Hello! I'm Katie Hagen, the new agriculture, food, and natural resource Extension educator for Pine and Isanti counties. I am also the Master Gardener Volunteer Program Coordinator in Isanti County. I develop educational programs for farmers and producers and learn from area stakeholders. My work provides relevant education and support to agricultural and natural resource fields while building relationships with other professionals working with the county Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
I was raised on a beef farm in Pine County, where I developed a passion for agriculture, food, and natural resources. I have a bachelor of science degree in animal science from the University of Minnesota Crookston and a master of science degree in agricultural education and work-based learning from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. During my time in college, I had the opportunity to study agriculture in France, shadow veterinarians, work with FFA and 4H youth, work for Mann Valley Farm at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, and help gather chronic wasting disease samples.
Though I am a new employee to Extension, I held two internships with them; one conducting soybean research and working with the National Corn Growers Association in northwest Minnesota, and another working alongside an Extension educator in Polk County. I am excited to be working in the area I grew up in and getting to teach and learn more about agriculture and natural resources in Pine and Isanti counties.
Previously, I was an agricultural and natural resource educator at Hinckley Finlayson High School, where I taught classes in biology, wildlife management, forestry, plant science, natural resources and ecology, introduction to agriculture, animal science, and work-based learning. I have an extensive background in agriculture and natural resources, and I am very passionate about sustainable practices. I am excited to be contributing my skills and knowledge of University of Minnesota research to Pine and Isanti counties.
My husband and I own a 46-acre hobby farm in the same area where I grew up. Half our farm is dedicated to livestock and the other half to wildlife and forestry. We currently have rotational pasture systems, hay fields grown by using a no-till drill, a greenhouse and large garden, food plots for wildlife, natural swamps, and a forest. I am happy to have my children grow up in a place where they can learn about agriculture and natural resources as well. Our family loves to spend time outdoors and with our extended family, who also live in the area. In my free time, I enjoy reading, painting, crafting, gardening, and spending time with our animals.
Contact me at hagen@umn.edu, at 320-591-1662 in Pine County, and at 763-689-1810 in Isanti County.