Extension in Murray County

It's that time of year again to start thinking about County Fair and getting your animal science projects entered into 4-HOnline!! Below you will find helpful links and letters to guide you through the Animal ID process for 2023.

Market Beef & Dairy Steers

Market Beef & Dairy Steers Id's are due at 11:59pm on February 15th, 2023. No Id's will be allowed to uploaded after that time. Below is a link to a copy of the Beef ID Letter that was sent out to families on January 9th. 

Murray County 4-H Market Beef & Dairy Steer ID Letter

They have been a few rule changes to the State Fair grooming rules as well as a few other minor changes. Please refer to the Beef Information sheet for 2023.

2023 Beef Information Sheet

Multi-Species (Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, Dairy Goat, Market Goat, Rabbit, Llama/ Alpaca, & Poultry)

Animal Science projects, with exception to market beef & dairy steer that were due on February 15th 2023, Id's are due at 11:59pm on May 15th, 2023. No Id's will be allowed to be uploaded after that time. 

Murray County 4-H Multi-Species ID Letter Coming Soon!! 

Below you will find each species information sheet for 2023. Please make sure to read  your species sheet as there were many updates this year for each species!

2023 Dairy Goat Information Sheet

2023 Dairy Information Sheet

2023 Dog Information Sheet

2023 Llama/Alpaca Information Sheet

2023 Meat Goat Information Sheet

2023 Poultry Information Sheet

2023 Rabbit Information Sheet

2023 Sheep Information Sheet

2023 Swine Information Sheet

For more information please refer to the 4-H Animal ID Page

Our 43rd annual winter fundraiser is about to begin! 4-H'ers raise the money and 4-H'ers spend the money. Whether it is camps or state fair, workshops or meetings, transportation costs, awards, 4-H bulletins...everyone would suffer if this fundraiser isn’t successful. Below you will find copies of sales form just in case your family needs more! If you need extra copies printed please call the Extension Office and we would be more than happy to print some off for you! 

Family Fundraiser Letter 

Puffins Order Form

World's Finest Chocolate Order Form

McCone Food Order Form

MinnTex Fruit Order From

Andrea Ruesch Scholarship

Deadline March 1!!

Amount $1,000

For 4-H members who are high school seniors or first-year college students. Must currently be enrolled in one of the counties listed: Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock or Watonwan.

The family of Andrea Ruesch established a 4-H scholarship in memory of her dedication and contributions to the Minnesota 4-H program. Based on the family's belief in positive youth development, the focus of this scholarship is on demonstrated learning through hands-on experience and using what you have learned to help others (youth leadership). This is a one-time $1,000 scholarship and at least four scholarships will be awarded annually.

How to apply

• Complete the Andrea Ruesch 4-H Regional Scholarship application. 
•  Upload two letters of recommendation from adults other than a family member or the local Extension educator, who can attest to your 4-H involvement and leadership. The writer (i.e. past and present 4-H leaders, fair board members, teachers, pastors, youth workers, etc.) should indicate in the letter how long they have known you, reflections from your educational experiences and the leadership qualities they observe in you.

Award recipients will be notified in March. The scholarship award check will be made payable to the institution that the recipient is attending, not the recipient, in January of the following year.

Contact

Sharon Leopold
Extension Regional Office, Worthington
leopo008@umn.edu or 507-372-3900, ext. 3901

Apply Here

Murray County 4-H offers nine community (4-H) clubs, project clubs, 4-H Adventures, and more.

4-H clubs include youth in grades K-13 that meet six times a year or more and offer group learning opportunities, leadership experience, and recreation. Club members are encouraged to select projects to explore and showcase at the county fair. Screened adult volunteers provide leadership to clubs, projects, and events.  Clubs are part of Murray County 4-H Federation, which meets five times annually.

Project clubs (horse for example) may only meet in the summer for practice sessions. 4-H Adventures are short-term programs on specific projects such as robotics. Club membership is not required to participate in 4-H Adventures.

Follow us on Social Media!

Murray County 4-H Facebook

Murray County 4-H Instagram

Murray/ Pipestone County Extension Facebook

Murray County 4-H app

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
• Get in touch with us 

We know registration/fair entry can be confusing. Don't stress, we are here to help! Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Murray County Extension Office if you have questions. 

2022 Murray County 4-H Premium List

2023 Murray County 4-H Premium List Coming Soon!

Animal ID  

• Due Feb 15, 2023 for market beef (beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers)
• Due May 15th, 2023 for beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine. 
• Cloverbud ID information does not need to be included in 4HOnline. 

Fair Entry  (Open June 1, 2023 - July 15, 2023)

• Fair Entry Instructions
• Fair Entry is Due July 15, 2023

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!

Kim Hause, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
hausek@umn.edu or 507-836-1144

Melissa Runck, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems (4-H animal science projects/events)
mkrunck@umn.edu or 507-836-1143

McKenna Schreier, Extension Staff
mschreie@umn.edu or 507-836-6927

4-H Volunteer Emergency Contacts

Member links

• 2022-2023 Federation Officers, Ambassadors & Executive Council

• 2022-2023 Murray County 4-H Calendar

• Murray County 4-H Family Handbook
• 4-H Online 2.0 enrollment guide for families
• Event registration through 4-H Online
• Cloverbud Project Record
• 4-H Record keeping
• Murray County 4-H Federation Constitution & Bylaws
• 2022-2023 Murray County 4-H - Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences & Exemptions
• Member Exemption Form (for missed deadlines)
• Murray County Fair
• 2022 Murray County 4-H Premium List
• 4-H Member Code of Conduct
• 2023 Project Bowl

Animal Science links:

• 4-H Animal Science Project Information

Leader links

• 4-H Online 2.0 club leader access guide
• Volunteering with 4-H (how to apply, trainings, and more)
• Volunteer Emergency Contacts

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Murray County, and local programming coordinated by Murray County 4-H Federation.

Give today

AFNR (Ag, Food and Natural Resources)

Murray & Pipestone County Extension Offices are hiring a AFNR summer intern. The AFNR Internship Program is an educational opportunity for undergraduate college students to learn about adult education regarding agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, and University of Minnesota Extension. Application review will commence on January 17, 2023 but positions are open until filled.

AFNR Intern Application

AFNR Internship Program Resources

Murray County's economy is based on agriculture, both crop and livestock production.  Corn and soybeans are the primary crops grown in  Murray County.  Livestock production includes beef, dairy, goats, swine and sheep. 

Ag Marketing groups meet in Slayton on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Extension Educator David Bau coordinates the meetings. To join a group or for more information call 507-836-6927 or email mschreie@umn.edu.

Private pesticide applicator re-certification in 2023 has changed.  There are four options this year:  mail-in exam, online exam, live online workshops via Zoom, or online self-paced canvas course.

Beef Quality Assurance & Secure Beef Supply trainings are scheduled in February and March.

Farmland Rental Rates in Minnesota including sample leases.

• Dairy events
• FSMA on your farm

Melissa Runck is an Extension Educator in ag production systems; her time is split between Murray and Pipestone Counties. Contact Melissa for assistance with animal science, crop production, horticulture, and ag business questions.

Melissa Runck, Local Extension educator, Ag Production Systems
mkrunck@umn.edu or 507-836-1143 (Murray County)

Murray County Master Gardeners planted and maintain two perennial flower gardens on public property in Slayton. They host an annual summer garden tour in July, showcasing several Murray County homeowners' gardening talents.  Master Gardeners have conducted summer gardening projects for area youth and answer horticulture questions for county residents.

Master Gardener volunteers are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance quality of life and promote good stewardship of the environment.

Master Gardener volunteers complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.

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

County Extension Educator Melissa Runck provides identification and answers to tree, landscape, insect, and gardening problems.
mkrunck@umn.edu or 507-836-1143

Murray County Master Gardeners

David Bau, Slayton, Master Gardener coordinator
507-836-6124, bauxx003@umn.edu

Gaylene Chapman, Lake Wilson
507-879-3509, cornergarden@iw.net

Colleen Gengler, Slayton
507-360-0624, dcgeng78@gmail.com

Mona Henkels, Fulda
507-425-3117, mhenkels@centurytel.net

Betty Kassel, Walnut Grove
507-859-2741, gecko@mvtvwireless.com

Joan Lanoue
jlanoue1000@gmail.com

Matthew Meier, Fulda
507-220-9038, okdjmeier@yahoo.com

Marilyn Moger, Fulda
507-425-3137, mogeram@swwnet.com

Jolene Nelson, Hadley
507-836-6373, circlenranch@hotmail.com

Kathy Schwartz, Slayton
507-836-8304, dkschwtz@nobleswildblue.com

Patricia White, Westbrook 
507-274-5119

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health that 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's Center for Community Vitality 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 Murray County and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.

UMN Extension, Murray County
mnext-murray@umn.edu

Murray County Courts Building
2848 Broadway Ave, PO Box 57
Slayton, MN  56172-0057

Phone: 507-836-6927
Fax: 507-836-6155

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

Kim Hause, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
hausek@umn.edu or 507-836-1144

Melissa Runck, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems (4-H animal science projects/events)
mkrunck@umn.edu or 507-836-1143

McKenna Schreier, Extension Staff
mschreie@umn.edu or 507-836-6927

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.