UW Extension – Jefferson County


4-H

Ready to Enroll?

4-H does not have specific membership requirements. All youth from Kindergarten through Grade 13 are welcome to join. Whatever you love to do, you can find it here! Jefferson County offers enrollment in 25 clubs, countywide projects, and select school programs.

Become a Volunteer

Youth involved in 4-H are 4x more likely to give back to their communities, 2x more likely to make healthier choices, and 2x more likely to participate in STEM activities! Through a variety of programs, 4-H’s unique hands-on approach gives kids the opportunity to learn by doing and build life skills.*

By working together in youth-adult partnerships, those who participate in 4-H become more connected and responsive to the needs of the community and gain new energy, perspective, and ideas.**

Find YOUR Project

4-H Projects are specific areas of interest for 4-H members and volunteers. Projects cover a wide variety of topics from animals, science, arts, and beyond. Explore the different project areas, and find more information on a project that you are interested in!

Community Development

Real Colors®

Rainbow color explosion of colored powders.

Through fun, interactive workshops participants learn easy-to-apply skills for understanding human behavior. Real Colors® can help you improve and enhance relationships, build a stronger team, and increase organizational performance.

REV Program

Man and woman standing in front of a window watching a new building being built

A hands‑on program supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners as they explore, launch, or strengthen ventures that contribute to rural and community vitality.

Local Government Education

A page with the word "Government" being highlighted in pink.

We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting local governments with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. Contact Steve Chmielewski for programming.


Agriculture

Manage Nitrogen Efficiently

Corn field rows, short, stalks when fertilizer is typically applied.

In April 2026, commercial nitrogen (N) fertilizer prices increased approximately 30% since fall 2025. Fortunately, there are nutrient management choices farmers can make to minimize financial impacts of this sudden price increase.

  • Identify a Cost-Effective N Rate
  • Account for On-Farm Nitrogen Sources
  • Assess Soil N Credits
  • Measure Field Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Calf Care & Development

Baby calf sticking it's tongue out.

The training of the farm personnel has positive impacts on animal welfare and performance, thus increasing the overall farm profitability. To support beef and dairy farms and their employees, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Extension Dairy Program has developed the “Calving Management Practices and Neonate Care in Dairy Cattle” workshop.

Farm Management

Profitable & Healthy Farm Businesses
Your source for research-based, culturally responsive educational programs, information and tools that inform farm business management decisions.

Topics:
Land Pricing & Rental Contracts
Policy, Markets & Marketing
Safety & Health
Farm Financials
Small-Scale Produce Growers
Business Development Transition & Succession
Human Resources


Horticulture

Foundations in Gardening

Foundations in Gardening runs Sept. 6-Dec. 12, 2026. Register before Aug. 9 to receive an Early Bird registration discount. Regular registration runs Aug. 10-24. A limited number of need-based scholarships will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about the Foundations in Gardening course.

Are You a New Gardener?

A plot of Brussels sprouts is pictured as volunteers from UW-Madison’s F.H. King Students for Sustainable Agriculture harvest fresh produce and vegetables from their farm plot at Eagle Heights Community Garden at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 13, 2020. The students harvested more than 300 pounds of fresh produce, which they later distributed for free to nearly 100 people during a Harvest Handout outreach event held on East Campus Mall. F.H. King hosts the Harvest Hand out each Sunday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. (Photo by Jeff Miller / UW-Madison)

Jump on the garden bandwagon and learn to grow your own food and flowers. We know it can be intimidating so we make it easy to start. Learn more with our local resources.

Follow our Socials!

Social media photo - garden darkened in the background, polaroid photo of the same garden in the front. Is designed to resemble a social post.

Follow our Facebook page. Not only will you find information on horticulture, but also community development and agriculture. We always want to hear from our community, so follow along!

Calendar of Events