Welcome to UW-Madison Division of Extension – Lafayette County

*Upcoming Events*

For more updates follow us on our Facebook pages:

Lafayette County Extension Page: https://www.facebook.com/LafayetteCountyUWExtension/

Lafayette County 4-H Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568377329133



Calling All Youth in Agriculture!

Join us for a YQCA Instructor-Led Training on December 30th πŸ„πŸ–πŸ‘

Whether you’re showing livestock at the fair or just passionate about animal care, this training is your chance to:

βœ… Learn best practices in animal well-being

βœ… Meet your YQCA certification requirement

βœ… Ask questions and engage with a certified instructor

πŸ“ Location: Multipurpose Building 11974 Ames Road Darlington WI

πŸ•’ Time: 10:00 A.M.

πŸ’» Register at: https://yqcaprogram.org

Don’t wait to secure your spot! #YQCA #YouthInAg #AnimalScience #4H #FFA #AgEducation


πŸ’΅ Money as You Grow Workshop πŸ’΅

Join us at the Johnson Public Library on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 10 AM for a special program led by Bob Wiegel, Human Development & Relationships Educator with UW-Madison Division of Extension.

✨ Learn practical tips to help children and families build strong money habits.

✨ Discover engaging activities that make financial literacy fun and easy. βœ¨ Take home resources to support lifelong financial well-being.

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Perfect for parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in teaching kids about money!

πŸ“ Johnson Public Library

πŸ—“οΈ December 30, 2025 | 10:00 AM

πŸŒ±πŸ’‘No Registration necessary.

Don’t miss this chance to grow your financial knowledge and empower the next generation! #MoneyAsYouGrow #FinancialLiteracy #FamilyLearning #JohnsonPublicLibrary #UWExtension


βœ¨πŸŽ„ Paper Star & Scrabble Ornaments: 4‑H Explore Edition πŸŽ„βœ¨

πŸŽ™UPDATE❗

Unfortunately, due to weather conditions the Library and our Extension Office are closed today. This event has been rescheduled for January 7th!

Looking for a creative way to celebrate the season? Our 4‑H Explore Edition Festive Paper and Scrabble Ornaments bring together holiday cheer and hands‑on learning! πŸ§©πŸŒŸ

πŸ”€ Build words that inspire

🎨 Customize your ornament with 4‑H themes

🌱 Celebrate curiosity, creativity, and community

πŸ“ Join us at Gratiot Annex Library

πŸ“… Wednesday, January 7, 2026

πŸ•œ 4:30 PM

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Open to all ages!

Perfect for youth, families, and anyone who loves a mix of fun + tradition.

πŸ“Έ Share your finished ornaments with us using #4HExplore β€” we can’t wait to see your creations!

πŸŽ‰ Spark Days! Build Your Own PiΓ±ata πŸŽ‰

You are invited to join Lafayette County 4‑H for a free, fun, hands‑on workshop where you’ll design and build your very own colorful piΓ±ata! πŸͺ…βœ¨

PiΓ±atas aren’t just festive decorationsβ€”they carry deep cultural significance. Originating in Mexico, piΓ±atas were traditionally made in the shape of a star with seven points, symbolizing the seven deadly sins. Breaking the piΓ±ata represented overcoming temptation, with the treats inside symbolizing rewards for perseverance and faith. Over time, piΓ±atas became a joyful centerpiece of celebrations, especially birthdays and holidays, embodying community spirit, resilience, and unity.

Today, piΓ±atas are a vibrant tradition across Latin America and beyond, bringing people together through creativity, fun, and shared celebration.

πŸ“… Date: January 10

πŸ•˜ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

πŸ“ Location: Multi‑Purpose Building (11974 Ames Rd, Darlington WI)

πŸ‘‰ Registration required: https://forms.gle/yhgE1We8nGWpLghV7

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦Youth are invited to bring their parents and enjoy this family-focused event together. Come learn, create, and celebrate while connecting with the rich cultural roots of this festive tradition!

#SparkDays#LafayetteCounty4H#4HGrowsHere#DIYPinata#CommunityCreativity#CulturalTradition#IgniteJoy

✨🌟 Spark Days! DIY Wood Signs Workshop 🌟✨

Get creative with Lafayette County 4‑H and design your very own custom wood sign at Spark Days! 🎨πŸͺ΅

πŸ“… Date: January 17

πŸ•˜ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM πŸ“ Location: Multi-Purpose Building

πŸ’² Cost: $15

πŸ‘‰ Registration is required to participate: https://forms.gle/nLTgbYLz5kd2sazZA

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦Youth are invited to bring their parents and enjoy this family-focused event together. Bring your imagination, connect with 4‑H friends, and leave with a one-of-a-kind piece you’ll be proud to display!

πŸ‘‰ Spots are limitedβ€”don’t miss out on this hands-on experience!

#SparkDays#DIYWoodSigns#LafayetteCounty4H#IgniteJoy#CommunityCreativity#4HGrowsHere#HandmadeWithLove


🎨 Wisconsin 4‑H ArtBEAT! is coming soon! 🎨

Calling all creative youth in grades 3–5 β€” join us for a fun, hands‑on arts experience at Upham Woods in Wisconsin Dells on March 14–15, 2026!

πŸ—“ Registration opens January 12 and closes February 8, 2026 Space is limited, and once full, a waiting list will begin β€” so mark your calendars!

πŸ’΅ Tiered pricing available: $125, $150, or $175 ($150 reflects the actual program cost.) Parents are encouraged to attend as volunteers for $75, with an optional Friday overnight stay for an additional $35/person.

🌟 Learn more and register at: go.wisc.edu/ArtBEAT

Let your creativity shine at ArtBEAT! πŸŽ­πŸ–ŒοΈπŸ€


πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Calling all dads! Looking to strengthen your bond with your child and connect with other parents?

Join Focus on Fathers, a free online parenting series designed especially for dads β€” and open to everyone!

✨ What you’ll gain:

– Tools to help kids stand up for themselves

– Guidance on teaching values, kindness, and good citizenship

– Support for handling emotions and making good choices

– A chance to relax, enjoy fatherhood, and share perspectives with other parents

πŸ“… Upcoming Sessions: Every 2nd Tuesday | 1:00–2:00 PM (via Zoom)

βœ… Join anytime β€” each session offers something valuable!

πŸ‘‰ Register today and be part of a community that celebrates fatherhood and empowers families: https://forms.gle/aNUWWDMsHEHRY1zz6


✨ Ready to take control of your money? ✨

Join our Financial Education Classes and build the skills to budget smarter, boost your credit, and start investing with confidence.

πŸ“… Classes start soon – don’t miss out!

πŸ‘‰ Registration is required for each program:

🏠 Rent Smart, Cost is Free: https://go.wisc.edu/Rentsmartregister

πŸ“Š Financial Coaching Foundations, Cost $325 Register: https://go.wisc.edu/85252a

πŸŽ“ Rent Smart Train-the-Trainer, Cost is Free: https://go.wisc.edu/4ml88o

πŸ’‘ Knowledge is powerβ€”don’t miss this chance to invest in yourself!

#FinancialEducation #MoneySmart #BudgetingTips #CreditConfidence #InvestInYourself #CommunityLearning #FinancialCoaching #SmartMoneyMoves #RentSmart #TrainTheTrainer #WisconsinExtension



🌿 Planning AHEAD πŸŒΏ

Take the time now to prepare for the futureβ€”and give your loved ones peace of mind.

Join us for a 7-session course that gently guides you through important end-of-life topics:

βœ… Handling financial changes

βœ… Advanced medical & legal directives

βœ… Estate planning

βœ… Choices in end-of-life care

βœ… Final wishes & understanding grief

πŸ“… Mondays, Feb 16 – Mar 30, 2026

πŸ•’ 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

πŸ“ John Turgeson Public Library, Belmont, WI

πŸ’‘ Includes a FREE workbook to help with decisions and planning.

πŸ‘‰ This program is for anyone interested in planning ahead, coping with loss, or supporting loved ones through transition.

πŸ“© Contact Bob Wiegel at bob.wiegel@wisc.edu or (608) 482-0620 for more information.


Past Events

🧁✨ Youth Cupcake Decorating Day! βœ¨πŸ§

Get ready to sprinkle some fun this holiday season! Join us for a sweet morning of creativity and cupcake decorating. πŸŽ¨πŸ°

πŸ“… Date: December 27

πŸ•˜ Time: 9:00 AM

πŸ“ Location: Bendon Beginning Point Church (148 3rd Ave, Benton, WI)

πŸ‘‰ Registration is required to participate! Form: https://forms.gle/5Zj4qV1JPuNGXqZz7

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦Youth are invited to bring their parents and enjoy this family-focused event together. Come design, decorate, and enjoy your own tasty creations with friends. Don’t miss out on this deliciously fun event!

#CupcakeDecorating #YouthEvent #CommunityFun #HolidayJoy #LafayetteCounty4H #SparkDays #SweetCreativity


πŸŽ„βœ¨ Explore 4‑H Edition at Johnson Public Library-Darlingtonβœ¨πŸŽ„

Get into the holiday spirit with 4‑H! Youth β€” bring your parents and join us for a fun afternoon of creativity and family connection. We’ll be making festive paper ornaments and building gingerbread houses together.

πŸ“… Friday, December 19th

πŸ• 1:30 PM

πŸ“ Johnson Public Library

πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ For all ages β€” no registration necessary!

🎨 Create, decorate, and take home your projects

🌟 Celebrate the season with 4‑H and your community

Don’t miss this chance to learn by doing and make holiday memories with 4‑H!

#Explore4H #4HExperienceSeries #HolidayCrafts #FamilyLearning #LearnByDoing #JohnsonPublicLibrary #PaperOrnaments #GingerbreadHouses #Wisconsin4H #LafayetteCounty4H 


🚜🌱Wisconsin growers, agronomists & ag studentsβ€”this is your moment! Join us Dec 2–4 for the Badger Crops & Soils Update πŸš¨

πŸ“ In-person sessions in Eau Claire, Monroe & Appleton

πŸ’» Virtual option available

πŸŽ“ Earn CCA credits

🌾 Get the latest agronomy research & on-farm solutions

🍽️ Lunch included at in-person events!

πŸ•’ Early-bird registration ends Nov 10

πŸ”— Learn more and register up now: go.wisc.edu/BCU2025

Let’s grow smarter, together πŸŒΎ #WisconsinAg #BadgerCropsUpdate #FarmSmart


πŸŽ„βœ¨ Scrabble Ornaments: 4‑H Explore Edition πŸŽ„βœ¨

Looking for a creative way to celebrate the season? Our 4‑H Explore Edition Scrabble Ornaments bring together holiday cheer and hands‑on learning! πŸ§©πŸŒŸ

πŸ”€ Build words that inspire

🎨 Customize your ornament with 4‑H themes

🌱 Celebrate curiosity, creativity, and community

πŸ“ Join us at McCoy Public Library

πŸ“… Friday, December 5th

πŸ•œ 1:30 PM

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Open to all ages!

Perfect for youth, families, and anyone who loves a mix of fun + tradition.

πŸ“Έ Share your finished ornaments with us using #4HExplore β€” we can’t wait to see your creations!


4‑H Experience Series: Goat Milk Soap Making Workshop βœ¨πŸŒΏ

Ready to get creative? Join us for a hands‑on workshop where youth bring their parents to learn the art and science of soap making! Using fresh goat milk, families will discover how everyday ingredients transform into nourishing soap bars β€” and take home their own handmade creations.

πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Family Fun: Youth + parents learning together. Youth are invited to bring their parents and enjoy this family-focused event together.

🎨 Hands‑On Creativity: Mix, pour, and personalize your soap

🌱 Community Connection: Celebrate local agriculture and crafts

πŸ“… Date: December 13th

πŸ“ Location: Multipurpose Building 11974 Ames Rd Darlington WI

βœ… Register today to save your spot! https://forms.gle/YR8G2qUSCDYXUvJK9

πŸ‘‰ Don’t miss this chance to learn by doing with 4‑H!

#4HExperienceSeries #GoatMilkSoap #SoapMakingWorkshop #LearnByDoing #FamilyLearning #SupportLocalFarms #DIYSoapMaking #Wisconsin4H #LafayetteCounty4H


✨ Dream Catchers & Their Colors: What Do They Mean? βœ¨πŸŒ™

πŸ’­Join us at the Argyle Public Library on Saturday, November 22nd at 10:00 A.M. Open to the Public and all ages!

More than just boho decor, dream catchers are rooted in Native American traditionβ€”woven to protect sleepers from bad dreams and let the good ones flow through. But did you know the colors you choose carry powerful meanings?

🎨 Color Symbolism in Dream Catchers πŸ”΄ Red – Passion, courage, and energy. Perfect for igniting motivation and love. πŸ”΅ Blue – Peace, calm, and clarity. Ideal for restful sleep and emotional healing. πŸŸ’ Green – Growth, renewal, and balance. A grounding choice for fresh starts. πŸŸ‘ Yellow – Joy, optimism, and creativity. Brighten your space and your spirit. βšͺ White – Purity, protection, and spiritual connection. A classic for cleansing energy. πŸŸ£ Purple – Intuition, wisdom, and mystery. Great for enhancing dreams and insight. βš« Black – Strength, resilience, and transformation. A bold protector of your space.

🧡 Whether you’re crafting your own or choosing one that speaks to you, let the colors guide your intentions and energy.

πŸ’¬ Which color resonates with you most right now?

#DreamCatchers #ColorMeaning #SpiritualSymbols #BohoVibes #IntentionalLiving #SleepMagic #NativeWisdom


πŸ•ŠοΈ SPARK Days: Feed the Birds – Suet Block Workshop 🌾

Calling all nature lovers and crafty hands! Join us for a hands-on workshop where we’ll make suet blocks to help our feathered friends thrive through the seasons. 🐦

πŸ“… Date: November 1st at 10:00 a.m.

πŸ“ Location: Multipurpose Building, 11974 Ames Road Darlington WI

⚠️ Registration is required πŸ‘‰ Register Here

🎨 Fun for all ages – learn about local birds, create your own suet block, and take home a treat for your backyard visitors!

Let’s spark curiosity, creativity, and care for wildlifeβ€”one suet block at a time. πŸ’š #SPARKDays#FeedTheBirds#4HWildlifeWorkshop#LafayetteCounty4H

Save a Calf, Save a Cow – Workshop Series πŸ’‘πŸ„

Calling all dairy and beef producers, and dairy workers! Join us classes designed to improve calf and

cow care.

🌟Boost your confidence for cow calving

🌟Recognize key signs of labor

🌟Learn about newborn calf care

🌟Support both cow and calf health

🌟Learn how to handle difficult deliveries

πŸ“ Online Classes:

β€’ Zoom: Nov. 5 from 6:30–7:30 PM or Nov. 6th from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

πŸ“ In Person Locations & Dates:

β€’ Gays Mills: Nov. 12th from 11 AM–12:30 PM or from 6:00–7:00 PM

β€’ Darlington: Nov. 13th from 11 AM–12:30 PM or 6:00–7:00 PM

πŸ’² Cost: $20/person

πŸ“¬

Pay day-of or mail check to: Extension Green County, 2841-6th Street, Monroe, WI 53566 (Make checks payable to Extension Green County)

πŸ“ Register online πŸ‘‰https://go.wisc.edu/G605sn

πŸ“ž Questions? Contact Jackie McCarville at jackie.mccarville@wisc.edu or 608-576-0147

Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your herd health and connect with fellow producers!


🦎✨ REMINDER: Chameleon Mosaics at Belmont Public Library! βœ¨πŸ¦Ž

Get ready to unleash your creativity Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 3:30 PM! Join us for a hands-on art adventure where you’ll craft your own colorful chameleon mosaic masterpiece.

🎨 All materials provided πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§ Open to all ages πŸ“š Plus, explore the amazing world of 4-H opportunities!

Don’t miss out on the fun β€” bring your imagination and let’s make some mosaic magic!

πŸ“ Belmont Public Library


🌌✨ SPARK DAYS: Galaxy Tie-Dye Workshop βœ¨πŸŒŒ

Get ready to create your own wearable universe! Join us for a hands-on tie-dye experience where we’ll swirl, splatter, and spark our way through the cosmos. πŸ’«

πŸ—“οΈ Date: October 4th 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

πŸ“Location: Multipurpose Building, 11974 Ames Road Darlington WI

🎨 All supplies provided β€“ just bring your creativity!

                ⚠️ Registration is required πŸ‘‰ Register Here

Whether you’re a DIY pro or just love getting messy with color, this is your chance to make something truly out of this world.


Got questions about farmland leases?

Join UW–Madison Division of Extension this October for Ag Leasing Seminars across Wisconsin!

βœ… Rental rates

βœ… Legal risks

βœ… Communication tips

βœ… Ending a lease

…and more!

πŸ“ Locations: Dodgeville, Juneau, Chippewa Falls, Wausau & Manitowoc

πŸ—“οΈ Date: October 9th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

πŸ“Location: Extension Iowa County 303 W Chapel St, Dodgeville WI


✨🌿 Explore 4-H: Beaded Potted Plants Craft

πŸͺ΄πŸ’Ž Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just looking for something fun to do, this is a perfect way to explore 4-H and make something beautiful to take home.

πŸ“ Johnson Public Library
πŸ“… Friday October 10th 2025
πŸ•’ 1:45 P.M.

🎨 All materials provided πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Open to all ages βœ… Free to attend

Support Extension