Extension in Freeborn County
Welcome to Freeborn County
Freeborn County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Contact
mnext-freeborn@umn.edu or 507-377-5660
Freeborn County Extension
U of M Extension, Freeborn County
mnext-freeborn@umn.edu
Government Center
411 S Broadway PO 1147
Albert Lea MN 56007-1147
Phone: 507-377-5660
Office hours
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Freeborn County events
View all events hosted in and near Freeborn County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Freeborn County news
Read all news from Freeborn 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.
4-H
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
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 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
4-H events in Freeborn County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Freeborn County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Freeborn County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
The animal ID deadline for market beef (beef steers, market heifers, and dairy steers) is Feb. 15.
The animal ID deadline for breeding beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama-alpaca, meat goat, poultry (doves and pigeons only), rabbit, sheep and swine is May 15.
The animal ID deadline for poultry (except doves & pigeons) June 11.
Junior meat goat doe kids and spring calves (birthday of March 1, 2024-May 31, 2024) must meet the ID deadline of June 1, 2024. NOTE: Families will not be able to self identify the junior meat goat doe kids after May 15 in 4-H Online. To meet the ID deadline, a paper copy of the ID worksheet must be submitted to your local county Extension office no later than the set deadline.
Animal ID information and worksheets due on Feb. 15 will be mailed out to project members around the end of January.
All animal ID information and worksheets that are due on May 15 will be mailed to each member around the beginning of April. This information is updated with current links for 2024 as the information is released. Please keep checking back if you do not see a document right away.
2024 forms and information
- Animal Science Updates for 2024
- 2024 Identification Requirements
- Animal Science Lease Program Fact Sheet 2024
- 2024 Animal Science Lease Information Form
- Animal ID'ing in 4-HOnline Tip Sheet
- 2024 Ear Tag Information Sheet
- 2024 Livestock Identification Photo Submission
Beef
- Beef Information Sheet 2024
- Dairy Steer ID Worksheet
- Market Beef ID Worksheet
- Beef Breeding Heifer ID Worksheet
- Beef Prospect Calf ID Worksheet
- Cow/Calf ID Worksheet
Dairy
Dairy goat
Dog
Horse
Llama-Alpaca
Meat goat
- Meat Goat Information Sheet 2024
- Goat Official Identification
- Market Goat (Dairy Type or Meat) ID Worksheet
- Market Goat Breeding Doe ID Worksheet
Poultry
Rabbit
Sheep
Swine
Fair registration will be done online in the FairEntry online registration system. All projects must be entered by families in FairEntry by Friday, June 28.
- FairEntry opened on May 20.
- Registration deadline is Friday, June 28.
- FairEntry online registrations must be completed by 11:59 pm on Friday,June 28.
- July 30 - 4-H general judging day
- July 30 & 31 - 4-H livestock stalling and check-in/weigh in at county fair
Exhibit reminders
- Each exhibit/animal needs to be entered online using FairEntry to receive premiums, awards and state trips.
- Exhibit/animals that are not correctly entered will only receive the blue, red or white ribbon and premium.
General
- Project classes are based on grades completed as of July 2024
- Exhibit limits are two exhibits per project area (example: two crafts, two fine arts, two photo elements, two photo manipulation, two foods, etc.).
- General Cloverbud exhibit limit is: Level 1 one project; Level 2 two projects; and Level 3 three projects.
Livestock
- You will not be able to attach the animal to the class when you enter the class on FairEntry. Animal(s) will be attached to the class at county fair check-in, which means only add the allowed number of entries per class.
- Exhibits limits as listed in premium book.
- Livestock Cloverbud limit is 1 animal per species.
Late registration forms
Late entries (those received after June 28) will be eligible to exhibit for blue, red or white placing and related ribbon premiums. Late entries will not be eligible for county fair purple ribbons (includes champion honors) and State Fair or State trip advancement. Late entries will be able to participate in the Market Livestock Auction with 20% going to the Freeborn County 4-H program and 80% going to the youth. Those with fair registrations after June 28 may choose to utilize a one-time exemption recognizing that they have missed a 4-H deadline and waive all consequences for that deadline. The one-time exemption applies for the career of the 4-H member and transfers among Minnesota counties.
Completing your registration
To complete your registration, use the Freeborn County Fairbook 4-H Section. You will need the premium book to complete your registration. Read the premium book as it has answers to many of the questions you may have.
General Project judging
General project judging will take place on Monday, July 30 from 10 am to 6 pm. in the 4-H Exhibit Building. The exhibit building will be closed at 6 pm on Monday, July 30 for placement of champion ribbons and will re-open to the public and 4-H exhibitors/families on Tuesday July 31 at noon.
Livestock Information
Livestock Interviews will take place on Wednesday, July 24 from 2:00 to 7:00 pm in the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. You can come anytime during that time frame to be interviewed in one of your livestock specie areas.
Showmanship
Youth will also need to sign up for Showmanship classes with their fair registration. More details can be found in the 4-H Premium Book under the Animal Science section.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2024 Freeborn County Fair! Contact the Extension Office with any questions you have - 507-377-5660
Lexie Ignaszewski, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
ignas020@umn.edu or 507-377-5660
Amy Wadding, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
mads0150@umn.edu or 507-377-5660
Office hours: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Our local office is located at 411 South Broadway Ave., Albert Lea. Use Door #1 located on the Ease Side of the building.
Freeborn County on Facebook
Check here for updates on 4-H events, pictures and more. Or, use this to share 4-H with others that may be interested in learning more about current 4-H happenings. “Like” us today!
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Freeborn County, and local programming coordinated by the Freeborn County 4-H Council.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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.
Gardening
Gifts support local programming coordinated by Freeborn County Master Gardener volunteers.
Gardening events in Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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 Freeborn 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.
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.