Extension in Big Stone County

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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!

Clubs

Community clubs (grades K-12)

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

• Work and learn the importance of community service.

Contact one of these adult leaders to join a club listed below.

Cloverbuds (Grades K-2) and After School Adventures (Grades 3-5)

Cloverbuds and After School Adventures are fun, hands-on educational programs specially designed for youth in grades K-5. These afterschool programs are available at CGB School, Ortonville School and Big Stone City School. 

• 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.

• 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.

2021 Premium Books

• 2021 Premium Book
• 2021 Cloverbud Premium Book

Guides

• Youth guide to 4-H record keeping
• Parent and volunteer guide to 4-H record keeping
• Cloverbud information sheet

4-H records

• Participation summary-basic for grades 3-5
• Participation summary-experienced for grades 6+
• Project record-basic for grades 3-5
• Project record-experienced for grades 6+
• Planning calendar
• Financial statement
• Cloverbud record book for grades k-2

Project achievement award forms (Goldenrods) for grades 6 and up

• Outstanding Animal Science Project Achievement Award
• Outstanding Expressive & Communication Arts Project Achievement Award
• Outstanding Family Consumer Science Project Achievement Award
• Outstanding Horticulture/Plant Science Project Achievement Award
• Outstanding Mechanical Science Project Achievement Award
• Outstanding Natural Resources/Sports Project Achievement Award
• Outstanding Personal Growth & Development Project Achievement Award

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 at 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 volunteer in Big Stone County.

Currently Big Stone County has one Master Gardener available. Contact this office or Suzanne Souza for your questions at 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), visit the Big Stone County Family Services website.

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.

Extension's Center for Community Vitality 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 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.

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.