
Extension in Todd County

Welcome to Todd County
Todd County partners with Extension to deliver practical education and research you can use at home, at work and in your community.
4-H
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! Give Alyssa a call at 320-732-4438.
4-H events in Todd County
Attend a 4-H event near you.
All 4-H events
Find a 4-H event in Minnesota.
4-H news in Todd County
Stay informed about all that is happening in Todd County 4-H.
Statewide 4-H news
Learn more about what is happening in Minnesota 4-H.
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.
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Want to learn about volunteering with the 4-H Youth Development Program?
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Visit the Volunteering with 4-H page to learn more about how volunteers positively impact youth and the community.
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Contact your 4-H Extension Educator to learn about specific roles available in your community.
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Ready to become a screened Minnesota 4-H volunteer?
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Visit the Apply to become a 4-H volunteer page to begin the application and screening process.
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Gifts support 4-H youth development in Todd County and local programming coordinated by the Todd County 4-H Council.
Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
320-732-4438
Kristin Saarela, Extension administration, 4-H Youth Development
ksaarela@umn.edu or 320-732-4435
*Browerville Area*
A-1
Barb Trantina 763-439-0206
Vicki Paskewitz (218) 894-3704
Lone Star
Robert Bromeling (320) 594-2429
Meri Carstensen (320) 766-0957
Kim Prather (320) 305-0941
*Burtrum/Swanville Area*
Burtrum Boosters
Shirley Hulinsky 320-285-2050
Randy Mettler (320) 547-2513
*Long Prairie Area*
Golden Gophers
Jeff and Debbie Sauer (320) 732-2597
Kim Buntjer (320) 732-8053
Soaring Eagles
Marcia Woeste (218) 232-4975
Nichole Deyle (651) 247-5545
Wykeham Willing Workers
Delvin & Debra Durheim (320) 732-6657
*West Union Area*
West Union Country Kids
Shannon Groetsch (320) 219-8526
Genny LeBrun (320) 859-5098
This section will contain all important Todd County 4-H updates for the County Fair.
The 2023 Todd County Fair is scheduled for July 13-16 at the Todd County Fair grounds in Long Prairie.
Calendar
May 15, 2023 - All animals must have 4-H tags and all animals must be Id'ed in 4-H online. 4-H Online
June 2, 2023 - All projects and livestock must be registered in Fairentry. This is in addition to the May 15th Id'ing into 4-H online for animals. http://todd.fairentry.com
Fairentry is the registration for the showcases during the Todd County Fair all projects must be entered here.
July 11-16, 2023 - Todd County 4-H Showcase Dates
SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR 4-H ACTIVITIES
June 2......................................................................... All Registration Blanks are due at the Extension Office
June 2......................................................................... All names of 4-H members demonstrating and participating in Favorite Food Show due in the Extension Office
June 2......................................................................... Advanced Dairy Production Records due in Ext. Office
June 2......................................................................... Booth Requests Due (First Come, First Serve)
June 2......................................................................... Dairy Performance Class Entries Due
June 2......................................................................... Fashion Revue Report Forms due in Extension Office
July 6.......................................................................... Favorite Food Show 4:00-5:30
July 11 Clothing Judging and Fashion Revue Judging 12-1:30
July 7.......................................................................... Fair Clean-Up Day: 9:00 a.m.—4-H Building; 6:30 p.m. until completed—Livestock Buildings
October 6.................................................................... All member records due to Main 4-H Leader of Club
Friday and/or Monday, July 7 and/or July 10
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m...................................................... 4-H Booth Construction (Friday immediately following Building Clean-Up)
Tuesday, July 11
12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.................................................... Clothing Judging and Fashion Revue Judging
2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m...................................................... Judging of All 4-H Non-Livestock Exhibits in 4-H Building
6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m..................................................... Volunteers to Organize and Display Static Exhibits 4-H Building
Wednesday, July 12
8:00 a.m...................................................................... 4-H Horse Show
1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m...................................................... 4-H Demonstrations (4-H Exhibit Building)
9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m...................................................... 4-H Livestock and Horses must be stalled by 9:00 p.m.
................... (Animal ID’s will be checked at the Fair)
....................... *4-H Livestock Exhibitors: Please have a representative from your family
....................... meet with the Fair Veterinarian between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 13
9:00 a.m...................................................................... 4-H Rabbit Show
11:00 a.m.................................................................... Livestock Interviews (ALL Species)
1:00 p.m...................................................................... 4-H Goat Show
6:00 p.m...................................................................... 4-H Poultry Show
10:00 p.m.................................................................... 4-H Exhibit Building Closes
Friday, July 14
9:00 a.m...................................................................... 4-H Dairy Show
1:00 p.m...................................................................... 4-H General Livestock Show
10:00 p.m.................................................................... 4-H Exhibit Building Closes
Saturday, July 15
9:00 a.m...................................................................... Open Class Dairy Show
1:30 p.m...................................................................... Open Class General Livestock Show
4:00 p.m...................................................................... Blue Ribbon Auction
10:00 p.m.................................................................... 4-H Exhibit Building Closes
Sunday, July 16
10:00 a.m.................................................................... Open Class Goat Show
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ................................................. Mandatory 4-H State Fair paperwork completion with staff assistance at Expo Building
2:30 p.m...................................................................... 4-H Premier Showmanship Contest
6:30 p.m...................................................................... Release Time of All 4-H Exhibits
NOTE: NO EXHIBITS RELEASED EARLY OR PREMIUMS WILL BE FORFEITED.
Monday, July 17
9:00 a.m...................................................................... Fair Clean-Up Day
Agriculture
Agriculture events in Todd 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 Todd 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.
Brenda Miller, livestock production systems and ag educator
nels4220@umn.edu or 320-533-4655
Gardening
Gardening events in Todd 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 Todd County
Find the latest gardening tips and news you can use in your own backyard from local experts.
Yard and Garden News
Gardening tips and emerging issues affecting Minnesota.
Health and nutrition
Extension offers a variety of educational programs about nutrition and health in Todd 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 Todd 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, well-being and good nutrition.
Health and nutrition news in Todd 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 well-being.
Use the Real Life, Good Food website to find recipes, cooking tips and physical activity ideas for a healthier life.
Elizabeth Quillo, SNAP-Ed and nutrition programs educator
quil0001@umn.edu or 320-732-4812
Sustainable communities
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.
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.
Todd County Extension
Historic Courthouse
215 First Avenue S, Ste 101
Long Prairie, MN 56347
Phone: 320-732-4435
Fax: 320-732-4803
Extension educator, 4-H Youth Development
320-732-4438
Brenda Miller, livestock production systems and ag educator
nels4220@umn.edu or 320-533-4655
Elizabeth Quillo, SNAP-Ed and nutrition programs educator
quil0001@umn.edu or 320-732-4812
Kristin Saarela, Extension administration
ksaarela@umn.edu or 320-732-4435
Todd County events
View all events hosted in and near Todd County.
Extension courses and events
Extension provides in-person and online educational events all over Minnesota. Find one to attend.
Todd County news
Read all news from Todd 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.