Extension in Norman County

U of M Extension, Norman County

15 2nd Ave E Room 107
Ada, MN 56510-1362

Phone: 218-784-5550
[email protected]

Office hours

• Monday - hours vary, please call ahead
• Tuesday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Thursday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. please call after 12 p.m. to ensure staff is available
• Friday - hours vary, please call ahead

View all Norman County contacts.

Linda Houglum, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 218-784-5553

Heather Dufault, Norman and Polk Counties Extension Ag Educator
[email protected] or 218-784-5551 or 218-280-1129

Kristin Erbe, Norman County Office Support
[email protected] or 218-784-5550

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

This section will contain all important Norman County 4-H updates for the county fair.

The 2025 Norman County Fair is scheduled for June 18-21 at the Norman County Fairgrounds in Ada.

Schedule

• 2025 Norman County Fairy 4-H Schedule 

Other helpful links for the Norman County Fair

• 2025 Norman County 4-H Newsletter Coming Soon
• 2025 Norman County Premium Book
• Register on the FairEntry website
• FairEntry Help Guide
• 4-H exhibitor judging tips

Club Forms

• Club Exhibit registration forms: Printable registration form OR Online registration form
• Club Banner Evaluations
• Community Pride Evaluations

Volunteering

We are always looking for people willing to assist in many different aspects of the Norman County Fair. Please contact the Extension Office if you are interested to learn what opportunities are available. 

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!

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

Animal ID deadlines for 2025

• February 18 - market beef (beef steers, market heifers, and dairy steers)
• May 15 - breeding beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama-alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine 

Animal ID helpful links 

• Norman County Market Beef ID Letter
• Norman County Animal ID letter
• 2025 Minnesota 4-H Animal Science ID requirements
• MN 4-H AniSci Updates for 2025
• Animal ID home page 

Norman County 4-H calendar 

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

Give today

Linda Houglum, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 218-784-5553

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

Heather Dufault, Norman and Polk Counties Extension Ag Educator
[email protected] or 218-784-5551 or 218-280-1129

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Norman 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

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 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)
• Red River Valley Emerging Leadership Program (ELP)

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 also can 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.