Extension in Lac qui Parle County

U of M Extension, Lac qui Parle County
 [email protected]

930 1st Ave
Madison, MN 56256

Note: We have moved!

Phone: 320-598-3325
Fax: 320-598-3305

Office hours

Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

View all Lac qui Parle County contacts.

Leah Thompson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 320-598-3325

Emily Kittelson, Extension Support Staff 
 [email protected] or 320-598-3325

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. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

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. 

Volunteer information

• Volunteer opportunities
• Volunteer screening

• 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

Looking for ways to participate and more information on all things 4-H? Like us on Facebook! 

Give to 4-H in Lac qui Parle County 

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

Give today

Leah Thompson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] 320-598-3325

Please call with any questions you may have!  Whether it's about a project area, certain workshops, regional events or volunteer opportunities, our staff is here to help answer any of your questions. 

Check out current and previous editions of our Lac qui Parle County 4-H newsletter. 

January 2026

February 2026

March 2026

April 2025

May 2025

June 2025

July 2025

County Fair 2025

October 2025

November 2025

December 2025

• Farm Information Line - Call 1-800-232-9077 or email [email protected]
• Soil Testing Information
• Farmland rent and economics
• Private Pesticide Applicators - Find the manual and other information here.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community
• Ask a Master Gardener - Call 612-301-7590 or visit the Ask a Master Gardener page

Extension provides health, nutrition and community education across Minnesota. 

• COMET helps anyone start conversations around mental health.
• SuperShelf transforms local food shelves into dignified shopping experiences.
• Real Life, Good Food offers recipes, cooking tips and healthy activities.
• Rusty’s Cooking Club for preschool-aged children and their caregivers.

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 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.