Cooperative Extension: A Unique Partnership

The educational programs of the Washburn County Cooperative Extension office and its staff are the result of a partnership between Washburn County, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The objective of that partnership is to use the knowledge and research of the University of Wisconsin-Madison to meet the educational needs of Washburn County residents through the efforts of University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension faculty.

Additional Services Provided by Washburn County UW-Extension

Water Sampling

Water sample test kits can be obtained at the office on 304 2nd St., Shell Lake, WI. The "Homeowner Package" is a total cost of $55.00 and tests for the following: Corrosivity, Coliform Bacteria, Nitrate-Nitrogen, pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Chloride, and Conductivity. Other tests are available, but require a special acidified bottle that must be obtained directly from the lab. These tests vary in cost. Call 635-4444 for more information.

Soil Sampling

Soil sample packets can be obtained at the Ag Research Station W6646 Hwy 70 or the UW Extension office, 304 2nd St., Shell Lake, WI. There are two different kinds of soil testing.

  1. "Turf, Gardens, Fruits, Trees and Ornamentals" - Routine test costs $15.00. Tests for pH, Organic Matter, Lime Requirements, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
  2. "Field, Vegetable and Fruit Crops" - Routine test costs $8.00. Tests for pH, Organic Matter, Lime Requirements, Phosphorus, and Potassium.

Other tests are available for an additional cost. Call 635-4444 for more information.