Ag and Extension Education Sub-Committee Agenda 08-17-2026
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Notice of Public Meeting
AGENDA
Committee: Ag and Extension Education Sub Committee
Date: Monday, August 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: 3rd Floor County Board Room, 407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610
Remote Access: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/217920610213407?p=0BpTjHTUG4EIegG5U2
This meeting is open to the public, but portions of the meeting may be closed if this notice indicates that the committee may convene
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. Educator Reports
8. AED Update
Financial Updates
Personnel Updates
Rural Health Transformation Grant Update
9. Committee Chair Report
10. Correspondence
11. Future Agenda Items
12. Next Meeting Date and Time
13. Adjournment
Date: August 10, 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.
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Buffalo County Minutes
Committee/Board: Agriculture and Extension Education Subcommittee
Date of Meeting: Monday, June 1, 2026
The meeting was called to order by Administrator, Lee Engfer at 8:32 a.m.
Board Members Present: Mr. Steve Nelson, and Mr. Robert Sendelbach. Absent: Mr.
Gary Stanton
Others Present: Ms. Mary Campbell Wood, Dr. Kari Weiss, Ms. Bianca Mullen, Ms.
Finley Noll, Ms. Payton Freund, Mr. Lee Engfer and Ms. Roxane Weisenbeck
Meeting verified with Open Meeting law compliance
Election of Chair & Vice Chair: Mr. Engfer called for nominations for Committee Chair.
Motion by Mr. Nelson, second by Mr. Sendelbach to nominate Mr. Stanton as
Committee Chair and cast a unanimous ballot. Motion carried.
Mr. Engfer called for nominations for Committee Vice Chair. Motion by Mr. Nelson,
second by Mr. Sendelbach to nominate Mr. Sendelbach for Committee Vice Chair and
cast a unanimous ballot. Motion carried.
Committee Vice Chair, Mr. Sendelbach led the remainder of the meeting.
Approve agenda: Mr. Engfer explained the new agenda format. Agenda approved.
Review/Discussion/Action ~ Minutes of the previous meeting: Motion by Mr.
Nelson, seconded by Mr. Sendelbach to approve the minutes from the previous
meeting. Motion carried.
Public comments Regarding Posted Agenda Items: None
Review/Discussion/Action ~ Annual Report: Dr. Weiss presented the 2025 Annual
Report for the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension Buffalo County.
Stressing the effects of several educator vacancies as well as the loss of federal funding
resulting in the loss of the Food Wise program. Extension took measures to absorb the
cuts through reductions, realignment or operations. The organization is committed not to
pass along this loss of funding to county partners.
Buffalo County Extension, in spite of the many transitions, carried out significant and
meaningful programming in 2025.
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Ms. Wood shared Human Development and Relations programming highlights.
• A Better Beginning for divorcing and separating families reached a milestone
mark in 2025 serving 1000 individuals through this court ordered program.
• Moving Forward Jail Re-entry Program offered 65 classes to 191 learners in
Buffalo, Trempealeau and Pepin County jails. Moving Buffalo County inmates to
other locations has presented considerable challenges to the continuation and
delivery of the re-entry program. The grant supporting this program expires in
December of 2026.
Ms. Mullen shared Buffalo County 4-H program achievements.
• Through the dedication and commitment of 4-H volunteers, youth leaders,
community partners and staff, the Buffalo County 4-H program maintained strong
engagement in 2025.
o 340 Youth Enrolled
o 11 4-H Clubs
• The Wisconsin 4-H Thriving Survey results indicate a high quality 4-H program in
Buffalo County. Youth experience strong relationships, seek new possibilities and
feel supported by caring adults.
Dr. Weiss explained the end of the Food Wise program in Buffalo County due to the
loss of federal funding. The Food Wise programs provided by April Duval, Food Wise
coordinator, ended in September of 2025.
Dr. Weiss also reported that in 2025 the Buffalo/Pepin County Teen Court program
transitioned the coordinator position to the Pepin County 4-H Educator. The program
continues across counties to support youth in both Buffalo and Pepin Counties.
The 2025 budget actuals vs. budgeted were noted. The numbers are indicative of
personnel transitions.
Area Extension Director Report: Dr. Weiss gave personnel updates. The new
Regional Crops & Soils Educator, Grace Finnerty, will begin on June 8, 2026. She has
chosen the Buffalo County Extension office as her home base. She will serve Buffalo,
Trempealeau and Jackson counties.
Dr. Weiss introduced new 4-H staff. Payton Freund, 4-H Outreach Associate and Finley
Noll, 4-H Summer Intern will work with Bianca Mullen, Associate 4-H Educator to round
out the 4-H programming team.
Committee Chair Report: No report given.
Correspondence: Mr. Engfer stated that he had been in contact with the county
insurance company regarding the possibility of continuing with the Pony Rides at the
Fair. The County’s liability policy does not provide coverage for Pony Rides. The Fair
would need to provide coverage if allowed. 4-H policy restrictions would make it difficult
for this to be a 4-H sponsored event.
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Future Agenda Items: None stated at this time.
Next Meeting Date and Time ~
The next scheduled committee meeting is Monday,
August 17, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
Public comment not related to agenda items: None
Adjournment ~ The meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Roxane Weisenbeck, Administrative Assistant
Buffalo County Crops and Soils
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
Buffalo and Trempealeau County Dairy Breakfasts – June 20th: The
dairy breakfasts provided a great opportunity for me to introduce
myself to farmers in my region. I was able to let people know that the
position has been filled after being vacant for over a year, share my
contact information and extension resources, and ask farmers about
their top concerns as part of my community needs assessment.
Gathering farmer feedback on top priorities is an essential part of my
first 6-12 months so that I can develop a plan of work around these
areas. Local ag educators were able to help introduce me to many
people, and I was even invited to participate in an interview with
WAXX radio at the Trempealeau County breakfast.
Buffalo County Farm Visits – June 30th: Joe Bragger offered to give
me a tour of his farm and introduce me to farmer neighbors Jimmy
Ellis and Dennis Bork. Through these farm visits I was able to learn
more about the work that Carl Duley had done, particularly his
collaborations with local farmers on emerging crops. I was also able
to collect feedback for the needs assessment and hear from the
perspective of farmers who serve on the Montana board.
Buffalo County Farm Visit and Tour of Valley Near Gilmanton – July 6th: I joined the county conservation office staff
for a DATCP compliance inspection as part of a state-wide baselining survey. I was then shown some of the
surrounding area. This was a chance for me to hear more about the concerns of county conservation staff and learn
more about the projects that farmers in the area have engaged in with extension in the past.
Buffalo County Crops and Soils
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.
Buffalo-Trempealeau Producer-Led Watershed Group Meeting – July 9th:
Visiting the watershed group was important for introducing myself so that I can
hopefully build some collaborations with innovative farmers in the region in the
future. At the meeting, I was able to hear more about and see some of the
experimentation that members are engaged in, including a rye inter-seeding
rate trial in corn and camelina relay cropped with beans. I also heard about their
plans for a field tour day trip and a bit about their thoughts on what to focus on
in the next year as they reviewed their grant application for the current cropping
season.
Field Day Attendence – July 1st, July 10th, and July 13th : Attending
field days in the area has helped me to gain a better understanding of
the current on-farm and research station research and develop ideas
for on-farm research options for my tri-county region. Field days
included a Soil and Nutrient Management Field Day near Jackson Co,
an Emerging Crops Field Day in Trempealeau Co, and a Cover Crop
and Forage Field Day at the Marshfield Research Station.
Buffalo County Crops and Soils
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.
Outreach Event Planning: I have been working on planning the Soybean Gall Midge Field
Day at UW River Falls on August 7th by reaching out to farmers to ask if we may scout their
fields, developing a field site map, planning the scouting route, applying for CCA CEUs, and
helping with field day event logistics, such as coordinating equipment. Buffalo County
farms are a part of the scouting route and farmer hosts along with other farmers were
invited to the event either directly or via my newsletter.
I am also working on a Beef Producer’s Field Day on August 24th near Arcadia, WI. I was
responsible for identifying the host site and coordinating logistics like the sign-up form,
flyer, and on-site amenities.
I also sent out my first newsletter on 8/5/2026!
Meeting Coworkers and Collaborators: I have met with several coworkers and collaborators with the goal of
bringing ideas for on-farm research and best management practices back to my counties or finding ways to share
ideas that are already being implemented by a minority of farmers in the counties on a larger scale. It is vital to build
these partnerships to be effective and offer the most value to farmers in my region.
Amber Radatz, Dennis Frame, and Sheri Schwert – Ag Water Quality: learn about ag water quality research in the
state, the history of discovery farms in the region, and possibilities for future outreach and on-farm research around
ag water quality
Jerry Clark and Cale Severson – Manure Applicator Training: learning about the manure applicator training program
and getting on the list for offering it in these counties, especially Buffalo Co with a Land Conservation collaboration,
in the coming year
Abby Augarten – On-Farm Research: learning about the on-farm research program, how to start on-farm research
projects, and the potential opportunities in my region
Will Fulwider – Barley Research: learning about Will’s barley research, hearing about the history of barley
experimentation in the region, and joining his team to continue barley research, looking toward a focus on on-farm
trials
Becky Brathel – Wisconsin Farmers Union
Butch Halama – WHTL Radio
Jenn Rittenhouse – Farm Bureau
Greg Olson – Sand County Foundation
Tom Brenner – Farmers 4 Health Watershed Group
Meetings with county board members, land conservation departments, and NRCS staff: exploring collaborations and
building local connections
What are your suggestions for people to meet, ideas to explore, or top concerns that need to be addressed?
Buffalo County Crops and Soils
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.
Looking Forward
• Beef Producer’s Field Day – Aug 24th
• Phosphorus Management Outreach Event – hope to set a date soon
• Watershed group field tour
• WWASH conference registration opens in September
Buffalo County Human Development and Relationships
Educational Program Report
April-July 2026
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Mary Campbell Wood, M.S.
Professor of Human Development and Relationships
Buffalo and Pepin counties (100%) https://parenting.extension.wisc.edu/
Justice-Related
MOVING FORWARD Jail Reentry Program-offered 24 online classes ranging from
4 to 12 90-minute sessions: Adulting 101; Change Company, Companions Through
the Wilderness-Healing from Loss and Grief (x4); Criminal and Addictive Thinking;
Financial Literacy (x2); Gratitude; Parenting Inside Out (X2); Parenting with Love
and Logic; Preparing for Release; Relationships; Socialization; Stop the Chaos; The
Gifts of Apology and Forgiveness (x6); and Understanding Trauma. (112
participants).
As of mid-May, began transition to offering classes in the Pierce County Jail because Buffalo County
Jail is no longer housing inmates, and is sending folks to Pierce and Dunn county jails for confinement
and care rather than the Trempealeau County Jail. It seems this will be the semi-permanent
arrangement. Have had several meetings to plan and coordinate continuation of educational programs
and am getting the systems worked out. Regular monthly virtual educational programs are now being
offered in both Pierce and Dunn counties.
The Literacy Link Program
Parenting Inside Out (listed above), and finalizing development of adapted curriculum, and Making
Reading Memories Recorded book reading of incarcerated parents in the Pepin County Jail for their
children, and then the recording and books are sent to the caregivers of the children to keep. I am on
the state Literacy Link Leadership Team and a founding member of the initiative. Recorded 2 parents.
Accepted to present the development and research from the Making Reading Memories program at
the National Council on Family Relations Conference in November.
Minnesota Model Jail Practices Learning Community 90-minute presentation and discussion with 2
other Extension colleagues, on work in justice-related WI and what we have developed. (Shared with
98 participants).
Presenting The Literacy Link program at the Wisconsin Literacy Forward Conference, September 29th
in Appleton
Healing from Loss and Grief
Companions Through the Wilderness – Healing from Loss and Grief
classes
• Community-Farming and Ag-related, 1X monthly continuation (by
request) of 5 members
• Incarcerated individuals Pierce, Pepin and Dunn county jails (41 men)
Chippewa Valley Grief Services Project –advisory committee member;
held first organizational meeting.
Buffalo County Human Development and Relationships
Educational Program Report
April-July 2026
2
Parenting and Family Relationships
A Better Beginning for Separating and Divorcing Families
Monthly 2-part (5 hours total) court-ordered classes were held for
17 participants. This is a regular class, offered monthly. Intended
outcomes for parents and children include:
➢ Increased family resilience and stability
➢ Improved co-parenting relationships, supporting children
and protecting them from harmful effects of family conflict,
divorce and transition
➢ Strengthened, more positive and effective communication
between co-parents, and between children and their parents
➢ Decreased trauma and toxic stress
Strong Couples Program – WI leader for this online, 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 also serve as a coach for couples.
Court-Ordered Parenting – ordered by Pepin County probation agent; working with one parent at this
time. Intensive education and accountability, meeting bi-weekly.
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 co-taught a Fathers Teach Perspective 90-minute class on June 9th
Other Activities
• Developed and submitted my 2026-2027 Plan of Work
• Attended bi-annual, half-day Head Start Mental Health Services Advisory Committee meeting
• ADRC Community Resource Fair, Extension display, July 15, Mondovi School
Looking Ahead August-September
• Working with Matt Roesler (Pepin County DHS/Sheriff Dept) to plan Pepin-Buffalo professional
development trainings for Law Enforcement, EMT and DHS professionals
• 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 Experience
programs, and will also have an Extension display at the event)
Buffalo County Human Development and Relationships
Educational Program Report
April-July 2026
3
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
Math and Science Night at CFC School – April 16th, 2026: Buffalo County 4-H
was pleased to participate in the Math and Science Night held on April 16th at
Cochrane-Fountain City (CFC) School. The event featured a variety of engaging,
magic-themed stations that provided hands-on learning opportunities for youth
and families. At the 4-H station, participants created “potion” sand art,
allowing them to explore creativity while engaging in a fun, interactive activity.
Youth selected from a variety of colored sands and layered them into small
bottles to design their own unique take-home creations. This activity
highlighted the 4-H focus on experiential learning through creativity and
exploration. The station was facilitated by Bianca Mullen, Associate 4-H
Educator, and Stephanie Foust, 4-H Volunteer. Approximately 70 students
visited the 4-H station throughout the evening, demonstrating strong interest
and engagement. Overall, the event provided a valuable opportunity to connect
with youth and promote 4-H programming within the community.
4-H Dog Project Fun Day – April 18th, 2026: Youth participants gathered for the Paws and Tails: Dog Project Fun Day,
an engaging and educational event designed to introduce and highlight the Buffalo County 4-H Dog Project. The
program began with hands-on learning led by Buffalo County 4-H Dog Project leaders Sam and Kim, who provided
valuable insight into dog training and project involvement. Sam’s dog, Mimic,
played a key role in demonstrating essential dog project skills, including agility
and rallying. Participants observed training techniques in action and gained
practical tips for working with their own dogs at home. Youth also had the
unique opportunity to interact directly with Mimic during portions of the
demonstrations, enhancing their understanding through experiential learning.
In addition to dog-focused activities, participants engaged in creative, hands-
on projects. Youth designed personalized dog tags using the Buffalo County
metal stamping STEM toolkit and constructed dog toys from recycled t-shirts,
incorporating elements of both creativity and sustainability. Throughout the
event, participants asked thoughtful questions, expanded their knowledge of
the dog project, and expressed increased interest in future involvement. The
Dog Project Fun Day successfully combined education, skill-building, and
creativity, providing a positive introduction to 4-H project opportunities and
encouraging continued engagement.
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.
Earth Day Event at YMCA Camp Pepin – April 22nd: Pepin County Land
Conservation hosted a successful Earth Day educational event for junior high
students at YMCA Camp Pepin, providing hands-on learning experiences
focused on environmental stewardship and conservation. Approximately 160
students from Pepin County schools attended the event, participating in a
variety of interactive, outdoor learning stations designed to build awareness and
understanding of natural resource conservation. Buffalo County 4-H collaborated
with Pepin County 4-H to support a shared learning station featuring a
“Recycling Minute to Win It” activity. The event demonstrated the value of strong
community partnerships and cross-county collaboration in delivering high-
quality educational programming. It also provided a meaningful opportunity to
connect with youth and promote 4-H’s role in supporting hands-on, experiential
learning.
STEAM Aventure Days - June 26th & July 10th: Buffalo County 4-H offered two full-day STEAM Adventure Days on June
26 and July 10 at the Mondovi Arboretum Park, providing hands-on learning
opportunities for youth in grades 5K–6. A total of 15 participants engaged in a
wide range of science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities
designed to spark curiosity and support experiential learning. Youth explored
creative technology through 3D pens, experimented with science and chemistry
concepts while making ice cream, and expressed artistic problem-solving
through stained-glass-style art projects. These activities encouraged
imagination, teamwork, and confidence as participants tried new tools and
techniques. In addition to STEAM stations, youth connected with peers from
across Buffalo County through group games and collaborative challenges. The
outdoor setting at the arboretum provided an ideal environment for exploration,
movement, and creativity. The program was facilitated with support from
Buffalo County 4-H volunteers and youth leaders. Evaluation results reflected
strong engagement across both sessions, with an overall positive rating of 84.4%. This high level of satisfaction
demonstrates that youth not only enjoyed the activities but also felt successful, supported, and excited about their
learning experiences. STEAM Adventure Days also served as an important outreach effort, strengthening connections
with families and highlighting the role of 4-H in fostering curiosity, skill-building, and community.
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.
Buffalo County Dairy Breakfast – June 20th: Buffalo County
Extension was proud to participate in the Buffalo County Dairy
Breakfast on Saturday, June 20th. The event provided a wonderful
opportunity to connect with community members and share the
many programs and resources Extension has to offer. Guests were
encouraged to stop by our booth and take part in the “Old
MacDonald’s Matching Game,” an interactive activity designed to
help participants better understand where everyday items and foods
come from. The game sparked great conversations about agriculture,
food systems, and the important role farmers play in our daily lives.
LEGO Challenge at MCYC – June 30th: Buffalo County 4-H staff visited the Mondovi Community Youth Center to
facilitate an engaging LEGO Challenge for youth participating in the program.
Young people were invited to take part in a creative building activity where each
participant received a LEGOS of a specific color and was challenged to design a
build inspired by that color. This simple prompt encouraged imagination,
problem-solving, and hands-on exploration. Youth were highly engaged throughout
the session, eagerly sharing ideas, comparing designs, and supporting one another
as they built. Evaluation results reflected strong enthusiasm for the experience,
with an overall satisfaction rate of 82% when combining positive and neutral
responses. Youth showed the greatest excitement in sharing their creations with
peers, with nearly half giving the highest rating to that part of the activity. Many
participants also expressed interest in continuing to learn and build with LEGO,
highlighting the appeal of hands-on, creative challenges. The challenge created a
fun, collaborative environment that allowed participants to express creativity while practicing teamwork and
communication skills. Through this outreach effort, Buffalo County 4-H connected with 46 young people,
strengthening relationships with MCYC and expanding awareness of 4-H programming within the community. The
activity demonstrated the value of accessible, drop-in experiences that spark curiosity and provide meaningful
learning opportunities for young people.
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.
Art in the Park – July 8th: Buffalo County 4-H hosted an Art in the Park program on July 8 at the Alma Legion, offering
younger youth an opportunity to explore a variety of hands-on art experiences. Nine
participants engaged in creative activities designed to introduce different artistic
mediums while encouraging curiosity, self-expression, and connection with peers.
Youth experimented with pot painting, using color and design to personalize small
planters; explored clay art, shaping and molding their own creations; and participated
in a food-based learning activity by making dirt cups to understand the layers of soil.
This blend of art and science allowed participants to learn through doing, reinforcing
the 4-H commitment to experiential learning. The program also provided time for youth
to interact, collaborate, and build relationships with one another in a welcoming,
supportive environment. Evaluation results reflected strong engagement, with an
overall success rate of 86.1% based on positive and neutral responses. This high level
of satisfaction highlights the value of accessible summer programming that sparks
creativity and builds community connections in Alma.
Lakefront Explorers – July 14th in Collaboration with Pepin County 4-H: Buffalo and Pepin County 4-H collaborated
to offer the Lakefront Explorers program on July 14 for youth in grades 3–8. Held on Lake Winona in Winona, MN, the
afternoon provided hands-on opportunities for young people to build confidence and skills with water-based
activities. Participants explored the art of kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and liberty boating, gaining experience
in balance and navigation. Youth also had the opportunity to swim, adding to the fun and allowing them to enjoy the
lake in multiple ways. The variety of activities
supported experiential learning and encouraged youth
to try new challenges in a supportive environment.
Fifteen young people took part in the program,
connecting with peers from across the county.
Throughout the afternoon, youth demonstrated
teamwork, curiosity, and enthusiasm as they explored
the lake and encouraged one another. Evaluation results reflected this strong engagement: 100% of participants
reported they would bring a friend back with them next year, underscoring the program’s success in creating a
welcoming, enjoyable, and memorable experience. This collaborative effort strengthened regional partnerships and
highlighted the value of accessible outdoor programming. Lakefront Explorers provided meaningful skill-building
experiences while fostering community, confidence, and a sense of adventure among participating youth.
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.
4-H Make and Take Hub at the Buffalo County Fair – July 30th to August 2nd:
Buffalo County 4-H staff and volunteers hosted an interactive booth at the Buffalo
County Fair from July 30 through August 2, providing youth and families with
hands-on activities and opportunities to learn more about 4-H programming. The
booth served as a welcoming space where young people could participate in
quick, creative experiences while connecting with 4-H representatives. Youth
enjoyed rock painting, button making, and 4-H temporary tattoos, all of which
offered simple, engaging ways for visitors to express creativity and take home a
small piece of their fair experience. These activities encouraged drop-in
participation and helped spark conversations with families about the role of 4-H in
supporting youth development. The booth also featured a display of photos
showcasing programs and opportunities offered throughout the year, highlighting
the hands-on learning available to youth across Buffalo County. In addition, families were able to browse promotional
materials to learn more about membership and the benefits of being involved in 4-H. Throughout the four-day fair, the
booth provided meaningful visibility for 4-H, strengthened community connections, and offered youth a fun and
accessible way to engage with the program.
National Night Out – August 4th: Buffalo County 4-H participated in National Night
Out on August 4, 2026, with a youth-focused booth facilitated by Payton Freund and
Finley Noll. The booth offered hands-on activities including button making and rock
painting, giving young people simple, creative projects to enjoy throughout the
event. Throughout the evening, Payton and Finley connected with families and
shared information about the many opportunities 4-H provides for youth in Buffalo
County. Through this outreach effort, Buffalo County 4-H came into contact with
around 500 youth, strengthening community relationships and highlighting 4-H’s
commitment to accessible, engaging experiences for local families.
Looking Forward
• September Leaders’ Association Meeting
• LEGOS at the Library
• Annual Authorization for Community Clubs Due
• STEAM Discovery at MCYC
• 4-H Enrollment
• 4-H Record Books Due
• National 4-H Week
Source: Buffalo County website. First collected Oct 14, 2026.