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 all 87 counties. 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 2,000 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
9,191 new youth joined Minnesota 4-H in 2023, and more than 6,200 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 65,300 farms.
Promoting responsible lawn and garden practices
3,177 Extension Master Gardener volunteers contributed 185,751 hours planting pollinator-friendly gardens, creating resilient landscapes and helping Minnesotans grow healthy foods.
Creating healthier families
Extension SNAP-Ed reached 82,293 participants and others with health and nutrition education and through policy, systems as well as environment support. Extension led the Statewide Food Shelf Survey with community partners, helping 288 food shelves make data-informed decisions.
Protecting natural resources, including soil, water and woodlands
Extension Natural Resources volunteers contributed 96,424 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 12,753 Minnesotans with leadership and economic development education and provided 153 applied research reports that are used across the state by communities.
2024 budget
Extension, federal, state and county funding
Total budget: $84.5M
Grants, gifts and income: $22.4 million (26.5%)
Individuals and organizations provide support for valuable Extension opportunities important to them.
Counties: $19.2 million (22.7%)
Investments ensure 4-H, agriculture and other Extension programs are delivered locally.
State: $32 million (37.9%)
Investments are leveraged through collaborations with Minnesota state agencies, including departments of agriculture, health, human services, natural resources and tourism.
Federal: $10.9 million (12.9%)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports wide-ranging research and Extension education