Extension in Fillmore County

U of M Extension, Fillmore County
[email protected]

902 Houston St NW #3
Preston MN 55965-1080

Phone: 507-765-3896
Fax: 507-765-4512

Office hours

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

Alexander Coe, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Fillmore County 
[email protected], 507-765-3896

Katie Drewitz, Extension Educator, Agriculture Production, Horticulture, and Natural Resources 
[email protected], 507-951-6609 

Heather Barth, Office Support Specialist 
[email protected], 507-765-3896 

View Staff Directory.

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. 
  • Contacts for agriculture 
  • Contacts for gardening 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

The Fillmore County 4-H News is a bi-weekly newsletter sent to all enrolled 4-H families.  You can see past newsletters at the link below: 

Fillmore County 4-H News

The Fillmore County Fair will be held July 18-23.  

Below you will find the 4-H premium book, the 4-H exhibit schedule, animal ID information and more!

Fillmore County 4-H Premium Book

Guide to Navigating Your 1st Year

Animal IDs Due May 15

• Fillmore County Animal ID Information

FairEntry Due June 15 

• FairEntry website 
• FairEntry instructions

We will be continuing to add updated information here as it becomes available.

Check out county events, club meetings, and more on the Fillmore County Extension Calendar!

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!

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 the 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.

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

Give today

Katie Drewitz,  Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems, Houston/Fillmore County Extension
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 507-765-3896 or 507-951-6609

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

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

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Katie Drewitz, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems, Houston/Fillmore County Extension
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 507-765-3896 or 507-951-6609

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Fillmore 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).

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 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.