UW Extension Agenda 02-02-2026

Notice of Public Meeting AGENDA Committee: Ag and Extension Education Sub Committee Date: Monday, February 2, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: 3rd Floor County Board Room, 407 S. 2nd Street, Alma, WI 54610 Remote Access: Join the meeting now 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, but deviations from the order shown may occur: 1. Review/Discussion/Action Call to Order 2. Review/Discussion/Action Roll Call of Members 3. Review/Discussion/Action Public Comments Regarding Posted Agenda Items 4. Review/Discussion/Action Previous Meeting Minutes 5. Review/Discussion/Action Area Extension Director Introduction 6. Review/Discussion/Action Regional Crop Educator Update 7. Review/Discussion/Action 4-H Youth Development Educator Hiring Update 8. Review/Discussion/Action Educator Reports 9. Review/Discussion/Action AED Report 10. Review/Discussion/Action Committee Chair Report 11. Review/Discussion/Action Public Comments Unrelated to Agenda Items 12. Review/Discussion/Action Next Meeting Date and Time 13. Review/Discussion/Action Adjournment Date: 1/26/26 Brian Michaels, Chair _________________________________________ 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: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 The meeting was called to order by Chair, Brian Michaels at 8:35a.m. Board Members Present: Mr. Brian Michaels; Mr. Gary Stanton and Mr. Robert Sendelbach Others Present: Ms. Mary Campbell Wood, Ms. Sarah Torbert, Ms. Bianca Mullen and Ms. Roxane Weisenbeck. Public comments Regarding Posted Agenda Items: Ms. Wood commented on the agenda reflecting the AED as the person calling the meeting. According to Local Rules of Government, the Chair of the committee should be listed on the agenda as the person to call the meeting. Was noted for future meetings. Review/Discussion/Action ~ Minutes of the previous meeting: Motion by Mr. Stanton, second by Mr. Sendelbach to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Carried. Review/Discussion/Action ~ Regional Crop Educator Update: Mr. Michaels updated the committee on the possibility of the Regional Crops Educator position being cut from the 2026 budget. Committee members and staff expressed concerns and reiterated the value of the Regional Crop Educator and the relationship with partnering counties. Consensus was to continue supporting the Regional Crops Educator position. Review/Discussion/Action ~ 4-H Youth Development Educator Update: Ms. Torbert, Area 9 Director, updated the committee on the hiring process for a 4-H Youth Development educator with final interviews scheduled for October 30th. Committee members are encouraged to attend. Review/Discussion/Action ~ 2026 Budget Discussion: Ms. Torbert explained the 2026 budget and the reason for change in certain areas. Discussion of the presentation to the Finance Committee was held. Review/Discussion/Action ~ 4-H Afterschool Programs Update: Ms. Torbert provided a brief overview of the transition process for the two afterschool programs, noting that the ability to meet licensing requirements prevented them from continuing as they were. Review/Discussion/Action ~ UW Madison-Extension 136 Contract: A draft copy of the 136 Contract between UW Madison-Extension and Buffalo County was presented for review. 2 Educator Reports: Human Development and Family Relations: Ms. Mary Wood, HDR Educator, discussed the impact the Buffalo County jail closing has had on her jail programming. She worked with staff in both counties to continue programming with Buffalo County inmates as well as Trempealeau County inmates. There is still support for the Recovery Coach, an important part of the Moving Forward Jail Re-Entry program. She reported on her collaboration to develop a “Train the Trainer” curriculum for colleagues to teach and help expand the Parenting Inside Out program statewide. Ms. Wood continues to teach the A Better Beginning court ordered program for divorcing families. She presented at the Crisis Intervention training for Buffalo and Pepin County Law Enforcement, EMS and DHHS professionals. Through a partnership with UW Madison Professor, Robert Nix, Ms. Wood reported that Alma Area Schools and Gilmanton Schools opted to be a part of the Family Check-Up program. Participating schools will receive $10,000 per year for each of two years to use at their discretion. Concluding her report, Ms. Wood shared a personal message from a participant of the Healing from Loss and Grief classes titled "What my Grief Looks Like”. 4-H Youth Development: Ms. Mullen and Ms. Weisenbeck reported on recent 4-H Youth Development programming/support that has taken place in the absence of a 4-H Youth Development educator: Outreach and recruitment at National Night Out with an interactive display; 2025-26 4-H enrollment support to members and volunteers; 4-H Record Book Submission and evaluation; 4-H Club Annual Financial Reports and Charters submitted to the state; provided support to the Buffalo County 4-H Leaders Association in preparation for their September meeting; National 4-H Week October 5- 11 activities – Radio Segment, Lawn & Window Display, Green Out, and the County- wide 4-H Fall/Halloween Online Contest. Soils and Crops: No Report. Vacant position. Area Extension Director Report: Ms. Torbert had no additional items to report. Committee Chair Report: Mr. Michaels stated he would convey the message of support for the Regional Crop Educator to the Finance Committee. Next Meeting Date and Time ~ The next scheduled committee meeting is Monday, December 1, 2025, 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 1 Buffalo County Minutes Committee/Board: Agriculture and Extension Education Subcommittee Date of Meeting: Monday, December 1, 2025 The meeting was called to order by Chair, Brian Michaels at 8:41a.m. Board Members Present: Mr. Brian Michaels Absent: Mr. Gary Stanton and Mr. Robert Sendelbach Others Present: Mr. Lee Engfer, Ms. Mary Campbell Wood, Ms. Sarah Torbert, Ms. Bianca Mullen and Ms. Roxane Weisenbeck. Joining virtually: Mr. Jason Hausler and Brommerick News Public comments Regarding Posted Agenda Items: None Review/Discussion/Action ~ Minutes of the previous meeting: No action taken due to insufficient quorum. Review/Discussion/Action ~ Regional Crop Educator Hiring Update: Ms. Torbert, Area 9 Director, updated on the status of the hiring process for the Regional Crop Educator. After the preliminary interviews, five applicants have been asked to return for the final interviews scheduled for December 12th in Black River Falls. Committee members and administration are encouraged to attend in-person or remote. Review/Discussion/Action ~ 4-H Youth Development Educator Hiring Update: Ms. Torbert also updated the committee on the hiring process for a 4-H Youth Development educator. The first attempt at the search and screen process was unsuccessful. A second search and screen is currently in progress. Interviews are set for mid-December at the Buffalo County courthouse. Committee members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Review/Discussion/Action ~ UW Madison-Extension 136 Contract: The 136 Contract between UW Madison-Extension and Buffalo County was presented. Ms. Torbert explained that no changes were made to the budgeted amounts. She noted that the .4 Program Assistant position listed needed to be edited to reflect a .5 position to coincide with the budgeted amount. Mr. Hausler, Assistant Dean, will make the edit and send the contract to Mr. Engfer, as the county representative, to sign. Review/Discussion/Action ~ Area Extension Director Re-Alignment Discussion: Mr. Hausler stated that Extension is currently experiencing a budget shortfall across the division. Re-alignment of the statewide Areas is one avenue for addressing the budget shortfall in part. Maintaining the Area Extension Director model to support local Extension staff is a priority. Input received from county administrations was in support of the proposal. The proposed plan will reduce the areas from 21 to 19 areas across the 2 state. Buffalo County Extension will join Pepin, Pierce, St. Croix and Polk counties in what is currently referred to as Area 5. The re-alignment is a phased approach that is expected to take place over the next few months. Educator Reports: Human Development and Family Relations: Ms. Mary Wood, HDR Educator, discussed the transition of the Moving Forward Re-entry program from the Buffalo County jail to the Trempealeau County jail which now houses Buffalo County inmates. The transition is going well with 23 individuals signed up for the December classes. She has requested a one-year extension for the grant which funds the Moving Forward Re-entry program to end in 2026 rather than December of 2025. The recovery coach, an important part of the program, will be able to continue in Trempealeau County. Ms. Wood reported that the Companions Through the Wilderness; Healing from Loss and Grief program continues to grow reaching diverse audiences across the community as well as the incarcerated. A new class geared toward people in agriculture will begin soon. Farm Bureau is very supportive of this program. A class for Law Enforcement is on the horizon. Ms. Wood is hoping to include classes for children and youth at some point as well. 4-H Youth Development: Ms. Mullen reported on recent 4-H Youth Development programming/support that has taken place in the absence of a 4-H Youth Development educator: Successful participation in the National 4-H Week Lawn Displays and County- Wide Green Out, September/October Online Contest, and 4-H Record Submissions. She reported on the Gather & Grow: 4-H Leaders Social event. This new leadership event brought together 40 youth and adult volunteers to connect celebrate and build community and leadership through Buffalo County 4-H. In the works: 4-H Thriving Survey, Graduating 4-H Member Scholarship Interviews, 2026 4-H Festival of Arts, Youth led 4-H Leaders’ Meeting and the Winter Online contest. Soils and Crops: No Report. Vacant position. Area Extension Director Report: Ms. Torbert acknowledged the contributions and efforts of Ms. Mullen and Ms. Weisenbeck to keep the Buffalo County 4-H program active in the absence of a 4-H Educator. She also updated on the status of the Mondovi Community Youth Center (MCYC) and the 4-H Afterschool programs. Both are working to bring the treasury balance to zero. Then the administrative involvement with Extension will cease. Extension will continue to partner with to provide programming for each group if desired. Committee Chair Report: Mr. Michaels stated he had nothing to report. Next Meeting Date and Time ~ The next scheduled committee meeting is Monday, February 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Public comment not related to agenda items: None 3 Adjournment ~ The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Roxane Weisenbeck, Administrative Assistant Buffalo County Human Development and Relationships Educational Program Report December 2025/January 2026 1 Mary Campbell Wood, M.A. Professor of Human Development and Relationships Buffalo and Pepin counties (100%) https://parenting.extension.wisc.edu/ Educational Programs Moving Forward Jail Reentry Program As you see on the grid below, a total of 9 classes were offered in addition to The Gift of Forgiveness, which I offered to Trempealeau/Buffalo, Pepin, Dunn, and Jackson counties, and the Buffalo/Pepin Community Justice Services Program clients, for a total of 41 participants. Teleconference classes range from one to twelve sessions. A total of 84 participants were reached with educational programs in December/January. Trempealeau County Jail (Trempealeau and Buffalo County residents in confinement) • Programming has begun by offering one class for men and women each month. The Trempealeau County Jail Administration is working toward filling a program director position and will increase participation in the full offerings of the MOVING FORWARD Program at that time. They are predicting that position to be filled by March 2026. Participation has been very good and we are working through any glitches. • Even though they agreed to support the recovery coach back in August, they have not yet allowed him to begin. I hope that this gets going very soon because I provided the $8,700 cash match to support continuation of the AmeriCorps recovery coach position for the third year. Michael Turner began under contract September 2025-August 2026. Class Name Pepin Buffalo-Trempealeau CJS Staying Quit 0 14 2 Gratitude 0 0 0 Criminal and Addictive Thinking 0 8 1 Effective Communication 0 0 1 Socialization 5 0 2 Origami 0 0 0 Salvation Army Resources ? 0 ? Parenting with Love and Logic 0 0 1 Companions Through Wilderness- Healing from Loss and Grief 0 6 1 Total classes December/January = 9 5 28 8 Buffalo County Human Development and Relationships Educational Program Report December 2025/January 2026 2 (MOVING FORWARD REENTRY PROGRAM, continued) Ten teleconference classes offered in February (some are 2 sections, one for men and one for women). They include: Change Company, Relapse Prevention, Staying Quit, Companions Through the Wilderness-Healing From Loss and Grief, Relationships 101, Gratitude, Music Therapy, Guest Motivational Speaker with Lived Experience. Classes range from four 90-minute sessions to fourteen 90-minute sessions. Companions Through the Wilderness - Healing from Loss and Grief In addition to the classes for those who are incarcerated, I offered a special 10-week class for farmers and ag- related individuals beginning mid-December. There are 10 participants. This class is being sponsored by the Buffalo County Farm Bureau, who is paying for the participant materials ($30 each). Participants hail from Buffalo, Pepin, Dunn, Jackson and Wood counties. A Better Beginning for Separating and Divorcing Families 2-part court-ordered classes were held – 5 total participants in December-January, with a few follow-up coaching meeting with co-parents to work on their communication and parenting plans. This is a regular class, offered every month or every other month, depending on # of registrations. Intended outcomes for parents and children include: ➢ Increased family resilience and stability ➢ Improved co-parenting relationships that support children and protect them from harmful effects of family conflict, divorce and family transition ➢ Strengthened, more positive and effective communication between co-parents, and between children and their parents ➢ Decreased trauma and toxic stress Strong Couples Program online 6-session self-study course with 5 online coach meetings. I am the Wisconsin lead and trained coach for this North Central Extension 11-state program. Grant funding makes it possible to offer this free to couples. https://parenting.extension.wisc.edu/strong-couples/ Raising Wisconsin’s Children statewide annual one-day conference, February 4th https://parenting.extension.wisc.edu/raising-wisconsins-children-conference-2026/ Focus on Fathers statewide 9-part monthly series. I will be teaching/facilitating a session on the topic of Values, on February 10th. See attached flyer. Looking to build a stronger bond with your child and connect with other parents? This free online monthly parenting series is designed especially for anyone in a fathering role (dads, step-dads, grandfathers, etc.) and is open to everyone. The classes offer something valuable for everyone. Join anytime! Buffalo County Positive Youth Development December - January 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. We are currently working without a 4-H Educator. The efforts below were completed by 4-H Leaders, 4-H Members, Bianca Mullen and Roxane Weisenbeck. Winter Happenings • Graduating 4-H Member Scholarship Interviews: Buffalo County 4-H conducted scholarship interviews for graduating members. Interviews were held by Linda Larson and Patty George, members of the Buffalo County 4-H Leaders’ Association, providing an opportunity for young people to showcase their achievements and future goals. Each applicant submitted an essay, cover letter, and resume prior to the interviews. This experience helped youth develop essential life skills such as communication, professionalism, and career readiness. • 4-H Travel Experience Interviews: Buffalo County 4-H held interviews for youth interested in attending travel experiences. The interviews were conducted by Stephanie Foust and Jennifer Sandberg, with one member applying for assistance from the Leaders Association to help fund their trip. • 4-H STEM Discovery Toolkit Spotlights: Buffalo County 4-H offers a wide variety of STEM Discovery Toolkits filled with hands-on activities that any youth-serving agency is welcome to borrow. To increase awareness and keep resources fresh, Roxane Weisenbeck and Bianca Mullen have begun spotlighting different toolkits as they are revamped and promoted on social media, so members know what is available to them. At the most recent Leaders Association meeting, three different toolkits were available for young people and leaders to explore, encouraging engagement and sparking interest in STEM learning opportunities. • UW–Extension Website Updates: The UW–Extension website has been kept up to date to ensure timely and accurate information is available to the community. Bianca Mullen has worked on updating and maintaining the webpage, with a focus on improving accessibility and ease of navigation so users can more easily find resources, program information, and opportunities. Buffalo County 4-H Leaders’ Association Meeting – January 18th • The Buffalo County 4-H Leaders’ Association met on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Alma, with 30 participants in attendance. The meeting focused on program updates, continued support of the Buffalo County 4-H program, and recognition of outstanding individuals and community partners. A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the 2025 annual awards: Buffalo County Positive Youth Development December - January 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. • Community Servant Award – Roxane Weisenbeck • 4-H Alumni Award – Abby George • Friend of Buffalo County 4-H Award – Gilmanton Community Club (accepted by Ashley Henthorn) • 4-H Volunteer of the Year Award – Kim Bates Looking Ahead • 4-H Festival of Arts 2026 • Support the Pepin County Educator with Teen Court • 4-H Thriving Survey Results • 4-H Summer Camp • 4-H Sparks Day