Jefferson County UW Extension

09/08/2026

Have a 4-H kiddo? Have them share a photo from Back to School for a chance to win a grand prize!

Share your back-to-school selfies or a picture of your favorite part of back-to-school (maybe it's your locker, the school floor, a classroom display, etc.) for a chance to win the grand prize in this month's photo contest! Photo submissions are due by August 15th; read more about the rules for the photo contest at https://jefferson.extension.wisc.edu/.../photo-contest.../

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

09/08/2026

Congrats to Nathan! Way to show up for your community! Keep up the great work.

Join us in celebrating the member of the month! Nathan Flood is being recognized for his continued dedication to the Jefferson County 4-H program, willingness to lend a hand whenever needed, positive attitude, and active membership on the Livestock and Meats Judging Team. Thank you, Nathan!

Read more about Nathan's outstanding work at: https://jefferson.extension.wisc.edu/2026/08/31/volunteer-of-the-month-nathan-flood/

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

09/04/2026

**Closed Monday**

In observance of Labor Day, our office will be closed Monday. We will reopen Tuesday at 8am.

Please see our website for contact information if you have questions and we will get back to you next week.
https://jefferson.extension.wisc.edu/

Have a fun and safe weekend!

09/03/2026

Check out our amazing Dairy Educator, Alison and her class on Best Practices for Cattle Vaccinations and Medication Administration.

She is our bilingual educator and works in Jefferson, Rock, Walworth, and Dane counties.

Make sure to check out our website: https://jefferson.extension.wisc.edu/agriculture/dairy-and-livestock/

09/03/2026

Make sure you stop by the 4-H Open House on September 16th! Learn all about what 4-H is about and how your kids can get involved.

UW-Extension 4-H integrates research, education and community-based partnerships, enabling youth to learn and practice skills to be productive citizens.

09/01/2026

El "Break" Info-Lechero, the Spanish webinar for Wisconsin's Dairy workers and farmers is back for the 4th year! University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension developed this webinar on different dairy topics including reproduction, data management, animal welfare, animal nutrition, genetics selection, environment, and more.

Join us for FREE every Wednesday from September 16 - November 4 at 12pm - 1pm CST.

Pre-registration is required: https://go.wisc.edu/EB26

The Dairy Spanish Webinar is designed for the Spanish-speaking dairy workers and open to all in the dairy community.

**This webinar is eligible for National FARM Program Continuing Education (CE) credits for participants attending the September 16th and September 30th presentations. Please contact us if you would like to request CE credit.

08/31/2026

Make sure to stop by your local library and sign up for a card if you don't currently have one! Your card also gets you access to digital books as well!

Tomorrow begins National Library Card Sign Up Month! Although every month is a great month to get a library card, September is extra special as we encourage all kindegartners to get their first library card - if they haven't already!

Those who get their first library card with MPL in the month of September - either young or old - will receive a small prize and the opportunity to put their name up on our display. Let's fill that display up!

08/28/2026

Fall Forum is a statewide conference that brings Wisconsin 4-H Youth and adult leaders together to connect, collaborate, celebrate, and build excitement and energy for a new year of 4-H. It is for youth in grades 7-13, adult volunteers, and staff.

Registration will be open September 1-15

Registration:
Friday-Sunday (includes 2 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, snack, t-shirt, keynote speaker, workshops and supplies): $100

Saturday Only (includes 1 lunch, 1 dinner, snack, t-shirt, keynote speaker, workshops and supplies): $75

Lodging:
Friday & Saturday night -
· Double occupancy: $60/person per night
· Single occupancy (adults only): $100/person per night
· We will also offer a “Family Room” for families that wish to lodge together - these rooms will be triple or quad occupancy for $40/person per night.

For more information: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/fall-forum/

Registration opens September 1st!

08/27/2026

🌱 This Week in the Garden: Your Questions Answered, Week of August 24

It’s nice to see some good news once in a while. Did you see the news about the Nevada bumble bee sightings in Wisconsin?! Check it out from the Wisconsin DNR:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Hhu57MA54/

❓Question:
How do I get rid of these worms and tents in my trees? (see photo below)

🌳Answer:
At this time of year, I have also seen the presence of fall webworms, especially at the tips of tree branches. Fall webworms construct these nests (aka silk tents or webs) and the caterpillars feed within the nest. DO NOT PANIC. Fall webworms are native insects.

The defoliation and presence of large webs is not attractive, but this damage is generally not significant on healthy, well-established trees. Fall webworms are rarely numerous enough to completely defoliate trees. By the time the leaves are being eaten, trees have already stored enough energy for their survival so fall webworms’ impact on trees is usually pretty minimal. There is no need to intervene. Wind and rain will usually eliminate webs over time.
While fall webworms might look similar to other tree pests, their impact is much different than the threat posed by spring caterpillars, such as the eastern tent caterpillar, forest tent caterpillar or spongy moth. Because these emerge in the spring, they can cause more damage to trees as the caterpillars eat the newly emerged leaves. Another difference: Forest tent caterpillars build smaller, flat silk mats, not large webs; spongy moth caterpillars do not create webs at all.
Do NOT attempt to burn the webs off. This will cause more harm to the tree. If you absolutely need to remove the nests, carefully prune out the nest - only if pruning will not affect the health of the tree.

🔗 Learn more:
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/fall-webworm-hyphantrea-cunea/

💬 Have a question of your own?
Reach out—we may feature it in an upcoming post!
You can reach Julie, your local horticulture educator by calling 262-741-4958, Text 262-374-4191, email [email protected] or use our online form: go.wisc.edu/PlantQ

📷Fall webworm

08/27/2026

Interested in 4-H? Come to the open house and learn all about it.

Join us at the Jefferson County UW-Extension Office on Wednesday, September 16th for a 4-H Open House! Stop by at any time between 4:00 and 6:00 pm to learn about 4-H, meet our educators, and get info on enrollment and 4-H opportunities available this year! There will also be activities, games, and prizes for youth! Members and non-members are invited to attend.

Club and project leaders are also invited to host a table at the open house. Please sign up using this form: https://forms.gle/toxgLn31TmznqGRE7

Please contact [email protected] with any questions or accessibility requests.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.