A Warm Welcome to Liliana Ramirez

Welcome to our team!

Liliana brings 11 years of experience with Extension in Brown County, serving as a nutrition educator and program coordinator. With her expanded role as the Director in Extension Winnebago County, her work is grounded in ensuring that Extension meets community needs and continues to embody the Wisconsin Idea. She’s excited to partner with our amazing team of Educators, and to build strong connections with community partners and leaders.

Please feel free to reach out and give Liliana a warm welcome!

Preparing for the Growing Season

The garden season is already off to a strong start in Winnebago County. Over the past month, we’ve had the chance to connect with gardeners, growers, and community members at several events across the region. From the lively PBS Garden & Green Living Expo in Madison to hands-on Urban Homesteading programs at the Neenah Public Library, it’s been inspiring to see so many people eager to learn and grow.

We also reached a wider audience through an interview on The Larry Meiller Show, where we talked about gardening and the many ways it supports well-being. Gardening isn’t just about plants—it’s also about caring for ourselves, building connections, and finding joy in the process. These conversations helped highlight how meaningful horticulture can be for people of all ages.

Closer to home, gardeners gathered for the annual seed exchange hosted by the Oshkosh Seed Savers. This popular event brought neighbors together to trade seeds, share gardening stories, and spark excitement for the season ahead. Events like this show the strength of our local gardening community and the value of sharing knowledge and resources.

We’d like to thank everyone who joined us at these events. Your curiosity, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm made the start of this year especially rewarding. Seeing so many people come together around gardening and sustainable living reminds us how vibrant and supportive our community truly is.

And this is just the beginning. More classes, workshops, and programs are coming up throughout the spring, offering chances to build new skills, exchange ideas, and prepare for a successful growing season!

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming event and continuing to grow together in the months ahead.

Understanding Agricultural Land Prices in Winnebago County

In recent months, we’ve received more calls and questions about agricultural land prices, land contracts, and related topics. Whether people are thinking about buying, selling, or leasing farmland, many are looking for reliable information to help guide their decisions.

One helpful resource is the UW–Madison Division of Extension Farm Management website. This site offers a wide range of tools, reports, and educational materials focused on farmland values, land contracts, and market trends across Wisconsin. It is a trusted place to learn how agricultural land values are measured and what factors can influence them.

Here in Winnebago County, agricultural land without buildings continues to be bought and sold regularly. Recent sales data shows a variety of results based on factors such as soil quality, location, parcel size, and intended use. Looking at multiple sales together helps provide a clearer picture of overall trends rather than focusing on any single transaction.

For those interested in a broader view, county‑level farmland sales averages are also available through statewide reports. These summaries allow landowners, producers, and buyers to compare local trends with patterns seen across Wisconsin. Updated sales data is released later in the year once reporting is finalized.

Anyone looking for deeper insight can visit the Extension agricultural land pricing and contracts webpage. This resource covers common questions about land values, lease agreements, and contract basics. It can be especially helpful when preparing for conversations with lenders, real estate professionals, or legal advisors.

For the latest agronomic research and production information from the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension, readers are encouraged to visit the Crops and Soils website and the Badger Crop Network. These sites provide timely updates, research results, and practical guidance that support informed farm management decisions.

As interest in agricultural land continues, having access to unbiased, research‑based information is essential. Extension resources are here to help landowners and producers better understand the market and make thoughtful decisions about their land.

Rent Smarter with Rent Smart and Build Confidence

Extension offers Rent Smart, a tenant education series designed to help renters build strong relationships with landlords and better understand their rights and responsibilities. Rent Smart focuses on the knowledge and skills needed for a successful and confident renting experience.

Rent Smart is especially helpful for individuals with little to no rental experience, as well as those who may have had difficulty finding rental housing in the past. Participants learn practical skills that support long‑term housing stability, including how to communicate effectively with landlords and neighbors.

Those who complete the program gain confidence in their ability to find and maintain affordable housing. Topics include understanding rental applications and screening processes, learning what landlords look for in tenants, and knowing both tenant and landlord responsibilities. The program also helps participants better understand their rights, so they feel informed and prepared when renting.

Rent Smart classes are offered online via Zoom and in person at LEAVEN in Menasha—and best of all, the program is FREE.

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In‑Person Rent Smart Classes

Location: LEAVEN, 1475 Opportunity Way, Menasha
Register: Call LEAVEN at 920‑738‑9635
https://leavenfoxcities.org/

• Monday, March 23; 12:30–3:00 PM
• Tuesday, March 24; 12:30–3:00 PM

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Online Rent Smart Classes (via Zoom)

See the full schedule and register here!

April 2026 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
7:00 PM–8:00 PM (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

May 2026 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22
1:00 PM–2:00 PM (Mondays & Fridays)

June 2026 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24
11:00 AM–12:00 PM (Tuesdays & Wednesdays).

Hands‑On Learning Takes Off with 4‑H in Local Schools

4‑H programming has been going strong in several Winnebago County schools this semester, bringing hands‑on learning directly to students. Through a variety of engaging activities, students have been building skills in science, engineering, and technology while having fun in afterschool settings.

Students put their engineering skills to the test by designing and building towers, learning how structures work and why design matters. They also explored basic electrical concepts by learning about circuits and building their own flashlights. Coding skills were introduced in creative ways using paper activities and LEGO robotics, helping students understand problem‑solving and logical thinking.

In addition to STEM learning, students in three Menasha classrooms recently took part in ChickQuest programming. During this exciting experience, sixteen baby chicks hatched right in the classroom. Students learned about the life cycle of an embryonic chick egg and observed the hatching process firsthand.

ChickQuest activities also connected science with math and engineering skills, giving students opportunities to measure, predict, and problem‑solve. Along the way, students learned about agricultural careers and gained a better understanding of where food comes from and how farms operate.

These 4‑H programs are helping students explore new interests, build confidence, and connect classroom learning to real‑world experiences. From robotics to baby chicks, 4‑H programming continues to inspire curiosity and learning across Winnebago County schools.

Spring Is In The Airwaves

A recent radio program spotlighted the many benefits of gardening and featured one of our own educators, Jacob Kluza. We’re excited to share this episode and encourage listeners to hear Jacob’s insights on how gardening supports health and well‑being.

In the episode, Jacob, a UW Extension horticulture educator, discusses how working with plants can benefit people mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially. Gardening can reduce stress, increase physical activity, and help people feel more connected—to nature and to their communities.

The program also explores how rain gardens can make a positive difference in home landscapes. Listeners will learn how even small rain gardens can help reduce runoff, limit erosion, and decrease localized flooding, while supporting native plants and pollinators.

We’re proud to showcase how Jacob serves our community as an Extension educator!

Listen to the episode: https://www.wpr.org/shows/larry-meiller-show/therapeutic-horticulture-so-you-want-to-build-a-rain-garden

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.

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

Winnebago County Board Scholarship Program

We are sharing the following scholarship opportunity on behalf of Winnebago County. The Winnebago County Board Scholarship Program is available to all high school seniors who reside in Winnebago County and plan to attend a post‑secondary educational institution.

The scholarship program was developed “to promote good citizenship and an awareness and understanding of county government.” It encourages students to think about how local government works and how elected officials serve their communities.

To apply, students must complete and submit an application form and write a 500–800 word essay responding to the following prompt:

“If I were to run for any Winnebago County elected position, which one would I run for and why?”

Several helpful documents are available to support applicants, including a scholarship brochure, application form, tip sheet, and essay reviewer critique sheet.

📅 Application Deadline:
March 31, 2026

📬 Mail completed applications to:
Winnebago County Clerk
P.O. Box 2806
Oshkosh, WI 54903‑2806

This scholarship is a great opportunity for students interested in civic engagement, leadership, and learning more about how county government operates. We encourage eligible students to review the materials and consider applying.

4-H Summer Camp Is Coming Up

Get ready to go for the gold at 4‑H Summer Camp, happening June 14–17, 2026!

This year’s exciting theme—the Olympics—will bring friendly competition, team spirit, and plenty of high‑energy fun to every day of camp. Campers will enjoy classic outdoor activities, creative challenges, and teamwork‑focused games inspired by the Olympic spirit.

Trained 4‑H youth leaders and caring staff help create a safe, supportive environment where every camper can try new things and shine.

The cost: $100
Registration Deadline: April 1st

Join us for a camp adventure packed with laughter, learning, and unforgettable moments!

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/