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

Welcome to Cottonwood County
Cottonwood County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
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
- Contact our office - 507-831-4022
4-H events in Cottonwood County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Cottonwood County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Cottonwood 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 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!
Give to Cottonwood County 4-H
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Cottonwood County, and local programming coordinated by the Cottonwood County 4-H Council.
Crystal Reith, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
mohrh002@umn.edu or 507-831-4022
Teresa Determan-Schwartz, Office Manager
deter086@umn.edu or 507-831-4022
Agriculture
Agriculture news in Cottonwood 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.
Gardening
Master Gardener volunteers educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance quality of life and promote good stewardship of the environment.
Master Gardener volunteers are trained by University of Minnesota horticulture educators and complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.
Gardening events in Cottonwood County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
The Master Gardener core course and other online courses are offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Cottonwood 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.
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Cottonwood 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 Cottonwood County
Join us at our health and nutrition events.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in upcoming events on health, wellbeing and nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Cottonwood County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Family News
Find information that help 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.
Cottonwood County Extension
U of M Extension, Cottonwood County
mnext-cottonwood@umn.edu
N71 County Ofc Bldg, Ste 1
41385 US HIghway 71
Windom, MN 56101-3197
Phone: 507-831-4022
Fax: 507-831-4024
View all Cottonwood County contacts.
Crystal Reith, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
mohrh002@umn.edu or 507-831-4022
Teresa Determan-Schwartz, Extension office manager
deter086@umn.edu or 507-831-4022
Cottonwood County events
View all events hosted in and near Cottonwood County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Cottonwood County news
Read all news from Cottonwood 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.