Extension in Cottonwood County

U of M Extension, Cottonwood County
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

Office hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

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

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. 

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
• Discover Cottonwood County 4-H
• Contact our office at 507-831-4022

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!

• Suggested 4-H Exhibits for County Fair
• Cloverbud Parent Fact Sheet

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. 

Give today

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

University on the Prairie

Learning is fun at the University on the Prairie program! Students can have an adventure in science and career exploration that is closer to home than may be realized. Cottonwood County 4-H will be offering this hands-on program at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center, near Lamberton.

University faculty, along with local professionals and SWROC scientists will join teachers from the region to guide students through hands-on exploration of science in five career areas important to the life and future of southwestern Minnesota. The program is unique in the state and offers students an opportunity to open doors to many career paths and will perhaps result in a future soil scientist, pharmacist, or chemist.

The program is full of fun and hands-on activities. It will be held at the SWROC laboratories, classrooms, and outdoor facilities on Monday, June 24 - Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Check in at the SWROC will be at 8 a.m. on June 24. The program each day will run from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We will have an evening lesson on stargazing/astronomy with Mike Lynch on June 24. An overnight lodging option is available at the SWROC (air mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows are encouraged).

• University on the Prairie Flyer
• University on the Prairie Flyer - Spanish
• Student Application
• Associate Teacher Application
• Associate Teacher Expectations

University on the Prairie Video 

Contact Crystal Reith for more information or call 507-831-4022.

2025 Cottonwood County Fair Dates - August 6-9, 2025

2025 General Entry Day:  Tuesday, August 5, 2025
 

2024 Cottonwood County Fair - August 7-10

• 2024 4-H Fair Book 
• 2024 Fair Schedule

FAIR REGISTRATION

• Registration will take place through FairEntry.
• Registration period  June 1 - June 30. 

2024 ANIMAL ID INFORMATION

• Animal ID Information

2024 HORSE SHOW

• 4-H Ranch Pleasure or Western Pleasure?
• MN 4-H Horse Program Rule Book (page 38) 

2024 LQA&E INFORMATION

• LQA@E Information

CLOTHING & FASHION REVUE

• Constructed Clothing Blank Script
• Purchased Clothing Blank Script
• Upcycled Clothing Blank Script

FOOD STAND SHIFT SIGN UP

The Food Stand is the only county-wide fundraiser, so EVERYONE (including parents) is expected to work a shift in the food stand.
To sign up for a shift, CLICK HERE.

4-H POLICIES

CLOVERBUD INFORMATION

• Cloverbuds
• Parent Fact Sheet

Tips for Selecting Projects

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

• 2020 Farmland Rental Rates

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.

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

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.

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 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.