Laura Paletta, Extension Agriculture Water Quality Outreach Specialist
Laura Paletta serves as a Regional Outreach Specialist with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension’s Agriculture Water Quality Program, supporting farmers, agricultural professionals, and conservation partners across northeast Wisconsin. Laura focuses on helping agricultural communities address water quality challenges through research-based education, on-farm outreach, and practical nutrient management solutions.
Laura brings a strong research background to her role. She has a Master of Science in Soil Science and Agroecology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from SUNY Oneonta. Prior to beginning her Extension role in 2022, and she worked as an associate research specialist for UW-Madison investigating phosphorus movement in runoff with the use of different tillage and cover crops, and how soil health plays a role in nutrient movement.
Currently, her work focuses on manure management, phosphorus use, and reducing nutrient losses from farm fields in northeast Wisconsin. Northeast Wisconsin is known for its dairy farm presence paired with unique soil and bedrock conditions, which can increase water quality concerns.
One aspect Laura values most about her role is connecting science with real-world decision-making. Whether she’s collecting soil samples, analyzing data, or speaking with farmers and agricultural professionals, she enjoys helping people understand how research can improve both farm productivity and environmental outcomes.
“I love being out in the field collecting samples, then getting the results back, analyzing them, and sharing what they mean,” Laura said. “The best part of my job is seeing that lightbulb moment when someone understands the information and sees how it applies to their farm.”
Laura serves as the co-chair for the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference. This annual conference brings farmers, researchers, conservation professionals, and industry leaders together to explore how soil health and water quality practices support Wisconsin agriculture.
“It’s exciting because it brings the crops and soils side and the water quality side together,” Laura said. “We get to talk about how we all work together to make a difference on the land.”
Through research, education, and collaboration, Laura helps Wisconsin farmers and agricultural professionals implement practices that keep nutrients in the field, protect water resources, and support productive farms across the state.
To contact Laura or an Extension agriculture expert or ask a question, visit:
go.wisc.edu/ContactExtensionAgriculture
