6, per state order)

WISCONSIN LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION CONSORTIUM - Postponed: WLIC Annual Meeting, Madison, April 7

WISCONSIN CHEESE MAKERS ASSOCIATION - Canceled: International Cheese Technology Exposition, Milwaukee, April 14-16

WISCONSIN HORSE COUNCIL - Canceled: Midwest Horse Fair, Madison, April 17-19

WISCONSIN HUNTER EDUCATION ASSOCIATION - Canceled: Recertification Course, Rothschild, April 18

WISCONSIN RURAL PARTNERS - Postponed: Wisconsin Rural Summit, Marshfield, April 22-23

National Farm Medicine Center - Postponed: Agricultural Rescue Training, May 8 -9. For questions about registration and refunds, contact Tanya Esser, esser.tanya@marshfieldclinic.org, 715-389-3776.

Wisconsin FFA 2020 State Convention - Postponed: June 15-18 in-person event. Online experience for FFA members in June. Cancelled: June 15 Convention Expo.

Farm Technology Days - Postponed to July 20-22, 2021, Huntsinger Farms, Eau Claire. 

Carol Spaeth-Bauer at 262-875-9490 or carol.spaeth-bauer@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at cspaethbauer or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/carol.spaethbauer.