UW Ag and Extension Education Sub Committee Agenda 09-14-2026

Notice of Public Meeting AGENDA Committee: Ag and Extension Education Sub Committee Date: Monday, September 14, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: 3rd Floor County Board Room, 407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610 Remote Access: Remote Meeting Link This meeting is open to the public, but portions of the meeting may be closed if this notice indicates that the committee may conv ene in closed session. The following matters may be reviewed, discussed and acted upon at this meeting, and deviations from the order shown may occur: 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call of Members 3. Verification of Open Meetings Law Compliance 4. Approve Agenda 5. Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting 6. Public Comment 7. 4-H Educator Position Update 8. 2027 Extension Budget Proposal 9. Rural Health Transformation Grant Update 10. Educator Reports 11. AED Report Community Needs Forum 12. Committee Chair Report 13. Correspondence 14. Future Agenda Items 15. Next Meeting Date and Time 16. Adjournment Date: September 4, 2026 _________________________________________ By: Roxane Weisenbeck, Administrative Assistant Board Members: If unable to attend, please contact the Chair. If the Chair is unavailable, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608-685-6209. If the Chair and the County Clerk are not available, please call the Administrative Coordinator at 608-685-6234. Persons with Disabilities: Buffalo County shall attempt to provide reasonable accommodations to the public for access to its public meetings, provided reasonable notice of special need is given. If you require special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at 608-685-6209. Public Access to the Courthouse: The South Entrance will be the only access to the building after 4:30 p.m. Persons who are members of another governmental body, but who are not members of this committee, may attend this meeting. Their attendance could result in a quorum of another governmental body being present. Such a quorum is unintended, and they are not meeting to exercise the authority, duties, or responsibilities of any other governmental body. 1 Buffalo County Minutes Committee/Board: Agriculture and Extension Education Subcommittee Date of Meeting: Monday, August 17, 2026 The meeting was called to order by Chair, Mr. Gary Stanton at 8:30 a.m. Board Members Present: Mr. Steve Nelson, Mr. Gary Stanton, and Mr. Robert Sendelbach. Others Present: Ms. Mary Campbell Wood, Ms. Grace Finnerty, Ms. Bianca Mullen, Ms. Payton Freund, Dr. Kari Weiss, Mr. Lee Engfer and Ms. Roxane Weisenbeck Meeting verified with Open Meeting law compliance Approve agenda: Mr. Nelson motioned, second by Mr. Sendelbach. Agenda approved. Review/Discussion/Action ~ Minutes of the previous meeting: Motion by Mr. Sendelbach, seconded by Mr. Nelson to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. Motion carried. Public comments Regarding Posted Agenda Items: None Educator Reports: Soils and Crops: Ms. Grace Finnerty, Crops and Soils Educator, introduced herself to the committee encouraging them to share agriculture-related concerns they have that may pertain to Buffalo County. Ms. Finnerty also reported on her recent work. • Dairy Breakfast attendance in Buffalo and Trempealeau counties. were opportunities to meet many landowners/producers in the area. • Bragger farm tour was an opportunity to meet neighboring farmers and learn of emerging crops planted in Buffalo County. • Land Conservation Farm Visits near Gilmanton. • Buffalo-Trempealeau Producer-led Watershed Group meeting. • Field Days attendance gaining a better understanding of on-farm research and possible options for research in this area. • Outreach Event Planning – Soybean Fall Midge Field Day and Beef Producers Field Day, Phosphorus Management Outreach event. • Collaborating and meeting co-workers with the goal of bringing ideas for on-farm research/trials. 4-H Youth Development: Ms. Bianca Mullen acknowledged Ms. Finley Noll for excellent work as the 4-H Summer Intern. Noll’s last day was August 12. Ms. Mullen reported on 4-H spring/summer learning opportunities for young people. • Math & Science Night – C-FC School, 70 participants 2 • Dog Project Fun Day – an engaging education event designed to introduce and highlight the Buffalo County 4-H Dog Project. • STEAM Adventure Days for youth grades 5K – 6 grades. 15 participants engaged in a wide range of science, technology, engineering, art, and math learning for 2 full days. • Buffalo County 4-H Make & Take Hub at the Buffalo County Fair. An interactive booth providing hands-on activities and opportunities for youth and families to learn more about 4-H programs. Ms. Payton Freund reported on: • Lego Challenge with MCYC • Art in the Park Cloverbud Day • Lakefront Explorers program in collaboration with Pepin County • National Night Out youth focused booth – outreach for nearly 500 young people and families. Human Development and Family Relations: Ms. Mary Wood reported: • Moving Forward Jail Reentry Program – as of mid-May, began the transition to offer classes in the Pierce and Dunn County jails where the Buffalo County inmates are currently housed - 24 online classes with 112 participants • Literacy Link Program – Will present at the upcoming National Council on Family Relations Conference and the Wisconsin Literacy Forward Conference. • Chippewa Valley Grief Services Project – Serving as an advisory committee member. • A Better Beginning – Teaching monthly classes for separating and divorcing parents as well as individual court ordered parenting classes. • Strength in Service Summitt – invited to be part of the coalition team based on Healing from Loss and Grief and The Veteran Experience programs. • Promoting the Wisconsin School Phone Ban webinar series sponsored by UW Madison, Division of Extension. • Working with Human Services and Law Enforcement to develop special training for staff to work better together. Area Extension Director Report: Financial Update: In light of budget season, Dr. Weiss reviewed the current financial reports noting that 90% of the current Extension budget is for staffing. Operating accounts for approximately $5100 of the budget. Expecting the 2027 budget to be similar in numbers. Rural Health Transformation Grant Update: Dr. Weiss gave an overview of this grant opportunity to provide education and technology to health care workers in our local communities. Extension has applied for the available funding. Wiess has communicated with the Health and Human Services director regarding possible funds for such programs. 3 Personnel Update: Dr. Weiss reported that Finley Noll completed a successful 4-H internship and will be entering her second year of college. She also reported that Ms. Bianca Mullen will conclude her position as Associate 4-H Educator as of September 4, 2026. With the approval of the county administrator, she will move forward with the refilling of the soon to be vacated 4-H Educator position. Committee Chair Report: No report given. Correspondence: Mr. Nelson expressed concerns about not being informed of Extension happenings. Suggestions for sharing program information were discussed. Future Agenda Items: Rural Health Grant Update; 4-H Educator Position Update Next Meeting Date and Time ~ The next scheduled committee meeting is Monday, September 14, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Public comment not related to agenda items: None Adjournment ~ The meeting adjourned at 9:25 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Roxane Weisenbeck, Administrative Assistant Account Name Type 2025 Budget 2025 Activity 2026 Budget 2026 YTD as of June **2027 Budget Request** Notes 100.35.43599.000.0000 INDUSTRIAL HEMP RESEARCH GRT Revenue $0.00 -$14,506.58 $0.00 $0.00 $0 Lines 1-6 are non-lapsing accounts; we were unsure if you wanted us to reflect that in the budget or zero out. Please address as needed. 100.35.46770.000.0000 UW EXTENSION: FARM SAFETY GRANT Revenue $0.00 -$300.00 $0.00 -$640.00 $0 100.35.46771.000.0000 DIVORCE/SEPAR EDUCATION FEES Revenue $0.00 -$995.00 $0.00 -$210.00 $0 100.35.48000.000.0000 UW EXT: MISC REVENUE Revenue -$500.00 -$227.00 $0.00 -$219.00 $0 100.35.48000.311.0000 UW EXT: POSTAGE REIMB Revenue $0.00 -$908.00 $0.00 -$561.19 $0 100.35.55461.331.0000 FAIRS & EXT INTERN:MILEAGE Expense $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0 100.35.55461.999.0000 FAIR & EXTENSION INTERN Expense $0.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000 100.35.55620.141.0000 UW EXTENSION: PER DIEM Expense $1,250.00 $1,025.00 $1,250.00 $395.00 $1,250 100.35.55620.199.0000 UW EXTENSION: SALARY & FRINGE DUE STATE Expense $97,872.00 $46,376.47 $107,089.00 $0.00 $109,319 This reflects the State's 2% increase and I updated to include the $4500 less as it is not on the levy but from the non-lapsing acct. 100.35.55620.244.0000 UW EXTENSION: OFFICE EQUIP REPAIR & MAINT Expense $150.00 $43.58 $150.00 $0.00 $150 100.35.55620.311.0000 UW EXTENSION: POSTAGE Expense $700.00 $561.19 $700.00 $162.80 $700 100.35.55620.314.0000 UW EXTENSION: OFFICE EQUIPMENT Expense $1,500.00 $129.99 $300.00 $31.19 $300 100.35.55620.322.0000 UW EXTENSION: PHOTO COPIES Expense $4,500.00 $2,546.25 $1,000.00 $859.81 $2,000 We adjusted this to reflect the contract and current copies volume: contract $106/mo + ~$50/mo for copies. 100.35.55620.326.0000 UW EXTENSION: REGISTRATION FEES & TUITION Expense $200.00 $0.00 $200.00 $120.00 $200 100.35.55620.327.0000 UW EXTENSION: EMPLOYEE EDUCATION & TRAININ Expense $300.00 $0.00 $300.00 $0.00 $300 100.35.55620.329.0000 UW EXTENSION: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Expense $800.00 $613.20 $100.00 $0.00 $100 100.35.55620.330.0000 UW EXTENSION: PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRNG Expense $2,352.56 $0.00 $2,352.56 $0.00 $2,352.56 This reflects what is in the coinciding non-lapsing account 100.35.55620.331.0000 UW EXTENSION: MILEAGE Expense $5,000.00 $1,118.84 $1,000.00 $255.36 $1,000 100.35.55620.332.0000 UW EXTENSION: BOARD MILEAGE Expense $300.00 $270.20 $300.00 $100.05 $300 100.35.55620.337.0000 UW EXTENSION: MEALS Expense $50.00 $0.00 $50.00 $0.00 $50 100.35.55620.338.0000 UW EXTENSION: LODGING Expense $150.00 $150.00 $150.00 $0.00 $150 100.35.55620.348.0000 UW EXTENSION: PROGRAM SUPPLIES Expense $1,500.00 $209.84 $850.00 $37.00 $850 100.35.55620.991.0000 UW EXTENSION: MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES Expense $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0 100.35.55621.999.0000 UW EXTENSION: MALTING BARLEY PROJECT Expense $32.31 $0.00 $32.31 $0.00 $32.31 This reflects what is in the coinciding non-lapsing account 100.35.55623.999.0000 UW EXTENSION: FARM SAFETY GRANT Expense $4,437.39 $675.00 $4,062.39 $0.00 $4,062.39 This reflects what is in the coinciding non-lapsing account 100.35.55627.219.0000 UW EXTENSION: DIVORCE ED-OTHER PROF SERVICES Expense $5,073.68 $0.00 $4,202.54 $0.00 $4,202.54 This reflects what is in the coinciding non-lapsing account 100.35.55627.327.0000 UW EXTENSION: DIVORCE ED-EMPLOYEE EDUCATION & TRNG Expense $0.00 $1,478.75 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 100.35.55627.331.0000 UW EXTENSION: DIVORCE ED-MILEAGE Expense $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0 100.35.55627.348.0000 UW EXTENSION: DIVORCE ED-PROGRAM SUPPLIES Expense $0.00 $387.39 $0.00 $0.00 $0 100.35.55628.999.0000 UW EXTENSION: MGMT ASSESSMENT CENTER Expense $1,092.02 $0.00 $1,092.02 $0.00 $1,092.02 This reflects what is in the coinciding non-lapsing account 100.35.55629.999.0000 UW EXTENSION: 16/17 MALT BARLEY PROD GRANT Expense $919.59 $0.00 $919.59 $0.00 $919.59 This reflects what is in the coinciding non-lapsing account 100.35.55630.999.0000 COMPEER FINANCIAL AG ENRICHMENT Expense $1,739.02 $0.00 $1,739.02 $0.00 $1,739.02 This reflects what is in the coinciding non-lapsing account 129,418.57 39,649.12 128,839.43 331.02 0.00 I I I 1 I j I I j I I I j I I I I I I Buffalo County Crops and Soils August 2026 Program Report The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. Recent Happenings Soybean Gall Midge (SGM) Field Day – August 7th: Identifying scouting locations for this field day was a great excuse for connecting with farmers here in Buffalo County and in Trempealeau county. It was a bit of a challenge to find a lot of producers in Buffalo County, but I was able to make a connection with a farm family that I knew growing up. Two fields were scouted here in Buffalo County and two or three fields were scouted in Trempealeau county. We were able to share information about this emerging pest and the field day itself was a success in teaching people how to scout for, recognize, and report this emerging pest. The SGM was not found in scouting for it. We may have some more time before it shows up here in Wisconsin. Barley Trials: Two farmers in Buffalo County have agree to participate in barley trials. The plan is to have one barley variety trial – which is part of breeding efforts at the University of Minnesota – and one that will likely be used for forage and planted with a know winter hardy variety. This presents a great opportunity to participate in ongoing research to make alternative crops like winter barley more feasible in Wisconsin and to demonstrate the use of the crop. This feels like a good way to carry on the legacy of Carl Duley, who was very involved in alternative crops research. Beef Cow-Calf Field Day – August 24th : With 14 attendees and 4 speakers, the field day was a success. We saw increases in knowledge across all topics presented, including pasture weed management, pasture soil testing & fertility, selecting replacements, and flies & ticks, and gathered feedback on topics of interest on the evaluations. 7 of the 8 people who filled out the evaluation planned to make a management change after the workshop. Monitoring Q & A and Farm Visits: In the last week of August I was responsible for monitoring the Crops and Soils channel of the Agriculture Q & A, this is a service that is available to all Wisconsin residents to submit their agricultural questions and receive a response from extension staff. I also was invited out to a couple farm visits, one ~ Extension ~ UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON Buffalo County Crops and Soils August 2026 Program Report The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. of which was aimed at brainstorming some ideas to remedy corn in drought conditions on the sands of Jackson County. I am available to make farm visits like this to any farmer in the county. Field Day Attendence – August 26 th and September 2nd : Soils and Agronomy Field Day and Weed Management Field Day Newsletter – Sent August 5 th and September 1st: August – 46% open rate and 12% click rate (9.2 score), September – 43% open rate, 10% click rate (8.6 score). Both scoring above community average. What are your suggestions for people to meet, ideas to explore, or top concerns that need to be addressed? Looking Forward • Phosphorus Management Outreach Event – November 9th, 6-7pm @ Buzz’s Bar and Grill in Mondovi • WWASH conference registration, scholarship applications due today, general registration opens today (Sept. 14th) ~ Extension ~ UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN - MADISON ~ Extension ~ UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON Buffalo County Human Development and Relationships August-September 2026 Educational Program Report Mary Campbell Wood, M.S. Professor of Human Development and Relationships Buffalo and Pepin counties (100%) https:1/yarenting.extension. wisc.edu/ Justice-Related MO'ilNL )> fOt«AlD MOVING FORWARD Jail Reentry Program-offered 16 on line classes ranging from 4 to 12 90-minute sessions: Beyond Trauma (for Women);Breaking Barriers (for Men); Change Company (Men and Women), Companions Through the Wilderness­ Healing from Loss and Grief(x3 sections for men); Effective Communication (for Men); Gratitude (for Women); Music Therapy (for Women) Relapse Prevention (for Men); Socialization (for Men); The Gifts of Apology and Forgiveness (for Men and Women X 4). A revolving assortment of regular monthly virtual educational programs are being offered to everyone in both Pierce and Dunn county jails, Buffalo-Pepin Community Justice Participants, and those on probation supervision in Buffalo and Pepin counties. The teaching is in collaboration with the Dunn County Jail Program Director. The Literacy Link Program for young children with justice-involved parents, and their families. I am a founding member of WI Literacy Link Leadership Team. Accepted to present the development and research from the Making Reading Memories program at the National Council on Family Relations Conference in November. This statewide program is developed based on a program that I developed and piloted in the Buffalo and Pepin county jails, called Read Me a Story, in 2012-13. Healing from Loss and Grief Companions Through the Wilderness - Healing from Loss and Grief • Community-Farming and Ag-related, lX monthly continuation (by request) of 5 members • Offering a community class and another section for farmers in the fall • Incarcerated individuals Pierce, Pepin and Dunn county jails (29 men) Chippewa Valley Grief Services Project -advisory committee member Authoring an article on the class and mental health for those incarcerated in local jails, to be published in the Journal of Health Science in Extension in November 1 Buffalo County Human Development and Relationships August-September 2026 Educational Program Report Parenting and Family Relationships A Better Beginning for Se/Jarating and Divorcing Families 1£.ducation a,uf Support.for Separat:1119 c1, tl)i1,.ortmg •f a,mlies Monthly 2-part (5 hours total) court-ordered classes, 9 participants. This is a regular class, offered monthly to help parents learn the skills for a better co-parenting relationship and protecting their children from harmful effects of family transitions Strong Cou/Jles Program - WI on line, self-paced program that includes 5 coaching sessions to give feedback on application of learning. I coordinate the program, lead monthly meetings, attend bi­ weekly multi-state meetings, and serve as a coach for couples. Focus on Fathers A monthly statewide parenting program where participants learn skills to build their children's social and emotional learning. This series is designed to improve understanding of positive parenting practices, while providing social connections for fathers and father figures. I will be teaching Fathers Teach Perseverance on October 13 Wisconsin School Cell Phone Ban webinar series for administrators, educators and staff, and parents offered to all school districts in both counties. Wisconsin schools are preparing to implement new student cell phone policies under Wisconsin Act 42 for the 2026-27 school year Other Acti vities • Developed and submitted my 2026-2027 Plan of Work • Presented about Com/Janions Through the Wilderness-Healing from Loss and Grief, by invitation, to members of the Central Lutheran Church congregation, Mondovi, August 4 Looking Ahead September-October • Working with Matt Roesler (Pepin County OHS/Sheriff Dept) to plan a Pepin-Buffalo professional development training on Integrated and Restorative Practices for Juveniles, with Extension, Teen Court, for Law Enforcement, EMT and OHS • Strength in Service Summit for Veterans, Law Enforcement, First Responders and EMTs, September 12, Eau Claire. I was invited to be part of the coalition team, based on my Companions Through the Wilderness-Healing from Loss and Grief and The Veteran Ex/Jerience programs, and will have an Extension display at the event. • UW Institute for Research on Poverty/WI Department of Children and Families statewide listening sessions - facilitating a regional meeting on October 13, Eau Claire. • Presenting The Literacy Link program at the Wisconsin Literacy Forward Conference, September 29th in Appleton 2 ~ Extension ~ UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON THE LITERACY LI~ Connecting children and parents in justice-involved families through literacy-rich experiences Connecting with Your Child Through Reading Why Read with Children? There are many benefits of reading with our children. ➔ Brain Development Every time you talk, sing, read, or play with your child their brain is building more connections. ➔ Language Reading with your child increases their vocabulary. The number of words a child knows is connected to their school success. Reading even 15 minutes a day makes a difference. ➔ Literacy Skills Reading with your child helps them develop listening skills and the ability to focus. They become familiar with books and learn more words. These skills improve your child's reading success. ➔ Bonding Reading together is a warm, loving experience for both your child and you. Enjoy it whenever you can! ➔ Knowledge Through books, we can expose our children to new topics. Both parent and child learn when they read together. ➔ Love of Reading When we read with our children, we model the value of reading and show our children learning is important. Adapted from "Why Read Aloud?" ReadAloud.org An EEO/ AA employer, University of Wisconsin -Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI. Title IX. the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements ' Extension UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON THE LITERACY LI Connecting children and parents in justice-involved famili~s through literacy-rich experiences Connecting with Your Child Through Reading Tips for Reading Aloud Interactive reading is a way to read with children that gets them involved in the story. The parent's job is to follow the child's interests and encourage the child to talk. Here are some ideas: 1. Comment and ask questions. "The dog is looking behind the door. What do you think he sees?" 2. Respond to your child's comments. "I don't know where Spiderman is. Let's see if we can find him!" 3. Be silly and dramatic! In a scared voice, "On the cover, what did that say? Did that say there will be a MONSTER at the end of this book???" 4. Go off-script! Add to the story or make up your own. "The dog is looking out the window. The baby is watching the dog. What are they going to do?" 5. Talk about the pictures. Count things on the page. · "I see a red balloon. What do you see in the picture?" "Look at the birds. Let's count them 1, 2, 3. There are 3 birds!" 6. Connect the story to real-life experiences. "You like to swim, just like the child in this story." 7. Be yourself. Make mistakes. Have fun! You do you. It's okay to make mistakes. It's a way to model learning to read. Make reading fun. Your child will love it! An EEO/ AA employer , University of Wiscons in-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employmen t and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements. ~ focus on fathers ••• September a Fathers Teach Good Citizenship October 13 Fathers Teach Persevera nee November 10 Fathers Teach Social Cues QUESTIONS? Please contact: Adam Trunzo 775-538-3037 adam.trunzo@wisc.edu tf you _,d Ille• to ~ occommodatlons: n.. Unlwnlty_ of Wl._,,JIJn-Mod/$0n Plvf.i- of EJrtenslon p,ovld.s equal ~1Jltt.. In ""'~ ond progn,mm/n9 /n compl- with - Cfld _, ,ow. You fflGJl ,..,,_ on I~. materials In an otlemat/v. longu- and/or fonnat. """1or other -servicftl ro male• this 9Wnt,,,.,,.. ~ Contact Uff at fami /iflOeJCtM>slon.w!sc.ed,.. Malc•yourreqUftltat 1-tonemonth,..,.,,. tne dateoffhedoss. n,.",w i. no odded costtoyou for-anrlc-. Buffalo County Positive Youth Development June - July 2026 Program Report The University of Wisconsin –Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. Recent Happenings STEAM Day with MCYC – August 19th: Buffalo County 4-H was invited by the Mondovi Community Youth Center to facilitate a day of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programming at the Mondovi Memorial Park. Youth took part in stained glass art making, building towers out of spaghetti noodles, painting watercolor landscapes, and using 3D pens and a laser engraver. Youth built their skills in problem solving, teamwork, and self-expression through these activities. Most of the youth expressed their enjoyment of the activities and that they had learned something throughout the day. Youth enjoyed both calming, reflective activities like painting watercolor landscapes and used new technology like a laser engraver for the first time. By the end of the program, MCYC youth were excited to share their creations with others as well. Mondovi Public Library LEGO Program – August 24th: Buffalo County 4-H and the Mondovi Public Library began a new collaboration: LEGO Club. The first session of this program was held, and 15 youth attended. The youth used their creativity to build their favorite part of summer. A wide range of summer-themed creations were made, from camping to pool parties. At the end, all their builds were put together to make one complete showcase of their LEGO building talents. Youth were able to express themselves and their interests while collaborating with others and building communication skills during this program. 100% of the youth were satisfied in the program and would come again. Most of the youth also expressed that they wanted to share their builds with others, and many took the time to show their parents and guardians their creations. This program will continue throughout the school year as an after-school program hosted at the library. ~ Extension ~ UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON Buffalo County Positive Youth Development June - July 2026 Program Report The University of Wisconsin –Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. Other Updates S.T.E.P Initiative at the Alma Public Library: The Alma Public Library asked both Buffalo and Pepin County 4-H to collaborate on their new S.T.E.P (Skills Training Employment Pathways) Initiative. This program is designed to increase career readiness and build real-world skills for youth of all ages in the Alma area. A meeting was held on August 25th to discuss what 4-H could bring to the initiative. It is in the very early stages, and 4-H’s role is not yet fully defined. 4-H could provide support or direct programming in the areas of financial literacy, life skills, or career readiness in the future. The Wonders of Physics Traveling Show: The Wonders of Physics is a high-energy, interactive show put on by UW- Madison specialists who travel around the state. The goal of the show is to increase interest in physics among youth of all ages. Buffalo County 4-H has offered this opportunity to local schools, and ideally this program would occur sometime in November – January. This program is entirely free for the schools and 4-H. Annual Authorization of 4-H Clubs & Groups: All Buffalo County 4-H Clubs and groups were required to submit their Annual Authorization form by September 1st in order to remain active in 2027. All data will be reported to UW-Madison by the Extension Office by September 15th. Upcoming Events September – November: 4-H re-enrollment opens September 20: Buffalo County 4-H Leader’s Association Meeting September 20: 4-H Record Books due September 21: Mondovi Public Library LEGO Club October 4 – 10: National 4-H Week October – November: Mondovi Public Library LEGO Club continues ~ Extension ~ UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON