Extension in Jackson County

U of M Extension, Jackson County
mnext-jackson@umn.edu

607 South HWY 86
Lakefield, MN 56150

Phone: 507-662-5293
Fax: 507-662-5016

Office hours

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

View all Jackson County contacts.

Caitlyn Krueger, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
ckrueger@umn.edu or 507-662-5293

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. 

In 4-H, all youth are welcome!

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
• Contact the Jackson County Extension office at mnext-jackson@umn.edu or 507-662-5293

For new 4-H families

Welcome to Jackson County 4-H! We are excited to have you join us for hands-on learning.

• Jackson County 4-H New Member Handbook
• 4-H Project Guide
• Minnesota 4-H Family Handbook

The Animal ID deadline for market beef (beef steers, market heifers, and dairy steers) is February 15th.

The Animal ID deadline for breeding beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama-alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine is May 15th. 

Junior meat goat doe kids and spring calves (birthday of March 1, 2024-May 31, 2024) must meet the ID deadline of June 1st, 2024. NOTE: Families will not be able to self-identify the junior meat goat doe kids after May 15th in 4-HOnline. 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.

2024 Forms & 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

Caitlyn Krueger, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
ckrueger@umn.edu or 507-662-5293

Give to Jackson County 4-H

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

Give today

Looking for funding to assist with registration or participation costs for 4-H camps, workshops, education events, or other 4-H sponsored events? Submit a Bring it Back Form to request assistance!

Learn more and apply here (Google Form)

Learn more and apply here (printable form)

Questions? Call the Extension Office at 507-662-5293 or email mnext-jackson@umn.edu. 

• Animals and livestock
• Crop production
• Managing a farm

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

• Yard and garden
• Ask a Master Gardener
• Ask a Master Gardener online
• Ask a Master Gardener by phone - 612-301-7590

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

• Families and youth
• Food, health and nutrition

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 can also 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.