Extension’s Rural Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Initiative Offers Multiple Ways to Engage

UW–Madison Extension’s Community Economic Development Program is equipping entrepreneurs with the business skills and sector-specific information necessary to succeed in new entrepreneurial ventures. The Rural Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Initiative provides UW research and education to entrepreneurs and economic development practitioners who are interested in supporting entrepreneurial activity in rural communities. This initiative is a partnership with […]

Despite huge growth Wisconsin still ranks low in business ownership among entrepreneurs of color

In recent years Wisconsin has seen massive spikes in business ownership among nonwhite entrepreneurs yet the state continues to have an overall low number of businesses owned by people of color. Wisconsin ranks 50th for the rate of business ownership among minorities. Businesses owned by people of color represent 10.9% of total businesses despite people […]

Growing skills to grow forests, protect wildlife

Frederic “Rick” Braun’s love of woodlands came early, tracking tree growth on his family’s 4,000 acres in Langlade County with paint markings and experimenting with native plantings. He inherited not only a large estate used for logging and hunting, he also inherited an affection for the outdoors and what it takes to manage the land. […]

New opportunities for farmers to advance on their conservation agriculture journeys

This month presents two unique opportunities for farmers in the Midwest and Mid-South to advance their efforts to improve soil health and water quality, while protecting their profitability.

Adapting resources for new communities: Hmong Planning AHEAD Curriculum

In 2019 when Extension educators were analyzing the results of a statewide needs assessment, they spotted a trend in many Wisconsin counties. Offices that provided public benefits, like FoodShare and BadgerCare Plus, were seeing many applications from residents whose spouses or partners had recently died. They found that a lot of them had never dealt […]

A space to talk about fatherhood: Developing father-centered outreach programs

For Eugene Crisler, an Employment Specialist and Fatherhood Program Facilitator at the Urban League of Greater Madison, shining a spotlight on fatherhood is a welcome wake-up call for Wisconsin. When Extension’s Fatherhood Needs Assessment report was released earlier this year, he and Extension educators started to discuss what fathers across the state were asking for […]

‘Empowered at a very young age’: Youth Advocates for Community Health

Desiree Torres understands the value of being part of a supportive environment that encourages young people to be involved in their communities, something she witnessed firsthand with Youth Advocates for Community Health (YACH), a program of UW–Madison Extension. Christa Van Treeck, associate professor and youth development educator in Marquette County, is working with a group […]

Extension initiatives recognized for Growing Together with community gardening

Each year, the USDA’s National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) recognizes visionary leadership and diversity in educational programming. The Growing Together Multi-State Collaborative – which includes UW–Madison Extension, Iowa State University Cooperative Extension, Purdue University Extension, Michigan State University, Montana State University, South Dakota State University, University of Illinois, University of Nebraska, and the […]

For those living without health insurance, a place to turn for answers

All at once John Manno found himself unemployed, without health insurance, and in excruciating pain. Manno, who lives in Ashland, is a freelance musician and rental property owner who has had sporadic health insurance. Just before his back gave out, he found himself completely priced out of the options he saw. Then came the diagnosis: […]

Extension Awards honor employee service to the Wisconsin Idea

Extension honored seven employees during its annual conference Nov. 2 for their commitment and contributions to the Wisconsin Idea and communities across the state. This was the second year since Extension rejoined UW–Madison that the division celebrated its employees with several award categories. It was also the second year in a row that Extension held […]

News from Extension

Division of Extension

Extension’s Rural Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Initiative Offers Multiple Ways to Engage

Despite huge growth Wisconsin still ranks low in business ownership among entrepreneurs of color

Growing skills to grow forests, protect wildlife

New opportunities for farmers to advance on their conservation agriculture journeys

Adapting resources for new communities: Hmong Planning AHEAD Curriculum

A space to talk about fatherhood: Developing father-centered outreach programs

‘Empowered at a very young age’: Youth Advocates for Community Health

Extension initiatives recognized for Growing Together with community gardening

For those living without health insurance, a place to turn for answers

Extension Awards honor employee service to the Wisconsin Idea