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

Regional Dairy - Manuel Peña

Fiber is an important part of dairy cattle diets, and much confusion exists surrounding the different types of fiber found in common diet feedstuffs and how they can be leveraged in a well-balanced diet. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate and successful inclusion in the diet supports overall cow health and productivity. Click the box below to read an article that will break down the different types of fiber and how each supports milk production.

FoodWIse - Kimberly Lafler

Food and beverage choices matter. Offering foods and beverages high in nutrients can make a large difference in your family's health. Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables. Offer a variety of grains, try to make half whole grain. Explore different types of animal and plant proteins. Discover different types of dairy or fortified soy alternatives. Choose foods and beverages with limited added sugar, saturated fats and sodium.

Positive Youth Development - Marie Witzel

What is a Spark? Sparks are activities or skills that interest you, light your fire, and help you find joy, energy, and purpose.

Find your Sparks by asking questions, thinking about what excites or interests you, and trying new things. When you know what your sparks are, you can dig in and explore more. The Wisconsin 4-H Sparks Roadmap can help you get started.

Regional Crops – Will Fulwider

Join UW–Madison grain agronomy, field crop pathology, weed management, soils, forage, and farm economics researchers for a half-day field-based tour of the latest ongoing trials and research updates.

Participants should expect to be outside for the majority of the event. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., and field tours leave promptly at 8:30 a.m. After field tours, lunch is available for purchase courtesy of the Wisconsin Association of Professional Ag Consultants (WAPAC).

Community Development – Patricia Malone

Talk to a local business owner, and many will tell you about their struggles to find workers for their job openings or workers with the right skills to meet job needs. The June 2025 WIndicator, entitled Labor Shortages, Productivity, and Economic Growth in Wisconsin by Mckenzie Boyce and Steven Deller, highlights and discusses the challenges Wisconsin’s economy is facing with our structural labor shortage. Wisconsin is facing a situation where there are more jobs than there are workers looking for jobs. This is part of a national trend. Our gross domestic product (GDP) and total employment are growing, but employment growth is outpacing GDP. The result is a decline in worker output. This structural labor shortage is linked to many changes in our economy. While we can use some of our tried and true strategies, we will have to think outside the box. Merely increasing productivity will not be sufficient to offset the effects of our worker shortages on economic growth. For more information on this topic, click on the following link:

Human Development & Relationships - Pattie Carroll

As summer winds down, parents play a vital role in helping children transition back to school with confidence and calm. From re-establishing routines to supporting emotional wellbeing, small steps can make a big difference. Pattie Carroll, Human Development Educator, recommends easing into school schedules early, staying engaged with your child’s academic progress, and fostering open conversations about friendships and feelings. Whether your child is excited or anxious, your support sets the tone for a successful year.

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