Ag & Extension - September 9, 2026 — Agenda

Please Note: Upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities through sign language, interpreters or other auxiliary aids. For additional information or to request the service, contact the Green County UW-Extension Office at 608-328-9440 Committee Members – Erica Roth, Dawn Sass, Susan Knox, Franz Varga, and Paula Vestin Green County Agriculture and Extension Education Committee Meeting Agenda Wednesday, September 9th, 2026-- 8:00 AM Green County Justice Center, Multi-Purpose Rooms-Lower Level, 2841 6th St, Monroe, WI 1. Call to Order & Meeting Voucher 2. Public Comment - (time limit not to exceed three minutes per person or thirty minutes total) 3. UW Extension Educator Reports – Written Report a. Jordyn Sattler, Regional Crops Educator 4. Approve Minutes of the August Meeting 5. Review and Approval of August Bills 6. Area Extension Director Informational Items a. Staffing Update b. County Leadership Conversation 7. Business Manager Informational Items a. Department Head Update 8. Review, Discuss, and Approve 2027 Preliminary Budgets for Tractor Safety, Fair, Pesticide Applicator Training, 4H Member, and UW-Extension for presentation to Finance. 9. Any other business – (New topics for discussion to be put on future agendas) 10. Set Time and Date for Next Meeting -- Proposed October 7th, 2026 at 8:00 AM 11. Adjourn September 2026 Educator Report Extension Green County Insect Trapping Network Participating in an insect trapping network to assist Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the UW entomology lab monitor incoming pest populations and forecast potential damage to crops. Through this effort, timely notifications will be distributed to producers who will then have local information to help guide their pest scouting and make more timely and effective pest management decisions. (Sattler) Anaplasmosis and Theileriosis: Similar Signs, Different Responses 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 sustainability. (Lobdell) New World Screwworm A news post on New World screwworm for livestock producers, where they learn about what screwworm is, what to look for, how to prevent it, and Wisconsin guidance on animal movement so producers can keep their herds healthy. (McCarville) High Oleic Soybeans Field Days Planning and preparation for field days around the state of Wisconsin focused on the use of high -oleic soybeans (HOSB) for dairy farmers and agriculture professionals. During these field days, participants will increase their HOSB related knowledge through educational sessions, facility tours, and peer -to-peer learning. The goal of this effort is to help farmers and their advisors make informed, strategic, and economically viable decisions regarding HOSB adoption and use. (McCarville & Sattler) Farm Technology Days 2026 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. (Lobdell) Regional Crops & Soils Educator Jordyn Sattler Regional Dairy Educator Jackie McCarville Regional Livestock Educator Casey Lobdell September 2026 Educator Report Extension Green County Manure Composting Field Day A field day for producers interested in composting manure to learn about different compost pile management techniques and the benefits of composting on hauling/spreading logistics, weed seed destruction, forage production, and soil health. Through this event, producers gained a better understanding of the process and developed more confidence to try composting manure on their own farms. (Sattler) Presentation High Oleic Soybeans Field Day A presentation for dairy farmers and forage growers that explains the background and importance of high -oleic soybeans in dairy nutrition. Participants learn the differences between conventional and high -oleic soybeans, allowing them to evaluate the addition, use, or improvement of this ingredient in their operations. (McCarville) August Artificial Insemination Course An artificial insemination course for dairy and beef producers, where they learned how to breed their own cattle. Through this program, producers will be able to save money and increase reproductive rates by breeding their own cattle in a timely fashion. (Lobdell & McCarville) Alfalfa Nutrient Removal Project A study to better understand how nutrient removal differs between alfalfa grown in fields with different soil nutrient levels. Results from this study will help inform and guide the University professionals analyzing alfalfa fertilizer updates in the new Nutrient Application Guidelines for Field, Vegetable, and Fruit Crops in Wisconsin. (Sattler) Beef Cow/ Calf Pasture Walk A pasture walk aimed at beef cow/calf producers that are interested in a rotational grazing system. Participants learned about weed control to optimize forage, fly and tick updates to keep their cattle healthier, and some economic benefits to production or management practices in beef cattle. Altogether participants were reminded that management practices and different operation styles can work in each of their enterprises, and change can be a good thing to make beef more efficient. (Lobdell) Regional Crops & Soils Educator Jordyn Sattler Regional Dairy Educator Jackie McCarville Regional Livestock Educator Casey Lobdell September 2026 Educator Report Extension Green County Beef Cow-Calf Workshop—Vernon County A workshop for beef cow-calf producers where participants learned about pasture weed management, bovine pregnancy checking technologies, considerations for culling cows, and cattle handling facilities for low stress handling to help them improve profitability and operation viability, and safety for people and livestock. (Lobdell) Southwest Wisconsin Grazing Network Planning and developing the Southwest Wisconsin Grazing Network in collaboration with local Land Conservation Departments and other grazing groups. The goal is to establish a network of farmers who are interested in pasture and grazing management to share experiences and information to improve grazing efforts throughout the region. (Sattler) Cover Crop Field Day A field day for crop producers where participants learned about diverse cover crops and how they can be utilized to retain soil nutrients, minimize weeds, and improve soil health. Through this experience, producers gained knowledge and interest in trying different cover crops that can help achieve their production and sustainability goals. (Sattler) Regional Crops & Soils Educator Jordyn Sattler Regional Dairy Educator Jackie McCarville Regional Livestock Educator Casey Lobdell Financial Coaching- Green County Jail- 8/12/26 Extension's financial coaching program provides one-on-one support that helps residents create their own plans to manage expenses, pay off debts, and save money for emergencies and to reach their goals. Participants can meet with Extension educators trained to provide coaching using the A4 model --Alliance, Agenda, Awareness, Action, and can meet with their coach as many times as needed to develop and implement plans to resolve their financial challenges. The three main categories of outcomes anticipated through financial coaching are that participants will: • Learn about local resources they didn't have in the past, e.g. how to apply for FoodShare benefits • Learn about Extension resources they didn't know of in the past, e.g. spending plan worksheets • Learn financial management steps (process to reach goals) that they didn't know before In 2025 Wisconsin residents who received our financial coaching reported many positive changes. 94% identified specific and measurable financial goals and 69.5%, feel empowered to tackle financial challenges independently, suggesting that these residents can now more successfully navigate banking and other financial services. Clients report paying off $58,085 in debt and saving $75,490. Planning AHEAD- Summer 26- Argyle Communities report increased requests for public assistance among older adults who are newly living alone, putting a strain on local budgets. Proactive planning for end-of-life decisions and care can prevent these financial and emotional burdens. In response to this need, Extension developed a comprehensive end-of-life program called Planning AHEAD (Advance directives, Handling financial changes, Estate Planning and Arriving at Decisions for the end of this life). The Planning AHEAD curriculum covers seven topics: Getting Started, Handling Financial Changes, Advance Directives, Estate Planning, Choices in End-of-Life Care, Final Wishes, and Understanding Grief. The course is typically delivered in one-hour sessions once/week for seven weeks. Among survey respondents who took the course in 2025, 99.5% learned enough in the course to move forward with planning and 99.5% will tell a friend or family member about something important they learned during this program. Scam and Identity Theft Prevention 8/10/26 Members of the Green County Healthy Coalition Committee meet frequently to discuss current topics of concern in the county. During these meetings members are asked to present pertinent information deemed important for county residents. Wiegel was asked to present the Scam and Identity Theft Prevention program that he has been providing throughout the county. Through these classes participants improve their ability to make financial decisions, achieve their goals, and effectively manage their money. Focus on Fathers parenting program 2026 Despite recent advances in research on fathers’ roles and unique contributions within families, fathers remain under- served in family-based programming (Panter-Brick et al., 2014). This is due to barriers originating from community part- ners, cultural norms, legal structures, and fathers’ abilities or desires to participate. Yet, fathers’ contributions to child and family well-being are critical. After data analysis from a statewide fatherhood needs assessment, Extension faculty, specialists and educators learned that fathers are interested in direct parenting education and opportunities to connect with and learn from other fathers. As a response a team created the Focus on Fathers parenting program. September 2026 Educator Report Extension Green County Human Development & Relationships Educator Bob Wiegel September 2026 Educator Report Extension Green County 4-H Y outh Development Educator Ellen Andrews 4-H Camp: Challenging Youth to Grow Overnight camp experiences provide powerful learning opportunities for all involved, including campers, counselors and volunteers. Offering multiple camp programs creates a scaffolded camp experience that build upon youth's growing camp skills, as well as their teamwork, responsibility and leadership skills. Green County 4-H was excited to offer four different camp experiences this summer, including: • Cloverbud Day Camp (1 morning at Kiwanis Youth Cabin) for Grade 5K -2 • Base Camp (4 days at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center) for Grades 3 -6 • Adventure Camp (4 days at Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center) for Grades 7 -8 • Outpost Camp (4 days at Perrot State Park) for Grades 9-12 In total, we had 54 Green County youth participate as a camper at one of this camps, in addition to 9 youth and 9 adult volunteers involved in providing key leadership for one or more of these camp experiences. Our annual Cloverbud Camp is annually planned by our 4-H Intern, as their final program of the summer. This year's campers enjoy playing nature bin- go, while on a hike through the woods just west of Monroe, along with crafts and camp songs. This was our second year offering 4-H Adventure Camp at the same time and location as our traditional 4 -H Base Camp. The 4-H Adventure Camp introduced our 7th and 8th graders to tent camping and cooking over a campfire, and involved more hiking and canoeing activities, while 4-H Base Campers stay in cabins and enjoy family style meals in the dinning hall. Holding both camps at the same time and location allows 6th graders to get a glimpse at the new, fun challenges that Adventure Camp will offer them next year, and encourages 8th graders to talk some of our high school base camp counselors about applying for Youth Camp Staff next year. These intentionally created touch points are helping to improve youth retention within our camping program moving forward. September 2026 Educator Report Extension Green County 4-H Y outh Development Educator Ellen Andrews 4-H Camp: Challenging Youth to Grow Finally, Outpost Camp was held in partnership with Rock County 4 -H for the first time. Both counties brought a wealth of camping experience and enthusiasm. We are hopeful we can see this partnership continue in future years. Camp is all about challenging youth to grow, and that doesn't just include our campers. Our youth camp staff all partici- pate in 6-10 hours of training, which they all strongly agreed provided them with the necessary training, resources and support to be an effective youth staff member at camp. As a result of the 4 -H Camp Staff experience this year, all of our camp staff also said they increased their leadership skills, as demonstrated by such comments as: • I think I definitely got better in my decision making, quick reacting skills, and improv skills. I think I have found a great balance between fun and productive. • I have a lot more confidence when it comes to handling conflict. • I am more organized and can handle being under more pressure. When asked to share what about their camp experience was most meaningful to them, youth staff shared: • I love being able to see my campers grow, step outside their comfort zone. Also having the adults to lean on this year was awesome. • One thing I really love about this group of campers is how they are willing to help each other all the time. No matter what going on they always want to do something that will make a positive impact on someone else. • I find it so meaningful when I gain enough trust from the people around me to feel comfortable talking to me. I just want people to have fun in new spaces. And I think an important part of that is having fun with the people in that new space. In Green County 4-H, we are building a strong camp culture that celebrates the value and importance of youth -adult partnerships. We are extremely appreciative of all the youth staff and adult volunteer staff that have made this possible. Green County Agriculture and Extension Education Committee August 5th, 2026 MINUTES The August 5th, 2026 meeting of the Agriculture and Extension Education Committee was called to order at 8:00 am by the Ag & Extension Chair, Erica Roth. The meeting voucher was circulated for signatures. Members present were: Dawn Sass, Erica Roth, Paula Vestin, and Franz Mussared Varga. Susan Knox was absent. Also present—Samantha Hougan, Extension Business Manager; Lynn Perkins, Area Extension Director; Victoria Solomon, Community Development Educator; and Nusrat Sultana Mimi, 4-H Summer Intern. Roth proposed to reorder the agenda to have item 3 before item 2. By common consent, the agenda was reordered to move item 2 to follow item 3. Green County Educator Reports--Written Report for Educators Written Educator Reports were reviewed. Questions were presented to Solomon on her recent programming. Green County Educator Report – Nusrat Sultana Mimi, 4-H Summer Intern Nusrat Sultana Mimi presented on her summer internship and what she has learned through the experience. Mimi highlighter her YMCA summer 4-H clubs which reached 70 youth weekly. She also highlighted the growth of the Premier Exhibitor Contest this year reaching 123 youth across the county. Mimi stated, “The continued investment in 4-H and Extension programming reaches real kids, every week, in tangible ways — from a Monday curriculum session to a new event at the county fair.” Public Comment – No public comments were presented. Minutes Approval Varga moved to approve the June 2026 Ag & Extension committee meeting minutes and Sass seconded. Motion passed. Bill Approval Sass moved to approve the July EFT payments of $336.92, seconded by Vestin. Motion passed. Erica Roth abstained from approving the EFT Payments. Sass moved to approve the July presented check payments of $3,476.47, seconded by Vestin, noting that the RICOH invoice has not been received and approving that payment up to $500.00 upon its delivery. Motion passed. Area Extension Director Updates Area 15 Staffing Update – Perkins notified the committee of the funding received for the Associate Positive Youth Development Educator position. They are continuing to collect funding and get the position posted soon. Extension Funding – How the Model Works – Perkins shared an Extension video on the financial partnership between the county and the university. Perkins handed out a draft contract for 2027 and explained how the educator fees are set up. Business Manager Updates Department Head Updates – Hougan gave updates on the Sheriff’s Department/Jail project. Hougan also discussed the new budget process with the addition of a County Administrator. Hougan asked the committee how the educator reports should be distributed moving forward due to the new accessibility rules for the website. It was decided to keep the current format and also create a similar version on Google Docs to distribute on the website. Other Business No other business was presented. Next meeting: Wednesday—September 9th, 2026 at 8:00am. Motion by Sass, second by Vestin to adjourn at 9:12 am. Motion passed. Minutes submitted by Hougan.