Extension in Douglas County

University of Minnesota Extension

Located in the Douglas County Courthouse (2nd level)
305 8th Ave W
 Alexandria, MN 56308

Phone: 320-762-3890
Fax: 320-762-3871
Email: [email protected]

Office hours

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

Jodi Hintzen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Jackie Kokett, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, administrative & program specialist 
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Robin Trott, Extension educator, Horticulture 
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Sarah Trousil, Office Support Specialist 
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

View all Douglas County contacts.

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

We are excited you are interested in joining 4-H in Douglas County!  As you get connected, you will find that there is a lot going on and many ways to get involved. It is our hope that the 4-H community will be a positive one for you and your family. Douglas County 4-H is committed to using experiential education methods to develop a passion for lifelong learning. Our program is for youth grades kindergarten through one year past high school. The primary way that youth get involved in our programs is through community clubs. 

Douglas County 4-H resources

• Welcome to 4-H
• 4-H Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Catalog
• Enrollment Tip Sheet

4-H enrollment period

You can enroll in 4-H at any time, however some events like county fair and Minnesota State Fair require enrollment before May 15.  If you would like to exhibit animals, those also need to be ID'd by May 15.

When you enroll, you will be asked to pick a club and enroll in projects. Members need to enroll in at least one project but we encourage youth to enroll in as many projects as they're interested in so you receive related communications.

Welcome to Douglas County 4-H!

4-H is an out-of-school, hands on learning program for youth age 5-19.  Youth choose a project that's interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults.  4-H clubs are groups of youth who want to learn together and meet in every part of Minnesota.  All youth are welcome in 4-H.

Follow us on social media

• Like us on Facebook
• 4-H Photo Gallery

Read our newsletters

• January, 2025
• December, 2024
• November, 2024
• October, 2024
• September, 2024
• August, 2024
• July, 2024
• June, 2024
• May, 2024
• April, 2024
• March, 2024
• February, 2024

4-H Market Beef and Dairy Steer Identification 

It’s time to start working with your 4-H market beef project.  We hope you find this project both challenging and rewarding.  You will need to identify all 4-H market beef projects including market steers, market heifers and dairy steers.  All market beef MUST be owned, tagged with a MN 4-H RFID ear tag, and identified by February 18, 2025.*  This is only for those market beef animals with a birthdate of January 1-August 31 of 2024.  Minnesota 4-H uses its online enrollment system, mn.4honline.com, to record all animal identifications in 2025.  More information and a 4Honline user guide can be found at www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID 

If you are not exhibiting a market beef animal as listed above, you may discard this letter and wait for the May identification deadline information mailed out in April.  Breeding beef including breeding heifers, cow/calves, prospect calves are identified in May. DO NOT IDENTIFY THEM AT THIS TIME! 

Identification Steps:

1. Family completes the google form by February 10, 2025, to request number of tags for market beef only at https://z.umn.edu/douglasmarketbeefeartagorder . Please do not come into the office without completing the form.  This allows us to have the tags ready for pick up when you come.
2. Family comes and picks up tags at the office beginning January 21,  Please allow time for processing requests.  All tags ordered by Wednesday are ready for pickup by Friday.  If you order after Wednesday, they are ready the following week.  
   1. Prospect calves tagged in 2024 can have the 4-H official ID tag (green)  all other market beef animals need to the new RFID tags.  DO NOT USE OLD TAGS, THEY ARE NOT VALID FOR 2025.
   2. Prospect calves or dairy prospect calves wanting to exhibit as market beef in 2025 (steer/heifer) or dairy steer need to be re-entered in mn.4honline.com.  If you have questions, contact the office.
3. Tag the appropriate animal(s) by February 18* and record on worksheet for your records.
4. Enter information into mn.4honline.com by deadline of February 18, 2025.* If you are unable to enter your information into mn.4honline.com, bring your completed worksheet to the Extension office for assistance before the end of the business day, February 18, 2025
5. Unused 4-H tags must be returned to the Extension Office within 2 weeks of the ID deadline to be in compliance with MN Board of Animal Health and USDA official tag tracking.
6. Remember by February 18, 2025, you must own your market beef animal, have it tagged with MN 4-H RFID tag, and enter the animal information into 4-H online.  Please contact Jodi Hintzen at 320-762-3890 or by email at [email protected] with questions.  Market animals may not be leased.

Helpful Hints:

• Do not wait until the last minute to enter your ID information.  Start EARLY and ask questions if you are having trouble.  
• Have all information on hand prior to going online
• Please respect the tag request deadline and use of the google form to order tags.  

Resources:

• 2025 Animal Science Show Requirements for Minnesota 4-H details specific dates and requirements unique to each animal science project area.
• 2025 Beef information sheet completed by the 4-H State Fair Beef Committee can be found here https://z.umn.edu/DC4hbeefinformationsheet 
• 2025 Douglas County Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences and Exemptions
• 2025 Market Beef and Dairy Steer ID Worksheets
• Enrollment-ID-County Fair Registration Flow Chart

Livestock Quality Assurance Training Options:

Minnesota 4-H supports livestock quality assurance and animal science ethics. All youth participating as a state fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and llama - alpaca must complete livestock quality assurance training. In order to be considered for state fair lineup this must be completed by August 4.

Certification is required for state fair grade/age-eligible youth. Must be completed before their home county fair qualifying show (deadline for certification set by county of enrollment)-Monday, August 4..  

• The training accommodates multi-levels of learning for all ages. The level of training required is determined by the grade/age of the youth at the time the training takes place.
• Counties that have a swine marketing agreement with a packer that requires livestock quality assurance certification may require swine members (grade 3-13) to certify.
• Minnesota 4-H youth must participate in one of the training options to be eligible for Minnesota 4-H state fair shows. Minnesota 4-H recognizes two training options:  
   

1. A face-to-face 3-hour livestock quality assurance and ethics training from Minnesota 4-H. These will be offered in multiple locations statewide. This certification is valid for three fair seasons. Cost is set by the county/regional host.
2. An online 1-hour youth quality care of animals training offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. There is a cost to be paid at time of registration with a credit card. (This is a national program and registration fee pays for the national training system.)

 These trainings promote responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion. Additional information concerning any Livestock Quality Assurance training in our area will be listed in upcoming 4-H newsletters. 

Cloverbud Animal Science Specifics

• Cloverbud may show their own animal or another 4-H’ers identified animal.
• The Minnesota Board of Animal Health requires all animals at exhibitions to have an official ID (tag or tattoo) this includes Cloverbuds.  Cloverbud ID information can be included in 4-H Online. 

If you have any questions about online animal identification or anything else in this letter, please contact Jodi at (320)762-3890 or [email protected]  Thank you.

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!

Get involved in program and projects

Throughout the year, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to explore different project areas at the county level outside 4-H clubs including livestock, STEM, performing arts, food and nutrition, gardening and more. These events can be short-term, long-term, half-day, full-day, overnight and virtual. Pick and choose programs based on your schedule and interests. Check out the Douglas County 4-H program catalog.  

Volunteers always needed

• One-time volunteering, such as helping out at a 4-H event
• Leading the youngest 4-H'ers - Cloverbuds in grades K-2
• Chaperoning at regional and state events
• Teaching a topic you know a lot about - once or regularly 
• Leading a 4-H club 

Most of our programs are led by adult volunteers, as a result, our programs depend on adults willing to share their time and talents. All adult volunteers are required to be screened before working with children. Learn more about volunteering with 4-H.  Are you 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.

The 2025 Douglas County Fair is set for August 13-16 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria. We can't wait to see what our 4-H'ers are working on and showcase all their hard work!  Bookmark this page as we'll continue to add more information as we get closer to fair.

June 1 - 4-H fair registrations opens in FairEntry
July 8 - 4-H registration in FairEntry closes at 11:59 p.m.  
July 29 - Clothing/textiles/quilting/fashion revue/performing arts judged
August 1 - 4-H Dog show at 9 a.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (4-H Exhibit Building)
August 4 - Fair cleanup and Leader's Council (includes officer elections) at the Douglas County Fairgrounds
August 9 - 4-H Horse Show at 8 a.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (horse arena)
August 11 - General exhibits judged, animal science interviews and pet/cat shows 
August 12 - General exhibits judged and livestock vet check
August 13 - Rocket launch, poultry show and rabbit show
August 14 - Goat show, dairy show, lamb lead, sheep show and livestock demonstration judging
August 15 - Swine and beef shows, registration deadline for livestock auction & last call for state fair trips
August 16 - Market livestock auction, state fair meetings and round robin showmanship
August 17 - Animals released, premium checks available and general exhibits released

GUIDES

• Resources to help you register for all 4-H fair exhibits in FairEntry. If you need assistance, please contact the Extension office and we will help you.  
• Resources to help you prepare for fair.  

DOUGLAS COUNTY 4-H PREMIUM BOOK

The 2025 Douglas County 4-H Premium Book will be mailed to families in May and posted here when available.  

4-H FOOD STAND

4-H club leaders will receive shift assignments for the 4-H Food Stand during the Douglas County Fair. The Food Stand at the fair is our only fundraiser of the year. 4-H members and their families are asked to work at the 4-H Food Stand during their club's scheduled shift. Please make every effort to volunteer with other families of your club. Many hands make light work. Independent families will be assigned a shift to volunteer at the Food Stand with another club. Club leaders will also receive shift assignments to volunteer in the 4-H Exhibit Building during the fair. If you have any questions, please contact your club leader or the 4-H office. 

For more general information on Minnesota 4-H at county fairs click here.  
 

Douglas County 4-H Record Guidelines

Learning in 4-H is based on the experiential learning cycle of do-reflect-apply.  4-H records are a way of reflecting and applying what has been learned in the  past year.

Records can take many forms; find the one that suits your learning style and how you like to share you story with others.  In your reflection, include goals of your project work, process (what did you do), sharing what you learned-demonstration, community service, public awareness,  challenges, successes and improvements, financial information if applicable and what life skills you learned.

There are many different ways to complete your records:

• Google form-complete the prompts in form emailed to you and email resume to [email protected] or [email protected].  Please submit a resume with your record.
• Written form-complete a participation summary OR write a story answering the following: what did you learn, what skills have you developed, what would you improve upon, how can you use what you learned in other parts of your life?  You can also include supporting newspaper articles or photographs.  Please submit a resume with your record.
• Be creative-make a scrapbook, or photo book, create a video or slide show answering the above questions.  Please submit a resume with your record.

Record  materials are due in the Extension office on or before October 3 of current year.

For more information on resumes click here

There are numerous awards youth leaders can apply for in addition to records.  

Jodi Hintzen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Jackie Kokett, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist 
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Sarah Trousil, Office Support Specialist
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

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

Give today

Farm Information Line

For general questions or to set up a financial counseling session, contact the Farm Information Line. You'll get reliable, research-based answers from Extension agriculture and natural resources experts. It's a statewide service backed by a network of local educators, so you'll get information to meet your needs.

Call: 1-800-232-9077
Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Afterhours: Leave a voicemail and we'll return your call the next business day.
Anytime: Email us at [email protected].

Meet your local educator in horticulture

Because University of Minnesota Extension is part of the communities we serve, we can identify information needs early, set up related research as needed and develop educational programs to bring information and training to the community.

That’s true in Douglas County where Robin Trott is the consumer horticulture Extension educator, offering customized resources. As part of the University, Robin is a member of a diverse network of experts engaged in research and education.

Robin is an experienced environmental educator, market gardener and flower farmer and has worked in various positions in the floriculture/education industry for more than 15 years. As the consumer horticulture Extension educator in Douglas County, she answers questions ranging from insects and disease to landscape design. Robin has a passion for all aspects of horticulture, and especially loves the challenging questions that lead to research and revelation.

If you are a resident of Douglas County, send your questions to Robin.

Douglas County Master Gardeners are very active in their community. They share best practices in gardening that promote healthy landscapes, healthy foods and healthy lives. They have completed a University-taught core course and contribute a certain number of hours to teaching research-based horticulture practices in Douglas County. The Master Gardeners are from all walks of life and volunteer on behalf of their University.  

There's a good chance you or a family member have participated in one or more of their programs or classes. Some of their most recognizable  includes Let's Get Growing, Tour of Gardens, Lunch and Learn, Brown Bag workshops, Terrace Learning Gardens, annual plant sale, bus tours, Ask a Master Gardener booth (county fair and farmers market), Woodland Gardens and numerous community education classes.  

This group of over 55 Master Gardeners meet monthly. They are extremely dedicated and put in time and effort toward continuing education. If you believe that you have the skills and passion it takes to be an Extension Master Gardener, applications open in early July!

Check out the Douglas County Master Gardener Facebook  page for more information. 

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community
• Douglas County Master Gardener Facebook page
• Lawn, garden and landscape soil analysis 

Robin Trott, Extension Educator, Horticulture
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist 
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

Sarah Trousil,  Office Support Specialist
[email protected] or 320-762-3890

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

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Douglas 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)
• Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program (ELP)

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 participatory 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.