Positive Youth Development
Preparing the youth of today to become the effective, empathetic adults of tomorrow is our mission. Our youth enrichment programs build youth and adult capacity and give young people the hands-on experiences they need to develop an understanding of themselves and the world.
Agriculture
If it happens on a farm or a field, Extension works with you to achieve better results. Our Agriculture programs include dairy & livestock, farm & business management, field and forage crops, and fresh produce. We also advise farms on using sustainable practices.

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

Toward a Stronger Nonprofit Sector

Research done by Madison Community Foundation and UW-Madison Extension Dane County highlights key strategies that could help strengthen the local nonprofit sector. Nonprofit organizations have become an essential component of community wellbeing and play a critical role in addressing societal challenges here in Dane County. But how are nonprofits themselves sustained and strengthened? This paper […]

Two Dane County Residents among 2021 Local Government Leadership Academy Graduates

Nineteen participants from across the state and serving in a variety of local government positions graduated from the 2021 Local Government Leadership Academy including Valese Adams, Board of Public Works Board Member, City of Madison and April Kigeya, Middleton Police Commission and Dane County Equal Opportunities Commission. The Local Government Leadership Academy is a 9 month program […]

Organic Vegetable Production Conference

Click to learn more and register for 2022! February 3, 4, 7, & 8 2022 Ι Online This producer-initiated conference is designed for advanced growers and attracts participants from throughout the Midwest and beyond. Hu rau Cheu Vang ntawm 414-238-7777 rau kev pab rau npe ua lus Hmoob. Llame a Javiera Morales al 608-224-3704 para […]

Food Safety Tips for your Holiday Meal

When you think “Thanksgiving”, what comes to mind? Turkey! According the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 46 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the United States at Thanksgiving. That number represents one-sixth of all the turkeys sold in the U.S. each year. There are a few tips that will ensure that your holiday […]

Upcoming Pesticide Application Training

To get certified or recertified in Wisconsin: Required: You must purchase the base training fee with manual (book). This is $30.00. Required: You must take and pass the certification test (General Farming, Fruit Crops or Greenhouse & Nursery). Training (optional): You can do 1 and 2 above (self-study) and pass the test getting at least […]

Pesticide Applicator Training Update- 10/15/21

Dane County Extension is working on details for Pesticide Applicator Training. With COVID-19 all certifications expiring in early 2021 or late 2020 were extended to December 31st, 2021, meaning there are near double the amount of people to certify. We will send out letters notifying you if your certification is expiring in December or early […]

Partnership with UW-Madison Social Work Program Strengthens Dane Youth Programs

Amanda Hutchins is the fifth MSW intern to spend a year working with the Dane County Positive Youth Development team. She will work alongside our educators to learn, lead, and support the 4-H and By Youth For Youth (BYFY) programs. My name is Amanda Hutchins, I am in the UW-Madison Masters in Social Work (MSW) […]

Community Youth Development Educator Brings Passion for Youth, Arts, and Public Health to the Role

Taylor (Nefcy) Seale is a recent graduate of the Master of Public Health program at UW-Madison, and simultaneously received an Arts in Public Health certificate from the Center for Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida. In addition, she has a BA in Theatre and Business Administration from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. […]

Probst Moves into Dane County Natural Resources Role

Michelle Probst is the new Natural Resources Educator for UW-Madison Division of Extension in Dane County. In this role, she will support community organizations, committees and departments in informed decision making, strategic planning and their overall efforts to improve the environmental benefits and natural resource assets of the Dane County community. Michelle began working for […]

Retirement Planning Today® – October, 2021

You’ve worked hard to provide for your family and save for your future. Now, there is a course that teaches how to keep more of what you earn and make your money work harder for you. This educational workshop is hosted by the Dane County UW-Extension Financial Education Center and the team of advisors at […]