Daniel Smith is the program manager for the Nutrient and Pest Management (NPM) Program. Daniel received B.S. degrees in Soil and Crop Science and Agribusiness from UW-Platteville and a M.S. in Agroecology (weed science emphasis) from UW-Madison.

The NPM program responsible for providing support to county-based UW-Extension , USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and Land and Water department staff, producers, industry respresentatives, and agronomists on nutrient and pest management to improve water quality while protecting farm profitability.

Daniel’s key programming includes statewide research and outreach on cover crops, particularly interseeding, herbicide resistance, and waterhemp management.

John Shutske is a professor and Biological Systems Engineering specialist. John holds a B.S and M.S degree in Agricultural Mechanization and a doctorate in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University.

His work focuses on agricultural safety and health promotion for farmers, family members, and workers, and studies digital technology innovation in rural areas, including internet and information-based systems that can improve efficiency, safety, and communication. John holds an affiliate faculty appointment in the School of Medicine and Public Health.

John’s leadership activities since 1985 have promoted adoption of safe design of processes and machines through engineering, design of safety-related technologies, worker education, and risk management.

Bob Koch, Columbia County Emergency Management Director since 2021, grew up in the Columbia County area and has been involved with emergency services since 1996.

He is a Wisconsin Certified Fire Officer, Emergency Services Instructor, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, Wisconsin Certified Emergency Manager, and a FEMA Emergency Management Basic Academy Graduate.

Bob graduated from Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, Indiana. He lives in Lodi with wife Belle (an emergency room director and nurse at the rural Sauk Prairie Hospital) and their children.

Brad Cook is a 24 year member of the Pardeeville Fire Department and was awarded the 2020 Firefighter of the Year by officers from the department for his service.

The Department covers the Village of Pardeeville, Town of Marcellon, Town of Scott and Town of Wyocena.

He also serves as the Public Information Officer and on the Ag Extension/Land and Water Conservation Committee for the Columbia County Board.