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Extension staff plans annual report, signals larger fair presence and watches federal funding
Summary
Dunn County Extension staff told the committee they are preparing an annual report, expect greater Extension presence at county fairs following UW Extension leadership guidance, and are monitoring federal funding that supports programs including FoodWIse and Smith-Lever allocations.
Kristen (Extension staff) told the Community Resources and Tourism Committee that Extension is preparing its annual report and will bring it to the Extension Committee before sharing it with the full county board. She asked supervisors for feedback about what information they would like highlighted in the report.
Kristen said UW Extension leadership has signaled a greater educator presence at county fairs in coming years and that local educators are planning how to deploy staff and institute resources across the three-county area (Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire). She cited youth development educator Zach’s strong, visible role at the fair, which included a pop-up tent and steady youth participation.
On funding, Kristen said several Extension programs rely on federal funding streams, including the FoodWIse program and Smith-Lever funds. She described Smith-Lever as a longstanding federal funding source for Extension programming; while those funds have been flat for decades, she said the county is watching potential federal budget changes closely. Kristen said the region is also supported by UW–Madison and that the Extension area plans to proceed with necessary hires, including a FoodWIse educator in Chippewa County, while monitoring federal and state budget developments.
Committee members asked whether Kristen had heard specific federal funding cuts; she said the concern to date has been mainly about federal funds and that the governor’s proposed state budget included some agricultural support. Kristen told the committee the annual report will include a funding breakdown showing county, state and federal shares for Extension programs.
Ending: Kristen asked supervisors for input on the annual report and reiterated Extension’s willingness to engage committees and institutes in planning a fair presence and programmatic outreach.
