Extension in Benton County

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

Office hours

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

Ann Olson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
olso7616@umn.edu or 320-968-5077

Megan Gerads, Extension Support Staff
gerad049@umn.edu, 320-968-5077

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. 

Follow us on social media @ Benton 4H : 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Check out what is happening in Benton County 4-H on our Google Calendar

Clover Updates

• October                                            
• November                                   
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• September

New to 4-H? Learn more about 4-H in Benton County.

Benton County 4-H new member information

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member
• Contact the Benton County Extension Office at 320-968-5077 or mnext-benton@umn.edu
• Stop by our office located at 531 Dewey Street, Foley, MN 56329

Find a 4-H club in Benton County

Benton County 4-H club list

Volunteering with Benton County 4-H

Learn more about volunteering with 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!

There are also many ways adults (anyone age 18+) can support youth learning and leading in 4-H. 

• Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?

  • Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and the community.

  • Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community.

• Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?

  • Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process.

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

Give Today

Ann Olson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
olso7616@umn.edu or 320-968-5077

Megan Gerads, Extension Support Staff
gerad049@umn.edu or 320-968-5077

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. 

• Recertification for Private Pesticide Applicators
• Dairy events
• FSMA on your farm

Dana Adams, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems - Livestock
adam1744@umn.edu, 320-255-6169

Lauren Heers, Extension Educator - Small Farms and Local Foods
Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties
heers010@umn.edu or 763-765-3075 (office), 612-293-0031 (cell)

Jackie Estrem, Extension Educator - Sustainable Ag, Soil Health & Water Quality
Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties
estre060@umn.edu or 763-765-3075 (office)

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.

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Benton 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

Quincy Sadowski, Extension Educator - Horticulture
quincy@umn.edu, 320-255-6169 ext. 1

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.

Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.

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:

• Growing Leadership in Local Government
• 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 community 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 can also 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.

Jackie Estrem, Extension Educator - Sustainable Ag, Soil Health & Water Quality
Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties
estre060@umn.edu or 763-765-3075 (office)

Lauren Heers, Extension Educator - Small Farms and Local Foods
Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties
heers010@umn.edu or 763-765-3075 (office), 612-293-0031 (cell)