By Blake Jackson
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension has appointed Deb Ihm as its new Farm Management Outreach Specialist, focusing on farm succession planning and financial management education. In her statewide role, Ihm will help Wisconsin farmers strengthen their business management skills through educational programs, partnerships, and practical resources.
Ihm responsibilities will include promoting existing farm management programs, identifying opportunities for new educational initiatives, and developing partnerships to address important business challenges facing agricultural producers.
Strong and financially sustainable farm businesses play an important role in Wisconsin's $100 billion agricultural economy. Farmers regularly face decisions involving financial planning, business operations, and long-term investments.
Providing access to reliable information and practical management tools can help producers evaluate opportunities, implement improvements, and measure 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," said Deb Ihm, Farm Management Outreach Specialist.
Ihm brings more than 20 years of experience in agricultural finance and farm management. Her professional background includes working as a lender, teaching farm management, and serving as the chief financial officer of her family's organic dairy farm. These roles have given her experience with financial records, business benchmarks, and the everyday challenges involved in operating an agricultural business.
Ihm also has practical knowledge of farm recordkeeping, financial planning, organic certification audits, and succession discussions. Her experience will help her provide guidance that connects financial management principles with the realities of farm operations.
Ihm holds a Master of Education and Professional Development from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. She has also developed and delivered farm management education programs designed to help producers make informed business decisions.
Ihm began her new statewide position on October 26, 2026, and is based at the Grant County Extension Office in Lancaster, Wisconsin.
Farmers seeking assistance can contact Ihm at deb.ihm@wisc.edu or 608-590-8175.
Photo Credit: university-of-wisconsin-madison
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Education