What we do
Building a stronger Minnesota together
Extension plays an essential 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.
Extension is the front door to the University for all Minnesotans, providing tools to build the future they envision. 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 rural, suburban, urban and tribal communities with the University of Minnesota
- Extension is in every county. Regional offices are strategically located across the state.
- 65 percent of Extension faculty and staff work in Greater Minnesota
- Over 35,000 trained volunteers multiply our reach
- Over 1,700 partnerships foster work with key audiences and diverse communities
- 8.5 million people visit Extension's website each year.
Extension's priorities
Minnesota 4-H reaches new youth
10,154 new youth joined Minnesota 4-H in 2022, and more than 7,000 of them are “first-generation 4-H’ers,” the first youth in their families to participate in 4-H.
Strengthening Minnesota's food and agriculture
Extension research and education improves crop yields, animal health, farm productivity and water conservation across Minnesota's 67,100 farms.
Promoting responsible lawn and garden practices
2,953 Extension Master Gardener volunteers contributed 169,567 hours planting pollinator-friendly gardens, creating resilient landscapes and helping Minnesotans grow healthy foods.
Creating healthier families: 92,323 people served
Extension SNAP-Ed reached 48,479 Minnesotans through SuperShelf, providing healthy, culturally appropriate foods while respecting individual choices at food shelves. Extension helped 9,800 rural Minnesotans bring positive changes to communities coping with the opioid crisis.
Protecting natural resources, including soil, water and woodlands
Extension Natural Resources volunteers contributed 92,206 hours to restore public lands, manage invasive species in their communities, collect data for scientific research and teach better land stewardship.
Supporting community leadership, economic development and tourism
Extension reached 12,837 Minnesotans with leadership and economic development education and provided 133 applied research reports that are used across the state by communities.
2023 budget
Extension, federal, state and county funding
Grants, gifts and other: $21.2 million (26.7%)
Individuals and organizations provide support for valuable Extension opportunities important to them.
Counties: $18 million (22.7%)
Investments ensure 4-H, agriculture and other Extension programs are delivered locally.
Ag State Special: $15.8 million (19.9%)
Investments are leveraged through collaborations with Minnesota state agencies, including departments of agriculture, health, human services, natural resources and tourism.
Federal: $10.7 million (13.5%)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports wide-ranging research and Extension education