Ag forum features new secretary, researchers

Rod Nilsestuen, the new secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, will be the featured speaker at an agricultural issues forum. The event will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Biotechnology Center auditorium.

Following a welcome by Elton Aberle, dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, wildlife ecologist Nancy Mathews will discuss the ecology of chronic wasting disease, and UW Extension food scientist Barbara Ingham will review consumer and food-safety aspects of CWD. Travis Kuhlka, an animal sciences student, will discuss his research on West Nile virus.

Nilsestuen will comment on CWD and West Nile issues. He will also discuss employment/intern possibilities for students during tight budget times, and opportunities and issues for cooperative work by the college and his department.

Question-and-answer sessions will follow the presentations. The UW–Madison Undergraduate Ag Business Club sponsors the forum.