'Hidden Challenges on the Farm,' healthcare, health insurance and child care workshops coming to Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension is excited to announce the launch of two interactive workshops, part of a brand-new curriculum aimed at providing education and resources to farmers and rural communities. These workshops will focus on critical topics such as health care, health insurance and child care.

The workshops will be led by Stephanie Plaster, Farm Management Outreach Specialist, and Crystal Walters, Human Development and Relationship Educator. They will take place Friday, Nov. 14 at five locations across the state. The sessions are scheduled from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m., with a break from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Workshop details

Each workshop location will have an on-site educator to guide participants through activities. Two additional instructors will deliver educational presentations via Zoom. The schedule blends virtual learning with interactive, in-person activities for a dynamic learning experience.

The health care session will help participants connect health care needs and insurance to farm and family well-being, manage health insurance as part of farm risk, explore insurance options, and budget for insurance costs. The child care session will help participants navigate the impact of child care on farm life, integrate child care into farm risk management, design family-friendly farm enterprises and budget for child care costs.

Event Information

Date: Friday, Nov. 14

Locations: Neillsville – Clark County Courthouse, 517 Court St.; Oconto Falls – HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital–Assisi Rooms, 855 S Main St.; Prairie du Chien – Crawford County Administration Building, 225 North Beaumont Rd., Suite 236; Menomonie – Dunn County Government Center, 3001 US Hwy. 12 East, Suite 216; Elkhorn – Government Service Center, 100 W. Walworth St.

Times: Choose one or attend both. Child care session: 9:30 to11 a.m.; break: 11 to 11:30 a.m.; health care session: 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.

Space is limited, so advanced registration is required. Please register by Nov. 3. For more information and to register, visit go.wisc.edu/hiddenchallenges2025 or contact Clark County Extension at 715-743-5121.