The Ozaukee County 4-H program is committed to ensuring youth voices shape the future of its programming. To better understand the needs and interests of older youth, a county-wide survey was distributed, gathering valuable insights on leadership opportunities, county-level engagement, and barriers to participation in state and national 4-H events. Survey results highlighted a strong […]

The president of the board of the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would create a strategic plan for the organization.  As part of the planning process, the chamber was also interested in receiving feedback from its members.   To achieve the planning objectives, Paul first conducted a membership engagement survey […]

Ozaukee County 4-H is growing, with a 3% increase in enrollment this year, reflecting enthusiasm for hands-on learning, leadership, and community engagement among local youth. As more families discover the opportunities 4-H provides, members are exploring both traditional and emerging project areas that align with their Sparks and future career aspirations. This year, rock climbing, […]

Wisconsin 4-H youth are gearing up for a series of statewide competitions that highlight their dedication and expertise in agriculture, with Ozaukee County 4-H members making a strong showing in events like the Wisconsin 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl and the Meats Judging Contest. Dairy Quiz Bowl: Testing Industry KnowledgeOzaukee County youth joined participants from across […]

The executive director of Riveredge Nature Center, a local nonprofit, contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would engage the board and staff in a discussion of the organization’s mission and vision statements, and strategic themes.  Riveredge Nature Center’s mission is “to support conservation through education that awakens curiosity, engages the body, and explores connections […]

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for addressing the challenges ahead, both in the dairy industry and for society as a whole. Meeting the growing demand for animal protein while minimizing environmental impact has become an urgent priority. Guillermo Martinez Boggio, Post Doctoral Associate at UW-Madison, was invited to talk about his research in the […]

Sustainability is a common topic of discussion in agriculture. We typically equate sustainability to the environment, but it actually has three facets: environmental, financial, and social. Social sustainability involves the well-being of the people impacted, and financial sustainability involves making decisions to promote the financial viability of an entity.  When discussing the implementation of conservation […]

Congratulations to Rebecca G., the new Miss Ozaukee 4-H 2025, and Jacob C., the new Mr. Ozaukee 4-H 2025! Being named Miss and Mr. Ozaukee 4-H is an honor recognizing outstanding leadership, dedication to 4-H, and a commitment to serving as ambassadors for the program throughout the year.  Rebecca, a senior in high school, is […]

The executive director of Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center (CAC), a regional nonprofit, contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would create a strategic plan for their organization.  The Lakeshore Regional CAC is “a trauma-informed environment where partners collaboratively investigate child abuse, families receive support and advocacy, and most importantly, the child’s words are always […]

Abi Quinlan recently joined the Extension Ozaukee County office as the 4-H Educator for Ozaukee County. Abi brings with her experience in youth engagement, volunteer management, and program coordination. With a professional background that includes her role as Executive Director of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation, where she led youth-focused initiatives and cultivated strong volunteer networks, […]

Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association and Foundation offers funding support for 4-H Educational Travel youth participants who apply! Winter Application Deadline: Friday, January 31, 2025 Apply by Friday, January 31, 2025 for these opportunities: This is also time to apply for the 4-H Key Award. Application requirements: Cover letter, resume, essay response, letter of recommendation, […]

The executive director of the Cedarburg Chamber of Commerce contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would create a strategic plan for the organization.  As part of the planning process, the chamber was also interested in receiving feedback from its members.   To achieve the planning objectives, Paul first conducted a membership engagement survey to […]

In November, Wisconsin 4-H will be encouraging members (ages 13-18) to complete a survey about their 4-H experience. The survey was developed by National 4-H Leaders and will help Wisconsin 4-H to learn about the quality of our programs.  The information will help to show how 4-H helps young people to learn new things, develop […]

Manuel is the new Regional Dairy Educator for Sheboygan, Fond Du Lac, Dodge, and Ozaukee Counties. He is originally from Duitama, a small city in Colombia, 3 hours north of Bogotá, the capital city. He received his bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Universidad Nacional de Colombia. In the last semesters he worked for a […]

Ozaukee County 4-H Leaders Association and Foundation offers funding support for 4-H Educational Travel youth participants who apply! Fall Application Deadline: October 31, 2024 Apply by October 31st for these opportunities: Application requirements: Cover letter, resume, essay response, letter of recommendation, and interview. For more information, please visit the 2024-2025 Leaders Association Funding Support Application […]

The executive director of Portal, Inc., a local nonprofit, contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would create a strategic plan for the organization.  Portal is “dedicated to supporting adults with disabilities” and is “committed to fostering independence and inclusion.” To achieve the planning objectives, Paul first conducted an external feedback survey to gain insight […]

Community-serving organizations, including nonprofits, are more effective when they have a clear purpose/mission, vision, and goals. When there are changes in leadership, resources, community needs, and other internal or external factors that affect the organization, it is a best practice to engage in some form of strategic planning to set priorities, focus energy and resources, […]

SIGN UP DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER! Enroll through 4-H Online starting September 2nd. Current members should use their current 4-H Online accounts to enroll.

The executive director of the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP), a regional nonprofit, contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would create a strategic plan for the organization.  The LNRP facilitates cooperative planning, restoration, and responsible management of environmental resources along Lake Michigan from Ozaukee to Door Counties.   To achieve the planning objectives, Paul first […]

Come and Learn what Ozaukee County 4-H is all about! Learn about the Ozaukee County 4-H program and the variety of activities/projects available for youth in grades 5k – High School. Two dates to choose from: Tuesday, September 10, 20246:30-7:30 pm Fredonia Government Center242 Fredonia Avenue, Fredonia Wednesday, September 11, 20246:30- 8:00 pm Ozaukee County […]

Show-and-Tell with the Ozaukee County Board about 4-H and learn about county government! DATE: AUG 21, 2024 TIME: 7:45- 10:00 am* LOCATION: Ozaukee County Administration Building, Auditorium, 121 W. Main St, Port Washington Sign up online by August 7th or call the Extension office (262-284-8288). All Ozaukee County 4-H youth are invited to participate! This […]

Come Say Hi! Don’t miss out on the 4-H booth at the Ozaukee fair this year. Tell your friends and family to stop by our booth to learn more about 4-H. Meet the 4-H Educator Ozaukee County 4-H Educator, Colleen Machut will be at the 4-H booth during the following dates and time: • Wednesday […]

Paul Roback was contacted by the leadership of the Ozaukee Master Gardeners, a local nonprofit, to facilitate a process that would engage members in a discussion of the organization’s mission statement.  Board leadership wanted members to identify ways in which the organization is currently meeting its mission and new ideas that the leadership of the […]

It is important to remember that the underlying purpose of all 4-H projects and activities is to help youth thrive by developing important skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. These are what we call life skills, and they are interwoven into every aspect of 4-H, providing the bigger picture and […]

A series of pre-planning meetings with four Ozaukee County area nonprofits where we discussed the organizational development needs of each nonprofit and co-designed planning processes to address the identified needs. The intent of the planning process is to clarify the organization’s purpose and develop achievable steps to realize their vision. Community-serving organizations, including nonprofits, are […]

Do you have a yard and garden related question? Use the ‘Ask a Gardening Question’ through Wisconsin Horticulture – Extension and tap into the expertise of a Wisconsin Extension Master Gardener or Extension staff member! Click on button below to submit your question. Note: If you live outside of Wisconsin, please contact Extension in your state.

A board member from the Cedarburg Education Foundation, a local nonprofit, contacted Paul to facilitate a process that would create a strategic plan for the organization.  To achieve the planning objectives, Paul first engaged the organization’s board with an online survey to solicit feedback on updating the organization’s mission statement and seek input for creating […]

An important component of 4-H is the idea of igniting the “Sparks” of our youth members. But- what exactly is a Spark? In a broad sense, a Spark is an area of interest. However, according to the Search Institute, there is more to the definition. As stated on their website, “there are three types of […]

Extension Ozaukee County provides resources and education in three programming areas: Agriculture, Community Development, and 4-H & Youth Development. Collectively, we: For a brief description of our programming, please see our Staff Brochure 

Do you know your Private Applicator Certification expiration date? Need more information? Need additional resources? Questions? Please contact the UW Madison PAT Program at patprogram@mailplus.wisc.edu or 608-262-7588.

We would like to recognize and congratulate ALL Ozaukee County 4-H Graduates.As you leave the program as a youth, take all you have learned and the leadership skills you have gained to make your mark in the world. May you continue to prosper as the 4-H pledge states- with your head, heart, hands, and health.Please know […]

Our monthly office e-newsletter!

The Wisconsin Youth Tractor & Machinery Safety Certification Program is designed to meet requirements established by the US Department of Labor, pertaining to special provisions made for the employment of youth ages 14-15 on farms not operated by their parents. In addition, Wisconsin Act 455 provides specific provisions for tractor operation by 12-13 year olds. […]

Statewide, agriculture is a $104.8 billion industry and provides 413,500 jobs! Agriculture is a vital part of the economy in nearly every Wisconsin county, whether urban or rural. Family-owned farms, food processors and agriculture-related businesses generate thousands of jobs and millions of dollars of economic activity while contributing to local income and tax revenues. The […]

As always, UW-Madison Division of Extension and 4-H want to support youth and families with fun, hands-on learning that helps young people build life skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making. Extension educators from around the state created a handy list of easy-to-access activities and curriculum (https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/home-activities/). The page is organized by grade level […]

We are excited to announce that the 2020 Ozaukee County Plat Books are here! This is a great resource for anyone owning or interested in land in Ozaukee County. This spiral-bound book includes landownership maps, aerial view maps, an Interurban trail map, a county road map and much more. These would make a great gift! […]