What we do | UMN Extension

Extension educator and graduate students in cornfield

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

Map of Minnesota showing 15 regional offices and Extension offices in every county of the state

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 3,500 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 140,000 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.

Strengthening Minnesota's food and agriculture

Extension research and education improves crop yields, animal health, farm productivity and water conservation across Minnesota's 73,200 farms.

Encouraging responsible lawn and garden practices through a 2,300-strong Master Gardener volunteer force

Master Gardener volunteers gave 145,134 hours last year to community initiatives.

Icon of dinner plate with fork and knife

Helping 119,438 families make healthy decisions through nutrition and money management classes

72% of SNAP-Ed participants say classes helped them make healthier food choices.

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.

2019 budget

Extension, federal, state and county funding

2018 Extension budget pie chart. State: $27.2 million, federal: $10.1, counties: $14.9 million, grants, gifts and other: $17.9 million

Federal: $10.1 million (14.4%)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports wide-ranging research and Extension education

Counties: $14.9 million (21.3%)

Investments ensure 4-H and other Extension programs are delivered locally.

Grants, gifts and other: $17.9 million (25.5%)

Individuals and organizations provide support for valuable Extension opportunities important to them.

State: $27.2 million (38.8%)

Investments are leveraged through collaborations with Minnesota state agencies, including the departments of agriculture, health and human services, natural resources, and tourism.