Extension in Carlton County

U of M Extension, Carlton County

317 Chestnut Avenue
PO Box 307
Carlton, MN 55718-0307

(218) 384-3511 (phone)
[email protected]

Office hours

Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

View all Carlton County contacts.

Mercedes Moffett, Extension Educator, Ag Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
[email protected] or 218-384-8681

Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator & Horticulture Assistant
[email protected] or 218-384-8684

Katie Siltanen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 218-384-8682

Mandi Haglund, Principal Office & Administrative Assistant
[email protected] or 218-384-8680

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. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

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 - [email protected] 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 [email protected]  C: 218-565-2635
• Rowdy Wranglers - Horse Project & community service
  • Usually meets on 1st Sunday from 1pm to 3pm
  • Contact: Jill McNamara - [email protected] 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 - [email protected] C: 218-269-4324
• Shooting Sports Project Club - Archery & wildlife
  • Must be registered in 4HOnline and select Shooting Sports Club & Project
  • Contact: Jason Burley [email protected] 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. 

• Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?

  • Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and community

  • Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community

• Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?

  • Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process

Katie Siltanen, Extension Educator
4-H Youth Development
Email: [email protected]
Office: 218-384-8682 

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. 

Give today

The 2025 Carlton County Fair is scheduled for August 14 - 17, 2025, at the Carlton County Fairgrounds in Barnum. 

Important Dates:

• June 5: FairEntry opens, and the 2025 premium book is released
• July 10: Registration deadline in FairEntry
• August 6: Carlton County Dog Show at County Fairgrounds
• August 11: Fairgrounds clean-up night
• August 14 to 17: Carlton County Fair
• August 21 to 25: State Fair livestock encampment
• August 28 to 30: State Fair general judging
• September 5 to 7: State Shooting Sports event
• September 5 to 9 and 13 & 14: State Horse Show ( see drawer for Carlton County 4-H at the State Fair for more information)
• September 20 & 21: State Dog Show
• September 27 & 28: Northeast Livestock Show (NELS)

Registration:
All 4-H exhibits must register in FairEntry. Registration opens on June 5 and closes on July 10.
For assistance with county fair registration, please review the FairEntry family registration guide or contact the Extension office.
The 2024 Board of Animal Health requirements

Premium Book:
Download the 2025 Premium Book or request a copy of the 2025 Premium Book by completing the Carlton County Premium Book Request Form or stop by the office to pick up your copy.

General County Fair information:
Learn more about all of the events planned for the County Fair.

Carlton County will participate in General State Fair Encampment 3 (August 28th to August 30th) for general exhibits. 

Livestock Encampment is August 21st to August 25th, 2024

State Shoot is September 5th to 7th, 2025 in Alexandria, MN

State Horse Show will be broken into two different shows this year: September 5th to 9th, 2025 will be at Simmons Arena in Cannon Falls and include the following exhibits: all games, pleasure, equitation, horsemanship, trail, training, etc. September 13 to 14th, 2025 will be at Stearns County Fairgrounds in Sauk Centre and include the following exhibits: hippology, horse judging, speech and demo, miniature horse, and drill team.

State Dog Show is September 20th & 21st, 2025 at the MN State Fairgrounds

Northeast Livestock Show is September 27th & 28th, 2025 at the Morrison County Fairgrounds

Check out 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair to stay up-to-date on everything that is happening at this year's Great Minnesota Get-Together!

Visit the Carlton County Agriculture Extension program on Facebook.

Tips and options for drought stressed pastures

Mercedes Moffett, Extension Educator, Ag Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
[email protected] or 218-384-8681

** Carlton County Soil Improvement Program contact

UMN Soil Testing Laboratory webpage

MDA Ag Lime Analysis Results for Liming Products

Fertilizer Guidelines for Agronomic Crops in Minnesota

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: [email protected] or call the office at 218-384-3511.

More information about becoming a Master Gardener volunteer.

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Carlton County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Ann Rust, Volunteer Coordinator/ Horticulture Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Office: 218-384-3511 ext. 1

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.

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

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.