Extension in McLeod County

View all McLeod County contacts.

Karen Johnson, Extension educator, Livestock, Wright, McLeod, and Meeker Counties
ande9495@umn.edu or 320-484-4303

Taylor Herbert, Extension educator, Crops, Wright, McLeod, and Meeker Counties
therbert@umn.edu Office number: 320-484-4334, Cell number: 612-394-5229

Emily Hanson, Extension educator, Horticulture, Wright, McLeod, and Meeker Counties
hans6005@umn.edu Office number: 320-484-4334; Cell number: 612-394-6302

Miranda Kempner , Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
lemke154@umn.edu  320-484-4305

Lauran Johnson, Extension Support Staff
lcjohnso@umn.edu 320-484-4334

Cindy Ludewig, Office Support Staff
cludewig@umn.edu or 320-484-4334

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!

4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for youth in grades Kindergarten through one year past high school. Youth choose a project that’s interesting to them and explore it with peers and caring adults. 4-H clubs are groups of youth who want to learn together and meet in every part of Minnesota.

What can I do in 4-H?

The sky’s the limit! 4-H offers learning experiences in science, photography, arts, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement and much more. We have one-day events, year-long projects and everything in between. There are many ways to try 4-H.

Follow us on social media @McLeodCounty4H

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Remind
  • McLeod County 4-H
  • Additional Groups 
    • Ambassadors 
    • Cafe Committee 
    • Club Leaders
    • Horse Project
    • Shooting Sports Project

Check out what is happening in McLeod County 4-H

McLeod County 4-H Google Calendar

There are several ways to join or re-enroll. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member
• Contact the McLeod County Extension Office at 320-484-4334 or mnext-mcleod@umn.edu
• Stop by our office on the McLeod County Fairgrounds, 840 Century Ave SW, Hutchinson, MN  55350

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 the 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 is the oldest and largest publicly funded youth development organization in the United States and is open to all youth in grades kindergarten through one year past high school.  The 4-H program focuses on youth reaching their full potential through education, leadership and life skills.  A few benefits of 4-H membership include:

• Learning by doing
• Developing leadership skills
• Making new friends
• Giving back to the community through volunteering
• Building connections with others
• Preparing, doing, sharing and reflecting

Below you will find some information that is intended to give you an idea of the resources that McLeod County 4-H offers, as well as an overview to the opportunities available to help make your experience with 4-H a great one.  The 4-H program is so large and when you are new, it can seem overwhelming.  Keep in mind that your experience with 4-H can be tailored to fit your goals, needs, wants, schedule and interests!  You can get your whole family involved to grow and learn together.    

If you have questions about anything along the way, feel free to stop in, call or email the McLeod County Extension Office.  We are here to help you!

Who are the office staff?  Miranda Kempner is the McLeod County 4-H Extension Educator and Lauran Johnson is the support staff for Extension, Parks and Fairgrounds. The Extension office is located in the Commercial Building on the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 am - 4:30 pm.  The main phone number is: (320) 484-4334.  Miranda's direct number is (320) 484-4305.

The 4-H staff sincerely welcome you to the 4-H program!  Please remember that your 4-H experience will be whatever you choose to make it!

Videos below to learn more about 4-H:

• What is 4-H?
• What is a 4-H Project?
• What is a 4-H Club?
• What is a 4-H Cloverbud?
• McLeod County 4-H YouTube

Additional resources

• Connecting to McLeod County 4-H
• Minnesota 4-H Family Handbook
• 4-H Club Contact List
• Important Dates & Good to Know Information
• Project List
• New Member Newsletter # 1
• New Member Newsletter # 2
• New Member Newsletter # 3
• New Member Newsletter # 4
• New Member Newsletter # 5
• New Member Newsletter # 6

This section will contain all important McLeod County 4-H updates for the county fair. 

The 2024 McLeod County Fair will be a four day fair again this year! The dates are August 15- August 18.

Be sure to check regularly back for updates!

Important Dates:

• February 15: Market Beef & Dairy Steer ID deadline (in 4-H Online)
• May 15: Animal ID's deadline (in 4-H Online)
• June 1: FairEntry Registration opens 
• July 15: FairEntry Registration deadline 
  • State Shoot, 4-H FairEntry registrations, Auction Bidder Signature Forms, and Horse Stalling Forms due
• August 1: Fashion Revue, Demonstrations and Performing Arts Judging, public Fashion Revue at 5:30 p.m. at Cross Point Church, Hutchinson
• August 13: General Projects Entry Day and Judging, Livestock Interviews
• August 14: Livestock Check-In
• August 15- August 18: McLeod County Fair

Registration 

Registration for 4-H projects is now open! Register your 4-H fair projects through FairEntry.  Deadline to register is July 15.

For assistance with county fair registration, you can use the FairEntry family registration guide or contact the Extension office. 

Premium Book 

The 2024 McLeod County 4-H Premium Book is now available! For a complete list of new updates for this year's 4-H Premium Book, be sure to check out the New This Year section of the premium book. 

Livestock Auction

The objective of the 4-H Livestock Auction is to provide educational interaction between 4-H members (3rd grade and up) and the public that is consistent and the fair allowing buyers to support positive youth development. No animals will be sold during this auction, only the ribbon. 

• Livestock Auction Information Sheet
• Potential Bidder Form (turned into the Extension office by July 15)
• Potential Bidder Brochure 
• Livestock Auction Consignment Form (turn in at the fair by Saturday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m.)

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

Give today

Miranda Kempner, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
lemke154@umn.edu  320-484-4305

Lauran Johnson, Extension support staff
lcjohnso@umn.edu 320-484-4302

Follow us on social media

McLeod/Meeker Facebook page

The Farm Family Recognition Program has existed for over 30 years and honors farm families from throughout Minnesota for their contributions to the agriculture industry and their local communities.

Each year, a family from McLeod County is recognized as the Farm Family of the Year.  

We are currently seeking nominations for McLeod County, indicating the individuals, couples, or families whom you feel would be deserving of this honor. 

Nomination Criteria

Please nominate an individual or family, using the criteria below.  Farm Families should:

• Be Minnesota food producers actively involved in agricultural production with one or more agricultural enterprises.  Beyond the usual agricultural endeavors, please also include these production areas for consideration:  potato, vegetable, fruits, berries, aquaculture, agroforestry, and renewable energy supplies.  

OR

• Have made significant short‐term progress and/or innovative contributions with their agricultural enterprises.  For example, consider producers who are relatively new to this country, someone who has developed an innovative method for a particular environmental problem, adopted a rotational grazing system, added alternative or value‐added crops, etc.  

All nominees should also:  

• Have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing and supporting the fields of agriculture and production.  
• Have some involvement in their communities and/or related organizations.  
• Not have been previously recognized by the Farm Family Program. 

Questions

Contact Karen Johnson with any questions at ande9495@umn.edu or 320-484-4303.

Farmland rent information

Farmland rental rates and information

Corn plot results - McLeod County

2023 McLeod County corn plot results

Additional resources

• Iowa Custom Rate Survey
• Managing a Farm
• Crop Production
• Small Farms
• FINBIN
• USDA NASS Quick Stats

Taylor Herbert, Extension educator, Crops, Wright, McLeod, and Meeker Counties
therbert@umn.edu Office number: 612- 394-5229

Karen Johnson, Extension educator, Livestock, Wright, McLeod, and Meeker Counties
ande9495@umn.edu or 320-484-4303

Follow us on social media

McLeod & Meeker County Master Gardeners Facebook

Gifts support local programming coordinated by McLeod County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

McLeod County yard and garden inquiries

Have a yard or garden related question? Use our inquiries form to contact us now!

Become a Master Gardener volunteer

Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Do you have additional questions relating to canning, freezing, and preserving?

Contact the AnswerLine at 1-800-854-1678, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 - 4 p.m. or email them at answers@iastate.edu

• Apple scab

Emily Hanson, Extension educator, Horticulture, Wright, McLeod, and Meeker Counties
hans6005@umn.edu Office number: 320-484-4334; Cell number: 612-394-6302

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

Do you still have additional questions?

Contact the AnswerLine for questions relating to:

• Safely cooking, canning, and freezing foods.
• Cleaning stains and mildew  from homes and clothes.
• Dealing with floods and other household issues.

1-800-854-1678 or email them at answers@iastate.edu 
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m.

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:

• McLeod For Tomorrow
• 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 McLeod county and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.