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
Wisconsin growers, agronomists & ag students—this is your moment! Join us Dec 2–4 for the Badger Crops & Soils Update 
In-person sessions in Eau Claire, Monroe & Appleton
Virtual option available
Earn CCA credits
Get the latest agronomy research & on-farm solutions
Lunch included at in-person events!
Early-bird registration ends Nov 10
Learn more and register up now: go.wisc.edu/BCU2025
Scrabble Ornaments: 4‑H Explore Edition
Looking for a creative way to celebrate the season? Our 4‑H Explore Edition Scrabble Ornaments bring together holiday cheer and hands‑on learning! 
Build words that inspire
Customize your ornament with 4‑H themes Celebrate curiosity, creativity, and community
Perfect for youth, families, and anyone who loves a mix of fun + tradition.
Share your finished ornaments with us using #4HExplore — we can’t wait to see your creations!
4‑H Experience Series: Goat Milk Soap Making Workshop 
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 — and take home their own handmade creations.
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
Date: December 13th Location: Multipurpose Building 11974 Ames Rd Darlington WI
Register today to save your spot! https://forms.gle/YR8G2qUSCDYXUvJK9
Don’t miss this chance to learn by doing with 4‑H!
Explore 4‑H Edition at Johnson Public Library-Darlington
Get into the holiday spirit with 4‑H! Youth — 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.
Friday, December 19th
1:30 PM Johnson Public Library For all ages — no registration necessary! Create, decorate, and take home your projects Celebrate the season with 4‑H and your communityDon’t miss this chance to learn by doing and make holiday memories with 4‑H!
Youth Cupcake Decorating Day!
Get ready to sprinkle some fun this holiday season! Join us for a sweet morning of creativity and cupcake decorating. 
Date: December 27
Time: 9:00 AM Location: Bendon Beginning Point Church (148 3rd Ave, Benton, WI) Registration is required to participate! Form: https://forms.gle/5Zj4qV1JPuNGXqZz7
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!
Calling All Youth in Agriculture!
Join us for a YQCA Instructor-Led Training on December 30th 
Whether you’re showing livestock at the fair or just passionate about animal care, this training is your chance to:
Learn best practices in animal well-being Meet your YQCA certification requirement Ask questions and engage with a certified instructor Location: Multipurpose Building 11974 Ames Road Darlington WI Time: 10:00 A.M. Register at: https://yqcaprogram.org
✨ 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.
📅 Classes start soon – don’t miss out!
👉 Registration is required for each program:
🏠 Rent Smart, Cost is Free: https://go.wisc.edu/Rentsmartregister
📊 Financial Coaching Foundations, Cost $325 Register: https://go.wisc.edu/85252a
🎓 Rent Smart Train-the-Trainer, Cost is Free: https://go.wisc.edu/4ml88o
💡 Knowledge is power—don’t miss this chance to invest in yourself!
#FinancialEducation #MoneySmart #BudgetingTips #CreditConfidence #InvestInYourself #CommunityLearning #FinancialCoaching #SmartMoneyMoves #RentSmart #TrainTheTrainer #WisconsinExtension
Spark Days! Build Your Own Piñata
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 piñata! 
Piñatas aren’t just festive decorations—they carry deep cultural significance. Originating in Mexico, piñatas were traditionally made in the shape of a star with seven points, symbolizing the seven deadly sins. Breaking the piñata represented overcoming temptation, with the treats inside symbolizing rewards for perseverance and faith. Over time, piñatas became a joyful centerpiece of celebrations, especially birthdays and holidays, embodying community spirit, resilience, and unity.
Today, piñatas are a vibrant tradition across Latin America and beyond, bringing people together through creativity, fun, and shared celebration.
Date: January 10 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Location: Multi‑Purpose Building (11974 Ames Rd, Darlington WI) Registration required: https://forms.gle/yhgE1We8nGWpLghV7Youth 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!Past Events
Dream Catchers & Their Colors: What Do They Mean? 
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 tradition—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 
Red – Passion, courage, and energy. Perfect for igniting motivation and love. 
Blue – Peace, calm, and clarity. Ideal for restful sleep and emotional healing. 
Green – Growth, renewal, and balance. A grounding choice for fresh starts. 
Yellow – Joy, optimism, and creativity. Brighten your space and your spirit. 
White – Purity, protection, and spiritual connection. A classic for cleansing energy. 
Purple – Intuition, wisdom, and mystery. Great for enhancing dreams and insight. 
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.
Which color resonates with you most right now?
🕊️ 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. 🐦
📅 Date: November 1st at 10:00 a.m.
📍 Location: Multipurpose Building, 11974 Ames Road Darlington WI
⚠️ Registration is required 👉 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 wildlife—one suet block at a time. 💚 #SPARKDays #FeedTheBirds #4HWildlifeWorkshop #LafayetteCounty4H
Save a Calf, Save a Cow – Workshop Series
Calling all dairy and beef producers, and dairy workers! Join us classes designed to improve calf and
cow care.
Boost your confidence for cow calvingRecognize key signs of laborLearn about newborn calf careSupport both cow and calf healthLearn how to handle difficult deliveries Online Classes:• Zoom: Nov. 5 from 6:30–7:30 PM or Nov. 6th from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
In Person Locations & Dates:• Gays Mills: Nov. 12th from 11 AM–12:30 PM or from 6:00–7:00 PM
• Darlington: Nov. 13th from 11 AM–12:30 PM or 6:00–7:00 PM
Cost: $20/person
Pay day-of or mail check to: Extension Green County, 2841-6th Street, Monroe, WI 53566 (Make checks payable to Extension Green County)
Questions? Contact Jackie McCarville at jackie.mccarville@wisc.edu or 608-576-0147Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your herd health and connect with fellow producers!
REMINDER: Chameleon Mosaics at Belmont Public Library!
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 
Open to all ages 
Plus, explore the amazing world of 4-H opportunities!Don’t miss out on the fun — bring your imagination and let’s make some mosaic magic!
Belmont Public Library
🌌✨ SPARK DAYS: Galaxy Tie-Dye Workshop ✨🌌
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. 💫
🗓️ Date: October 4th 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
📍Location: Multipurpose Building, 11974 Ames Road Darlington WI
🎨 All supplies provided – just bring your creativity!
⚠️ Registration is required 👉 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!
Rental rates Legal risks Communication tips Ending a lease…and more!
Locations: Dodgeville, Juneau, Chippewa Falls, Wausau & Manitowoc🗓️ Date: October 9th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
📍Location: Extension Iowa County 303 W Chapel St, Dodgeville WI
✨🌿 Explore 4-H: Beaded Potted Plants Craft
🪴💎 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.
📍 Johnson Public Library
📅 Friday October 10th 2025
🕒 1:45 P.M.
📅 Friday October 10th 2025
🕒 1:45 P.M.
🎨 All materials provided 👨👩👧👦 Open to all ages ✅ Free to attend
