The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is impacting households, communities, and businesses. A new national survey shows that 1 in 5 households in the US have already had their income cut or stopped altogether. The frequently asked questions below highlight some common financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The answer to each […]

The 2019 growing and harvest season will go down in the history books as the most challenging one in memory. Alfalfa winterkill, record precipitation, below normal temperatures, delayed planting, excessive mud, and brutal harvest conditions made for a difficult year for farmers and custom business owners who work with farmers. The effects of Mother Nature […]

Founder Arletta Allen worked with Diana to incorporate, write bylaws with the newly elected board, and apply for 501(c)3 status with the IRS. This soon-to-be nonprofit will provide “mentoring for Girls of Color to build confidence, character, and charisma through a process of self-discovery.” A pilot group of girls has already started working with Ms. […]

Amanda Miller and Morgan Peaden (state FoodWIse specialist) presented “Connecting with FoodWIse: Community Based Nutrition Education and Healthy Living Resources for Children and Families” at the 2020 Wisconsin Head Start Association (WHSA) conference. The presentation provided an overview of the FoodWIse program, why nutrition education is so important for young children, and how the FoodWIse […]

According to Dr. Doug Reinemann, UW-Madison milking system specialist and College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach, over 300 U.S. dairy farms have automatic milking systems (AMS), also known as robotic milking systems. That number is much higher in Canada and even greater in Europe. Some reasons for choosing automatic […]

Diana designed and facilitated a retreat for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) as they think through challenges of an aging member base. This is a great time of year for nonprofits to consider the successes and challenges of the previous year and plan for the future. As new board members get started in […]

Ever feel like you’re drowning in paperwork? Think about how you manage money, pay bills, and store documents. What’s working and what isn’t? Keep it Simple A simple system that fits a busy schedule is the one that works best. Do you have a way to: Keep important papers safe? Pay bills on time? Find […]

Three classes at Laconia High School in Rosendale participated in the business simulation game Going Solo. Through the game, in which groups compete in an imaginary jewelry business, students learn pricing, fixed costs, variable costs, contribution margin, and how to cope with elements of chance typical of a real business environment. During the two days, […]

“Change isn’t optional.  Change comes to us, no matter how much we resist.  Sometimes we chase it. Sometimes we avoid it.  But it still comes.  That is the nature of life.”  -Lee H. Baucom As agriculture professionals, making recommendations to farmers and then to have those recommend adopted and implemented by our farm families is […]