Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Extension in Murray County
Welcome to Murray County
Murray County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
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.
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H events in Murray County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
Statewide 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
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!
Murray County 4-H Clubs
Club | Area | Leader | Leader |
---|---|---|---|
Badger Lake | Avoca | Dennis & Janet Opdahl | Chris Opdahl |
Bondin Belfast | Fulda | Monica Kirchner | Brenda Wehking |
Cameron | Lake Wilson | Cheryl Heard | Deb Nelson |
Chandler Hilltoppers | Chandler | Bethany Rylaarsdam | |
Currie Poco-a-Poco | Currie City Hall | Linnea Surprenant | |
Fenton Friends | Rural Chandler | Aaron & Bridget Kluis | |
Lakers | Rural Balaton | Sara Davis | Melissa Kidman |
Prairie Hustlers | Rural Slayton | Christine Larson | Janese Siedschlag |
Slayton Shooting Stars | Slayton | Naomi Samuelson | Kylie Samuelson |
Horse Club | Slayton - Fairgrounds | Stacy Posthuma | Darcie Spartz |
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
Nancy Pieske, office manager
piesk003@umn.edu or 507-836-6927
Member links
- 2020-2021 Murray County 4-H Calendar
- 4-H Family Handbook
- 4-H Online 2.0 enrollment guide for families
- Cloverbud Project Record
- 4-H Record keeping
- Facebook for Murray County 4-H
- Murray County 4-H App download to get the latest news and information on your phone
- Murray County 4-H Federation Constitution & Bylaws
- Murray County 4-H - Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences & Exemptions
- Member Exemption Form (for missed deadlines)
- 4-H Animal Science Project Information
- Murray County Fair
Leader links
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Murray County, and local programming coordinated by Murray County 4-H Federation.
Agriculture
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.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered all year around the state.
Agriculture news in Murray County
Find the latest on Extension agricultural research and news you can use on your farm from local experts.
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.
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 piesk003@umn.edu.
Private pesticide applicator re-certification in 2021 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.
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
Gardening
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.
Gardening events in Murray 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 Murray 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.
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.
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
Health and nutrition
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.
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.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Murray County Extension
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
Nancy Pieske, office manager
piesk003@umn.edu or 507-836-6927
Murray County events
View all events hosted in and near Murray County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Murray County news
Read all news from Murray 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.