Extension in Nobles County
Welcome to Nobles County
Nobles County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
Contact
mnext-nobles@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
Nobles County Extension office
UMN Extension, Nobles County
315 10th Street, Ste 119 (lower level of the Nobles County Government Center)
Worthington, MN 56187
Phone: 507-295-5313
Fax: 507-372-8209
Office hours
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
View all Nobles County contacts.
Leticia Rodriguez, Extension educator, SNAP-ED
rodi030@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
Conchita Paez-Sievert, Extension educator, SNAP-ED
mpaezsi@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
Anna Rose, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
rose1612@umn.edu or 507-295-5314
Kerstin Thoms, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
thoms531@umn.edu or 507-295-5109
Jose Lamas, Financial Capability educator
lamas006@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
Wendy Baumgartner, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
mccu0102@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
Nobles County events
View all events hosted in and near Nobles County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Nobles County news
Read all news from Nobles 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.
4-H
In 4-H, all youth are welcome
4-H is an out-of-school, hands-on learning program for people age 5-19. 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, 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!
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
4-H Youth Development
4-H 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!
Volunteer with 4-H to make a local impact
Get involved as a 4-H volunteer to help inspire our youth to learn and lead! Anyone age 19+ who cares about young people, you don't need to be a parent or an expert.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Nobles County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Nobles County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
Anna Rose, Local Extension educator, Nobles County 4-H Youth Development
rose1612@umn.edu or 507-295-5314
Kerstin Thoms, Local Extension educator, Nobles County 4-H Youth Development
thoms531@umn.edu or 507-295-5109
Wendy Baumgartner, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
mccu0102@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
Gifts support 4-H youth development in Nobles County, and local programming coordinated by the Nobles County 4-H Council.
Nobles County Fair - August 7 - 11, 2024
Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Nobles County Extension office if you have questions.
Animal ID
- Due Feb 15, 2024 for market beef (beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers)
- Due May 15, 2024 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 4-H Online.
- 4-H animal ID requirements and processes
- Tip sheet for using 4-H Online for ID'ing animals.
2024 Nobles County 4-H Premium Book
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Nobles County
Attend an agriculture-related event near you.
Statewide agriculture events
Agriculture conferences, in-person events and online courses are offered all year around the state.
Agriculture news in Nobles 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.
Financial literacy
The Latino financial literacy program team helps Latinos who are residing in Minnesota understand financial information and systems, and make sound financial decisions at every stage of their lives.
How we work
Our experienced bilingual staff:
- Serves southern Minnesota and statewide as needed.
- Provides information through classes in English and Spanish.
- Offers sessions depending on the needs of our clients.
We are here to provide answers and help navigate the following topics:
- Renting or buying a first home.
- Sending a child to college.
- How to prevent fraud and scams.
- Getting student financial aid.
- Promoting healthy homes.
Cómo trabajamos
Nuestro personal bilingüe y con experiencia:
- Sirve al sur de Minnesota y en otras partes del estado según se necesite.
- Provee información a través de clases o por medio de trabajar individualmente con las personas.
- Ofrece sesiones según las necesidades de los clientes o participantes al programa.
Estamos aquí para ayudarle a navegar y dar respuestas en como:
- Rentar o comprar su primera casa.
- Enviar a su hijo o hija al colegio o universidad.
- Como prevenir fraudes y estafas.
- Obtener ayuda financiera estudiantil.
- Promoción de casas sana libres de riesgos a la salud.
Jose Lamas, Financial capability educator
lamas006@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
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.
Food Assistance
To apply for Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP)(formerly known as Food Stamps or Food Assistance, visit the Nobles County Family Services website
Nobles County Area Food Shelves
Visit the Manna Food Pantry, Inc - 230 Clary Street, Worthington, MN 56187; 507-329-1951. Hours are M, W, & F 11 am - 2 pm
Visit the Worthington Christian Church Food Shelf - 1501 N Douglas Ave, Worthington, MN 56187; 507-376-3418. Hours are Tuesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm; Thursdays from 1 pm - 5 pm; Fridays from 1 pm to 3 pm; & the first Sunday of the month 5 pm - 7 pm
Health and nutrition events in Nobles County
Learn more about staying healthy and eating well.
Statewide health and nutrition events
Join Extension educators and community partners in events that encourage health, wellbeing and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Nobles County
Stay up to date with our health and nutrition news.
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.
Extension contacts
Leticia Rodriguez, Extension educator, SNAP-ED
rodi030@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
Conchita Paez-Sievert, Extension educator, SNAP-ED
mpaezsie@umn.edu or 507-295-5313
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) is the educational component of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families.
SNAP-Ed is an evidence-based program that helps people lead healthier lives. SNAP-Ed teaches low-income families or individuals — particularly those using or eligible for SNAP — about good nutrition and how to make their food dollars stretch further. SNAP-Ed participants also learn to be physically active.
Gardening
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Sustainable communities
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: 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 Nobles County and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.
Statewide community development events
Join us at an event in your community.
Statewide natural resources events
Find opportunities to learn about the natural environment, how to care for your forest lands, and how you and your family can get out and explore nature around the state and in your own backyard.
Community development news
Find information on community-focused news.
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.
RSDP Happenings
Learn more about community-driven sustainability projects happening across Minnesota.
Housing support
Housing and supportive services to individuals and families who are homeless or in need of safe housing.
Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council (SMOC)
1106 3rd Ave., PO Box 787, Worthington MN 56187
507-376-4195 or 800-658-2444
Worthington Housing and Redevelopment Authority
819 10th St, Worthington, MN, 56187
(507) 376-3655 - Public Housing and Market Rate
(507)-376-9123 - Section 8
Home repair financial assistance
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development
Worthington Service Center
1567 McMillan St, Worthington, MN, 56187-2800
507-376-6194