University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension is pleased to announce Deb Ihm as the new Extension Farm Management Outreach Specialist, focused on farm succession and financial management outreach education. This position is designed to provide outreach education and support for programs that promote successful farm business management practices for Wisconsin farmers. Deb will drive awareness of programs and identify opportunities for new program development while creating and supporting partnerships that promote solutions to the most critical management issues facing Wisconsin agricultural producers.
Profitable, healthy farm businesses are essential to Wisconsin’s $100 billion agriculture economy. Farmers must continually evaluate opportunities and challenges using business management skills and reliable information to make informed decisions. By breaking farm management responsibilities into manageable tasks, farmers can more effectively implement changes, evaluate results, and improve business performance.
I have yet to meet a farmer who started farming because they wanted to do financial analysis and bookwork. If I can help make this part of their job easier and provide more confidence in their decision making, then that’s a win for them and Wisconsin agriculture.
Deb Ihm, Farm Management Outreach Specialist
As the new Farm Management Outreach Specialist, Deb will leverage her 20+ years of experience to break down financial management and analysis to help strengthen the competitiveness and long-term success of Wisconsin farms. Her previous work as a lender, farm management instructor, and Chief Financial Officer on her family’s organic dairy farm has provided multiple perspectives on the financial records and benchmarks that matter, balanced with the daily realities of running a farm. Deb also brings boots-on-the-ground experience with recordkeeping, financial management, organic audits, and farm succession conversations.
Deb has earned a Master of Education and Professional Development from UW LaCrosse and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from UW River Falls. Deb has built a strong reputation for delivering impactful farm management education programs that empower Wisconsin farmers to make informed business decisions. Her expertise and commitment to serving farmers and WI agriculture make her a great addition to the Extension Farm Management Program.
Deb started as a state outreach specialist on October 26th. Located at the Grant County Extension Office, 916 E Elm Street, Suite A, Lancaster, WI 53813, Deb can be contacted at deb.ihm@wisc.edu or (608) 723-2125. Learn more about Deb and the Farm Management Program at: farms.extension.wisc.edu/people.