Agriculture and Extension Education Committee — Agenda Packet

Page 1 of 1 PORTAGE COUNTY MEETING AGENDA AGRICULTURE AND EXTENSION EDUCATION COMMITTEE PORTAGE COUNTY ANNEX CONFERENCE ROOMS 1 & 2 1462 STRONGS AVENUE STEVENS POINT, WI 54481 Thursday, October 8, 2026 5:00 PM REMOTE ATTENDANCE & COMMENT To attend this meeting by telephone : dial +13126266799, after dialing the number you will then be asked to enter in a meeting number. Use the following meeting number: 949 1744 8227. You will then be asked to enter in a passcode. Use passcode: 961565. To attend this meeting by video: Click Here If prompted, enter passcode: 961565. CALL TO ORDER Committee Members enter Per Diem and Mileage CORRESPONDENCE REPORTS 1. Review YTD Budget Report 2. Area Extension Director Report - Office Operations, Activities, and Updates • Ag & Extension Committee Discussion and Questions about Extension 3. Educator Reports - Programming and Activities 4. Presentation from Tracy Arnold, Portage County Conservationist 5. Special Meeting Attendance Reports (Portage County Ordinance 3.1.47 & 3.1.48) PUBLIC NOTICE Members of the public who wish to address the Committee on specific agenda items must register their request at this time, with such comments subject to the public comment ordinance and the reasonable control of the Committee Chair as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6. Review/approval of minutes from August 13, 2026 DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION NEXT MEETING DATE November 12, 2026 5:00 PM ADJOURNMENT Notice: Any person who has special needs and plans on attending this meeting in-person or remotely should contact the Extension Office at 715-346-1316 as soon as possible to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be made. Notice: Remote comment by the public during the meeting will be at the discretion of the Chair. Notice: A quorum of the Portage County Board of Supervisors, or any committee thereof, may be present at this meeting. Page 1 of 14 PORTAGE COUNTY, WI YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 09/30/2026 11:08 User: rochad Program ID: glytdbud Page 1 FOR 2026 09 ACCOUNTS FOR: ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT 110 General APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD ACTUAL ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USE/COL 11531000 UW - Administration 46770 UW Extension Fees -200 0 -200 -16.67 .00 -183.33 8.3% 48900 Other Miscellaneous Revenues -5,500 0 -5,500 -2,523.59 .00 -2,976.41 45.9% 51105 Salaries/Wages (Full-time) 80,658 -39,115 41,543 28,714.65 .00 12,828.35 69.1% 51305 FICA & Medicare Taxes 5,995 -2,992 3,003 2,065.94 .00 937.06 68.8% 51505 Retirement - County Share 5,807 -2,816 2,991 2,031.98 .00 959.02 67.9% 51510 Health Insurance - County Sha 11,960 0 11,960 8,969.76 .00 2,990.24 75.0% 51515 Life Insurance - County Share 66 -32 34 26.46 .00 7.54 77.8% 51520 Disability Insurance - County 221 -107 114 88.38 .00 25.62 77.5% 51530 Worker's Compensation 145 -70 75 45.98 .00 29.02 61.3% 52210 Telephone 213 0 213 156.64 .00 56.36 73.5% 52480 Computer Services - County IT 31,985 0 31,985 23,988.78 .00 7,996.22 75.0% 53100 Office Supplies 1,408 0 1,408 819.32 .00 588.68 58.2% 53130 Postage & Shipping 5,500 0 5,500 1,138.06 716.75 3,645.19 33.7% 53140 Photocopying & Printing 176 0 176 39.21 .00 136.79 22.3% 53207 Subscriptions 100 0 100 .00 .00 100.00 .0% 53220 Advertising 150 0 150 .00 .00 150.00 .0% 53236 Training - Department 600 0 600 .00 .00 600.00 .0% 53305 Mileage 300 0 300 165.30 .00 134.70 55.1% 53306 Meals 50 0 50 12.00 .00 38.00 24.0% 53310 Lodging 200 0 200 98.00 .00 102.00 49.0% TOTAL UW - Administration 139,834 -45,132 94,702 65,820.20 716.75 28,165.05 70.3% 11531010 UW - Admin Educational Pgms 48900 Other Miscellaneous Revenues -2,316 0 -2,316 -106.75 .00 -2,209.25 4.6% 52210 Telephone 320 0 320 234.96 .00 85.04 73.4% TOTAL UW - Admin Educational Pgms -1,996 0 -1,996 128.21 .00 -2,124.21 -6.4% 11532000 UW - Agriculture Agent 52210 Telephone 107 0 107 78.32 .00 28.68 73.2% 52215 Cellular Services 327 0 327 .00 .00 327.00 .0% 52595 UW Contracted Services (State 53,563 -24,532 29,031 10,276.00 18,756.00 -1.00 100.0% 53230 Conference & Reg(In State) 828 0 828 .00 .00 828.00 .0% Page 2 of 14 PORTAGE COUNTY, WI YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 09/30/2026 11:08 User: rochad Program ID: glytdbud Page 2 FOR 2026 09 ACCOUNTS FOR: ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT 110 General APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD ACTUAL ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USE/COL 53236 Training - Department 300 0 300 .00 .00 300.00 .0% 53305 Mileage 1,500 0 1,500 .00 .00 1,500.00 .0% 53310 Lodging 500 0 500 .00 .00 500.00 .0% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 900 0 900 114.69 .00 785.31 12.7% TOTAL UW - Agriculture Agent 58,025 -24,532 33,493 10,469.01 18,756.00 4,267.99 87.3% 11532010 UW - Ag Educational Pgms 46770 UW Extension Fees -4,005 0 -4,005 -1,079.00 .00 -2,926.00 26.9% 48900 Other Miscellaneous Revenues -350 0 -350 -36.00 .00 -314.00 10.3% 52511 Laboratory Fees 2,505 0 2,505 1,008.80 991.20 505.00 79.8% 53140 Photocopying & Printing 151 0 151 43.88 .00 107.12 29.1% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 1,850 0 1,850 120.00 .00 1,730.00 6.5% TOTAL UW - Ag Educational Pgms 151 0 151 57.68 991.20 -897.88 694.6% 11533000 UW - Resource Agent 52210 Telephone 107 0 107 78.32 .00 28.68 73.2% 52595 UW Contracted Services (State 46,563 0 46,563 23,281.00 23,282.00 .00 100.0% 53206 Dues 0 0 0 50.00 .00 -50.00 100.0% 53230 Conference & Reg(In State) 828 0 828 99.00 .00 729.00 12.0% 53236 Training - Department 300 0 300 .00 .00 300.00 .0% 53305 Mileage 1,500 0 1,500 1,011.64 .00 488.36 67.4% 53306 Meals 0 0 0 30.98 .00 -30.98 100.0% 53310 Lodging 500 0 500 .00 .00 500.00 .0% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 900 0 900 90.61 .00 809.39 10.1% TOTAL UW - Resource Agent 50,698 0 50,698 24,641.55 23,282.00 2,774.45 94.5% 11533010 UW - Resrce Educational Pgms 48900 Other Miscellaneous Revenues -3,000 0 -3,000 .00 .00 -3,000.00 .0% 53140 Photocopying & Printing 138 0 138 29.53 .00 108.47 21.4% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 3,000 0 3,000 .00 .00 3,000.00 .0% TOTAL UW - Resrce Educational Pgms 138 0 138 29.53 .00 108.47 21.4% 11534000 UW - 4-H Agent Page 3 of 14 PORTAGE COUNTY, WI YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 09/30/2026 11:08 User: rochad Program ID: glytdbud Page 3 FOR 2026 09 ACCOUNTS FOR: ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT 110 General APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD ACTUAL ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USE/COL 52210 Telephone 107 0 107 78.32 .00 28.68 73.2% 52482 Computer Services - Other IT 550 0 550 500.00 .00 50.00 90.9% 52595 UW Contracted Services (State 46,563 69,664 116,227 32,618.00 83,609.00 .00 100.0% 53230 Conference & Reg(In State) 500 0 500 .00 .00 500.00 .0% 53236 Training - Department 187 0 187 .00 .00 187.00 .0% 53305 Mileage 500 0 500 808.38 .00 -308.38 161.7% 53310 Lodging 200 0 200 .00 .00 200.00 .0% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 2,641 0 2,641 1,040.42 .00 1,600.58 39.4% TOTAL UW - 4-H Agent 51,248 69,664 120,912 35,045.12 83,609.00 2,257.88 98.1% 11534010 UW - 4-H Educational Pgms 46770 UW Extension Fees -5,000 0 -5,000 .00 .00 -5,000.00 .0% 48500 Donations/Contributions from -2,500 0 -2,500 .00 .00 -2,500.00 .0% 48900 Other Miscellaneous Revenues -2,000 0 -2,000 .00 .00 -2,000.00 .0% 53140 Photocopying & Printing 844 0 844 344.74 .00 499.26 40.8% 53410 Program Supplies 5,000 0 5,000 .00 .00 5,000.00 .0% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 4,500 0 4,500 241.97 .00 4,258.03 5.4% TOTAL UW - 4-H Educational Pgms 844 0 844 586.71 .00 257.29 69.5% 11535000 UW - Family Living Agent 52210 Telephone 107 0 107 78.32 .00 28.68 73.2% 52595 UW Contracted Services (State 46,563 0 46,563 6,927.00 39,636.00 .00 100.0% 53206 Dues 0 0 0 72.00 .00 -72.00 100.0% 53230 Conference & Reg(In State) 828 0 828 .00 .00 828.00 .0% 53236 Training - Department 300 0 300 .00 .00 300.00 .0% 53305 Mileage 1,500 0 1,500 229.26 .00 1,270.74 15.3% 53310 Lodging 500 0 500 .00 .00 500.00 .0% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 900 0 900 64.68 .00 835.32 7.2% TOTAL UW - Family Living Agent 50,698 0 50,698 7,371.26 39,636.00 3,690.74 92.7% 11535010 UW - Fam Liv Educational Pgms Page 4 of 14 PORTAGE COUNTY, WI YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 09/30/2026 11:08 User: rochad Program ID: glytdbud Page 4 FOR 2026 09 ACCOUNTS FOR: ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT 110 General APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD ACTUAL ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USE/COL 48900 Other Miscellaneous Revenues -5,000 0 -5,000 .00 .00 -5,000.00 .0% 53140 Photocopying & Printing 796 0 796 28.53 .00 767.47 3.6% 53412 Educational Materials/Supplie 5,000 0 5,000 .00 .00 5,000.00 .0% TOTAL UW - Fam Liv Educational Pgms 796 0 796 28.53 .00 767.47 3.6% TOTAL General 350,436 0 350,436 144,177.80 166,990.95 39,267.25 88.8% TOTAL REVENUES -29,871 0 -29,871 -3,762.01 .00 -26,108.99 TOTAL EXPENSES 380,307 0 380,307 147,939.81 166,990.95 65,376.24 Page 5 of 14 PORTAGE COUNTY, WI YEAR-TO-DATE BUDGET REPORT Report generated: 09/30/2026 11:08 User: rochad Program ID: glytdbud Page 5 FOR 2026 09 ORIGINAL TRANFRS/ REVISED AVAILABLE PCT APPROP ADJSTMTS BUDGET YTD ACTUAL ENCUMBRANCES BUDGET USE/COL GRAND TOTAL 350,436 0 350,436 144,177.80 166,990.95 39,267.25 88.8% ** END OF REPORT - Generated by Worzalla-Rocha, Denise ** Page 6 of 14 September 29, 2026 To: Portage County Ag and Extension Committee RE: Oct. Agenda Item Discussion and Questions about Extension On the October Ag & Extension Committee agenda you will see an item regarding discussion and questions about Extension. As part of Extension’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-impact programming across the state, our divisional leadership relies on feedback from county partners around local programming and county-based educator models. Extension’s goal is to ensure our local presence, co-funded positions, and regional resources are aligned to meet the evolving needs of our communities within our available resources. To help update our collective thinking on county partner priorities and needs, Extension leadership have asked AED’s to have a conversation with key county partners in September and October. Jason Hausler, Northern Area Assistant Dean, and I have already had a conversation with County Executive Eric Olson and County Board Chair, Dax Burroughs but we would like to request feedback from the Ag and Extension Committee. During the October 8 th, meeting I would like to ask committee members to weigh in on the following questions: • What are the most pressing issues or challenges currently facing your county? What about over the next 3-5 years? • What role do you see Extension playing in addressing those identified issues? • Which of these issues are best addressed at the county level? Which are best addressed regionally or statewide? • What is valuable about Extension county-based programming? What is valuable about Extension programming offered at a regional or statewide level? Please take a moment to think through some responses to these questions and come prepared for a brief discussion on each of them. This information gathered during this discussion will be used to help guide future program delivery, funding, and potential staffing models. I look forward to discussing the questions at the Ag and Extension Committee meeting on October 8, 2026. Sincerely, Jen McNelly Area 7 Extension Director UW-Madison Division of Extension jennifer.mcnelly@wisc.edu Work Cell Phone: 715-214-8913 Extension Portage County 1462 Strongs Ave. Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481 715-346-1316 (phone) 715-346-1323 (FAX) https://portage.extension.wisc.edu Page 7 of 14 August-September Report The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. 4-H – Positive Youth Development Emma Bouressa, 4-H Youth Development Educator • A community resource fair for children, families, and community members, where Extension shared educational resources and information about programs and services that support family well-being. Through this effort, residents increased awareness of research -based resources and supports available to help strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Total Reach: 161 family resource fair participants (Alicia Utke-Becher, Christi Gabrilska, Penny Tank) • An event for families where youth participants aged 5 and up could try archery and learn about 4-H shooting sports. Through this activity, it introduces youth and families to shooting sports in a safe, structured environment. This event fosters personal responsibility, discipline, and focus while strengthening family engagement and connecting new audiences to 4 -H positive youth development programs. Total Reach: Wisconsin Farm Technology Days drew an estimated 30,000 visitors over three days, and 454 youth from 33 counties participated in our 4-H archery booth. (Jason Hornickel) • Portage County 4 -H youth members and volunteers participated in the annual Rosholt Fair in September. Families, youth, and community members engaged in interactive educational activities, including showmanship events, crafts, and a scavenger hunt. Through these experiences, participants explored agricultural and community -focused topics while developing teamwork, communication, leadership, and social skills. • Portage County 4-H Educator and an adult volunteer participated in the Wisconsin 4-H Shooting Sports Certified Instructor Workshop held in Marshfield, Wisconsin. Participants completed training in the archery discipline, engaging in hands -on activities and educational sessions designed to prepare volunteers to lead safe, effective, and youth -centered shooting sports programs. The training strengthened local capacity to provide archery education while promoting youth development through skill building, respo nsibility, and positive adult-youth partnerships. • Portage County 4 -H launched a new Archery Club to expand opportunities for youth to participate in hands -on shooting sports education. The club provides a safe and supportive environment where youth can develop archery skills while learning responsibility, sportsmanship, discipline, goal setting, and safe equipment handling. The addition of the club increases access to positive youth development experiences and expands local program offerings for Portage County youth. • Two Portage County 4 -H youth members participated in the Wisconsin 4 -H State Expo Horse Show and the Wisconsin 4 -H State Gymkhana Show. These events provided youth with opportunities to showcase their horsemanship skills, connect with fellow 4 -H members fr om across the state, and demonstrate the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. Portage County 4-H extends a sincere thank you to the dedicated volunteers and the Wisconsin 4 -H Horse Association for their hard work and commitment to providing these high -quality educational experiences for youth. We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Page 8 of 14 August-September Report The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. • Portage County 4 -H has officially kicked off a new program year, with enrollment opening on September 1. Youth and adult volunteers are encouraged to enroll or re- enroll to participate in the wide variety of 4 -H opportunities available throughout the year at all levels (county, state and national). The start of the new 4-H year marks an exciting time for members to explore new interests, develop skills, build leadership abilities, and connect with caring adult mentors and peers through local club and countywide programming. • Fall Forum, Wisconsin 4 -H's statewide leadership and educational conference, will be held in Stevens Point on November 6 -8. Portage County 4 -H is excited to have 14 youth members enrolled to participate. This annual event provides opportunities for youth t o build leadership skills, explore new interests through educational workshops, connect with 4 -H members from across the state, and engage in meaningful service and team -building experiences. Participation in Fall Forum helps youth develop confidence, expand their networks, and strengthen their connection to the 4-H program. • Portage County Extension is currently recruiting for a 4-H Associate Educator position. This role will support local 4-H programming and strengthen the organization's ability to meet community needs through educational outreach, partnership development, vo lunteer support, and youth engagement. Agriculture Adam Hartfiel, Livestock Educator Karen Bender, Crops & Soils Educator • An in-person workshop focusing on direct marketing meat off farm as well as meat quality and yield. The workshop also discussed useful decision tools that UW -Madison Extension have available for participants on the UW -Madison Extension Livestock website. T otal Reach: 8 total participants for the workshop (Adam Hartfiel, Bill Halfman) • A research-based article for the Wisconsin Agriculturist Magazine, Livestock Insight column to help readers increase their understanding of biosecurity management between two diseases, both of which have significant impact to the farm's profitability and s ustainability. Total Reach: The WI Agriculturist circulation is 24,000 print subscribers. Typically, articles garner between 1,000 and 4,000 online page views depending on the article. The magazine is part of the Farm Progress communications group, which shares articles across several national agricultural magazines. (Sandy Stuttgen, Adam Hartfiel, Casey Lobdell) • An article for beef producers on the grazing of corn stalk residue on crop fields post -harvest. Articles such as this one keep relevant and up to date research and findings within the industry at the producers fingertips. Producers can take this informatio n and utilize it on their operations as they see fit to make economic impacts, better manage cattle, and make environmental use of land. Total Reach: Roughly 22,000 circulation (Casey Lobdell, Adam Hartfiel, Bill Halfman, Ryan Sterry) Page 9 of 14 August-September Report The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. • An event that included in -person demonstrations and interactive tabletop discussions during Farm Technology Days for beef producers – 6 sessions. These activities aimed to help participants gain awareness of management practices that influence the economic viability of their farms, including better understanding the impact of meat quality and yield grade on final saleable product . Other topics included animal health product handling and biosecurity. Total Reach: Interactions with over 250+ Farm Technology Days Attendees at the UW Extension Beef team display area and presentations. (Adam Hartfiel, Bill Halfman, Casey Lobdell, Ryan Sterry, Sandy Stuttgen) • An educational article for beef producers where the audience will learn about assessing hay storage losses to determine proper storage for dry hay. Total Reach: Circulation of The Wisconsin Agriculturist Magazine is 24,000 print subscribers. The Beef Colu mns also appear on the website and garner between 1,000 and 4,000 page views (it is different for every column). (Adam Hartfiel, Bill Halfman, Jerry Clark, Jordyn Sattler) • A workshop focusing on meat quality and yield. The workshop will also discuss direct marketing meat off the farm and participants will learn about useful decision tools that UW -Madison Extension has available for them on the UW-Madison Extension Livestock website. Total Reach: To be determined (Adam Hartfiel, Bill Halfman) • A workshop designed for beef producers to better understand what options are available when fall forage runs out, considerations for weaning calves, and pasture management topics will be discussed. Total Reach: To be determined (Adam Hartfiel, Bill Halfman ) • A series of phone calls and farm visits in Adams, Green Lake, Waushara and Portage counties to address concerns brought up by producers and landowners. This effort is designed to provide producers and residents research -based information to improve crop yi eld, quality, soil health and economic outcomes. Community, Natural Resources & Economic Development Katie Livernash, Community Development Educator • A Community Resilience workshop for local government staff and officials, in collaboration with Wisconsin's Green Fire. Participants engaged in a collaborative, cross -disciplinary workshop where they learned about nature-based solutions and green infrastructure solutions, in an effort to reduce weather-related risks and costs and deliver multiple community benefits. Total Reach: 30 workshop participants (Katie Livernash, Amy Ebert, Janell Wehr, Kayla Rombalski) • Extension is serving on the Zoning Ordinance Subcommittee to support Portage County as they undertake a comprehensive rewrite of their Zoning Ordinance. The goal of the rewritten code is that it will better reflect current land use practices, community values, and future growth objectives. Total Reach: 8 subcommittee members (Katie Livernash, Krist Runge) Page 10 of 14 August-September Report The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. • Facilitating the Portage County Affordable Housing Coalition, a newly forming coalition for housing service providers in Portage County. Through increasing communication between and understanding of the various organizations across the county, as well as collaborating on various efforts through topic -based workgroups, the overall g oal is to improve housing access and affordability in the Portage County area. Total Reach: about 25 participants per meeting (Katie Livernash) • Partnering on a Wisconsin Partnership Program - Community Impact Grant (2025 -2027) with CAP Services, Inc. and the UW Center for Community and Non -Profit Studies to grow and improve CAP Services' housing repairs programming. A goal of this project is to im prove the accessibility and timeliness of their services in order to improve housing conditions for low to moderate income individuals and improve health equity in housing. (Katie Livernash) • Increasing community capacity to address housing by developing a new non -profit organization (Central Wisconsin Community Land Trust) that will implement programming to address housing inequality so that residents of the Central Wisconsin Area will have in creased opportunities to access safe, stable and affordable housing. Total Reach: 7 board members, over 40 educational presentation attendees (Katie Livernash) Human Development and Relationships Alicia Utke, HDR Educator • Planning and implementing a professional development presentation for agricultural mediators, where participants learned about University of Wisconsin -Madison Extension Human Development & Relationships resources, including Financial Wellness & Security, Family Engagement & Relationships, and Life Span programming with a focus on Planning AHEAD, and explored family dynamics and communication strategies relevant to farm transitions. Through this effort, participants gained additional tools and referral resources to support farm famili es navigating succession planning, conflict, and future decision -making Total Reach: 17 agricultural mediators • A collaboration with Portage County WIC to provide new -parent resources, where Extension supplied Just in Time Parenting materials in multiple languages for inclusion in family packets. This effort expands access to parenting education and supports positiv e early childhood development. Total Reach: 100 WIC Families • Tabling during a Mini Multicultural Fest for children, families, and community members, where Extension shared educational resources and information about programs and services that support family well-being. Through this effort, residents increased awaren ess of research-based resources and supports available to help strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Each family received a dual language financial literacy children’s book and Money As You Grow parent guide. • Tabling during a community resource fair for children, families, and community members, where Extension shared educational resources and information about programs and services that support family well-being. Through this effort, residents increased awareness of research -based resources and supports available to help strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Page 11 of 14 August-September Report The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. • Updated a Resilient Co -Parenting session for parents and caregivers experiencing family transitions. The goal is to provide participants with current research, practical coping strategies, and interactive learning experiences so that they can better manage stress, strengthen resilience, and support healthy family relationships during times of change. Educator Alicia collaborated with a colleague to completely redesign the Resilient Co -Parenting session, Healthy Coping in Times of Transition. Updates included revised content based on current research, new participant activities, refreshed visuals, updated email templates, and the development of supplemental resources on diaphragmatic breathing and personal stress response awareness. • Two virtual Resilient Co-Parenting programs for parents and caregivers experiencing separation, divorce, or changes in the custody of their children, where they learn skills to improve communication and problem -solving, support children emotionally, and keep kids out of the middle of conflict. This program is designed to improve understanding of positive parenting practices that are useful during stress, while providing social connection for parents experiencing family transition • A co -parenting class (Parents Forever) for parents and caregivers experiencing separation, divorce or changes in the custody of their children, where they learned skills to prioritize the parent-child relationship and better communicate with their co-parent. This program is designed to increase child well-being and reduce parental conflict during family transitions.  • A 7-session course at the Portage County Lincoln Center that helps adults of all ages to make end-of-life financial, healthcare, and final wishes decisions in order to reduce the stress experienced by survivors and to ensure that their wishes are honored. (45 registrants) • Served as a substitute instructor for the evidence- based StrongBodies program, a strength training and fall prevention initiative designed to improve physical fitness, balance, flexibility, and overall functional health among older adults. Facilitated program sessions, guided participants through strength -building exercises , reinforced safe exercise techniques, and supported participant engagement in healthy aging practices. • Created a parent guide for the Home and Community Educators Bookworm Project for distribution through Head Start programs. The guides connect families to age- appropriate literacy activities and ideas that encourage reading engagement and support children's learning and development beyond the classroom. Upcoming Programs • “Renewable Energy Academy”, October 7th in Stevens Point. Link to more information and registration: RESET Events – Community Economic Development • Wisconsin Water and Soil Health (WWASH) Conference, taking place December 15 –16, 2026, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI. . Link to more information and registration: WWASH Conference Page 12 of 14 PORTAGE COUNTY MEETING MINUTES AGRICULTURE AND EXTENSION EDUCATION COMMITTEE PORTAGE COUNTY ANNEX CONFERENCE ROOMS 1 & 2 1462 STRONGS AVENUE STEVENS POINT, WI 54481 Thursday, August 13, 2026 5:00 PM REMOTE ATTENDANCE & COMMENT To attend this meeting by telephone : dial +13126266799, after dialing the number you will then be asked to enter in a meeting number. Use the following meeting number: 949 1744 8227. You will then be asked to enter in a passcode. Use passcode: 961565. To attend this meeting by video: Click Here If prompted, enter passcode: 961565. Page 1 of 2 CALL TO ORDER Committee Members enter Per Diem and Mileage The Agriculture and Extension Education Committee meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Chair Gifford. Members Present: Bob Gifford, Nancy Eggleson, Landon Elgersma, Matt Jacowski, David Wysocki Attending In-Person: Bob Gifford, Nancy Eggleson, Landon Elgersma, David Wysocki Attending Online: Matt Jacowski Absent: Staff Attending: Jen McNelly, Denise Rocha, Karen Bender, Adam Hartfiel, Alica Utke CORRESPONDENCE REPORTS 1. Review YTD Budget Report 2. Area Extension Director Report - Office Operations, Activities, and Updates • Annual Report 3. Educator Reports - Programming and Activities 4. Special Meeting Attendance Reports (Portage County Ordinance 3.1.47 & 3.1.48) PUBLIC NOTICE Members of the public who wish to address the Committee on specific agenda items must register their request at this time, with such comments subject to the public comment ordinance and the reasonable control of the Committee Chair as set forth in Robert’s Rules of Order. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5. Review/approval of minutes from July 9, 2026 A motion was made by Supervisor Wysocki, seconded by Supervisor Elgersma, to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried by voice vote, with no opposing votes. DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION Page 13 of 14 Agriculture and Extension Education Committee Meeting Minutes August 13, 2026 Page 2 of 2 6. Discussion/Possible Action: Review of Department Budget NEXT MEETING DATE 7. September 10, 2026 5:00pm ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm by Chair Gifford Page 14 of 14