Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in Houston County

Welcome to Houston County
Houston County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Due to Covid-19 the Houston County Extension office is currently closed to walk in traffic and by appointment only. Some staff is working remotely and can be reached by email. To make an appointment please call the office at 507-725-5807.
4-H
Mission of 4-H Youth Development
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 helps youth develop leadership skills, build self confidence, develop public speaking skills, and other healthy life skills all while having fun and meeting new friends!
You Name it, You can do it! And better yet, you can get a lot of help from adult volunteers and youth leaders. There are mentors who can teach you and help you learn. You can join a 4-H club through 12th grade where you can do all kinds of fun, learning activities.
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Houston County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
Afterschool clubs and federation meetings can be found on our 2021 Houston County Event Google Calendar
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Houston County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Houston County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 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!
Rebecca Paulson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Houston County
Email: rpaulson@umn.edu
Phone: 507-725-5807 or 507-218-2946
Jennifer Burrichter, Administrative Support Staff, Houston County Extension
Email: burrichj@umn.edu
Phone: 507-725-5807
Like our Houston County 4H or Houston County Extension pages on Facebook to stay up to date!
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Houston County, and local programming coordinated by the Houston County 4-H Council.
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Houston 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 Houston County
Find the latest on Extension agricultural research and news you can use on your farm from local experts.
Other local agriculture related news and resources
Monthly Ag Production Systems Educators Monthly Newsletter
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.
Michael Cruse, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems, University of Minnesota Extension
Email: mjcruse@umn.edu
Twitter: @UMNExt_FH
Fillmore County Phone: 507-765-3896
Houston County Phone: 507-725-5807
Jennifer Burrichter, Administrative Support Staff, Houston County Extension
Email: burrichj@umn.edu
Phone: 507-725-5807
Like our Houston County Extension page on Facebook to stay up to date!
Gardening
For more information about Houston County Master Gardeners .
Gardening events in Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston 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.
Family News
Find information that helps families make informed decisions leading to better health and wellbeing.
Health and nutrition news in Houston County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Houston County Extension
Name | Title | Telephone | Cell Phone | |
Burrichter, Jennifer, M | Administrative Support Staff | 507-725-5807 | burrichj@umn.edu | |
Cruse, Michael, J | Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems | 507-765-3896 | mjcruse@umn.edu | |
Paulson, Rebecca, A | Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Houston County | 507-725-5807 | 507-218-2946 | rpaulson@umn.edu |
Houston County events
View all events hosted in and near Houston County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Houston County news
Read all news from Houston 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.
Like our Houston County 4H or Houston County Extension pages on Facebook to stay up to date!