DATCP: Long-time DATCP employee earns national recognition

Contact: Donna Gilson 608-224-5130 donna.gilson@wi.gov

MADISON – Jane Larson, a 21-year employee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Communication, will receive a national award for her work in communications, DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski announced today.

Larson will accept the 2010 Communications Honor Award Sept. 18 from the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture at the association’s annual meeting in Delaware. NASDA presents the annual awards to recognize outstanding professionals who work for its members.

Romanski said, “Jane’s long history with the department, her positive attitude, and common-sense communication approach make her an incredibly valuable public servant. This award recognizes an exceptional member of our staff for her outstanding contributions to the communications profession in general and the public information efforts of DATCP in particular.”

“I’m so touched and honored that my co-workers nominated me for this award; it was a complete surprise,” Larson said. “Through the years I’ve learned so much, because of the tremendous variety of programs within DATCP and issues within agriculture. I’ve always really appreciated my co-workers who are so good at their jobs, and able to explain their work to me clearly so I can explain it to the public. The Wisconsin media, especially our ag media, are great to work with, because they are so committed to getting the word out to their audiences.”

Larson joined the department in 1990 as a research analyst, before moving to public information work in sustainable agriculture. Since 1993, she has been a public information officer with the Agricultural Resource Management Division, working primarily with programs and issues involving soil and water quality, agricultural chemicals, and plant pests. She is responsible for providing the public with information about division programs and regulations via press releases and media interviews, trade show exhibits, web material, fact sheets and brochures, and training for those affected.

Reflecting on changes during her career, Larson said, “The internet and social media have added new sources of information and new tools for us. Global issues are having a greater impact on us, like the melamine-contaminated pet food and the increasing threats from invasive pests. I’ve been part of the public information efforts with Wisconsin Emergency Management when our state has been hit with natural disasters like floods or tornadoes. I’ve witnessed an increased collaboration with our federal partners like USDA-APHIS, with counterparts from other state departments of agriculture, and with other Wisconsin agencies. That allows for a better information sharing and problem-solving and ultimately, better service for the citizens of Wisconsin.”

High-profile issues and programs she has worked on include livestock siting, pesticide disposal, groundwater protection and atrazine prohibition areas, pet food melamine recalls, and gypsy moth and emerald ash borer surveillance and control.

Larson is a native of Pennsylvania and earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business management from Penn State. She joined the Wisconsin field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service immediately upon graduation, and worked there until accepting her post with DATCP. She lives in Madison with her husband, Jim Larson, and two sons.