Extension in Freeborn County

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.
 

View all Freeborn 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. 

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

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member

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

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. 

Give today

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Freeborn 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

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.

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.