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 […]

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 […]

Application for Rapid Response Assistance

Have you lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic? West CAP is responding to the needs of low-income residents with expanded services.

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 […]