We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.

We are pleased to introduce Jace Purdy, who joins us as the new Human Development and Relationship Extension Educator in Sheboygan County. Jace’s career has been shaped by his deep passion for health and wellness, and a commitment to helping individuals and families thrive.

It is getting hotter and hotter here in Wisconsin and cows feel it too. For that reason, we are talking about ventilation in dairies. Dairy ventilation systems require optimized fan selection and design efficiency to combat severe heat stress and minimize hidden costs. Proper mechanical ventilation controls airflow, removes heat and moisture, and maintains air quality inside dairy barns when natural ventilation fails. Smart system design directly mitigates milk production declines and health issues in dairy cows during peak summer temperatures.

As we move deeper into the growing season, fungicide application decisions become one of the biggest sources of stress for farmers across the Midwest. Between aggressive marketing, endless online opinions, and an expanding list of fungicide products, determining whether, and when, to spray can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, advances in plant pathology and epidemiology have led to the development of disease forecasting tools that help improve decision-making and increase the likelihood of an economic return from fungicide applications. 

UW–Madison Extension Educators invite you to participate in a short survey. We are conducting research to better understand what dairy and livestock producers currently know about biosecurity, as well as how and what they would like to learn moving forward.

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Your responses will remain anonymous, and no identifying information will be linked to your answers.

If you have questions about this survey, please contact Sandra Stuttgen at sandra.stuttgen@wisc.edu or 715-748-3327.

On June 17 and 18, 2026, Sheboygan County hosted a Community Needs Forum focusing on the Community Development and Positive Youth Development Institutes with participation from representatives across local community organizations. The forum discussion focused on the challenges currently faced by the municipalities within land use, planning, public participation, zoning ordinances, state statutes, and other issues faced by local government officials. The following were identified as key areas of need that the Community Development Educator should focus on for Sheboygan County. 

The Town of Wilson asked Extension to help them engage more residents, especially young people, in their future planning process. What will the adults of tomorrow want this area of Sheboygan County to look like? So far, students at the SASD summer rec program have built models of their favorite amenities: restaurants near houses, an aquarium, a space mall, and a dragon zoo. Teens in juvenile detention would like more places to have fun away from home and school like mini-golf, skate parks, or a Dave & Busters. What do young people in your life think is important? Diana can come to your group to facilitate a conversation on local government planning, the Town of Wilson’s process, and your ideas for their next 10 years.

19 youth from Sheboygan and Manitowoc Counties served as leaders, mentors and staff at Upham Woods in the Wisconsin Dells for this years’ summer camp. The 19 youth staff worked for months preparing and organizing activities for the 71 campers.

As we keep adding more information about the basics of nutrition, today we wanted to talk about fat. Dietary lipids provide high-density energy to dairy cows, primarily boosting milk production and reproductive performance. Microbes in the rumen tend to turn unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids through a process called biohydrogenation. Later, the fatty acids go to the small intestine for absorption. Managing this fat intake within specific thresholds prevents negative rumen fermentation impacts while supporting cows through early lactation energy deficits. 

Lunch and Learn - Large Scale Solar in Wisconsin
August 27    I    12:00pm to 1:30pm    I    More info

Agriculture

Frost Seeding & Chill Field Day – Frost seeding pastures and grazing hayfields  - Arlington Research Station
August 6    I    6:30 pm    I    More info

No Till, No Spray, No Weeds Field Day
August 6    I    9:00 AM    I    More Info

High-Oleic Soybean Field Day - Brillion
August 25    I    9:30 am    I    More Info

4-H

Arts Camp
Registration: Aug. 15    I    Event: Oct. 3 - Oct. 4
Saturday - Sunday overnight at Upham Woods retreat center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Arts Camp – Wisconsin 4-H 

Youth as Partners in Civic Leadership
Registration: Oct. 4Event: Nov. 13-15
Friday - Sunday overnight at Upham Woods retreat center, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Youth as Partners in Civic Leadership – Wisconsin 4-H 

4-H State Programs & Educational Experiences Calendar, 2026-2027
All of the statewide events in one place, sorted by theme (ex: STEM, Travel, Outdoor, etc.)
Statewide Events and Opportunities – Wisconsin 4-H