Curious minds never stop growing—discover something new today and check out this month's Extension in Action Newsletter!

🎉It’s here! 🎉 Our 2024 Annual Report is now available online. Dive into the stories, stats, and successes that shaped our year.

Regional Dairy - Manuel Peña

Farming can be tough — especially during this busy time of year when the pressure is high and the days are long. While it's easy to focus on the work, it's just as important to take care of yourself. Whether looking for someone to talk to, or hoping to connect with others who understand, you're not alone. There are resources, support systems, and communities available to help you stay grounded and get through the tough moments. Check the Farm Angel Network and/or the Wisconsin Farm Center for more information.

FoodWIse - Kimberly Lafler

Tired of sugary drinks sneaking into your day like little sugar ninjas? Swap soda for something a little more... refreshing. Think water with a twist—literally! Add some lemon, lime, or even a fancy mint leaf if you're feeling extra. Carry a reusable water bottle like it’s your trusty sidekick, and check those nutrition labels like a detective on a mission. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!

Positive Youth Development - Marie Witzel

The Dodge County 4-H Shooting Sports program in Wisconsin helps youth build foundational skills in target shooting, progressing from beginner training to county fun shoots and statewide events, with top participants having the chance to compete nationally. Emphasizing life skills like responsibility, focus, and teamwork, the program also prioritizes firearm and archery safety, requiring certified adult instructors. As part of 4-H’s mission of positive youth development, it offers hands-on learning that builds confidence and character.

This year, Dodge County’s own Brooke Keskimaki represented Wisconsin at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships. Reflecting on the dedication and joy of the experience, Brooke shared “Never in my life would I have thought I would move on to nationals and compete with the best in the country. The amount of hours spent in my back yard just shooting at the target preparing myself for what was to come. The thoughts of am I going to let my team down, but in reality all you can do is have fun and try your best, and that’s what I did.”

Excitement continues as Dodge County hosts the Wisconsin 4-H State Shoot on July 25–26, 2025, at Horicon Marsh Bowmen—come cheer on talented youth from across the state!

Regional Crops – Will Fulwider

Field Notes Episode 27: Sunflower Production in Wisconsin

In years of low commodity prices, most farmers think about where they might be able to cut costs. Some might begin to think about alternative crops can fit into row crop production. Enter the sunflower. From birdseed, to oilseed, and just looking dang pretty, sunflower production in the state remains miniscule compared to corn, soy, and wheat, but new crops like it can help farmers diversify income streams and reduce risk. So how do we grow them anyways?

Community Development – Patricia Malone

Affordable housing is a growing concern in Dodge County, Wisconsin, and the country. Our incomes have increased, but they are not keeping pace with rising housing costs. The generally accepted guide is for people to spend 30% of their income or less on housing. More people are spending more than 30% on housing.

This has impacts beyond paying rent or meeting the mortgage payment. It leads to housing financial stress. This stress impacts the individuals and the community. It causes increased levels of food insecurity, hypertension, physical exhaustion, and other negative outcomes. People are accessing food banks. Their exhaustion impacts productivity at work. Folks who struggle with high housing costs are having to choose between paying their rent or getting their needed prescriptions. They may be forced to choose between making the mortgage payment and buying healthy food. Find a more in-depth discussion of this topic at WIndicators: The Impact of Housing Financial Stress on Community Well-Being. Erin Gaede, Tessa Conroy, and Steven Deller wrote this article. View the article in its entirety with the button below: 

Human Development & Relationships - Pattie Carroll

A smooth transition to kindergarten lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning journey,” says Pattie Carroll, Human Development and Relationships Educator. “When families feel supported and prepared, children are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically from day one.”  UW Extension Dodge County is excited to announce The Kindergarten Transition: Strategies for a Smooth Start, a supportive and informative free virtual workshop designed to help parents and caregivers prepare their children—and themselves—for the exciting journey into kindergarten. This free virtual workshop will provide practical strategies, expert insights, and emotional support to ensure a confident and calm start to the school year. Whether you're a first-time kindergarten parent or simply looking for fresh ideas, this session will equip you with tools to foster independence, ease anxiety, and build a strong foundation for success. You will also receive a free children’s book.

Workshop Details:
Dates: July 22 or August 12
Times: 9:00 AM or 6:00 PM (choose the time that works best for you)
Location: Online via Zoom (link will be emailed upon registration)

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