Extension is a unique partnership of counties, the U. S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Wisconsin working together to help people put knowledge to work. It reflects the vision that has become known as the Wisconsin idea.This partnership brings education to people where they live, through extension offices in each of Wisconsin ‘s counties. It supports educational programs for farmers, businesses, communities, families and young people.Extension uses education to help people understand and confront problems. Educational programs developed and conducted by county faculty reflect local concerns. Faculty use knowledge from the University of Wisconsin , other universities and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Extension programming combines faculty, campus-based specialists, and staff expertise in the areas of Agriculture/Horticulture; Community, Natural Resources and Economic Development; Human Development and Relationships; and 4H & Youth Development.

Extension La Crosse programs target La Crosse County’s concerns regarding six major issues:

• Intergovernmental Cooperation
• Land Use: Accomodating Community Growth, Maintaining Regional & Character Beauty
• Rising Costs Limit Availability of Affordable Health Care and Insurance
• Children and Families: The Demands That They Face
• Improving Economic Well-being and Security of Communities and Families
• Leveraging People Power

ABOUT EXTENSION IN LA CROSSE COUNTY

Extension Mission

Extension applies University research, knowledge, and resources to meet the educational needs of Wisconsin people wherever they live and work. Extension identifies and responds to specific community needs for practical education, research and knowledge to improve the quality of life in local communities, to strengthen families, to increase the competitiveness of businesses and agriculture, and to develop leadership skills for managing resources and planning for the future.

Extension is an educational partnership with the University of Wisconsin campuses; county, state, and federal governments; community organizations, and businesses and industry. Extension county faculty and staff are community-based educators and facilitators who share research-based knowledge and expertise in formal and informal settings. Extension’s campus-based faculty conduct applied research and interpret knowledge from the research base in their specialties to respond to local and state needs. Working together, community and campus Extension faculty provide the unbiased information and knowledge people need to make sound decisions about important issues.

Extension programs are directed at agriculture and agribusiness, family life, youth development, community development, natural resource management and economic development. These programs also nurture human resources by encouraging development of critical skills in leadership, strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision making.

POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Extension does not discriminate in the treatment of individuals, in the admission or access to its programs and activities, in the provision of services, or in employment, on the basis of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental status, arrest or conviction record, or membership in the national guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military service.