Extension in Steele County
Welcome to Steele County
Steele County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
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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!
Follow us on social media
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.
There are several ways to join or re-enroll in 4-H.
- Join 4-H for the first time or re-enroll
- Enroll as an independent member
- Get in touch with us at 507-444-7685
4-H events in Steele County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Steele County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Steele County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
Tracy Ignaszewski, Extension educator
ignas001@umn.edu or 507-444-7688
Krystal Viktora, Extension educator
vikto013@umn.edu or 507-444-7600
Agriculture
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Agriculture events in Steele 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 Steele 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.
Claire LaCanne, Extension educator
lacanne@umn.edu or 507-444-7691 (office) or 507-330-0447 (cell)
Gardening
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Follow us on social media
Gardening events in Steele County
Find gardening learning opportunities online and near you.
Statewide gardening events
Find out about the Master Gardener Volunteer core course or attend other events offered throughout the year.
Gardening news in Steele County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own back yard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Lorrie Rugg, Master Gardener coordinator
brow3298@umn.edu or 507-444-7687
Health and nutrition
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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.
Health and nutrition events in Steele 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 Steele 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.
Sustainable communities
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Extension's Center for Community Vitality 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.
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.
Steele County Extension
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U of M Extension, Steele County
635 Florence Ave
PO Box 890
Owatonna, MN 55060-0890
Phone: 507-444-7685
View all Steele County contacts.
Tracy Ignaszewski, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
ignas001@umn.edu or 507-444-7688
Krystal Viktora, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
vikto013@umn.edu or 507-444-7600
Claire LaCanne, Extension educator, Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
lacanne@umn.edu or 507-444-7691 (office) or 507-330-0447 (cell)
Lorrie Rugg, Master Gardener coordinator
brow3298@umn.edu or 507-444-7687
Joleen Koenig, office support
jvkoenig@umn.edu or 507-444-7685
Madison Grunklee, office support
mtebay@umn.edu or 507-444-7685
Steele County events
View all events hosted in and near Steele County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Steele County news
Read all news from Steele 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.
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