UW-Madison Extension Vernon County

09/01/2026

Vernon County Health Department in partnership with Great Rivers United Way is excited to share the 2027 Compass Now Survey!

This survey is a way for all community members to share their thoughts on how things are going in our community.
Do you have concerns about housing? Healthcare? Safety? Food insecurity?

You are encouraged to share your thoughts on these topics and more in the survey. Your feedback helps health care partners to identify needs in our community so that we can better serve you.

Plus, if you complete the survey, you are entered for a chance to win a $50 grocery gift card. 3 Cards will be given away per county.

You can access the survey from the QR code below or by going to www.compassnow.org

09/01/2026

Protect your flock and keep your farm safe! 🐑🌾

UW-Madison Extension and DATCP are hosting two hands-on workshops for sheep and livestock owners in G**s Mills on October 13. You'll learn how to build a custom farm safety plan and map out your property to protect against disease.

https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/2026/08/13/biosecurity-and-premises-mapping-workshops-for-sheep-and-livestock-producers-in-gays-mills-on-october-13/

07/01/2026

Our office will be closed Thursday, July 2nd, and Friday, July 3rd, 2026. We will return to normal hours the following Monday. Thank you, and have a happy and safe holiday!

06/29/2026

Join UW-Madison Extension for a cow–calf workshop on Thursday, July 23 at the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office Training Room, 1320 Bad Axe Court, Viroqua, WI 54665 beginning at 6:00 PM, offering beef producers timely guidance as they move through the summer season. This workshop will discuss best management practices across four topics:

-Handling facilities
-Pregnancy checking
-Strategies for making culling decisions
-Effective w**d control

A meal will be graciously provided by Western Wisconsin Beef Producers. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested by July 17 to ensure adequate materials and accommodations. To register, please contact the Vernon County Extension Office at (608) 637-5276.

05/19/2026

Iowa Sheep Industry Association, Iowa State Extension and Outreach, UW-Madison Extension, and Clayton County NRCS invite you to a virtual fence small ruminant pasture walk at 18869 Dalmation AVE., Saint Olaf, Iowa 52072.

05/19/2026

05/05/2026

Sheep and goat producers seeking practical tools to improve herd and flock health are invited to attend Parasite Patrol Plus FAMACHA, a hands-on educational workshop hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension on June 2, 2026, from 12:30–4:30 p.m. at the G**s Mills Community Center, 16381 WI-131, G**s Mills, WI.

Topics for this event include:
-Understanding Parasite Life Cycle: Participants will learn how internal parasites develop and spread, providing the foundation for effective prevention.
-Management Strategies for Parasite Control: Educators will discuss grazing management, targeted selective treatment, and other best practices for reducing parasite pressure.
-F***l Egg Count (FEC) Training: Attendees will discover how to use f***l egg counts as a herd health tool. Participants are encouraged to bring a f***l sample from their flock or herd for on-site examination.
-FAMACHA Certification: Extension staff will provide official FAMACHA training. Participants will complete the educational session and demonstrate proper techniques to earn certification.

Registration for the event is $30 without the FAMACHA training and $60 with the FAMACHA training. All participants have the option to take home McMaster slide for at-home f***l egg counts. For more information, including the complete agenda, fees, and registration form, visit https://go.wisc.edu/wtj7ki to register. Contact Beth McIlquham at [email protected] or 608-632-0599 with any questions.

04/30/2026

📢 Office Closure Notice 📢

Please note that our office will be closed on Friday, May 1st, as our entire team will be attending an all-staff meeting.

We appreciate your understanding and will resume normal business hours on Monday, May 4th. Thank you!

04/21/2026

📍 Join us at a location near you!

Healthcare in the Digital Age workshops are coming to communities across Wisconsin:

✔️ Green Bay: April 22
✔️ Rhinelander: April 23
✔️ Dodgeville: May 6
✔️ Rice Lake: May 19
✔️ Milwaukee: June 2

Choose the location & date that works best for you and be part of the conversation on improving healthcare access through broadband.

🔗 Learn more & register: https://economicdevelopment.extension.wisc.edu/healthcareworkshops/