Another $1.7 million in cuts would come from reducing campus and UW-Extension specialist funding and positions. Administrative and program support cuts in the proposal would result in another $700,000 in savings.

On Wednesday, officials with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation said the organization would have a reaction to the proposed changes, but were not prepared to share it publicly until after presenting it to UW Extension representatives. Rep. Steve Doyle, D-La Crosse, said he was worried the proposed changes would result is less and poorer service for residents who work with Extension.

Doyle is also a member of the La Crosse County Board and works closely with local Extension staff. He said he opposes the area model for Extension, which under the draft proposal would lump La Crosse, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Jackson and Pepin counties together in one area.

La Crosse County is much more urban and serves a different population from Trempealeau County, he said, and needs educators with expertise in different topics. By reducing the number of educators and increasing the area they cover, people won't be on a first-name basis with their Extension agents anymore.

"That is why Extension is so successful," he said. "Its the personalization of services and getting to know how government can work for you."