Extension in Nicollet County

U of M Extension, Nicollet County
mnext-nicollet@umn.edu

Government Center
501 S Minnesota Ave
St. Peter, MN 56082-2533

Phone: 507-934-7828
Fax: 507-931-9220

Office hours

• Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

View all Nicollet County contacts.

Kelsey Brandt, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
brand785@umn.edu or 507-934-7831

Mary Krentz, SNAP-Ed educator
krent001@umn.edu or 507-934-7828

Luann Schloesser, administrative and program assistant
schlo041@umn.edu or 507-934-7828

Samantha Schoenbauer, Extension educator, Agriculture Production Systems
sschoenb@umn.edu or 507-934-7828

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. 

4-H is the University of Minnesota’s out-of-school, hands-on learning program for youth from kindergarten through one year past high school graduation. It is a public program for all youth delivered in each county through UMN Extension. Through hands-on learning, youth in 4-H build not only confidence, creativity and curiosity but also life skills such as leadership and resiliency to help them thrive today and tomorrow. There are so many ways to participate in Minnesota 4-H!

• What is Minnesota 4-H? (YouTube)
• Frequently Asked Questions about Nicollet County 4-H membership

All 4-H members in grades K-2 are called Cloverbuds and this is a special time in 4-H. Cloverbuds focus on non-competitive discovery and learning!

• Learn more: What is a Minnesota 4-H Cloverbud? (YouTube)

Clubs

4-H clubs meet on a regular basis to learn together with friends. They work on 4-H projects, serve their community, develop leadership skills and learn to work together. Many people choose the club closest to them. Others choose to be with friends they already know.

• Learn more about current Nicollet County 4-H Clubs, when and where they meet, and how to connect with the club leader. 
• Learn more:  What is a Minnesota 4-H club? (YouTube)

Projects

4-H, youth choose projects that are interesting to them to explore with peers and caring adults. 4-H offers learning experiences in science, photography, agriculture, healthy living, civic engagement and much more. Projects are important in 4-H because we believe in experiential learning, which is why our motto is “Learn by Doing!”

• Learn more: What is a Minnesota 4-H project? (YouTube)
• What is a 4-H project vs. a fair exhibit?
• Step-by-Step Project Workbook 

What is University of Minnesota Extension?

• Extension History
• What we do

Welcome to Nicollet County 4-H!

4-H youth members

The Minnesota 4-H year begins October 1 and runs through September 30, and youth can join at any time. Members join 4-H using our online enrollment system, called 4HOnline, which keeps all the information we need to serve you best. You’ll want to keep your email and password handy throughout the year for registering for events, identifying 4-H animals, and re-enrolling next year!.

Re-enrolling?

Welcome back. Re-enroll in 4HOnline in October each year! If it’s been awhile since you’ve been in 4-H or if you are coming from another county, please contact the 4-H staff to assist with your 4HOnline account. 

Ready to enroll for the first time in Nicollet County 4-H

Step 1: Create your family 4HOnline account. These step-by-step guides can help.

• 4-H online enrollment tip sheet

Step 2: Pick a 4-H club

You will be asked to select a club. Learn more about Current Nicollet County 4-H Clubs: when and where they meet and how to connect with the club leader. If you’re unsure, you can choose “Undecided” and 4-H staff can make a recommendation for you. 

Step 3: Pick 4-H Project Areas

You will be asked to select at least one project area. You can scroll through the list and choose the projects areas you want to learn more about. We use your choices to let you know about opportunities in these areas and communicate important information. Each year in 4-H, you can choose new project/interest areas. If you are unsure, you can choose “Not sure yet” and staff will contact you to talk it over. 

Step 4: Get in touch with us

After you enroll, you will begin to receive monthly email updates from staff and club information from your club leader. 4-H staff and club leaders will reach out to you. Nothing takes the place of getting connected to other people in 4-H so please reach out: call or email the 4-H Extension Educator, come to an event or club meeting, or reach out to a 4-H family you already know. 

New Member resources

• Nicollet County 4-H FAQ
• Minnesota 4-H Family Handbook 
• Learn more about Nicollet County 4-H in the About Us section

Be sure to Follow us on Facebook

Nicollet County Facebook page

Volunteers

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 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

Volunteer renewal

Every three years, volunteers are asked to renew their volunteer status by updating their Safety of Minor training. 

The monthly update newsletter goes out to all registered 4-H members via email on Wednesdays. To receive this newsletter via email, please register for Nicollet County 4-H through 4-H Online.

Monthly updates

At the beginning of each month, all enrolled 4-H members will receive an email update from Minnesota 4-H and a separate email update from the Nicollet County 4-H Extension educator about the local program. 

• Current Nicollet County 4-H monthly update

You will also receive information throughout the year based on your grade and the projects you selected when you enrolled in 4-H Online. You can update those projects at any time. 

Nicollet County 4-H Google Calendar

Do you want to know what is happening in Nicollet County 4-H? Not sure where the club meeting is taking place? Want to see upcoming events? Need to know if the Extension office is closed?  Click on the link below to access the Nicollet County 4-H Google Calendar.

• Nicollet County 4-H Google Calendar

Be sure to follow us on Facebook

Nicollet County Facebook page

The heart and hub of Nicollet County 4-H

The Nicollet County 4-H Federation includes every 4-H youth member in grades 6 or higher and every adult 4-H screened volunteer in the Nicollet County 4-H program.

Federation leadership team and officers

The federation is led by 4-H youth officers (grade 7+) with guidance from an adult advisory team and the UMN Extension Nicollet County 4-H youth development staff. Together this leadership team guides the Nicollet County 4-H program on behalf and in cooperation with all of its members.

Federation meetings

Nicollet County 4-H Federation meetings are the hub of the Nicollet County 4-H program. This is where we work to carry out the business and mission of the Federation, such as planning opportunities and education for the members, setting and working toward annual goals, maintaining and upholding the organization’s bylaws, managing and allocating program funds, and creating committees to implement programs. Currently, the Nicollet County 4-H Federation meets four to five times a year. All 4-H families are welcome at federation meetings! All clubs are highly encouraged to send representation to the federation meetings.  

Committees

Committees are formed each year to carry out the work of the federation. They include:

• Horse Project Development Committee (each year)
• Food Stand Committee (each year) 
• General Project Education Committee
• Budget Committee (each year)
• Other Committees as needed such as Awards, Special Events, etc.

The Nicollet County 4-H Federation does not have a Livestock Committee. There is an annual meeting (usually held in early January) for all livestock families to provide recommendations to the Federation.  

2023-2024 meeting schedule

• Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at Nicollet Conservation Club. October agenda includes: annual meeting, elections, year-in-review, budget approval, approval of annual goals, committee assignments
• Sunday, Jan. 28. 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Nicollet Conservation Club
• Sunday, April 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Nicollet Conservation Club
• Sunday, July 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at Nicollet Conservation Club 
• Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at TBD. 

More information

• Nicollet County 4-H Federation bylaws
• Nicollet County Federation Overview
• 2023-24 Approved Budget
• Horse Committee Budget

Nicollet 4-H Awards

Each year, the Nicollet County 4-H Federation honors individuals, clubs, organizations, alumni, and friends who make outstanding contributions to the Nicollet County 4-H program during the program year (Oct 1.-Sept 31.).   

• Learn more about the selection process and past winners. 
• Submit this nomination form for any of the following awards.

Outstanding Youth Leader Award

This award will be given to a 4-H member who is a role model and leader to others. We have many outstanding youth leaders, but this individual has shown exceptional leadership in 4-H this past 4-H year.

Outstanding Adult Leader Award

This award will be given to a 4-H adult volunteer who has focused on developing the skills of 4-H youth so they may design a bright future. We have many outstanding leaders, but this individual has shown exceptional leadership this past 4-H year.

4-H Alumni Award

This award will be given to an individual who has experienced the value of the 4-H program in any county and, during the past 4-H year, dedicated their time and talents to give back to the program in a meaningful way.

Friend of 4-H Award

This award will be given to an individual, family, group, or business that has fostered a deep friendship with Nicollet County 4-H. During the past 4-H year, they offered assistance, knowledge, support, and or other resources to make the program stronger and more sustainable.

Edward H. Schultz Scholarships

Ed Schultz was a firm believer in the 4-H program. Prior to his death on March 29, 1998, Ed Schultz created a fund to provide scholarships to graduating seniors in Le Sueur and Nicollet counties interested in continuing education in the area of agriculture. Selection is based on an applicant’s community service, involvement in the 4-H program at the personal, club and county levels, and strength of their character. 

In 2023, three scholarships ($1000, $1000, $500) will be awarded to Nicollet County 4-H members graduating from high school. 

• Applications due June 1
• Overview and application

Nicollet 4-H Achievement Scholarships

Each year scholarships are awarded to Blue Earth County and Nicollet County 4-H members graduating from high school. Two scholarships—one for 4-H achievement and one for livestock achievement—are awarded in each county thanks to cooperative funding from the Tri-County Fair Board, Blue Earth County 4-H, and Nicollet County 4-H.

In 2023, two scholarships ($500 each) will be awarded to Nicollet County 4-H members graduating from high school. 

• Applications due June 1
• Overview and application

4-H at the Nicollet County Fair

The Nicollet County Fair is held each year in early August at the Nicollet County Fairgrounds in St. Peter. The fair provides 4-H members with a place to showcase exhibits about their project learning and share what they have learned with friends, judges, and community members. 

4-H members who earn blue ribbons at the Nicollet County Fair (and have completed grade 6) may earn the opportunity to advance to the Minnesota State Fair. Similarly, members in the horse and dog projects are eligible to advance to the state horse and dog shows, which are held at the state fairgrounds later in September.

Nicollet County Fair and state show

In 2023, 205 Nicollet County 4-H members brought 1100 exhibits to the county fair. 

Nicollet advanced several members to state events, including 51 members to the Minnesota State Fair with livestock and general projects, eight members to the Minnesota State Horse Show, one member to the Minnesota State Shoot, and two members to the Minnesota State Dog Show.

• 2024 Link to upload 2024 Fair Photos to Smug Mug
• Photos from the 2023 Nicollet County fair
• 2023 Nicollet County Fair 4-H results
• 2023 state show results for Nicollet County 4-H

The winter is a great time to make your annual 4-H project goals and begin to think about what you might want to show at the fair in the summer. These tools will help you be more prepared:

Important Dates

• May: Nicollet County 4-H Premium Books are released
• Beginning of June: Premium Books are mailed to 4-H families 
• Mid-June: Fair Entry registration opens 
• Mid-July: Fair Entry registration deadline
• Pre-fair judging of some general exhibits and the  Performing Arts & Fashion Revue Show (usually two weeks before the fair)
• Early August: Nicollet County Fair!

Fair Registration

4-H fair exhibits must be registered in FairEntry for the Nicollet County Fair. Registration will open in mid-June.  The deadline to register your 4-H exhibits is mid-July.

It takes many hands to make a fair

4-H Food Stand 4-H youth are asked to work at the 4-H Food Stand one or two shifts during the county fair. This is our largest and only annual fundraiser. Youth learn valuable life skills. Adults are needed to support them and to work the grill, fryers, cash register, and various other duties.

4-H parents and older members are also needed as judge assistants, ring stewards, and more.  And, clubs are assigned to set-up or clean-up duties each year. 

Quick links

• Fair Entry user guide
• 2024 Nicollet County 4-H Premium Book                                              
• Constructed Clothing & Fashion Revue (bring with you to judging)
• Purchased Clothing & Fashion Revue (bring with you to judging)
• Upcycled Clothing & Fashion Revue (bring with you to judging)
• Food Revue handbook
• Lamb Lead information and reference

Animal Projects, Training and ID

Annual livestock meeting

Are you planning to show animals in 4-H? Are you just starting and want to connect with other families and more resources? Join us for our annual livestock meeting each year (usually in January). All 4-H members showing (or interested in showing) livestock are encouraged to come. At this meeting, we discuss project bowls and judging teams, make recommendations for fair judges and schedules, review livestock related requirements and deadlines, and make a plan for this year’s project workshops. 

Annual Livestock Meeting: Second Friday of January, 6 p.m., St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nicollet.

For more information any time of year, contact your 4-H educator and watch your county newsletter. 

Horse Project 

The Nicollet County 4-H Horse Project is a countywide group for members who love to learn about horses. Any member from any club can be part of the horse project. The Horse Project typically meets quarterly. The Horse Project manages horse project learning, clinics, summer practices, and county fair fun. Members of the horse project also participate in project bowls, hippology, judging teams, and more. We also have the Nicollet Spurs, our Horse Drill Team.

2024 Nicollet County Horse Practice Schedule

For more information, ask to be connected with the horse project’s adult advisors

Dog Project 

The Nicollet County 4-H Dog Project is a joint project with Blue Earth County 4-H for members who love to learn about dogs. Any member from any club can be part of the dog project. Members in the dog project participate in project bowls, the multi-county dog show, and summer training. 

2024 Nicollet/Blue Earth Dog Practice Schedule

For more information, ask to be connected with the dog trainers. 

Animal ID for fairs

Animal ID is the 4-H system for identifying and tracking all live animals in the 4-H animal science project areas that will exhibit at the fair. Each year the deadlines are as follows (if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it is moved to the next business day)

• Feb 15 is the animal ID deadline for market beef (beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers). 
• May 15 is the animal ID deadline for beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine.

If you have enrolled in any animal projects, you will receive an animal ID packet in the mail

More resources

• For all animal ID, visit the MN 4-H Animal ID webpage 
• Here’s what Cloverbuds need to know. (These deadlines do not apply to Cloverbuds)
• One-page animal project deadline checklist
• If you miss a deadline, contact your 4-H educator immediately to determine your options. The Nicollet County Competitive Deadlines document explains the 4-H state and county individual deadlines and the consequences related to different aspects of those deadlines.

Borrowing (leasing) animals

We want you to be able to learn about animals even if you don't own one. You can lease an animal. There are several farmers in Nicollet County who are leasing animals to 4-H members, or perhaps you know someone with animals. The 4-H member must complete the 4-H animal identification process, just like owned animals. This will include verifying the leasing agreement.

For more information, contact your 4-H educator and visit the Minnesota 4-H Leasing an Animal webpage. 

Ear Tags

Ear tags and taggers for beef, dairy, goats, swine, and sheep are provided free of charge by the Nicollet 4-H Federation each year. Please make arrangements through the Nicollet County Extension office. 

Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethic

All youth participating as a Minnesota State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor (grades 6+) in beef, dairy, goats, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine must be certified in livestock quality assurance. Each year, Nicollet County works to provide an in-person 3-year certification training. 

For more information, visit the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Quality Assurance Training (LQA) webpage 

In Nicollet County 4-H, we highly encourage members to complete record books each year. We have a formal process for record books to be reviewed and recognized. 

The purpose of 4-H record keeping is to teach an important life skill. 4-H is not just doing, but learning by doing it – sharing it – understanding it – relating it – and using it. Record keeping encourages reflection (understanding, relating) so that 4-H members can apply their learning to other situations.

What is a 4-H record?

A 4-H record is an organized, written account of your 4-H experience. Your 4-H record shows your progress, personal growth, and accomplishments through participation in 4-H. It provides the opportunity for youth to reflect on their learning. In addition, 4-H record books provide an important resource when filling out college or job applications, resumes, and scholarship applications. 

This Guide to Meaningful Record Keeping to a good place to start.

Record Book Evaluation

DEADLINE: Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. 

Records can be turned in at the Extension office or scanned and emailed to Kelsey brand785@umn.edu

Books will be reviewed by volunteers and returned to you with feedback. The first time a 4-H member completes records, they receive a record completion plaque to hold medallions for each project record they complete. Each year thereafter, members receive additional medallions when they submit their records for review.  The highest-scoring record books in each age category are acknowledged each year at the annual celebration in the fall.

Forms

Typically, members fill out two types of 4-H records: participation summaries and project records (for as many projects as they wish). For each of these, there are two levels: Basic (suggested for grades 3-5) and Experienced (suggested for grades 6+). Cloverbuds have separate forms. 

Nicollet County forms 

Project record forms can be downloaded using the links below.  They are available as a fillable PDF that can be typed in or printed and written on. 

• Cloverbud Record
• Participation Summary -Basic (grades 3-5)
• Participation Summary - Experienced (grades 6+)
• Project Record - Basic (grades 3-5)
• Project Record - Experienced (grades 6+)
• Livestock Record
• Small Animal Record

4-H Cover

• Covers are available (at no charge) by calling the Extension office at 507-934-7828

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

Give today

Kelsey Brandt, Extension Educator , 4-H Youth Development
brand785@umn.edu or 507-933-0385

Nicollet County's agriculture includes both crop and livestock production. The county is home to fruit and vegetable growers and small farms.

• Recertification for Private Pesticide Applicators
• Dairy events
• FSMA on your farm
• Women in Ag Network

Samantha Schoenbauer, Extension educator, Agriculture Production Systems
sschoenb@umn.edu or 507-934-7828

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

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

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

Contact the Nicollet County Extension office

mnext-nicollet@umn.edu or 507-934-7828

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.

Mary Krentz, SNAP-Ed Educator
krent001@umn.edu, 507-934-7828

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:

• Connecting Nicollet County
• 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 your county and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.