Dan Undersander

Dr. Dan Undersander, former Professor in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), specialized in forage science and agricultural extension. His research focused on alfalfa plant health, forage management (including silage fermentation, big bale wrapping, and pasture optimization), and applications of near-infrared spectroscopy for forage analysis. He co-led the Wisconsin Team Forages, a statewide initiative coordinating extension efforts across specialists and county agents. Dr. Undersander retired but remains associated with UW's Forage Research Extension, contributing to national e-Extension initiatives and improving forage information dissemination through digital platforms.

Education: While specific degrees aren't listed, his professional roles imply advanced training in agronomy or plant science.

Research Interests: Alfalfa physiology, forage quality preservation, sustainable grazing systems, and the integration of wildlife conservation with agricultural practices. His work bridges laboratory research (e.g., lignin reduction in alfalfa) with on-farm applications, emphasizing economic feasibility and environmental sustainability.

Advancing Knowledge: Dr. Undersander's publications span

• Optimizing silage fermentation with microbial additives
• Evaluating reduced-lignin alfalfa cultivars
• Minimizing exogenous ash in hay through equipment innovations
• Economic thresholds for pest management (e.g., potato leafhopper)

Awards: None explicitly mentioned in text.

Labs/Teams: UW Forage Research Extension, Team Forages (statewide collaboration).