Extension in Faribault County

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

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. 

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

What is 4-H?

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.

Watch these videos from the Minnesota 4-H YouTube Channel to learn more about 4-H:

• What is Minnesota 4-H?
• What is a 4-H club?
• What is a Cloverbud?
• What is a 4-H project?

Who can join 4-H?

In 4-H, all youth are welcome! 4-H is for anyone in kindergarten through one year past high school (grade 13). Youth in kindergarten through second grade are considered Cloverbuds. 

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, Sheldon Stevermer and Tina Allis
• 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 Megan Goshorn
• Minnesota Lake Voyagers (Minnesota Lake area) - Club Leader(s): Rick Proehl and Barb Price
• Riverside (Winnebago area) - Club Leader(s): Hannah Bressler and Molly More

Youth council and ambassadors (Grades 6-12)

These groups work on community service projects, team building, healthy lifestyle choices, building relationships, fun and creativity.

Youth in the county 4-H program can be elected to a county-wide officer position. These positions are elected as officers to the 4-H Youth Council 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. Youth Council meetings are open to all Faribault County 4-H'ers, parents and volunteers! Contact the Faribault County Extension office if you are interested in serving as an officer for Youth Council.

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. 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!

4-H Ambassadors Resources

County fair and 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.

If you are new to 4-H and have questions about how to enroll, what 4-H is about, what projects or clubs to choose, please take a look at our 4-H New Family Guide! It's full of information that will help you through the first steps in joining 4-H!

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Paper Enrollment Form
• Enroll as an independent member
• Code of Conduct for Youth
• Code of Conduct for Adult Volunteers
• Get in touch with Faribault County 4-H Staff

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.

Congratulations to all of our 4-H'ers who participated in the 2024 Faribault County Fair! Please see a list of our champions!

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 
• Minnesota 4-H at County Fairs
• IAFE Rules and Guidelines
• County Fair Q&A for New Families
• Information about the Minnesota State Fair

2024 Faribault County Fair

• Premium Book
• 4-H Events Schedule
• 4-H Family Informational Letter

Check out local learning opportunities at: 

• Blue Earth Community Ed Website
• United South Central Community Ed Website

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. 

Give today

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 2024 Farm Family of the Year are Dale and Lori Stevermer.

See previous years' winners.

If you would like to nominate someone for Faribault County's Farm Family of the Year, please reach out to the Extension Office.

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. 

Hear what it's like to be a Master Gardener!

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.

Become a Master Gardener Volunteer

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

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

• Ask a Master Gardener
• Find Plants
• Is This Plant a Weed?
• Master Naturalist Volunteers Work in Your Community
• Planting and Growing Guides
• Report a Pest
• What Insect Is This?
• What's Wrong with My Plant?

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.

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.

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.