Extension in Murray County

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. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Enroll as an independent member
• Get in touch with us 

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

 Nancy Pieske, office manager
piesk003@umn.edu or 507-836-6927

Member links

• Murray County 4-H Premium List - 2021 County Fair

• Summer Day Camps - 2021

• 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)
• Murray County Fair

Animal Science links:

• 4-H Animal Science Project Information
• 2021 Animal Science ID letters
  • Market Beef
  • Dog
  • Horse
  • Multi-Species

• Murray County Youth Swine Grant Application (youth ages 10-18 can apply)

Leader links

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

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

Give today

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 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.

• Dairy events
• FSMA on your farm
• Covid-19 resources for farmers

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 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

Nancy Pieske, office manager
piesk003@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.