UW Extension – Jefferson County


4-H

Fair Time is Approaching

An older boy and a young girl at the fair holding a small white snake.

Fair season is coming up fast! The fair is a great opportunity for 4-H Members to showcase their hard work on a variety of projects–from art to livestock. Be sure to check the fair timelines, whether you are exhibiting or visiting the exhibits!

July 8 – 12
Admission Only:
Adults (ages 13-61): $13
Senior (ages 62+): $8
Youth (ages 6-12): $8
Kids ages 5 and younger: FREE
Buy tickets here: https://www.jcofair.com/p/buytix

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.**

Upham Woods Summer Camp

Two high school aged girls standing in a river fishing at Upham Woods.

Upham Woods is an outdoor learning center for youth and adults. Through our programs, we aim to ignite curiosity, cultivate leadership, and create a lasting impact on the natural world and the communities we serve.

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.

Badger Dairy Camp

The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and the Dairy Innovation Hub are excited to announce the return of Badger Dairy Camp to the University of Wisconsin campus from July 9-12, 2026. The goal of this program is to educate youth about the breadth of areas that contribute to Wisconsin’s dairy industry and the higher education and career opportunities available. Our program includes hands-on workshops, tours, and recreational activities for youth ages 12-17 as of January 1, 2026. 


Horticulture

Ask Your Gardening Questions

At left, greenhouse manager Johanna Oosterwyk helps a child create a terrarium by adding rocks, soil, several small plants, and some water to a plastic container during a Science Expeditions activity in the D.C. Smith Greenhouse at the University of Wisconsin–Madison on April 9, 2022. This was the second day of Science Expeditions, a three-day-long education-outreach event involving multiple disciplines and held at a number of locations across campus. (Photo by Althea Dotzour / UW–Madison)

These LIVE online Q&A sessions, held monthly on Wednesdays, offer the opportunity to connect with plant health experts from UW-Madison and get answers to all your plant-related questions for free.
Next Scheduled:
7/15/26 1:30pm

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!

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