2017 Annual Report

Our MissiOnDeliver research-based information to improve the quality of life for families in the areas of agriculture, community, family, and youth development. UW-Extension extends the knowledge and resources of the University of Wisconsin to people where they live and work.

Outagamie County

3365 W Brewster St Appleton, WI 54914-1602

920-832-4763 outagamie.uwex.edu

Growing Strong Economies

Supporting Safe and Healthy Food Supply

Empowering Youth, Families and Communities

Creating Resilient and Productive Environments

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7 Extension Impacts in the Community

“We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in

transforming lives and communities.”

This is the mission of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, something that is remaining the same even as our UW-Extension system has been undergoing significant change and institutional transition over the past year. Our internal reorganization was an initiative to modernize and streamline all of Cooperative Extension to better serve our constituents and to address a budget cut in the state’s last budget biennium. Part of this transition was a change in administrative structures. As the Area Extension Director for Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca and Winnebago Counties, my role is to provide leadership and management of budget and staff resources so that our local UW-Extension offices can continue to offer evidence-based, top quality, relevant, and interactive programming that meets the needs of Outagamie residents.

Here in Outagamie County, our team of dedicated Extension Educators serve our families, farmers, youth and communities in so many ways. In our annual report you will read stories of how:• our educators collaborate with partners to improve health in our community• we train local government partners• we train youth on quality assurance and safe handling of meat animals• our volunteers contribute hundreds of hours to extend University programs in the county• we conducted community-based research to learn about workforce retention trends in small towns in Outagamie County• we enhanced farm profits through support of the local Forage Council, local research, and one-on-one consultations with farmers

And much more!

In 2018, our programming goals will continue to focus on strengthening and empowering youth, families, communities and farmers through a variety of educational programming. We are honored to connect the resources of the University of Wisconsin to the people of Outagamie county.

We look forward to serving Outagamie in 2018!

Respectfully,Catherine NeiswenderArea Extension Director

• Through FoodWIse efforts nutrition educators made 1,308 contacts with 452 individuals among partnering agencies such as Appleton Central High School, Boys and Girls Club, Outagamie County WIC, Fox Valley Warming Shelter, Casa Clare, and SOAR.

Children were introduced to new fruits and vegetables and learned why they are good for us. Families with limited resources were empowered to choose healthful diets and become more food secure by spending food dollars wisely.

• Partnered with Weight of the Fox Valley to explore collaboration possibilities with community-based healthcare providers to increase access to healthier lifestyles and area school district employees to increase access to nutrition education.

• Explored areas for collaboration with major area employers (private and independent sector) to increase the capacity of worksite wellness efforts with Weight of the Fox Valley and Goodwill NCW.

• Members of the 4-H Livestock and Dairy Judging teams attended the Regional Area Animal Science Days and did very well in competition. The Junior and Senior Dairy teams both placed fourth in their divisions and the Junior Livestock team placed third.

• Meat Animal Quality Assurance (MAQA) training reached out to over 300 youth and their families. The benefits of quality assurance include: improves consumer perception of youth shows, improves the management and health practices of youth exhibitions, and teaches life skills of record keeping, decision making, general responsibility and care of their animals. With this training, the livestock members learn about quality assurance. Quality: Safe, healthy and good tasting products. Assurance: A promise to the consumers.

• Outagamie County Master Gardener Association members organized the first annual “Seedy Saturday” held at Appleton Memorial Park Gardens/Scheig Learning Center. Approximately 150 adults and children participated in the event that focused on teaching the importance of procuring, producing, and saving seeds to produce food for the next generation.

Supporting Safe & H

ealthy Food Supply

“The UW-Extension plays a big role in teaching the livestock project members about quality assurance. For example, the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a great program the UW-Extension offers to teach the youth how to properly care for their animals and how to keep good records. The youth work with their animals every day and

so they are a big player in livestock production. Teaching them how to raise animals of quality standards, ensures the consumer that the product they buy is healthy and safe.”

Steve Green, Swine Resource Leader & 4-H Livestock Committee Member

• We continue to partner with area organizations to bring educational resources to the people of Outagamie County.

Collaborated with the Fox Cities Housing Coalition (FCHC), a coalition of housing and housing related providers. The FCHC is the go-to organization for housing and housing- related services for low-income and homeless individuals and families. Assumed a leadership role with the Fox Cities Community Council which is made up of representatives from non-profit agencies, businesses, associations, institutions, funders, and other organizations that are interested in health and human service issues in the Fox Cities.

• The Outagamie County Master Gardener Association (OCMGA) has had more than 532 volunteers complete the Basic Master Gardener Training and become state certified volunteers since it was established in 1999. The organization currently has 160 members who support the horticultural interests of Northeast Wisconsin. In 2017, the OCMGA volunteers provided 10,383 hours of youth and adult education and support services valued at $239,420.

• Since 2000, the OCMGA has contributed 135,060 hours of volunteer service to Outagamie County and the surrounding Fox Cities area. These hours of support services, education, and outreach are valued at more than $2,599,239.

• In 2017 the Horticulture program made 1,182 contacts with over 900 publications being distributed. At the Outagamie County Fair, UW-Extension Horticulture staff were able to assist at the Outagamie County Master Gardener’s booth, helping the younger generation learn about horticulture and responding to inquiries. This was done in conjunction with handing out plants, seed packets, and providing additional information pertaining to UW-Extension and Horticulture resources.

• Over 30 people from across the state were in attendance for the Responding to Horticulture Inquiries workshop hosted and presented by Outagamie County UW-Extension Horticulture staff, a training for Master Gardener Volunteers, UW-Extension staff, and educators. This training provided information about diagnostic services, resources, and personnel that can help in answering horticultural related inquiries.

• UW-Extension was represented at the Appleton Farmers Market one Saturday a month throughout the summer. We met people interested in learning about Ag, Horticulture and 4-H. We were able to introduce new people to the work of UW-Extension.

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“The Outagamie County University of Wisconsin-Extension has provided our participants with education on taking care of all aspects of their health. This includes easy and effective ways for dealing with stress and life challenges. They provide

participants with the ability to take a look at challenges in their lives and teach them how to be mindful of how they react and respond to stressful situations. This has helped participants find ways to not only simplify their lives, but to find more enjoyment

out of life. This results in positive self-esteem and greater self-confidence. It has provided our participants with the tools to overcome obstacles while finding enjoyment, purpose, and balance in their lives.“

Appleton Housing Authority

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• The 25 4-H Clubs and Groups raised almost $160,000 for community service projects to support the underserved and those in need. The program does service projects to educate and empower youth and adult volunteers to become productive citizens and strong leaders in our community.

• Over 525 individuals attended the 2017 Joy Conference held at Fox Valley Lutheran High School. This regional conference draws people from all over Northeastern Wisconsin. Speakers provide messages of hope and joy to promote family resiliency.

• 4-H Members and Leaders continue their volunteer efforts. 248 adult volunteers spent over 13,000 hours volunteering in their various roles and 670 youth members spent a total of 6,691 hours of community service project work serving their communities and learning what it means to give back and to demonstrate generosity.

• The Community Development Educator joined our staff in 2017 and is working on building relationships with local government officials and community leaders. She has developed and delivered a local government education series to staff and elected officials in the Village of Hortonville.

• The Children Caught in the Middle program has been in operation since August 2003. UW-Extension joined as a teaching/education partner in 2007. 367 parties participated in the classes in 2017 which involved 559 children. The Family Court program maintained an 87% success rate in 2016-17 for families to resolve their issues regarding their children.

• UW-Extension offered Caregiver Cafes at Shepherd of the Hills. We were a part of the Fox

Cities Visitors and Convention Bureau panel discussion for employers sharing an update on the changing needs of older adults, caregivers and also sharing of Extension Resources as well as the Coalition resources. The Family Living Educator serves on the Hortonville Senior Task Force and took the lead in planning the Senior Autumn Fun Fest which included a presentation and update on Social Security as well as a resource fair.

• The 4-H Family Learning Day is an annual event held in February. The day brings families together to explore art, photography, wildlife, foods, and science. In 2017 we had 11 sessions taught by volunteers and 70 participants.

• This year the Adventures in Dairyland program reached more than 1,700 local fourth grade students to teach them about the local dairy industry and agriculture in general. UW-Extension partners with Outagamie County Dairy Promotion and Outagamie County Farm Bureau in presenting this program.

• Our Agriculture and Horticulture Educators taught food production during the annual Land Conservation Department Field Days. This is a three day event with over 900 fifth and sixth grade students from 12 different schools in attendance.

“The Village of Hortonville, like many municipalities, has a board of trustees who work full-time jobs in addition to their service to the village. This makes it challenging to get them the training they need in traditional settings and during business hours. A community development agent conducted a series of workshops for local government officials at our location and during times

that were convenient for us. Subjects addressed included open meetings law, public record retention and disclosure, and conflicts of interest, to name a few. The information was tailored to our needs and specific to our circumstances.”

Diane Wessel, AICP, Administrator, Village of Hortonville

• Conducted community-based research in Black Creek as a part of a statewide partner study with UW-Madison focused on workforce attraction and retention of young adults. Presented on this study to colleagues at a statewide conference, and will be presenting this at a national level conference in 2018.

• Represented UW-Extension among local economic development leaders and municipalities as a member of the Fox Cities Economic Development Professionals.

• A collaborative effort of FISC, Capitol Credit Union, Fox Credit Union, Menasha Public Library, Fox Valley Technical College and UW-Extension sponsored Money Smart Week April 24-29. An evening program featured the four families that participated in the Money Makeover, scholarship presentations to three high school seniors and a cooking demonstration by a FVTC chef on how to make three meals from a rotisserie chicken. On Saturday, we had the BIG Read at the “Building for Kids” with 84 youth and parents in attendance to hear the story “Just Saving My Money” and meet Little Critter in person.

• Outagamie County 4-H youth and volunteers collected 290 pounds of pop tabs that were

taken to Goldin Iron & Metal Recycling. Goldin also matched the funds raised for a total of $253.60 to donate to the Ronald McDonald House.

• Wisconsin harvests approximately 1.25 million acres of alfalfa each year to provide forage for the 1.27 million dairy cows that make this state America’s Dairyland. The Outagamie Forage Council supports the 50,000 acres of alfalfa harvested annually in the county by monitoring the quality of the crop in the spring and providing harvest recommendations to area farmers. Agricultural professionals have reported higher farm profit as a result of these efforts.

• The Crops, Soils, and Horticulture Agent is currently leading the UW-Team Forage Badger Plot Alfalfa Seeding Rate Survey that is examining how changes in alfalfa seed coatings technology may affect planting rates for establishing alfalfa fields in the future. Nine counties statewide are a part of this team project.

• Low lignin alfalfa is a relatively new technology that has farmers asking the question “Can I expect to harvest higher quality forage if I utilize low lignin alfalfa?” In response, the Crops, Soils, and Horticulture Agent has set up multi-site, multi-year, replicated research to help answer this economic question for farmers not only in Outagamie County, but also agricultural professionals statewide.

• The Crops, Soils, and Horticulture Agent presented to and worked with 97 different farmers and agricultural professionals to develop crop enterprise budgets, conduct whole farm financial analysis, or discuss farm transfer options.

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“The Gaining and Maintaining Young People in Wisconsin Communities study conducted by UW-Madison and UW-Extension offered valuable insights and metrics about our area. These practical observations can help the local business community

formulate solid goals and plans towards growing future commerce in our area.”Black Creek Business Association

14,456Letters Distributed

21Newsletters Prepared

8,693Newsletters Distributed

76News Releases

14,547Publications Distributed

27,914Consultations, Telephone Calls, Office|Residence Conferences

1,157Educational Meetings Held

30,517Meeting Attendance

569Instructional Letters

55Radio Programs

210Teleconferences

46TV Shows | Spots

128Blog | Website Posts

97%Increase in Facebook followers

Awards and Recognitions

Kayla Viste, 4-H Educator won the Distinguished Team award from Epsilon Sigma Phi Wisconsin Alpha Sigma Chapter and the the Governors Financial Literacy award for her work with Dollars During Development Team.

Kevin Jarek, Crops, Soils and Horticulture Agent was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) and the Wisconsin Association of County Agricultural Agents (WACAA). The award was given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to local, area, and statewide UW-Extension education and outreach efforts.

Allyson Watson, Communities Extension Educator, received the Quality of Communication Award for Novel Communication Approaches to Educational Programming from the Wisconsin Extension Environmental and Community Development Association. This award recognized Allyson’s efforts in using ARIS, a geo-locational app to add a digital component to the First Impressions community development program.

2017 Staff Accom

plishments

An AA/EEO employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX and ADA requirements.

University of Wisconsin-Extension Outagamie County2017 Staff

Educators and Administration Kaitlin Bricco Seasonal Horticulture Assistant Karen Dickrell Family Living Educator Christi Gabrilska FoodWIse Coordinator* Evan Groth FoodWIse Nutrition Educator*

Sarah Grotjan Dairy and Livestock Educator Kevin Jarek Crops, Soils, and Horticulture Agent Zen Miller Dairy and Livestock Agent Catherine Neiswender Area Extension Director Kristine Soper FoodWIseNutrition Educator*

Kayla Viste 4-H Youth Development Educator Allyson Watson Community Development Educator MaryBeth Wohlrabe 4-H Youth and Family Development Coordinator *Serves Calumet, Outagamie, Waupaca and Winnebago Counties

Support Staff Amy Beck Office Assistant Joan Behle Office Assistant Vicki Handschke Office Assistant Ina Montgomery Program Assistant Becky Zoglman Education and Communication Specialist

Extension Education Committee Dan Rettler Chair Keith Suprise Vice Chair Daniel Melchert Secretary BJ O’Connor-Schevers Member Debbie VanderHeiden Member

County Administration Thomas Nelson County Executive Craig Moser County Executive Administrator Jeff Nooyen County Board Chair Joy Hagen County Board Vice Chair