Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in Benton County

Welcome to Benton County
Benton County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Please contact us for all of your 4-H, agriculture or gardening related questions.
4-H
Follow us on social media @ Benton 4H : Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Check out what is happening in Benton County 4-H on our Google Calendar
Give to Benton County 4-H
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Benton County, and local programming coordinated by the Benton County 4-H Council.
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Benton County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Benton County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
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!
Ann Olson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
olso7616@umn.edu or 320-968-5077
Darlene Szafranski, Extension support staff
szafr001@umn.edu, or 320-968-5077
The 2021 Benton County Fair is scheduled for August 3-8 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids.
Due to Covid-19, we are unsure what fair or showcase opportunities will look like in 2021, but Benton County 4-H is dedicated to providing opportunities for our youth to showcase their project learning! Continue to check back for updates.
Important Dates
- May 25: Registration opens and 2021 premium book is released
- July 12: Registration deadline
- August 2: Benton County 4-H entry day (tentative)
- August 3-8: Benton County Fair
Registration
4-H registration for the Benton County Fair will open on Monday, May 25. The deadline to register your 4-H projects for 2021 is July 12.
Premium Book
The 2021 4-H Premium Book will be available on Monday, May 17.
Agriculture
Benton County's agriculture includes both crop and livestock production. Corn and soybeans are the primary crops grown. Benton County is home to many fruit and vegetable growers and small farms.
Agriculture events in Benton County
Attend an agriculture-related event near you.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered all year around the state.
Agriculture news in Benton County
Find the latest on Extension agricultural research and news you can use on your farm from local experts.
Statewide news and blogs
- Agricultural Business Management News - Business and financial resources for farmers.
- Beef News - Beef industry featured events, farm safety and animal health.
- Dairy News - Dairy industry featured events, farm safety and animal health.
- Fruit and Vegetable News - Local production and marketing of fruit and vegetable crops in Minnesota.
- Minnesota Crop News - Emerging issues affecting Minnesota row crops and forages.
Nathaniel Drewitz, Extension Educator, Agriculture Production Systems
ndrewitz@umn.edu, 320-968-5081
Brenda Postels, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems - Livestock
post0060@umn.edu, 320-203-6063
Katie Drewitz, Extension Educator - Horticulture, Small Farms & Local Foods
wins0115@umn.edu, 320-255-6169 ext. 1
Gardening
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 complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.
Gardening events in Benton County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Benton County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Statewide news
- Yard and Garden News - Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
- My Minnesota Woods - Find out how to take care of your trees and enjoy Minnesota's beautiful woodlands.
- Natural Resources News - From preserving our wetlands to combating invasive species, read about protecting and enjoying nature.
Katie Drewitz, Extension Educator - Horticulture, Small Farms & Local Foods
wins0115@umn.edu, 320-255-6169 ext. 1
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health that are open to families and individuals of all ages who are eligible for benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or who meet Extension’s program income guidelines.
Programs are offered in community settings such as food shelves, schools, community centers and public housing sites. The programs are free to all individuals and families who meet income guidelines, and may be offered in multiple languages, depending on the audience needs and availability of educators.
Health and nutrition events in Benton County
Learn more about staying healthy and eating well.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in events that encourage health, wellbeing and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Benton County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Family News
Find information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Benton County Extension
U of M Extension, Benton County
Courthouse-531 Dewey St
PO Box 650
Foley MN 56329-0650
Phone: 320-968-5077
Fax: 320-968-5319
mnext-benton@umn.edu
View all Benton County contacts.
Darlene Szafranski, Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
szafr001@umn.edu, 320-968-5077
Benton County events
View all events hosted in and near Benton County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Benton County news
Read all news from Benton County.
Extension wide news
Read the latest news from all of Extension's programs.
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.