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

Welcome to Big Stone County
Big Stone County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. Big Stone County is located on the western edge of the state. The area is primarily an agricultural community but it also has an abundance of great fishing and hunting.
4-H
Check out what is happening in Big Stone County 4-H
Big Stone County 4-H Google Calendar
Follow us on social media
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.
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
- Suzanne Souza, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
4-H events in Big Stone County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Big Stone County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Big Stone 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 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
Agriculture
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.
Agriculture events in Big Stone 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 Big Stone 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.
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
Gardening
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.
Gardening events in Big Stone 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 Big Stone 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.
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
Health and nutrition
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.
Health and nutrition events in Big Stone 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 Big Stone 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.
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.
Big Stone County Extension
U of M Extension, Big Stone County
11 SE 2nd Street
Ortonville, MN 56278
(lower level of the Big Stone County Sheriff's Department)
Phone: (320) 839-6380
Fax: (320) 839-6384
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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
Big Stone County events
View all events hosted in and near Big Stone County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Big Stone County news
Read all news from Big Stone 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.