Happy Retirement Dana!
Dear 4-Hers,
After many rewarding years serving as the Winnebago County 4-H Program Educator, the time has come for me to begin a new chapter and retire from my role with the 4-H program.
As I reflect on my career, I am filled with gratitude for all the volunteers who have dedicated their time, talents, and hearts to supporting our 4-H youth. Your commitment has made an incredible difference in the lives of young people throughout our county. Thank you for the countless hours you have given and for the positive impact you continue to make in our communities.
I have been fortunate to be part of many meaningful projects and experiences over the years. Some of my favorite accomplishments include helping bring the ChickQuest program to Winnebago County, collaborating with my Extension colleagues to design and build the Outdoor Learning Center gardens and chicken run, teaching AgBadge workshops to 4-H youth, and redesigning the 4-H Record Book pages to encourage our youth to reflect on their 4-H journey and accomplishments. Seeing youth learn, grow, and gain confidence through these opportunities has been one of the greatest joys of my career.
I will miss all the youth and families whose lives have touched mine over the years. Watching young people develop skills, leadership, responsibility, and a love for learning has been both inspiring and rewarding.
While it is difficult to say goodbye, I am excited for what lies ahead. I look forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing my crocheting, sewing, and crafting. This next chapter will bring new adventures, creativity, and opportunities to enjoy the things I love.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of your 4-H journey. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve the Winnebago County 4-H community. I wish you all continued success, growth, and wonderful memories in the years ahead.
With sincere appreciation,
Dana Berger
Pollinators in Autumn
Fall is not the end of the gardening season for pollinators!
As summer winds down, many gardeners begin cleaning up flower beds and preparing their landscapes for winter. While fall maintenance has its place, it is important to remember that pollinators are still active and can benefit from the resources your garden provides.
Late-blooming plants, including asters, goldenrods, and other fall flowers, offer some of the final sources of nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects. These plants help support pollinators as they prepare for the colder months ahead. Seed heads left on plants can also provide food and structure for birds and other wildlife throughout the fall and winter.
Many beneficial insects spend the winter in natural materials commonly removed during fall cleanup. Fallen leaves, hollow plant stems, and other garden debris can serve as important shelter and overwintering habitat. Removing everything from the garden may unintentionally reduce the survival of pollinators and other helpful insects.
Gardeners can support pollinator populations by taking a balanced approach to fall cleanup. Consider leaving some stems standing, allowing seed heads to remain in place, and keeping leaves in garden beds where possible. Major cutting and cleanup tasks can often wait until spring. At the same time, it is still important to remove diseased plants, invasive species, and vegetation that poses safety concerns.
A little less cleanup this fall can help provide critical habitat for pollinators and support a healthier garden ecosystem year-round. Extension resources are available to help homeowners create and maintain pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Planning AHEAD
Don’t leave a mess, leave a legacy. Plan ahead.
No one knows what the future may bring. A medical crisis or unexpected event could leave you unable to communicate your own health care or financial decisions. Taking time to plan ahead can help ensure your wishes are known and reduce stress for the people who care about you.
Planning AHEAD is a free, multi-session educational program designed to help adults begin or continue the end-of-life planning process. The program covers important topics related to advance care planning and encourages participants to consider decisions that may affect themselves and their families in the future.
End-of-life planning is not just for people who are older or facing serious illness. Anyone age 18 or older can benefit from having a plan in place. By taking steps now, you can help create clarity for yourself and your loved ones and leave a legacy of thoughtful preparation.
Two program series are available this fall, offering both in-person and online options.
In-Person Series
Dates
- Monday, November 2
- Wednesday, November 4
- Monday, November 9
- Wednesday, November 11
- Monday, November 16
- Wednesday, November 18
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Fox West YMCA, W6931 School Road, Greenville
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/PlanningAheadFoxWest26
Phone Registration: (920) 832-5121
Online Series
Dates
- Tuesday, November 3
- Thursday, November 5
- Tuesday, November 10
- Thursday, November 12
- Tuesday, November 17
- Thursday, November 19
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
https://bit.ly/PlanningAheadNovZoom
Phone Registration: (920) 832-5121
The program is open to all adults interested in learning more about advance care planning and preparing for the unexpected.
You Matter Mail
Sharing Encouragement Across Our Community
Help Us Spread Kindness with You Matter Mail!
Extension Winnebago County, NAMI Oshkosh, and the Breakwater Coalition invite community members to spread kindness across Winnebago County through You Matter Mail, a local message exchange that connects neighbors through anonymous notes of encouragement.
Community members of all ages are invited to submit a short, positive message through an online form. Messages will be printed on postcards (featuring local artwork!) and mailed to someone else in our community. A few thoughtful words can brighten someone’s day and remind them they are seen, valued, and supported.
Whether you share a reminder that someone matters or simply a hello, your words can brighten someone’s day!
Introduction To Plain Language Is Back!
Registration Now Open!
Join this in-demand FREE virtual workshop to learn strategies for word choice, font selection, grammar use, user testing, and more that help us communicate quickly and effectively.
Registration is now open for:
📍Tuesday, September 22 | 1 – 3 p.m.
📍 Tuesday, October 6 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Noon)
🔗Register at: http://go.wisc.edu/plain
Introduction to Plain Language is a collaboration between UW-Madison’s Cultural Linguistic Services and UW-Madison Division of Extension.
Parasite Patrol: Managing Flock Health
Sheep and goat producers are invited to attend Parasite Patrol, a practical workshop focused on intestinal parasite management. Hosted by the UW-Extension, this educational program will provide producers with tools and strategies to better understand, monitor, and manage parasite challenges within their flocks and herds.
Intestinal parasites can significantly affect animal health and performance. High parasite loads may lead to reduced productivity, poor growth, lower reproductive performance, and weakened immune systems. Effective management is an important part of maintaining healthy and productive animals, regardless of flock or herd size.
During the workshop, Extension educators will guide participants through the biology and management of intestinal parasites, including:
- Understanding the intestinal parasite life cycle
- Exploring how parasite resistance develops
- Learning management practices that help reduce parasite pressure
- Participating in hands-on fecal egg count (FEC) activities using samples from their own animals
The workshop is designed to provide practical, real-world skills that producers can apply immediately. Participants will also receive a McMaster microscope slide and instructions for conducting fecal egg counts at home, allowing them to continue monitoring parasite loads after the workshop concludes.
Workshop Details
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Osborn Town Hall
W3389 County Road EE
Seymour, WI 54165
Registration Information
The registration fee is $30 per person and includes a McMaster slide for at-home fecal egg counts and all workshop materials.
For additional information, the full agenda, directions, and registration details, visit: https://eventreg.wisc.edu/en/5f4YRxR7/g/extension/parasite-patrol-outagamie-county-5a2TQr1DgIb/overview
Sheep and goat producers of all experience levels and flock sizes are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required.
For questions or accommodation requests, contact:
Adam Hartfiel
adam.hartfiel@wisc.edu
920-647-6560.
Save the Date for Cloverbud Blast!
Date: November 8
Time: 1-3pm
Location: Coughlin Center, 625 E. County Road Y, Oshkosh
Registration coming soon!
The Cloverbud Project provides young members with opportunities to explore a wide variety of interests through hands-on learning and age-appropriate activities. Cloverbuds can experience science, creative arts, animals, plants, community service, and many other areas while building confidence and curiosity.
Cloverbud Blast is an annual event that brings together these young learners for a day of celebration and connection. The event also recognizes Cloverbud graduates as they complete second grade and prepare to move into traditional 4-H projects, where they can focus on topics that interest them most.
Corn Grain Moisture Conversion Chart for 2026
Approximately 3 million of Wisconsin’s 4 million corn acres are harvested for grain each year. Corn may be harvested as dry grain, which is typically stored at 15% moisture, or as high-moisture shell corn (HMSC), which is commonly used in dairy and livestock feed.
To help farmers and agricultural professionals determine a fair value for corn harvested above 15% moisture, a High-Moisture Shell Corn Equivalent Price per Ton chart is available. The chart uses current energy costs, including liquid propane (LP) gas and electricity, along with a standard shrink factor, to estimate the value of high-moisture corn compared to dry corn.
Both an interactive Excel version and a printable PDF version of the chart are available for download.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law. Contact the Extension Winnebago County at 920-232-1970 on Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm, excluding holidays, to request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services.