The Extension HMoob/Hmong Farmer Outreach Specialist is an exciting new position for the UW-Madison Division of Extension, designed to work with Extension educators and specialists, and partner organizations across the state to develop and communicate culturally and linguistically relevant educational materials to HMoob farmers.  Gaonou will conduct programs using learner-centered communication methods and platforms that support Wisconsin HMoob farmers.

The position is funded in part by the USDA “Socially Disadvantaged Farmer-Rancher 2501 Program” grant project, “Strengthening Support Systems for Wisconsin’s HMoob Farmers”, to work with Extension and community organizations to deliver research-based solutions to help farmers meet their goals and address barriers to equal participation in programs.  The grant support is through a partnership with Groundswell Conservancy, a Wisconsin nonprofit, community-based organization.

Gaonou has been integral to Extension since joining the FoodWIse Program ten years ago. Her contributions to the Program helped to build valuable programming in the area of nutrition education with the HMoob community.  While Gaonou has enjoyed her role as an Extension FoodWIse Educator in area 7, working as a Farm Management Outreach Specialist will best use her skills and 20+ years of experience in the field of outreach education to underserved audiences. This position also aligns with her personal background of family farming. Gaonou is looking forward to strengthening a support network for HMoob farmers in Wisconsin that will help them meet their goals, and contribute to the food security of communities across Wisconsin. 

Gaonou started her new role on March 27th.  Her office is located at the Marathon County Extension building at 212 River Ste #3, Wausau, WI 54403. Please feel free to contact Gaonou via email at gaonou.thao@wisc.edu or via phone at (715)907-2527.    Learn more about Gaonou Thao and the Farm Management Program: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/people/