Extension in Steele County

U of M Extension, Steele County

[email protected]

635 Florence Ave
PO Box 890
Owatonna, MN 55060-0890

Phone: 507-444-7685

Office hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

View all Steele County contacts.

Tracy Ignaszewski, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-444-7688

Kelsey Erf, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-444-7600

Ryan Lermon, Extension educator, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
[email protected] or 507-444-7691 (office) or 507 330-0447 (cell)

Lorrie Rugg, Master Gardener coordinator
[email protected] or 507-444-7687 

Joleen Koenig, Office support
[email protected] or 507-444-7685 

Sydney Koziolek, Office support
[email protected] or 507-444-7686 

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

Youth 

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!

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 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.

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• Facebook

Give to Steele County 4-H

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

Give today

Tracy Ignaszewski, Extension educator
[email protected] or 507-444-7688

Kelsey Erf, Extension educator
[email protected] or 507-444-7600

The Steele County Free Fair 

Information for the 2025 Steele County Fair will be released on a later date.

County fair resources

Below you will find the 4-H exhibitor guide, the schedule of 4-H county fair events, and registration materials.

• 2024 Steele County Fair 4-H Schedule of Activities
• 2024 Steele County Fair 4-H Exhibitor Guide (aka Premium Book)

County fair registration is done through FairEntry

• FairEntry website
• FairEntry instructions

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• Facebook

Connect with us

• Read and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter

Ryan Lermon, Extension educator, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
[email protected] or 507-444-7691 (office) or 507 330-0447 (cell)

Follow us on social media

• Facebook 

Gifts support local programming coordinated by Steele 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

Lorrie Rugg, Master Gardener coordinator
[email protected] or 507-444-7687

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Steele County. These programs 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.

Hailey Mattson, SNAP-Ed Health and Wellness Coordinator
[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 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.