Extension in Nobles County

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

[email protected]

Office hours

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 

View all Nobles County contacts.

Leticia Rodriguez, Extension educator, SNAP-ED
[email protected] or 507-295-5313

Conchita Paez-Sievert, Extension educator, SNAP-ED
[email protected] or 507-295-5313

Belle Patterson,  Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected]  or 507-295-5314

Kerstin Thoms,  Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-295-5109

Jose Lamas, Financial Capability educator
[email protected] or 507-295-5313

Wendy Baumgartner, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
[email protected] or 507-295-5313

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. 

Interested in learning more about 4-H?

• Contact our 4-H staff to learn more, including how to get started in 4-H. 

Ready to join or re-enroll?

• Join 4-H or re-enroll

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!

Nobles County 4-H Facebook

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.  

• Learn more about volunteering with 4-H
• Apply to become a 4-H volunteer

Belle Patterson,  Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected]  or 507-295-5314

Kerstin Thoms,  Local Extension Educator, Nobles County 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-295-5109

Wendy Baumgartner, Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
[email protected] or 507-295-5313

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

Give today

Nobles County Fair - August 6 - 10, 2025

Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Nobles County Extension office if you have questions. 

Animal ID  

• Due Feb 18, 2025 for market beef (beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers)  Nobles County Market Beef ID
• Due May 15, 2025 for beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine.   Nobles County All Animal Types ID
• 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. 

Login to 4-H Online

Login to FairEntry

2025 Nobles County 4-H Premium Book 

• Records and scholarships for Nobles County
• Minnesota 4-H record keeping forms
• 2023 Nobles County - 4-H Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences and Exemptions
• 4-H Member Code of Conduct
• Extension County Fair Information
• Bring it Back Report
• Olson Family Scholarship Application

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
[email protected] or 507-295-5313

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

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
[email protected] or 507-295-5313

Conchita Paez-Sievert, Extension educator, SNAP-ED
[email protected] 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.

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

To contact the Nobles County Master Gardeners, please email [email protected].

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 participatory 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.

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