Extension in Douglas County

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.

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4-H Photo Gallery

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
• Enroll as an independent member
• 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
  • Call the Douglas County Extension Office at (320) 762-3890 or visit us at 720 Fillmore Street, Alexandria

Douglas County 4-H Resources

• Welcome to 4-H
• 4-H Frequently Asked Questions

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 any projects they may be interested in so your family will receive information about that project area.  

April 2021 Edition

May 2021 Edition 

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 programs can be short- term, long-term, half-day, full-day, overnight and virtual events.  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 lead 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.  

This section will contain all important Douglas County 4-H updates for the county fair.  

The 2021 Douglas County fair is scheduled for August 17-21.  

Important Dates

• June 1 - registration opens in FairEntry (douglasmn-county.fairentry.com)
• June 24 - demonstration day (virtual)
• July 1 - beef tie out signups begin (first come basis)
• July 15 - registration deadline
• August 3 - fashion revue, clothing and textiles, quilting and performing arts judging 
• August 6 - 4-H dog show
• August 9 - fair cleanup
• August 14 - 4-H horse show
• August 16 - entry day (non perishable items),  livestock interviews, pet show and cat show
• August 17 - entry day - (perishable items) and vet check
• August 18 - poultry show and rabbit show
• August 19 - goat show, dairy show and sheep show
• August 20 - swine show and beef show

Registration

More information will be available by June 1.  All entries are made online through FairEntry.  

Premium Book

The 2021 4-H Premium Book will be available by June 1.

Learn more about the Douglas County Fair

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

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

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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

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.

Residents of Douglas County may send their questions to Robin by clicking here. 

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community
• Douglas County Master Gardener Facebook page
• Lawn, Garden & Landscape Soil Analysis Form

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. 

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

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

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.

University of Minnesota Extension

Located in the Douglas County Service Center Building (down the hall from the Douglas County Library)
720 Fillmore Street, Suite B090
 Alexandria, MN 56308

Phone: 320-762-3890
Fax: 320-762-3871
Email: mnext-douglas@umn.edu 

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

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.