The Strong Couples Program

Having a strong relationship with your romantic partner can be hard. And when you need help, finding trustworthy support can be difficult. The Strong Couples Program can help.

https://parenting.extension.wisc.edu/strong-couples/

The Strong Couples Program is:

• Six self-paced online modules. Topics include communication, commitment, problem-solving, and fun and friendship.
• Five brief video calls with a trained coach from Extension.
• The Strong Couples Program is FREE! You can start any time.

Why should you and your partner consider the Strong Couples Program?

• The Strong Couples Program is one of the most scientifically-supported online programs for couple relationships.
• It is supported by multiple research studies that show that couples who participate demonstrate improved relationship and individual well-being compared to couples who do not participate in the program.
• The program has helped thousands of couples to date.

This program is for couples together six months or longer in all life stages. This educational program is NOT counseling. The program teaches couples to use tools that can improve their relationship.

Resolutions to Results

Turning Resolutions into Results with ACE Goals

The New Year often inspires resolutions, but lasting change comes from setting goals that are realistic and supportive of your well-being. ACE Goals can help turn big intentions into achievable actions:

• A – Attainable: Are my goals achievable? Is this something I can realistically do?
• C – Clear steps: Do my goals have clear steps? How often or how much will I act? Can I track my progress?
• E – Endpoint: What does success look like? How will I know when I get there?

Example: I want to work out more.
ACE Goal: I will take a yoga class at the YMCA twice a week for one month.

When goals feel doable and clear, they’re more likely to stick long after January ends. Break your goals into manageable steps, define what success looks like, and celebrate progress along the way. You’ve got this!

Introduction To Plain Language

Introduction to Plain Language – it’s back! 

Join this FREE virtual workshop to learn strategies for word choice, font selection, grammar use, user testing, and more that help us communicate quickly and effectively with both native and nonnative English speakers.

Registration is open for: 

📍Wednesday, March 18: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (noon)

📍Wednesday, April 22: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

🔗Register at: http://go.wisc.edu/plain   

Introduction to Plain Language is a partnership between UW-Madison’s Cultural Linguistic Services and UW-Madison Division of Extension.

Outagamie Forage Council Annual Meeting

Join Us for the Outagamie Forage Council Annual Meeting!
Mark your calendar for Thursday, February 12. Learn from top experts on topics that matter to your farm:

• Kelly Wilfert, J.D. – Tips for evaluating cropland leasing agreements
• Chris Bandura – Insights from Northeast WI cover crop research with Berseem clover
• Kevin Jarek – Winter cereal rye variety results and updates on ongoing projects

Don’t miss this chance to gain practical knowledge and connect with fellow producers. Register today!

UW Crop Enterprise Budget Tool

Plan Ahead with the UW Crop Enterprise Budget Tool

Want to make smart decisions for 2026? The updated UW Crop Enterprise Budget Tool helps you review your crop budgets and adjust inputs based on potential revenue per acre. Knowing your cost of production is key to spotting market opportunities when it’s time to sell.

Download the updated spreadsheet here!

4-H Club Youth Officer Training & Community Service

4-H youth that have been elected as their club officers attended an interactive training geared toward leadership skills and participated in community service.  Youth learned about:

• Empathy, making club members feel welcome, and a sense of belonging
• Different forms of communication skills (verbal, body language, visual) and how it affects the messages we send.
• Basic officer duties of club presidents, vice presidents, secretaries, treasurers, and historians.

Youth also packed 25 bag lunches to help fill the Oshkosh Hope Fridge.

Photos of the event can be viewed at:  https://www.facebook.com/4hwinnebagocounty

Upcoming Conferences for Gardeners and Green Industry

Plan, Learn, and Grow This Winter!
It’s Expo and Conference season for gardeners and green industry professionals—three great events are coming up:

Fox Cities Home & Garden Show
January 16–18 – Explore the latest in home and garden trends, products, and ideas to inspire your next project.
Free Admission Tickets Available! Stop by our office to pick up your complimentary tickets while supplies last.

Garden & Green Living Expo with PBS Wisconsin
Join horticulture educator Jacob Kluza for two helpful seminars:

• DIY Landscape Design Basics – Feb. 13 at 3:00 p.m.
• Cold-Hardy Grapes for Wisconsin Gardens – Feb. 14 at 11:45 a.m.

Learn simple steps for landscape planning and discover grape varieties that thrive in Wisconsin!

Landscape Professionals Conference
March 4, 2026, Sunnyview Expo Center, Oshkosh (8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.)
Hands-on and classroom training in hardscapes, landscape maintenance, and safety—ideal for businesses, grounds crews, seasonal workers, and homeowners seeking advanced skills.

Don’t miss these chances to learn, connect, and grow!

Help Us Understand the True Cost of Raising Dairy Replacements

UW–Extension’s Agriculture Institute wants your input! We’re conducting an anonymous Dairy Replacement Survey to better understand the cost of raising heifers from birth to the bulk tank in Wisconsin.

Why Participate?

• Receive an analysis of your average cost per animal
• Get a summary report comparing your farm to others in Wisconsin and the Midwest
• Contribute to a statewide effort to improve decision-making and economic resources for dairy farmers

What to Expect:

• A local dairy educator will contact you to schedule a convenient time to complete the survey together
• The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes
• After data collection ends (estimated April 1), you’ll receive your personalized results and a statewide summary

Information to Have Ready:
Labor costs, feed and bedding expenses, veterinary and health product costs, housing and equipment costs, and any custom-raising charges.

Your insights matter—let’s build something better together!
Ready to participate? https://go.wisc.edu/dairysurvey26

Tips for Winter Food Safety from AnswerLine

Snow Isn’t A Safe Freezer

When temperatures drop or the power goes out, it might seem smart to store food outdoors or in the snow. While this can work in an emergency, long-term outdoor food storage is not recommended. Here’s why:

Why It’s Risky:

• Temperature Fluctuations: Outdoor temps can change quickly—even during snowfall. Sunlight can thaw frozen food, allowing bacteria to grow.
• Unsanitary Conditions & Animals: Food stored outside can be exposed to dirt or animals, which may carry harmful bacteria. If food comes in contact with animals, do not consume it.

Better Options During Power Outages:

• Make Ice: Fill buckets or cans with water and freeze them outdoors. Use the ice in coolers or your fridge/freezer.
• Keep Doors Closed: A full freezer can stay cold for up to 48 hours, and a refrigerator for about 4 hours, if doors remain closed.

Safe Temperatures:

• Refrigerated foods: 40ºF or below
• Frozen foods: 0ºF or below

If you must store food outdoors temporarily, monitor temperatures often and use sealed containers in a secure spot.

Stay safe and keep your food fresh this winter!

Read the full blog post here.

Governor’s Financial Literacy Award Winner!

We are proud to announce that Reentry Ready: Focus on Finances, a program from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, Human Development & Relationships Institute, has been selected by the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability to receive the Governor’s Financial Literacy Award for 2025!

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding efforts to promote financial literacy and capability across Wisconsin. The Reentry Ready program equips individuals with essential financial skills as they transition back into their communities—making a meaningful impact on lives and futures.

Congratulations to Todd Wenzel, Human Development & Relationships Educator, for this incredible achievement and commitment to empowering Wisconsin residents!

Wisconsin Idea Week 2026

We’re partnering with the Public Health Department and Winnebago County to bring you another exciting Wisconsin Idea Week!

Join the constellation of community. Across our county, departments shine like stars—and during Wisconsin Idea Week, they align to create something extraordinary.

Enjoy FREE events that highlight the amazing work happening in our community. From green and healthy living to legacy planning, from a prize-filled scavenger hunt to emergency preparedness, there’s something for everyone to learn and enjoy.

Explore the full schedule and register today:
https://winnebago.extension.wisc.edu/wisconsin-idea-week-2026/