Extension in Dodge County

U of M Extension, Dodge County
[email protected]

721 Main St N, Dept 602
Mantorville, MN 55955

Phone: 507-635-6325
Fax: 507-635-6325

Office hours

• Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, 8 a.m.- Noon

Carrie O'Reilly, 4-H Youth Development Educator
[email protected] or 507-635-6325

Abrielle Magee, Administrative Assistant
[email protected] or 507-635-6325

Extension brings Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training. Learn more about Extension by visiting our about page and by browsing this website. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

4-H is a hands-on learning program for youth grades K-13. Youth explore project areas with peers and caring adults in community clubs throughout the county.

If you have an interest, we have a project for you!  

The 4 H’s

• The Head is to signify clearer thinking.
• The Heart is to signify greater loyalty.
• The Hands are to signify larger service.
• The Health is to signify better living.

4-H Pledge

“I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my family, my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

4-H  Motto

“To make the best better.”

Find the Dodge County 4-H Club that best fits you!

Check us out on Facebook!

Click on our calendar to find a 4-H event near you.

4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. We offer online, small group and independent learning experiences for youth of all ages. In 4-H, youth choose the topic they find interesting and caring adults support their learning and leadership. From agronomy to space exploration and creative arts to outdoor adventures, 4-H has just the right learning experience for young people.

There are many ways to participate in 4-H!

Important Dates/Deadlines:

• Market Beef ID - February 17
• Animal ID (excluding market beef) - May 15
• FairEntry registration opens - May 18 through June 11

Fair information and registration:

• Dodge County 4-H Fair schedule 2026
• 2026 Dodge County 4-H Premium Book 
• What's new in 2026? - this document highlights the changes made since last year
• Fair Registration Guide
• Register your fair entries in FairEntry
• FairEntry: Detailed Registration Guide
• Printable FairEntry registration form

• Learn more about volunteering with 4-H
• Apply to become a 4-H volunteer

Bethany Jackson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-635-6325

Carrie O'Reilly, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-635-6325

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Dodge County, and local programming coordinated by the Dodge County 4-H Council.

Give today

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Master Gardener volunteers educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance quality of life and promote good stewardship of the environment.

Master Gardener volunteers are trained by University of Minnesota horticulture educators and complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Dodge County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

• Yard and garden
• Ask a Master Gardener

Extension provides health, nutrition and community education across Minnesota. 

• COMET helps anyone start conversations around mental health.
• SuperShelf transforms local food shelves into dignified shopping experiences.
• Real Life, Good Food offers recipes, cooking tips and healthy activities.
• Rusty’s Cooking Club for preschool-aged children and their caregivers.

Extension engages Minnesotans to strengthen the social, civic, economic and technological capacity of their communities. We help create vibrant communities and enhance skills and knowledge in economics, leadership and civic engagement, and tourism.

Check our community research page for reports on county and community-focused topics relating to local economics, retaining businesses, growing retail markets, developing tourism, and more.

Local programs can be offered in collaboration with local community organizations and government agencies. Current programs include Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (MARL).

Contact an educator in your area for consultation, guidance and conversation about your community.

Minnesota is a great place to explore, understand and conserve the natural landscape. Extension education, volunteer and participatory science programs encourage people to become stewards of Minnesota’s public and private lands.

Volunteer. Natural resources volunteers track invasive species, detect forest pests and count native bees, among many other activities. You also can study to become a Minnesota Master Naturalist.

Extension's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) connect Greater Minnesota communities and University of Minnesota knowledge and resources to support local sustainability projects.

Working in partnership, RSDP supports community-driven projects in four focus areas: agriculture and food systems, clean energy, natural resources, and resilient communities. Projects are supported by boards made up of local community members and University faculty and staff.

Learn more about RSDP’s recent work in your county and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.