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.

2020 Polk County Fair Press Release

Each year the Polk County Fair has come together with the greater community to provide educational displays, showcase exhibitors, and provide vendors and sponsors an outlet for their businesses. More importantly, it has given our community a place to gather, greet friends, spend time with family, and get caught up on each other’s lives. It […]

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 […]

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. See our updated events calendar at https://polk.extension.wisc.edu/4-h-youth-development/welcome-to-4-h/4-h-calendar/ for more. For the latest information on COVID-19, visit […]

Heart of the Farm – Women in Agriculture Introduces Online ‘Coffee Chat’ Series

Menomonie, Wis. – Northwest Wisconsin will be one of seven hosts to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension’s Heart of the Farm-Women in Agriculture new online ‘Coffee Chats’ weekly series starting Tuesday, May 12th through Tuesday, June 2, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The Heart of the Farm -Women in Agriculture Conference series is […]

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 […]

Pesticide Extension Information

DATCP Extends Pesticide Applicator Certifications to October 31st! Click HERE for more information

Pesticide Applicator Certification Testing Temporarily Suspended

Release Date: March 18, 2020 MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is suspending pesticide certification testing. Exams scheduled on and after March 18, 2020, are canceled. DATCP is extending certifications until June 30, 2020, for anyone who has a pesticide applicator certification that expires January 31–May 31, 2020. Eligible […]