Margaret Murphy

· The first decorated Christmas tree was in Riga, Latvia in 1510.

· Besides evergreens, other types of trees such as cherry and hawthorns were used as Christmas trees in the past.

· Using small candles to light a Christmas tree dates back to the middle of the 17th century.

· Christmas tree lights were first mass-produced in 1890.

· In 1900, large stores started to showcase big, illuminated Christmas trees.

Margaret Murphy

It is estimated that about 66% of all households in the United States decorate their homes with at least one houseplant. This is not surprising since houseplants add beauty and interest to our indoor space as well as provide a boost of green cheer through the long winter months.

When it comes to the winter care of houseplants, there are a few things to think about such as indoor temperature, watering and fertilizing.

Amaryllis

This is the time of year you will find bulbs for amaryllis. To learn more about these lovely flowers, check out Growing and caring for amaryllis: https://extension.umn.edu/houseplants/amaryllis.

Rosemary

This is also the time of year that you may come across Rosemary topiaries. To learn more about this great smelling and versatile herb, see Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/rosemary-rosemarinus-officinalis/.

Winter care of trees and shrubs

We never know what a Wisconsin winter will bring, so it’s good to have information on winter protection of trees and shrubs. Check out this fact sheet Protecting trees and shrubs in winter: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/protecting-trees-and-shrubs-winter.

Also have a look at Preparing Landscape Plants for Winter: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/2025/10/20/preparing-landscape-plants-for-winter/.

Choosing the Right Christmas Tree

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/choosing-the-right-christmas-tree/

Find more horticulture articles at Wisconsin Yard & Garden, a weekly horticulture column. Plus, visit Wisconsin Horticulture – Division of Extension website where you’ll find many gardening resources and can submit a garden question.

Find more horticulture articles at Wisconsin Yard & Garden, a weekly horticulture column by Bruce Spangenberg Horticulture Outreach Specialist. Plus, visit Wisconsin Horticulture – Division of Extension website where you’ll find: Ask Your Gardening Question

Margaret Murphy

Email: margaret.murphy@wisc.edu

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

With cattle prices at all-time highs, forward-thinking cattle feeders and backgrounders will be doing some calculations to determine what they can pay for feeder calves, and/or what they should forward contract them for. To assist with this task UW-Madison Division of Extension has assembled a set of projections using initial purchase prices for feeders calves derived from late September 2025 Wisconsin feeder calf sale reports.

This monthly webinar series of timely topics for beef producers takes place from December 2025 through March 2026. Our free 60-minute webinars begin at 7:00pm CST and include time at the end for questions.

Check out our statewide website to explore research-based resources and expert guidance that support animal health, herd management, and sustainable livestock operations.

Ryan Sterry

Email: ryan.sterry@wisc.edu

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

Each year, the National Agricultural Statistics Service and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection publish a County Cash Rent Report of cash rental averages for non-irrigated cropland and pastureland in Wisconsin for various counties. UW-Madison Extension offers resources and analysis on Wisconsin agricultural land prices and rental values. Regional agriculture Extension educators can provide insights into key factors influencing local rental rates, such as land quality, location, and other factors.

Check out our statewide website to explore research-based resources and expert guidance that support managing soil health, improving crop production, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Jerry Clark

Email: jerome.clark@wisc.edu 

Chippewa, Dunn & Eau Claire Counties

Is beef production in your future? Maybe you are new to beef production or perhaps you are a dairy producer thinking about adding or transitioning to cow-calf production. If so, then join the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Beef School for Beginners. Six, free,1 ½ hour online classes will be held from 7 - 8.30 pm in 2026 on January 27, 29, and February 3, 5, 10, and 12.

Registration details are coming soon and will be posted at https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/

The statewide Extension website is your go-to place for helpful information, classes, and events offered across the state. Whether you’re interested in farming, gardening, health, youth programs, or community resources, you can quickly find tools and programs available in your area. Visit the statewide event calendar to find upcoming events happening in your area!

Connect with us on our websites to learn more, stay updated and get in touch!

Chippewa

chippewa.extension.wisc.edu

Dunn

dunn.extension.wisc.edu

Eau Claire

eauclaire.extension.wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.