
Extension in Carlton County

Welcome to Carlton County
Carlton County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Carlton County Extension
U of M Extension, Carlton County
317 Chestnut Avenue
PO Box 307
Carlton MN 55718-0307
(218) 384-3511 (phone)
mnext-carlton@umn.edu
View all Carlton County contacts.
Tracey Hartung, Principal Office & Administrative Assistant
thartung@umn.edu or 218-384-8680
Mercedes Moffett, Extension Educator, Ag Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
moffe029@umn.edu or 218-384-8681
Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator & Horticulture Assistant
rustx048@umn.edu or 218-384-8684
Katie Siltanen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
silta006@umn.edu or 218-384-8682
Carlton County events
View all events hosted in and near Carlton County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
News in Carlton County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Carlton County by checking out our latest Newsletters:
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May 2023 newsletter (released on April 28, 2023)
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April 2023 newsletter (released on March 31, 2023)
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March 2023 newsletter (released on March 1, 2023)
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February 2023 newsletter (released on January 31, 2023)
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January 2023 newsletter (released on January 3, 2023)
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December 2022 newsletter (released on December 5,2022)
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November 2022 newsletter (released on October 28, 2022)
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October 2022 newsletter (released on September 28, 2022)
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September 2022 newsletter (released on August 31, 2022)
Not currently receiving our newsletter? Send an email to mnext-Carlton@umn.edu or call our office at 218-384-3511 and we will add you to our list!
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.
4-H
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Carlton County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Carlton County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Carlton County 4-H by checking out our latest Newsletters:
- May 2023 4-H Newsletter
- April 2023 4-H Newsletter
- March 2023 4-H Newsletter
- February 2023 4-H Newsletter
- January 2023 4-H Newsletter
- December 2022 4-H Newsletter
- November 2022 4-H Newsletter
- October 2022 4-H Newsletter
- September 2022 4-H Newsletter
- August 2022 4-H Newsletter
- July 2022 4-H Newsletter
- June 2022 4-H Newsletter
- May 2022 4-H Newsletter
- April 2022 4-H Newsletter
Not currently receiving our 4-H newsletters? Email us at mnext-Carlton@umn.edu or call our office at 218-384-3511.
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 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.
- Esko Cloverleaf Club - Youth who enjoy STEM
- Usually meets on 2nd Sunday of month from 2pm-4pm
- Contact: John Bleskacek - jwbleskacek@yahoo.com H: 218-879-6292 C: 218-590-0506
- Nemadji - Variety of projects; General
- Usually meets on 1st or 2nd Sunday from 2pm - 4:30pm
- Contact: Jessica Ketchum bootsnjeans2014@hotmail.com C: 218-565-2635
- Rowdy Wranglers - Horse Project & community service
- Usually meets on 1st Sunday from 1pm to 3pm
- Contact: Jill McNamara - gottabtrouble@yahoo.com or C: 218-591-6162
- Sunshine Acres - Youth who raise animals; general projects, animal science
- Meeting times/dates vary - call for information - 1.5 hour meetings
- Contact: Rachel Olesiak - rolesiak@umn.edu C: 218-269-4324
- Shooting Sports Project Club - Archery & wildlife
- Must be registered in 4HOnline and select Shooting Sports Club & Project
- Contact: Jason Burley jlburley@live.com C: 218-330-5412
- Barnyard Buddies - Animal Science Livestock Club
- TBD
- Contact: Heather Wright C: 218-626-5175 or Sam Laveau C: 218-269-5494
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.
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Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?
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Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and community
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Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community
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Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?
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Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process
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Katie Siltanen, Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
Email: silta006@umn.edu
Office: 218-384-8682 or Cell: 218-348-9375
Visit the Carlton County 4-H page on Facebook.
Give to Carlton County 4-H
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Carlton County, and local programming coordinated by the Carlton County 4-H Council.
The 2023 Carlton County Fair is scheduled for August 17 - 20, 2023.
Watch this page for critical information for exhibitors and participants.
County Fair season is right around the corner! The 2023 Carlton County Fair premium book will be available for printing or download near the end of May. If you would like a printed copy of the Premium Book and registration forms mailed to you, please sign up here!
Just announced! Carlton County will participate in Static State Fair Encampment 2 (August 29 to August 31st) for static exhibits.
Livestock Encampment is August 23rd to August 27th, 2023.
State Shoot is September 8th to 10th, 2023
State Horse Show is September 15th to September 18th, 2023
Northeast Livestock Show is September 23rd & 24th, 2023
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Carlton 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 Carlton County
The Carlton County Extension Office is in the process of archiving soil test information.
What about soil sampling?
The Carlton County Extension Office is no longer performing soil sampling for the public. Due to limited staffing, we are not able to offer this service at this time. The University of Minnesota offers processing of soil samples for farm/fields and for lawn, garden and landscape. Kits are available for pick up at our office which includes instructions on the proper technique for gathering an accurate sample. The University Soils Lab charges a small fee for each test.
What industry products are available through Extension?
Carlton County currently has a contract to help connect to calcium/lime slurry produced by Specialty Minerals (SMI) in Cloquet, and ash products from Potlatch Deltic in the Bemidji area. The ash is similar to the products many of you have received in the past. The slurry mixture has a high water content and should be allowed to dry for a period of time before application. Please call our office if you are looking at local products and potential fertilizer recommendations.
Survey
The Extension office is interested in your individual plans and needs for industry products in the future. This information will help inform educational programming and guide decisions for partnerships in the future. Please complete this survey: z.umn.edu/SIPSurvey
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.
Mercedes Moffett, Extension Educator
Agriculture Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
Email: moffe029@umn.edu
Office: 218-384-8681
Gardening
Who are Master Gardener volunteers? They come from all walks of life and share gardening best practices that promote healthy landscapes, healthy foods and healthy lives. They complete a core course taught by University faculty and Extension educators. Upon completing the core course, they contribute their time teaching research-based horticulture practices in their communities.
The Carlton County group currently has 37 members and kept busy this gardening season by maintaining outdoor public gardens, answering gardening questions from the general public, hosting a plant sale and garden tour, garden consultations and many other horticulture related activities.
The Carlton County group welcomed 7 new Master Gardeners for the 2023 gardening season. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener volunteer or would like to receive programming notifications, please email Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator at: rustx048@umn.edu or call the office at 218-384-3511.
More information about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer.
Gardening events in Carlton 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 Carlton County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator/ Horticulture Assistant
Email: rustx048@umn.edu
Office: 218-384-3511 ext. 1
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Carlton 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.
Health and nutrition events in Carlton 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 Carlton 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.
Sustainable communities
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 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 also can 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 Carlton County and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development news
Find information on community-focused news.
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.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.