Extension in Big Stone County

Check out what is happening in Big Stone County 4-H

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Give to Big Stone County 4-H

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

Give today

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
• Get in touch with us:
  • Suzanne Souza, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
    320-839-6380 or souza004@umn.edu

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 topics 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!

Big Stone County has several clubs as well as project clubs to participate in.

Community Clubs (Grades K-12)

• Learn new skills by working on projects together
• Take part in activities like tours, bowling, holiday parties

• Work and learn the importance of community service

• Almond Highlanders - Adult Leaders
  • Karen Fitzner - 320-325-5531
  • Rachael Kellen - 320-305-4142
  • Holli Kellen - 320-305-1513
• Beardsley Go-Getters - Adult Leaders
  • Christy Erickson - 320-265-6207
  • Tina Syverson - 320-905-1915
• Clover Clovers - Adult Leaders
  • Paulette Jibben - 320-815-5573
  • Kristin Haggerty - 605-695-0442
  • Cara Greger - 320-808-4897
  • Missy McMahon - 931-802-3210
• Eager Beavers - Adult Leaders
  • Jaime Conrad - 218-443-0886
  • Carrie Olson - 320-287-1542
• Odessa Jolly Workers - Adult Leaders
  • Kerry Klepel - 320-305-0927
  • Doug Eastman - 320-273-2395
• Prime Cut - Adult Leaders
  • Tessa and Dominic Rolfsmeier - 320-305-4275

Cloverbuds (Grades K-2)

After School Adventures (Grades 3-5)

Cloverbuds and After School Adventures are fun, hands-on educational programs specially designed for youth in Grades Kindergarten to 5th Grade. Cloverbuds and After School Adventures are an after school program available at CGB School, Ortonville School and Big Stone City School. Currently, because of the pandemic, participants are receiving monthly kits to work on at home.

At Cloverbuds and After School Adventures, youth will:

• Explore monthly topics
• Make crafts
• Learn about and have healthy snacks
• Play games

Project Clubs

Project clubs were created to help youth learn and focus on a certain project area of their interest. 

Big Stone County Project Clubs are:

• Aquatic Robotics / Aquatic Invasive Species Education
• Dairy Club
• Dog Club
• Horse Club
• LEGO Robotics Club
• Shooting Sports Club

For more information on any of these clubs, contact the Big Stone County Extension office:

• Suzanne Souza, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
• souza004@umn.edu
• 320-839-6380

For more information about 4-H contact:

Suzanne Souza, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
souza004@umn.edu or 320-839-6380

Big Stone County 2020 Farm Family of the Year is Jackie and Al Webster. They were honored with a plaque and certificate. The Big Stone County Extension Committee is working on choosing the 2021 Farm Family of the Year.

Please direct any agriculture related questions to the University of Minnesota Extension Farm Information Line.

Farm Information Line
fil@umn.edu or 1-800-232-9077

Big Stone County is always looking for volunteers willing to become a University of Minnesota Master Gardener. These volunteers assist our community with questions and topics about gardening.  Please consider becoming a Master Gardener in Big Stone County.

More information about becoming a Master Gardener is on the following website.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Currently Big Stone County has one Master Gardener available. Contact this office or Suzanne Souza for your questions, 320-839-6380 or souza004@umn.edu

You can also contact the University of Minnesota Yard & Garden team:

Minnesota Master Gardener Hotline
Available Year-round
612-301-7590

Big Stone County is committed to our community and helping in any way possible during this pandemic. Below you'll find information about food resources during COVID-19.

Food Assistance

To apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formally known as Food Stamps or Food Assistance), please see the Big Stone County Family Services web site.

To apply for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), contact Countryside Public Health office to schedule an appointment, 320-839-6135 or 1-800-657-3291.

Big Stone Area Emergency Food Shelf

Visit the Big Stone Area Food Shelf website for location and hours.

Seniors

Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors

Backpack Program

Paw Pantry is available at Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School. Contact the CGB School at 320-325-5224 for more information.

Trojan Takeout is available at the Ortonville School. Contact the Ortonville School at 320-839-6181 for more information.

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

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is the educational component of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a program that offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families.

To host a SNAP-Ed class or to find out more information, please contact a Southwest SNAP-Ed educator.

View all Big Stone County contacts.

Suzanne Souza, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
souza004@umn.edu

Heidi Torgerson, County Support Staff
torge005@umn.edu

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.