Extension's mission is to connect people with the University of Wisconsin. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities. Extension's outreach in Vernon County creates key connection points for families, communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, government, and more with a network of educators and specialists with UW-Madison.
Cover Photo by Jeremy Bork
4-H involves youth in project-based education. Through project learning, youth can explore their interests (“sparks”) and master new skills.
FoodWIse advances healthy eating habits, active lifestyles and healthy community environments for families with limited incomes through nutrition education at the individual, community and systems levels.
We are here to educate and respond to the needs of the agriculture community while providing resources that promote economic and environmental sustainability in Wisconsin.
Extension’s Community Development Institute provides educational programming to assist leaders, communities, and organizations realize their fullest potential.
The UW-Madison Division of Extension – Vernon and La Crosse Counties hosted the second stop of the Wisconsin Rural Regional Housing Summit Series, a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the pressing housing challenges faced by rural communities across Wisconsin. This series of four regional workshops aims to build local capacity, facilitate regional partnerships, and strengthen connections to local, state and federal stakeholders whose participation will be instrumental in shaping the future of housing in rural Wisconsin.
The University of Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) Program helps you become certified to apply pesticides in Wisconsin. They provide educational materials for the purpose of pesticide applicator certification in Wisconsin.
Just what is in your soil?! Let’s find out! A soil test provides more information about the nutrient levels of your soil.
Farm Record Books are available for purchase at our office location.
Cost: $7.00
Cash and checks only.
Erlandson Building
318 Fairlane Dr, Suite 392
Phone: 608-637-5276
Office Hours: 8:30AM-4:30PM
Closed on all major holidays
We are located in Erlandson Building
Second Floor, left from elevator, or straight forward from the stairs
At the end of the long hallway,
look for our Extension Sign.
Reach out to us with any questions you might have!
REMINDER: Extension NO LONGER manages fair related inquiries, such as giving out Fair Books, enrolling fair entries, or other fair related requests.
Please call the Fair Office with any questions you may have: 608-637-3165, or visit their website for more info: www.vernoncountyfair.com
The dates the fair office will be open are as follows:
August 1st - 12:00PM to 4:00PM
August 5th & 7th - 9:00AM to 4:00PM
The fair office is located on the Vernon County Fairgrounds.
Viroqua, WI — November 25, 2025 — Vernon County 4-H has received approval from the Vernon County Board (Conservation and Education Committee) to develop a large green space on the County Farm into a community orchard and perennial garden. This youth-led project will bring together local partners to design, plant, and care for the garden, […]
The UW-Madison Division of Extension – Vernon and La Crosse Counties are thrilled to announce the second stop of the Wisconsin Rural Regional Housing Summit Series, a groundbreaking initiative designed to address the pressing housing challenges faced by rural communities across Wisconsin. This series of four regional workshops aims to build local capacity, facilitate regional […]
Written by Sam Bibby and BETH MCILQUHAM What is DON? DON (deoxynivalenol or vomitoxin) is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus responsible for Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), a common and economically important disease in small grains. DON is a problem because it is toxic to humans and animals. Grain grown on-farm and fed to livestock should be managed […]
Giant Ragweed Control Research Summary UW-Madison Weed Research Specialist & Wisconsin Herbicide Evaluation Program Coordinator Ryan DeWerff has compiled all giant ragweed chemical management in corn and soybean research results. This publication, which was the result of six years (2018-2023), of giant ragweed driven research projects was conducted by the WiscWeeds team at the Rock […]
Business Education What is business education and how can UW-Madison Division of Extension help you in Vernon County? Simply put… business education is education designed to be used in business. The Community Development Educator works with Vernon County communities to increase entrepreneurship and develop strong small businesses. Through programming, assistance, and applied research, the Community […]
Written by Christine Holm The SNAP-Ed funded program FoodWIse partners with McIntosh Library, Master Gardeners and Community Hunger Solutions in Viroqua, Wisconsin to develop a community education garden with Growing Together WI grants. Since first awarded funding in 2021, the garden partners continue connecting local fresh produce with neighbors who experience barriers to access these […]
When you need help and don’t know where to turn, 211 is your one-stop connection to the local services you need, like utility assistance, housing, food, elder care, crisis intervention, alcohol and other drug recovery and much more. What to expect if you are in need, and accessing a food pantry for the first time: […]
We aim to work alongside community partners to advance healthy eating habits, active lifestyles, and healthy community environments for families with limited incomes. We utilize evidence-based strategies with two approaches: Direct Education Policy, System, and Environment Changes & Social Marketing FoodWIse Programs and Curriculum We Teach and Help Implement
Pesticide Applicator Training Process Training For those looking to pick up their Private Applicator Training Manual, there have been changes for 2023. No longer will Extension be notifying an alert of when the certification expires, and no longer will farmers be able to come to the Extension office to pick up their training manual or […]
