Extension in Swift County

View all Swift County contacts.

Becca Golden, Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
turnq069@umn.edu or 320-843-3796

Stephanie Smith, Extension support staff
slink@umn.edu or 320-843-3796

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
• Enroll as an independent member
• Get in touch with us

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.

This section will contain all important Swift County 4-H updates for the county fair.
The 2024 Swift County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 14-18 at the Swift County Fairgrounds in Appleton.

Important dates

• July 1: FairEntry registration opens
• July 23: Presentation and Clothing Judging Day, Benson
  • 4-Hers participating must register these projects in FairEntry by July 15.
• July 25: All board meeting, fairgrounds
• Aug. 1: FairEntry registration deadline
• Aug. 6: Pre-fair cleanup 
• Aug. 10: Dog show
• Aug. 13: Horse show (Pleasure and Games)
• Aug. 14-18: Swift County Fair
• Aug. 21-25: State fair livestock encampment
• Aug. 27-29: State fair project encampment
• Sept. 6-8: State 4-H Shooting Sports
• Sept. 13-16: State 4-H Horse Show
• Sept. 21-22: State Dog Show

Registration

• 4-H registration for the Swift County Fair will open on July 1. The deadline to register your 4-H projects is Aug. 1. 
• Registration will take place through FairEntry.
• Need help registering for the county fair? Check out these resources.

Premium book

2024 Premium Book

Be sure to read through the Swift County 4-H Premium Book,, which covers dates, times, deadlines, rules, and other helpful information!

Sign up to volunteer

Each year, we rely on the many volunteers to help make the county fair run smoothly. Please sign up for areas you are available to help with. 

Food stand shift sign-up

The Swift County 4-H Federation operates a food stand annually at the Swift County Fair. Participation by all enrolled 4-H families is mandatory. Sign up for a shift here.

Again this year, members and families are welcome to sign up for the time that works best for them. This will be on a first come, first served basis. If you’d still like to sign up with your club, you are welcome to do that on your own.

Becca Golden, Extension educator
turnq069@umn.edu or 320-843-3796

Stephanie Smith, Extension support staff
slink@umn.edu or 320-843-3796

Give to Swift County 4-H

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

Give today

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Gifts support local programming coordinated by Swift County Master Gardener volunteers.

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Ask a Master Gardener

Have a gardening questions? Get research-based answers from local Master Gardener volunteers.
Submit your question

Do you have additional questions relating to canning, freezing, and preserving?

Contact the AnswerLine at 1-800-854-1678, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 12 noon and 1 - 4 p.m., or email them at answer@iastate.edu

Stephanie Smith, Extension support staff
slink@umn.edu or 320-843-3796

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Stevens 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.

Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Swift 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.

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 Swift County and neighboring communities, and how to submit a project idea.