June is National Safety Month

Extension Celebrates National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month, a time to focus on the everyday choices that help keep ourselves, our families, and our communities safe. At Extension, safety is supported in many ways through programs that promote healthy eating, food preservation, mental well-being, positive youth development, and substance use prevention.

Safety is part of daily life. Whether it is learning how to handle food properly, building skills to manage stress, or creating environments that support healthy choices, Extension provides practical education to help individuals and families thrive.

Simple Ways to Prioritize Safety This Month:

• Practice food safety: Wash hands before preparing food, keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods, cook foods to recommended temperatures, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
• Protect your mental health: Stay connected with friends and family, make time for activities you enjoy, and know where to seek support when stress becomes overwhelming.
• Prepare for warm weather: Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks when spending time outdoors in the summer heat.
• Check emergency plans: Review household emergency contacts, smoke alarm batteries, and severe weather preparedness plans.

Safety is not just about preventing accidents. It is about building healthy habits and creating supportive environments that help everyone live well.

Learn more about Extension programs and resources by visiting winnebago.wisc.extension.edu

Growing Community Through the Grow A Row Program

Gardening is more than growing food. It is a way to care for neighbors, build community resilience, and create opportunities for people to connect through a shared purpose. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just getting started, there are ways to get involved and make a difference.

One opportunity is the Grow A Row Program through the St. Joseph Food Program. The idea is simple: if you have extra space in your garden, consider growing a little extra food to share with your local pantry. Even a few tomato plants, herbs, beans, peppers, or cucumbers can help support families in our community.

If your garden produces more than you can use, donating the surplus is an easy way to give back. These contributions help increase access to fresh, nutritious foods for neighbors experiencing food insecurity, while also strengthening local connections.

Small actions can have a big impact. A single row in your garden can help support a more resilient local food system and bring people together around a shared goal of helping others.

Learn more and find details about how to participate: https://www.stjoesfoodprogram.org/programs#row

School’s Out For Summer

Summer Games Celebration Brings Fun and Learning Together

On June 4, Extension attended an end-of-year celebration called Summer Games, bringing together young people for an afternoon of fun, learning, and connection. The event created a welcoming space for youth to celebrate the close of the school year while exploring new activities.

Participants had the chance to take part in hands-on coding activities, test their skills in a cup stacking competition, and even learn how to juggle. One highlight of the event was watching a Sarah demonstrate her own juggling skills, inspiring youth to give it a try themselves.

The event was filled with energy, laughter, and enthusiasm. It also offered an opportunity to introduce youth to 4-H programs and the variety of experiences available through Extension. Events like Summer Games help create positive environments where young people can build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with others.

Summer Games showed how simple activities can bring people together and support learning in a fun and meaningful way. Extension looks forward to joining more opportunities for youth to stay engaged, curious, and connected throughout the year.

Summer Fun Days

Join Us for 4-H Summer Fun Days

Looking for fun and engaging activities this summer? 4-H Summer Fun Days offer a wide range of hands-on workshops designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and create positive experiences for youth.

Participants can choose from a variety of workshops, each offering opportunities to learn something new, try different activities, and connect with others in a welcoming environment. You do not have to be enrolled in
4-H to participate—these events are open to all youth in the community.

Each session is designed to be interactive and engaging, helping young people build confidence, explore interests, and stay active during the summer months. Whether attending one workshop or several, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Registration is required for each event. View available workshops and sign up.

4-H Summer Fun Days are a great way to stay connected, try new things, and make lasting memories this summer.

• Magical Gardens – June 19th
  Participants create a magical mini container garden using terra cotta pots, minitatures and figurines, plants, pebbles, sticks, and other tiny findings.
• I Heart My Cat / Dog – June 24th
  Create fun items for your cat or dog such as a leash holder, bandana, toy, or treats.
• Design A Board Game – June 26th
  Design your very own board game that family and friends will enjoy with you! Each participant will plan their game theme, write game directions, design a game board, and create game pieces.
• Dresser Drawer Planters – July 6th
  Participants will upcycle old dresser drawers into decorative outdoor planters, and learn how to sand wood, drill holes, paint decoratively, and waterproof.
• Flower Pounding – July 8th
  Decorate a t-shirt, apron or flour sack towel using the natural colors of flowers! Learn about flower pigments/dye, fabric prep/care, and artistic placement & design.
• Back-To-School Makerspace – August 9th
  Participants will design back to school accessories such as a 3D printed backpack & lunch box tag, a hat, folder/notebook labels, water bottle decals, and a mug

Registration is required for each event. View available workshops and sign up.

Share Your Ag Insights

Share Your Perspective on Soybean Research and Stewardship

Farmers, agronomists, crop consultants, industry representatives, researchers, educators, and other agricultural stakeholders are invited to participate in a short survey focused on mesotrione use in emerging HPPD-tolerant soybean systems.

This survey is designed to gather input on anticipated use patterns, perspectives, and stewardship considerations. The information collected will help inform future research and Extension education efforts, supporting informed decision-making as this technology moves toward potential use.

By participating, stakeholders can help identify both opportunities and challenges early, contributing to the development of practical guidance and responsible use strategies. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping how this technology is understood and supported in the agricultural community.

To learn more about the survey and its purpose, visit:
https://badgercropnetwork.com/stakeholder-perceptions-of-mesotrione-use-and-stewardship-in-vyconic-soybean-technology/

To complete the survey, go to:
https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ePufbOr7F1jeTT8

Your participation helps support research, education, and stewardship efforts that benefit Wisconsin agriculture and beyond.