Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development

09/29/2026

On July 13th, 33 youth and adults from Extension and several organizations across Wisconsin met for a full day to plan for the 22nd annual Youth as Partners in Civic Leadership (YPCL) Conference, engaging in fun, interactive activities to set the stage for the full weekend in the fall.

09/28/2026

Congratulations 🎉
Way to go Braeden Bechel, Bryce Bechel, Ava Kolodzienski, and Hannah Fesenmaier, along with coaches Bob Traynor, Peter Coyne and Jayne Esch! The Pierce County team placed 2nd (just 17 points out of 1st) at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held during World Dairy Expo, Madison. Braeden WON the contest as an individual. The team also claimed 1st place in reasons and Braeden won that portion of the contest as well. Join us in congratulating the team and coaches on their success. Check out more of the bragging rights:

Overall: Team - 2nd
1st - Braeden Bechel
12th - Bryce Bechel
13th - Ava Kolodzienski

Reasons: Team -1st
1st - Braeden Bechel
6th - Bryce Bechel

Jerseys:
7th - Braeden Bechel
9th - Bryce Bechel

Ayrshires: Team - 1st
2nd - Braeden Bechel
7th - Hannah Fesenmaier

Holsteins:
2nd Braeden Bechel

Guernseys:
1st - Braeden Bechel

Brown Swiss: Team - 2nd
2nd - Braeden Bechel
6th - Ava Kolodzienski

09/27/2026

It was a beautiful weekend for the State Dog Obedience, Rally, and Showmanship Show. There were also opportunities for young people to participate in dog educational contests in speaking, art, photo, poster, and more. A HUGE thank you to all the volunteers for their hard work. This would not happen without you. Thank you to the WI State 4-H Dog Association for all your work and sponsoring all the State Dog events.

09/25/2026

👏 Congratulations to our colleagues Emery Bork and Jay Johnson!

🍀 Spearheading an exciting collaboration between the PYD Institute and the School of Letters of Science, their work is highlighted in the latest article from Sift and Winnow! Anna Rue, the Director of the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures, worked with Wisconsin 4-H to develop curriculum and host distance learning programs for youth across the state.

🔗 Read more about their work and results at the link below!

The Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures is connecting Wisconsin folk artists, educators and young people through the Sustaining Scandinavian…

09/24/2026

🍀 Apply to the Wisconsin 4-H Ambassador Teams!

Ambassadors get unique opportunities to represent Wisconsin 4-H, develop leadership skills, and contribute to statewide programming. Beginning October 1st, youth in grades 9-12 can apply to join the Arts, Leadership, Agriculture, or NEW Outdoor Ambassadors.

Applications will be open October 1st-November 15th! Learn more here: 4h.extension.wisc.edu/.../wi-4-h-ambassador-team/

09/22/2026

It is with GREAT excitement that we announce funding for the 2026-27 WI 4-H AmeriCorps program year! Now is the time to request to host AmeriCorps members in your county to help build community capacity. Sites will be filled as requests come in.

09/21/2026

We aren't horsing around - the last two weekends were filled with WI 4-H Horse fun at the WI State 4-H Expo Show and the WI 4-H State Gymkhana show. Congratulations to all the participants on a job well done! We loved seeing the sportsmanship and help for fellow competitors at the shows. A HUGE thank you to the volunteers and the WI 4-H Horse Association for all of their hard work and dedication to put on these events.

09/18/2026

🎨 We're ending National Arts in Education Week strong!

You can join us in celebrating the power of creativity in teaching and learning. We're also recognizing an arts education’s role in preparing young people for life this week 💚.

Let’s finish the week by celebrating arts education!

09/17/2026

We want to give a huge shout out and thank you to all the incredible Wisconsin 4-H AmeriCorps members who served this past summer! 🌟

Each of you brought your time, talents, energy, and enthusiasm to the communities you served, and your contributions made a lasting difference. We are so grateful for the commitment and care you brought to your service and to the Wisconsin 4-H AmeriCorps program.

Our program would not be where it is today without the dedication of members like you. Thank you for helping our program grow and flourish. We’re cheering you on and wishing you all the best in your future endeavors! 💚

09/16/2026

🍀 We’re continuing to celebrate National Arts in Education Week!

National Arts in Education Week celebrates the power of creativity in teaching and learning. This week also recognizes an arts education’s role in preparing young people for life 💚.

🎨 Please join us in celebrating arts in education this week!