
Extension in Faribault County

Welcome to Faribault County
Faribault County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community. Extension's mission is to bring Minnesotans together to build a better future through University science-based knowledge, expertise and training.
4-H
Like the Faribault county Facebook page to stay up to date!
Check out what's happening in Faribault County 4-H: Faribault County 4-H calendar
In 4-H, all youth are welcome!
4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for youth in grades kindergarten through one year past high school. 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.
What can I do in 4-H?
The sky’s the limit! 4-H offers learning experiences in science, photography, arts, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement and much more. We have one-day events, year-long projects and everything in between. There are many ways to try 4-H.
Mission of 4-H
The mission of the 4-H Youth Development program is to engage youth, in partnership with adults, in quality learning opportunities that enable them to shape and reach their full potential as active citizens in a global community.
The 4 H’s
- The Head is to signify clearer thinking.
- The Heart is to signify greater loyalty.
- The Hands are to signify larger service.
- The Health is to signify better living.
4-H Pledge
“I pledge my Head to clearer thinking, my Heart to greater loyalty, my Hands to larger service, and my Health to better living, for my family, my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
4-H Motto
“To make the best better.”
4-H in Minnesota
4-H Youth Development is a hands-on learning program for Minnesota youth. We offer online, small group and independent learning experiences for youth grades kindergarten through one year past high school. 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!
Faribault County 4-H Clubs (Grades K-12)
The best part of a 4-H club is the time spent with other 4-H members having fun while learning together. You may choose one 4-H club and also be a part of the Youth Council and 4-H Ambassadors. You will learn new skills by working on projects together as a team; attend fun activities together like tours, bowling and holiday parties; and learn the importance of community service.
- Barber Flyers (Delavan, Easton area) - Club Leader(s): Terri Schrader and Tina Allis
- Brush Creek Livewires (Brush Creek, Bricelyn area)
- Elmore Soaring Eagles (Elmore, Blue Earth area) - Club Leader(s): Ken Ripley and Sue Schavey
- Foster Fire Flies (Kiester, Bricelyn area) - Club Leader(s): Kristen Lorenz and Heather Meyer
- Lucky Clovers (Blue Earth area) - Club Leader(s): Jodie Murray and Korissa Libra
- Minnesota Lake Voyagers (Minnesota Lake area) - Club Leader(s): Rick Proehl and Barb Price
- Riverside (Winnebago area) - Club Leader(s): Lori Nelson and Jason Olson
Youth Council/Ambassadors (Grades 6-12)
Youth in the county 4-H program can be elected to a county-wide officer position. These positions are elected to a 4-H Youth Council or 4-H Federation that governs clubs in the county. There are also committee membership opportunities on the county level. Involvement in county-wide leadership roles build on the skills that you learn in clubs.
Minnesota local 4-H ambassadors are youth in grades 7 through one year past high school who want to make a difference in 4-H and in their communities. Local 4-H ambassadors use their skills in leadership, civic engagement, communication and teamwork to promote 4-H, plan events, guide younger youth and serve their communities.
These groups work on community service projects, team building, healthy lifestyle choices, building relationships, fun and creativity.
- Learn skills in dozens of subject areas.
- Share your skills.
- Go on exciting camps, retreats and adventures.
If you are interested in becoming a county 4-H Ambassador, please fill out this form and return it to the Faribault County Extension Office!
County Fair/State Fair
4-H offers the ability to showcase your talents at the county fair and state fair (if eligible). Each year, you'll have the opportunity to show the community what you've learned and your talents. You can show anything from crafts to livestock and even science! There is something for everyone!
Adult Volunteers
There are also many ways adults (anyone age 18+) can support youth learning and leading in 4-H.
- Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?
- Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and community.
- Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community.
- 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.
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Faribault County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Faribault County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Faribault County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
View all Faribault County contacts.
Emily Ovrebo, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
eslight@umn.edu or 507-526-6241
Megan Cook, County Support Staff
cookm@umn.edu or 507-526-6240
For 4-H'ers, county fairs are not just fun annual events. Every summer, tens of thousands of 4-H'ers take part in Minnesota county fairs. When they show their projects, they are demonstrating the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year. Getting ready and participating in fairs teaches life skills such as problem solving, decision making, project management, communications and public speaking.
County fairs not only make great memories, they help 4-H youth grow into successful adults.
4-H'ers who do well in county fair competition may win trips to the state fair, state dog show or state horse show.
- How to Register for the County Fair
- 4-H Exhibitor Tips
- IAFE Rules and Guidelines
- County Fair Q&A for New Families
- Information about the Minnesota State Fair
2023 Faribault County Fair
Faribault County Deadlines
- February 15, 2023, for market beef (beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers)
- May 15, 2023, for beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama/alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine
ON HIATUS
But check out other local learning opportunities at:
Give to Faribault County 4-H
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Faribault County and local programming coordinated by the Faribault County 4-H Council.
Faribault County Extension
U of M Extension Office, Faribault County
AgCenter Plaza
435 S. Grove St., Ste. 1C
Blue Earth, MN 56013
Phone: 507-526-6240
Fax: 507-526-6229
mnext-faribault@umn.edu
Office Hours
Receptionist:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development:
Days and Hours will vary
View all Faribault County contacts.
Emily Ovrebo, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
eslight@umn.edu or 507-526-6241
Megan Cook, County Support Staff
cookm@umn.edu or 507-526-6240
Faribault County events
View all events hosted in and near Faribault County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Faribault County news
Read all news from Faribault 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.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Faribault County
Attend an agriculture-related event near you.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered all year around the state.
Agriculture news in Faribault 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.
Private Applicator
Please follow this link to an education website for those who apply pesticides to their own land or to sites for the production of agricultural commodities.
Private Pesticide Applicator study manuals (19th Edition; $10) and mail-in exams are available at the Faribault County Extension Office.
The University of Minnesota Farm Family Recognition Program honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their significant contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.
The Farm Family Recognition Program has honored Minnesota farmers since 1979. It is coordinated by University of Minnesota Extension, the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Faribault County's 2022 Farm Family of the Year are Bill and Suz Carr.
If you would like to nominate someone for Faribault County's Farm Family of the Year, please reach out to the Extension Office.
Gardening
The University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener volunteer program shares research-based horticultural knowledge and practices, cultivates diverse collaborations, supports project-based volunteer activities and inspires change to promote healthy people, healthy communities and a healthy planet.
Master Gardener volunteers engage and educate people across the state to help them improve their lives and the environment. From demonstrating to school children how to plant a vegetable garden to sharing research-based information with new homeowners about which plants will grow well in their yards, Master Gardeners are bringing about positive change in their communities.
Gardening events in Faribault County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Faribault 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 Fairbault 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 Faribault County
Learn more about staying healthy and eating well.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in events that encourage health, wellbeing and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Faribault County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Family News
Find information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.
Extension's Food, Health and Nutrition website has great resources about growing, preparing and preserving food safely; healthcare, including mental health; and nutrition and physical activity.
You can also use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Sustainable Communities
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 also can 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.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development news
Find information on community-focused news.
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.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.