Extension in Brown County

Ways to participate

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!

Follow us on social media

• Facebook

Give to Brown County 4-H

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

Welcome to the Brown County Fair! We’re excited to offer live exhibits, judging and shows this season. 

Important dates

• June 1: FairEntry registration opens
• June 30: FairEntry registration closes
• July 29: Clothing and quilting judging
• Aug. 10: Static project judging
• Aug. 11-15: Brown County Free Fair

Premium Book

The Brown County 4-H premium book is available online. Make sure you carefully review the rules and information to prepare for your judging experience. If you would like a printed version of the Premium Book, please contact the  Brown County Extension office.

Exhibit ideas

• Guide to 4-H projects
• Suggested 4-H exhibits

FairEntry

Use your 4-H Online login information for FairEntry. If you have questions,  contact 4-H staff or use the resources available here.

• Access Brown County 4-H FairEntry
• FairEntry instructions
• FairEntry video

In-person and virtual options

Judging will be held in-person, with a virtual option available. When you register in FairEntry, it will default to the in-person option unless you select to exhibit virtually. 

Livestock Premium Auction

Registration for the livestock premium auction will be completed in FairEntry. As part of the registration process, 4-H members need to submit their auction biography that will be sent out to potential auction bidders. 

T-shirts

We appreciate the continued support from the Brown County Corn & Soybean Growers to provide t-shirts again to 4-H exhibitors and club leaders. When you complete your registration online, please answer the question to select your t-shirt size.

Minnesota State Fair trips

If you receive a Minnesota State Fair trip, be prepared to attend the meeting on Sunday, Aug. 15. Details coming soon.

Questions?

Contact Janessa Palmer, 4-H Extension educator
palme590@umn.edu  or 507-794-7993

Janessa Palmer, 4-H Extension educator
palme590@umn.edu  or 507-794-7993

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

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Contact the Brown County Extension office at 507-794-7993

or 

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

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Brown County. These programs 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'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:

• Bridging Brown County
• 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.

U of M Extension, Brown County
mnext-brown@umn.edu

300 2nd Ave SW
Sleepy Eye MN 56085-1402

Phone: 507-794-7993
Fax: 507-794-5290

View all Brown County contacts.

Janessa Palmer, 4-H Extension educator
palme590@umn.edu  or 507-794-7993

Kellie Augustin, principal office & administrative specialist 
kmaugust@umn.edu or 507-794-7993

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.