Haugen to Retire

Longtime Crawford County Agent to retire

By Ted Pennekamp

Longtime Crawford County Agent Vance Haugen will soon be retiring. In fact, Vance, who has worked for more than 26 years in the UW Extension Office in Crawford County, will officially retire on Jan. 31.

“It’s been a real good run and it’s been an enjoyable career,” said Vance who began his career in Shawano County where he worked for six and a half years before starting his duties in Crawford County on Jan. 2, 1992. Altogether, Vance has been a county agent in Wisconsin for 32 years and nine months.

Vance said he has really enjoyed working with farmers and living in a rural area, as well as being able to educate others while also having the opportunity to increase his own education.

“It’s been super to participate in lifelong learning,” he said.

Other career highlights Vance mentioned include working with the Great River Graziers for the past 25 years as well as on numerous Pasture Projects with farmers raising swine, beef cattle, dairy cattle, chickens, goats, sheep, and even honey bees.

Another major project was continually working on low cost milking systems countywide and statewide.

Vance has also traveled extensively as part of his job. He has visited Nicaragua five times, and the Dominican Republic twice, as well as Haiti, Zambia, Australia, Denmark and Guyana. While overseas, Vance has worked with farmers to develop methane digesters and on grazing projects. “I learned as much as I taught,” said Vance. “I considered it professional development for me.” Vance said the trips were done through the United States Agency for International Development.

Following retirement, Vance says he is looking forward to transitioning into other endeavors. “I will travel some and will continue farming on a limited basis,” he said. “I enjoy wood working with my grandchildren, and I will also start playing my music on a regular basis.” Vance noted that his main instrument is the guitar, but he also plays mandolin and violin. He has been known to join other musicians at area venues.

Vance said Crawford County is working with the UW Extension to fill his position. A new person is expected to be in place in July.

“I am looking forward to seeing what they do in helping the good folks of Crawford County,” said Vance who noted that he will be available should the new county agent wish to chat.