Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
What we do
Building a stronger Minnesota together
Extension plays a key role in the University of Minnesota's mission: We bring Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training.
University of Minnesota Extension works in rural, suburban, urban and tribal communities and beyond.
More than 1 million people are reached annually by Extension education.
University of Minnesota Extension mission
Making a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.
Connecting every county with the University of Minnesota
Extension makes University research and knowledge available to Minnesota.
- Extension is in every county
- 15 regional offices are strategically located in communities across the state
- 65% of Extension faculty and staff work in Greater Minnesota
- Over 35,000 trained volunteers multiply our reach
Discovering solutions to today's problems
Today's most pressing issues cross state and world boundaries, requiring strong partnerships, focused investments and diverse perspectives from multiple disciplines.
Shaping a lifetime of leadership in 66,000 young people through Minnesota 4-H
4-H'ers are more likely to pursue post-secondary education and are 2x more likely to contribute to their communities. Extension reaches nearly 128,000 youth overall.
Strengthening Minnesota's food and agriculture
Extension research and education improves crop yields, animal health, farm productivity and water conservation across Minnesota's 68,500 farms.
Encouraging responsible lawn and garden practices through a 2,400-strong Master Gardener volunteer force
Master Gardener volunteers gave 143,821 hours last year to community initiatives.
Creating healthier families for 192,137 people at 463 sites
75% of SNAP-Ed participants changed their behavior in eating and physical activity.
Protecting natural resources, including soil, water and woodlands
Last year, more than 2,000 Minnesota Master Naturalists and citizen science volunteers restored public lands, collected scientific data and multiplied the reach of Extension's environmental education.
Understanding what makes communities welcoming, economically vibrant and well-led
100+ economic analyses inform local community decisions each year and 37 communities run Extension learning groups.
2020 budget
Extension, federal, state and county funding
Federal: $10 million (13%)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports wide-ranging research and Extension education
Counties: $16.8 million (21.7%)
Investments ensure 4-H and other Extension programs are delivered locally.
Grants, gifts and other: $21.4 million (27.7%)
Individuals and organizations provide support for valuable Extension opportunities important to them.
State: $29 million (37.6%)
Investments are leveraged through collaborations with Minnesota state agencies, including the departments of agriculture, health, human services, natural resources and tourism.