Dear Valued Partners,

We are excited to refocus our Extension in Action newsletter to incorporate all of our educational programs each month. In the past we focused on one program area each month. This is an opportunity for you to learn more about UW Madison-Division of Extension and the resources the educators bring to Dodge County and beyond. 

We are also holding a community needs assessment forum on February 28th, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm to gather feedback from our partners on the needs in Dodge County. To register your attendance or give us feedback please visit: https://forms.gle/Y5fMSxCREJJFeBzh6 

With gratitude,

Cindy Sarkady
Interim Area Extension Director
Dodge County

Regional Dairy - Manuel Peña

Much research is taking place on how heifer grazing can fit into the modern dairy farm. Virtual fencing is also becoming more popular. This presentation will cover what you need to know to incorporate virtual fencing into an operation. In this webinar, Dr. David Jaramillo talks about how grazing fits into the modern dairy, and Stephanie Bowers, our Regional Dairy Educator in Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano & Winnebago Counties shares some information on virtual fencing for dairy systems who need it.

FoodWIse - Kimberly Lafler

Join FoodWIse and others in celebrating National Nutrition Month this March! 

This March, create connections to your food and your community during #NationalNutritionMonth! Connect with friends or family over a healthy meal. Check out these fun ideas to dive in and promote healthful habits at home, the office, school or wherever you are!

Positive Youth Development - Marie Witzel

What are Cloverbuds?  The Wisconsin 4-H program identified cloverbud program as an informal educational program specifically designed for five-year-old kindergarten to 2nd grade. The delivery of the Cloverbud program varies.   The primary purpose of the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Cloverbud program is to provide a welcoming and safe environment that promotes children’s healthy development mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically.  

This program is focused on Sparks, which is giving youth options to explore a variety of different things to give youth a chance to find their passion in an area.  this may become something they will continue to do during their youth or into their entire lifetime.  From participating in these programs, parents have shared their children have learned

 - “Knowledge, ability to share that knowledge with others, confidence in technology and online speaking”

 - “She grew to be eager to answer questions and participate”

 - "My child became more confident to attempt the project on her own as the series progressed".  

Registration is now open for this fun and educational virtual series designed just for Cloverbuds (K-2nd graders)!  This 4-week series in April will take Cloverbuds on an adventure of igniting their sparks, becoming innovators in STEM, using their creative problem-solving minds, and hatching their inner Cloverbud hero selves. Hatch the excitement in your Cloverbud and register them today.  Register by March 3rd.  Families can begin picking up their kits on March 11th. 

Regional Crops – Will Fulwider

This site assembles resources to help farmers and those working with farmers make sign-up decisions for the commodity support programs ARC and PLC for the 2025 crop year. Use this helpful tool to help determine your needs and decision.

Community Development – Patricia Malone

Think back to the community you grew up in. Was it a small, rural community? Was it a larger, more urban community? If you are old enough you probably remember your hometown’s downtown. Was it vibrant? An exciting place to be? How was the shopping? Banking? Services? Particularly for smaller communities, the downtown was the heart of the community. It could be used as a measure of a community’s health.

Times have changed and so have downtowns. People are commuting further for work. On-line shopping opportunities have increased. Business owners are growing older and retiring leaving empty storefronts behind. As these changes happen, community leaders often choose between letting their downtowns deteriorate or they work hard to revitalize the heart of their city or village.

As I drive around Dodge County, I have seen examples of both approaches. It isn’t easy to fight against trends, but there are programs and resources that can help. I have put the link for UW-Madison Division of Extensions Downtown Economics homepage. They provide articles on different tools and strategies you can use to make a vibrant downtown. This a great place to start imagining how you want your community to be.

Human Development & Relationships - Pattie Carroll

Raising children to be honest is crucial because it helps build a foundation of trust and integrity, which are essential for healthy relationships and personal development. Honesty fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability, encouraging children to own their actions and learn from their mistakes. It also promotes a positive reputation and respect from others, which can open doors to opportunities and meaningful connections. Ultimately, instilling honesty in children prepares them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and ethical principles.

Have Questions?

Extension is here to help.

UW Extension Office:
920-386-3790

Find these topics and more on our website: http://dodge.extension.wisc.edu