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Chippewa County board hears 4‑H youth and UW Extension outline program impact
Summary
At its July meeting the Chippewa County Board heard a University of Wisconsin‑Madison Division of Extension presentation on 4‑H; extension staff and four youth described program activities, volunteer contributions and the county‑university funding model.
The Chippewa County Board on July (date not specified) heard a presentation from the University of Wisconsin‑Madison Division of Extension on the local 4‑H program and heard four youth describe how the program shaped their leadership and career interests.
"I'm the area extension director, and I cover Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire Counties," Kristen Broder said as she introduced the extension team and explained the partnership with the county and UW‑Madison. Broder told the board that educators are jointly funded by Chippewa County and the university while her own position is state‑funded.
Broder reported that in 2025 extension educators connected with nearly 9,600 residents across the three counties they serve, and that volunteers contributed more than 5,200 hours — an amount Broder estimated at about $177,000 in local value.
"4‑H is the nation's largest youth development organization," Jordan Blue, Chippewa County 4‑H youth development educator, told the board, explaining the program's hands‑on approach and its mix of projects, camps and leadership opportunities.
Several 4‑H members spoke directly to the board. "The beef project quickly became more than just raising and showing cattle. It became the place where I found my passion," Brooklyn Willie said, describing responsibility and confidence she gained through the project. Ben Bunce described leadership growth from attending and later counseling at 4‑H camp. Irvin Tushall recounted automotive and travel opportunities, including space camp and technical‑college experiences, and Margaret Bull highlighted showing dairy and swine and serving as a camp counselor.
Supervisors responded with praise for the youth and the program. No county action was requested; staff said they would share a video of the extension staff that could not be played during the meeting and invited board members to visit the local extension office for more detail.
The presentation emphasized the local‑to‑state partnership model and urged continued county support as the division prepares for the budget cycle.
