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: mnext-douglas@umn.edu

Office hours

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

Jodi Hintzen, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
hintz010@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Jackie Kokett, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
jkokett@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, administrative & program specialist 
tavei001@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Robin Trott, Extension educator, Horticulture 
trot0053@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Sarah Trousil, Office Support Specialist 
trous016@umn.edu 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. 

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

• October, 2024
• September, 2024
• August, 2024
• July, 2024
• June, 2024
• May, 2024
• April, 2024
• March, 2024
• February, 2024
• January, 2024
• December, 2023
• November, 2023

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. 

There are several ways to join or re-enroll. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Reach out to 4-H staff in Douglas County
  • Jodi Hintzen, Extension educator hintz010@umn.edu
  • Jackie Kokett, Extension educator jkokett@umn.edu
  • Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist tavei001@umn.edu
  • Sarah Trousil, Office Support Specialist trous016@umn.edu
  • Call the Douglas County Extension office at 320-762-3890 or visit us at 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria

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.

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.

2024 Animal Science Project ID Information – May 15 Deadline!

Minnesota 4-H uses its online enrollment system, mn.4HOnline to record all animal identifications and ownership data. Online animal identification reduces inaccuracies and inefficiencies that were a part of our past paper system. More information on the process can be found at www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID

• 4HOnline user guide for entering new and reactivating previous animals, reviewing, and printing animal ID data
• Lease information form, fact sheet and sample lease agreement
• Animal specific information and sheets
• Updated livestock quality assurance and ethics information

If you have trouble finding online resources, please contact the office.

2024 process is:

1. 4-H Family completes the ID worksheet NOTE:  ID worksheets are available online as listed above. ID worksheet is a tool to gather data for entry, does not need to be turned into the Extension Office.
2.  4-H Family self-enters information and prints entry report for personal record. Enter each animal only once. (DO NOT ENTER THE SAME ANIMAL UNDER MULITIPLE CHILDREN), you may switch animals within your immediate family at county fair showcase. If an animal is leased (Breeding Animals ONLY!), the lease agreement must be scanned and uploaded in 4HOnline (MAIL hard copy to County Extension Office by May 15.) The lease form and fact sheet are available at the online resource listed above.
3. Existing project animals that are being carried over from last year to this project year must be re-activated by May 15. Eligible animals are Dairy, Dairy Goat, Horse, Llama-alpaca, Rabbit, Doves, and Pigeons. Instructions can be found at www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID
4. NOTE: New lease forms should be completed each year for all species. Lease forms have been updated please use the most current version.
5. We are asking that Cloverbuds do not ID animals under their name, if they have a sibling grade 3 or older, they can be put under that youth. If you only have Cloverbuds, go ahead and complete the ID in their name, it is good practice. (It is always good to have a backup animal).

• Cloverbuds may show another 4-H member’s animal.
• Cloverbud entries need to be included in county fair pre-registration for stalling/penning purposes.
• The Minnesota Board of Animal Health requires all animals at exhibitions to have an official ID (tag or tattoo), this includes Cloverbuds.

 NOTE:  Animals need to be identified by May 15. Hard copy submissions to the county Extension office must be received by the close of business 4:30pm on May 15. Or if mailed,  postmarked NO LATER than May 15. If you are self-entering, data entry into 4HOnline must be completed by 11:59 pm, May 15, 2024; you will not be able to complete identification after that point. By recording this information, you are stating that the tag is in the animal.

If your family cannot self-enter the ID information:  4-H Family brings in or mails completed ID worksheet and other required items, including signature(s), to County Extension office, on or before close of business on May 15, 2024. This ID worksheet will be kept on file in the Extension office. Within one week, Support Staff or designated volunteer enters info online into your family’s 4HOnline account. After that, your family may view the information in 4HOnline to check for accuracy. The user guide, Reviewing and Printing Animal ID Data, is available online at the site listed on the first page to walk you through the process. 

Helpful Hints:

• START EARLY! Do not wait until the last minute to enter your ID information. Call, ask questions if you’re having trouble!
• Have all information on hand including completed worksheet prior to going online.
• If your family cannot self-enter the animal identification data:  complete appropriate animal worksheet and bring/mail to Extension Office. Again, please do not wait until the last minute to complete the process. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENTERING DATA on/before 11:59 pm on May 15.
• Please refer to the specie information sheet to get the correct ID, questions, please contact the office.

Online ID’ing (4Honline) user assistance and support

• A user guide is available at www.4-H.umn.edu/animal-ID 
• For assistance with the online ID process, contact your county extension staff at hintz010@umn.edu or 320-762-3890.

Additional pieces of project information for your reference:

• 2024 Animal Science Identification Requirements for Minnesota 4-H details specific dates and requirements unique to each animal science project area. 
• 4-H Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences and Exemptions Table
• Enrollment/ID/Fair registration flow chart
• Cloverbud guidelines if applicable
• Premise ID information sheets
• Minnesota 4-H AnSci Updates 2024

On rare occasions, 4-H animals will lose the official Minnesota 4-H ear tag or other identifying tags. If this occurs, you will need to contact Jodi Hintzen immediately at hintz010@umn.edu so that the tag can be verified and replaced. Do not wait until the county fair if this occurs. 

SPECIES SPECIFIC INFORMATION….

Beef, Swine & Meat Goats:

1. 4-H Family completes ear tag request google form https://z.umn.edu/MayEarTagOrderDC4H , ear tags will be ready for pickup M-F 8:00am-4:30pm starting April 8. Tags ordered by Wednesday are ready the following Friday.
2. 4-H family puts tag in animal’s ear by May 15 and completes the information worksheet available online.
3. 4-H Family self enters information into mn.4honline.com
4. Family returns ALL unused and/or damaged ear tags to the Douglas County Extension office. The Board of Animal Health requires us to keep records of all ear tags assigned to Douglas County 4-H!
5. For swine, record appropriate ear notches & premise ID, for meat goats appropriate scrapies information.

Animals showing as Registered Breeding Beef and identified with a tattoo do not need a MN 4-H ear tag. 

Please read the meat goat information sheet carefully for tag requirements.

Market Sheep and Commercial Breeding Sheep-please read sheep information sheet carefully:

1. 4-H Family complete ear tag request google form, https://z.umn.edu/MayEarTagOrderDC4H  ear tags will be ready for pickup M-F 8:00am-4:30pm starting April 8. Tags ordered by Wednesday are ready the following Friday. 
2. All market lambs and commercial breeding sheep need to have MN 4-H ear tag, please include on ear tag request form.
3. 4-H family puts tag in animal’s ear by May 15 completes the information worksheet available online.
4. 4-H Family self enters information into mn.4honline.com including scrapies information.
5. Family returns ALL unused and/or damaged ear tags to the Douglas County Extension office. The Board of Animal Health requires us to keep records of all ear tags assigned to Douglas County 4-H!
6. Animals showing as Registered Breeding Sheep do not need a MN 4-H ear tag, record scrapies and tattoo where indicated. 

Dairy: 

1. 4-H Family completes the ID worksheet for all NEW project animals for their records.
2. All dairy animals must be identified with an official form of identification: Official Breed Assn. Ear Tag, Official Breed Assn. tattoo, State 4-H ear tag (available from Extension Office), USDA tag, Copy of the Breed Assn. ID paper. Registered animals with pending breed association registration information by May 15, 2024, must update this information as soon as registration numbers are received. If you enter as “pending,” you will need to provide updated information to your local Extension Office to update prior to the County Fair. 
3. If an animal is leased, the lease agreement must also be scanned and uploaded in 4HOnline (bring hard copy to County Extension Office by May 15 if unable to scan). The lease form is available online. If using a photo as an official form of identification (because the animal has distinct markings), you will upload the .jpg file of the photo in 4HOnline no later than May 15, 2024. If you need 4-H ear tags complete ear tag request google form  
4. 4-H family puts ear tag in animal’s ear by May 15.
5. 4-H family self enters information into mn.4honline.com
6. EXISTING project animals that are being carried over from last year to this project year must be re-activated by May 15. Download the existing lease, renew, and bring to your local extension office no later than May 15 so they can upload it. 

NOTE: Please refer to Minnesota 4-H AnSci Updates for 2024 for changes.

Dairy Goat: 

1. 4-H Family completes the ID worksheet for all NEW project animals and enters information into mn.4honline.com. Complete lease agreements for leased animals.
2. Existing project animals that are being carried over from last year to this project year must be re-activated in mn.4honline.com by May 15, 2024. 
3. Registered animals with pending breed association registration information by May 15 must update this information as soon as it is received. If you enter “pending” you will need to provide updated information to your local Extension Office to get it updated prior to the County Fair. 

Horse: 

1. 4-H Family completes the ID worksheet for ALL NEW project horses.  Forms are available in the Extension Office or online. 4-H Family self-enters information for new project horses into 4Honline, reactivates previous horses and prints entry report for personal record. 
2. One horse can be ID'd by multiple family members. In those cases, the same animal should be entered under EACH member ID'ing that animal. Families should refer to the Minnesota 4-H Horse Rule Book at www.4-H.umn.edu/horse for details and limitations. 
3. If an animal is leased, the lease agreement must be scanned and uploaded into 4HOnline (bring a hard copy to County Extension Office by May 15 if unable to scan). The lease form is available at the office or online. The lease needs to be completed each year.
4. Photos (.jpg format) are a required part of the ID and should be uploaded into 4HOnline. If assistance with uploading photos is needed, contact the Extension office.
5. The Coggins form is another required part of the ID process. However, families can complete the online ID process (meet all requirements to ID) without having a Coggins form, but a valid Coggins form is uploaded BEFORE the horse can participate in any 4-H event (the Coggins can be turned in at the first 4-H horse event child attends). Like the lease form and photo, if a family doesn't have the ability to scan and upload the Coggins form, do the rest of the ID process online, and then submit the Coggins form to the office in hard copy. Best practice is to upload the valid Coggins form at the same time as you complete your online ID.

Llama & Alpaca:  One lama can be ID'd by multiple family members. In those cases, the same animal should be entered under EACH member ID'ing that animal. 

Poultry:  AGAIN IN 2024 – all pigeons and doves need to be officially ID’d through the 4HOnline system using a permanent leg band by May 15. The 4-H family is responsible for obtaining permanent bands from the breeder of purchase and banding the birds. Again, this is only for pigeons and doves. 

1. For all other poultry (chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, guineas,) there is no identification worksheet or information that needs to be submitted.
2. Leased poultry projects - a 2024 Minnesota 4-H Animal Science Lease Information Form must be turned into your County Extension Office by May 15. This is for breeding poultry only.
3. Be sure to read the Poultry Information Sheet. It contains info on hatch dates and health requirements.

Rabbit: 

1. If a Doe is properly ID'd by May 15 the market rabbits born to that Doe will be considered ID’d if they are tattooed at county fair check-in time.
2. New Rabbits require a tattoo and that to be recorded in mn.4honline.com by May 15.
3. Rabbits previously ID’d need to be reactivated in mn.4honline.com. Activate all rabbits you have ID’d previously even if you are not sure you are exhibiting them. 
4. Leased rabbit projects - a 2024 Minnesota 4-H Animal Science Lease Information Form must be turned into your County Extension Office by May 15. This is for breeding rabbits only.

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.

• Certification is required for state fair grade/age-eligible youth. Must be completed before their home county fair qualifying show. 
• 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.
• Watch for a date for Douglas County LQA&E training.
• Minnesota 4-H youth must participate in one of the training options to be eligible for Minnesota 4-H state fair shows. Again in 2024, Minnesota 4-H will have 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. Information about the Douglas County date will be mailed directly to you. Visit https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-projects/4-h-livestock-quality-assurance-training-lqa for training sites and  information.
2. An online 1-hour youth quality care of animals training (YQCA) offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. For more information on YQCA,      visit the above page.
3. Training promotes responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion. 

If you have any questions anything in this letter, please contact office at (320)762-3890 or Jodi Hintzen hintz010@umn.edu or Jackie Kokett jkokett@umn.edu

Mailing address for Douglas County Extension office is Douglas County Extension, 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN  56308.  4-H youth in animal science projects are able to develop life skills around learning and leading.

The 2024 Douglas County Fair is set for August 14-17 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 30 - Clothing/textiles/quilting/fashion revue/performing arts judged
August 2 - 4-H Dog show at 9 a.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (4-H Exhibit Building)
August 5 - Fair cleanup and Leader's Council (including officer elections) at the Douglas County Fairgrounds
August 10 - 4-H Horse Show at 8 a.m. at the Douglas County Fairgrounds (horse arena)
August 12 - General exhibits judged, animal science interviews and pet/cat shows 
August 13 - General exhibits judged and livestock vet check
August 14 - Rocket launch, poultry show and rabbit show
August 15 - Goat show, dairy show, lamb lead, sheep show and livestock demonstration judging
August 16 - Swine show, beef show, register for livestock auction deadline and last call to accept state fair trips
August 17 - Market livestock auction, state fair meetings and round robin showmanship
August 18 - 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 2024 Douglas County 4-H Premium Book will be mailed to families in May.  

• Douglas County 4-H Premium Book (mailed to families May 16, 2024)

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. 

• 4-H Food Stand club shift schedule 

4-H BUILDING SCHEDULE

• 4-H Exhibit Building club shift schedule 

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 hintz010@umn.edu or jkokett@umn.edu.  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
hintz010@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Jackie Kokett, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
jkokett@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist 
tavei001@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Sarah Trousil, Office Support Specialist
trous016@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Callie Taveirne, 4-H Summer Intern
tavei007@umn.edu 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 fil@umn.edu.

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
trot0053@umn.edu or 320-762-3890

Kim Taveirne, Administrative & Program Specialist 
tavei001@umn.edu 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 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.