In 1912 the first University of Wisconsin-Extension agent was hired in Shawano County. Since then the Extension has seen growth in programs to help county residents.
“We extend the resources of the University of Wisconsin to people in the county,” said Joe Stellato, department head and 4-H youth development educator.
This year the UW-Extension will be highlighted with a display in the Farmer’s Exhibition building at the Shawano County Fair. People in a homemaker group or 4-H club might find photos of themselves in the display.
The idea behind the Extension is to capitalize on the knowledge of experts at the university.
“If we have to work where we don’t have experience, we can contact professors in the UW system for help,” Stellato said. “And we can bring them here to help.”
The Extension runs four main programs in the county. Following is a brief description of some of the things they do.
Agriculture and agri-business
Jamie Patton takes new techniques and information from the UW research lab and agriculture research stations to farmers. Patton meets with farmers about whatever issues they have and does needs assessments, along with classroom meetings and farm tours. The issues cover topics such as crop production, livestock, soil and water, and pest control.
Family living
Nancy Schultz will meet with people in the community and ascertain what issues and challenges families face.
“A lot of her work focuses on helping people not get into financial trouble,” Stellato said.
Schultz helps parents, children and grandparents, and partners with other organizations in the community.
4-H youth development
Stellato is aided by 4-H program assistant Terri Brunner.
“4-H is a program for the entire family,” Stellato said. “You really need parent involvement for kids to thrive in the program. The program is focused on teaching youth critical life skills. We’re trying to teach kids public speaking skills.”
The projects are used to teach children responsibility, for example, by taking care of animals. The face-to-face judging is like a job interview. Citizenship is learned at club meetings. The Shawano County Fair is a capstone event where the 4-H projects are evaluated by judges, which teaches the children how to deal with success and disappointment. The 4-H food stand, a big fundraiser for the program, teaches children work skills.
Community resources and economic development
Jay Moynihan works with the business community and nonprofit groups and organizations in the county.
“He’s very good at it,” Stellato said.
Moynihan will survey the community to find issues and challenges, along with locating and attracting new businesses. He will also work to expand current businesses, again getting help from the university when necessary.
The Wisconsin Nutrition Education program, run by Kyla Hischke, also operates out of the county Extension office. It is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. Hischke teaches nutrition education in classrooms.
The UW-Extension started with emphasis on rural families. Over the years it has expanded to work with people in all areas of the county.
“We want to develop caring and capable adults who will be involved in the community,” Stellato said.
For more information, call the extension office at 715-526-6136.
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