• 4-H Grows Here!

    4-H Empowers! Our programs in science, healthy living and civic engagement are backed by a network of 100 public universities and a community of 4-H volunteers and professionals. Through hands on learning, kids build life skills to help them thrive today and tomorrow!

  • Agriculture

    University of Madison Division of Extension Agriculture has everything you need to know from local foods marketing to youth dairy and livestock. We strive to bring information to the residents of Polk County on the economic, environmental and social dimensions of agriculture.

We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities.

Limited Office Access and Availability

Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and guidelines from Wisconsin Department of Health Services, UW-Madison, and federal agencies our office will have limited availability and access. Our staff are working remotely and many of our events have been postponed. For the latest information on COVID-19, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and/or the Polk […]

Read More...

Protect You & Your Family Against The Flu!

If you’re considering a family visit at Thanksgiving, it’s important to add a flu vaccine to the list to protect yourself and your family, along with your masks, social distancing, and hand sanitizer. Make sure you have less than 10 people at any gathering. But the safest way to protect your crew is to plan a […]

Read More...

Moving Forward During Covid-19: Deciding Who, When, & How

“Quaranteam”? “Double bubble”? These terms are showing up more and more in the media as individuals and families make decisions about when they will start to see other people again. In other families, questions are bubbling up about when and how it will be safe to get much needed support, like childcare or respite care. […]

Read More...

Flood Damage to your Crops and Gardens?

What to do if flood waters entered your garden? For your garden, the most conservative approach is to destroy any produce that comes into direct contact with floodwater. And whether exposed directly or indirectly to floodwater, any produce that is meant to be eaten raw should not be consumed. To find more information about consuming produce from flooded areas check out […]

Read More...

Getting Started With Gardening

Diana Alfuth, UW-Extension Horticulture Outreach Specialist If you’ve never really gardened before, getting started might seem overwhelming. But it’s actually quite easy to start growing some fresh, nutritious and tasty vegetables in your own yard, community garden plot, or even in containers on a deck or patio. Here are some simple steps to growing a […]

Read More...

Food Pantries Are Still Open

With businesses and organizations closing in response to COVID-19, many more people are facing hunger.  Food pantries are open to help meet these needs but may have different procedures or hours so please call ahead.  Many schools are also offering free lunch and breakfast options to families.  Make sure you and your neighbors know about […]

Read More...