Extension in West Otter Tail County

UMN Extension, West Otter Tail County
[email protected]

505 South Court Street Suite 3
Fergus Falls, MN 56537

Phone: 218-998-8760

Office hours

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

View all West Otter Tail County contacts.

Jessica Mohagen, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 218-998-8766

Rachel Wahlstrom, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 218-998-8762

Olivia Olson, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Horticulture
[email protected] or 218-998-8303

Brianna Bischof, administrative specialist
[email protected] or 218-998-8761

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. 

There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H. 

• Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
• Request a Paper Enrollment Form
• Volunteer renewal
• Enroll as an independent member
• See the 4-H clubs in your area

Important Dates:

• Re-enroll in 4-H Online ASAP for the new 2024-2025 4-H Year! 
• Fall Livestock Day Camp - Nov 15, 9AM-3 PM @ Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN
• Fergus Falls LEGO Club - Monday, Dec 2 @ 3:30 PM, Roosevelt Education Center
• 4-H Sock Fundraiser - The Holiday Sock Store closes Nov 29th - start shopping now! See our FaceBook page for more details.
• Horse PDC Meeting - Monday, Jan 6, 2025 @ 6:00 PM, WOT Extension Office
• Livestock PDC Meeting - Monday, Jan 27, 2025 @ 5:30 PM, WOT Extension Office

Important Resources/Information:

2024 Premium Book 

Extension County Fair page - Here you will find several good resources, including information on judging, 4-H exhibitors, county fair 4-H volunteers, and more!

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

July 2024

May 2024

April 2024

March 2024

Follow us on Social Media:

• Facebook

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 the 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

Gifts support 4-H youth development in West Otter Tail County and local programming coordinated by the West Otter Tail County 4-H Council. 

Give today

Jessica Mohagen,  Extension educator, 4-H youth development
[email protected] or 218-998-8766

Rachel Wahlstrom, Extension educator, 4-H youth development
[email protected] or 218-998-8762

Brianna Bischof, administrative specialist
[email protected] or 218-998-8761

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024 

Olivia Olson, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Horticulture
[email protected] or 218-998-8303

Become a West Otter Tail County Master Gardener

• Learn about the Master Gardener Program

Weekly Article from WOT Master Gardener, Bev Johnson

• Plant Pathogens - Nov 13
• Horticulture Turkeys - Nov 6
• Don't - Oct 30
• Planting Fall Bulbs - Oct 23
• It's a Virus Verna - Oct 16
• What Plants Do Now - Oct 10
• Bumble Bees - Oct 2
• It Happens at Night - Sept 25
• Smart Weeds - Sept 18
• For Garlic Lovers - Sept 11
• Jobs to Do Now - Sept 4

Stay Connected

• Like and follow us on Facebook

Other Opportunities in Minnesota

• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

Gifts support local programming coordinated by West Otter Tail County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Olivia Olson, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Horticulture
[email protected] or 218-998-8303

Diane Greiwe,  Volunteer Manager, Master Gardener Program Landscape Arboretum
[email protected] or 612-625-9864

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.

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 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.