Event information
Date and time
Location
East Annex Meeting Room
300 N. State St.
Waseca,
MN
56093
Contact
Amy Nelson, [email protected]
Waseca County 4-H Roots to Route: Exploring your Ag Future
Did you know agriculture is way more than just traditional farming? It's drones, veterinary medicine, food science, robotics, environmental conservation, and big business!
Roots to Routes is a hands-on six-part career exploration series designed specifically for youth in grades 6-8. Through interactive labs, high-tech tools, real-world challenges and visits from industry experts, you'll discover how your favorite skills, whether in science, coding, art, or leadership, can open doors to exciting careers in food, fiber and natural resources. We'll meet monthly from November 2026 through April 2027. Location will vary.
What you'll experience
- Hands-On Labs: Make ice cream, test soil health, code precision farm drones, and practice real vet clinical skills.
- High-Tech Tools: Explore how satellite mapping, robotics, and biotechnology are changing the world.
- Ag "Shark Tank": Work with a team to invent, brand, and pitch your own new ag product!
- Local Connections: Meet young professionals, local business owners, and 4-H/FFA leaders working in agriculture today.
- My Ag Passport: Track your career ratings, skills, and personal goals to chart your own path into high school and beyond.
Upcoming session
- Nov. 23
- Time: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Location: East Annex Large Conference Room
- Topic: Ag is More Than Farming & Agribusiness
- Careers: Ag Communicator, Ag Marketer, Supply Chain Manager
- Complete the online form to register for this session.
Program dates and topics
The remaining dates are tentative! Future dates will be communicated in monthly newsletters and emails to 4-H families.
- Dec. 30
- Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.
- Location: TBD
- Topic: Animal Science & Health
- Careers: Veterinarian, Livestock Geneticist, Animal Nutritionist
- Jan. 26
- Topic: Food Science & Innovation
- Careers: Food Scientist, Flavorist, Quality Control Manager
- Feb. 23
- Topic: High-Tech Ag & Natural Resources
- Careers: Drone Operator, Precision Ag Tech, Wildlife Biologist
- March 23
- Topic: Plant Science & Hydroponics
- Careers: Agronomist, Greenhouse Manager, Soil Scientist
- April 27
- Topic: Career Showcase & Capstone
- Careers: Local Industry Panel
Audience
Youth in grades 6-8
Older youth can participate also, but please know the program is designed for middle school youth.
Cost
Free
Registration
Register per session using the provided Google Form.
For the November session, register by Nov. 20.
Accommodations
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Language
This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.