Extension in Murray County

UMN Extension, Murray County
[email protected]

Murray County Courts Building
2848 Broadway Ave, PO Box 57
Slayton, MN  56172-0057

Phone: 507-836-6927
Fax: 507-836-6155

Office hours

Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Kim Hause, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-836-1144

Kerstin Thoms, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-836-1145

Melissa Runck, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems (4-H animal science projects/events)
[email protected] or 507-836-1143

Mallory Vos, Extension administrative assistant
[email protected] or 507-836-6927

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. 

Summer 2024 is upon us!  

Murray County 4-H is offering a wide variety of different summer programs for all age groups to attend!  

June 6, 2024 - Robotic AG Challenge

June 10, 2024 - Herbtacular Gardens

June 11, 2024 - The Great Grilled Cheese Challenge

June 24, 2024 - Arts and Crafts - 3 County Fair Ready Projects

June 25, 2024 - Cake Pops

June 26, 2024 - SW Regional Livestock Judging Contest

July 15, 2024 - Power Protectors

July 16, 2024 - The Murray County Fair Amazing Race

SWIM Team - practice happens every Tuesday and Thursday morning in June and July (unless stated otherwise by coaches).

If you are interested in signing up your youth for these events, please check out the Summer Day Camp Flyer.  Youth do not need to be a member of 4-H to participate in these great activities!   

Click here for a direct link for registration!  

Murray County 4-H offers nine community (4-H) clubs, project clubs, 4-H Adventures, and more.

4-H clubs include youth in grades K-13 who meet six times a year or more and offer group learning opportunities, leadership experience, and recreation. Club members are encouraged to select projects to explore and showcase at the county fair. Screened adult volunteers provide leadership to clubs, projects, and events.  Clubs are part of the Murray County 4-H Federation, which meets five times annually.

Project clubs (horse for example) may only meet in the summer for practice sessions. 4-H Adventures are short-term programs on specific projects such as robotics. Club membership is not required to participate in 4-H Adventures.

Follow us on social media

• Murray County 4-H Facebook
• Murray County 4-H Instagram
• Murray/ Pipestone County Extension Facebook
• Murray County 4-H app

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 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 

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.

It's that time of year again to start thinking about county fair and getting your animal science projects entered into 4-HOnline! Below you will find helpful links and letters to guide you through the animal ID process for 2023.

We know registration/fair entry can be confusing. Don't stress, we are here to help! Please don't hesitate to reach out to the Murray County Extension Office if you have questions. 

2024 Murray County Premium List

2024 Murray County 4-H Fair Schedule

Murray County 4-H Food Stand is offering "punch cards," available for purchase before or during the fair!  These come in $20 increments and will be stored at the Eatstand!  This is our way of making the fair more "convenient" that way you don't have to worry about losing them throughout the day or keeping cash on hand.

Animal ID  

• Due Feb 15, 2024, for market beef (beef steers, market heifers and dairy steers)
• Due May 15, 2024, for beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine. 
• Cloverbud ID information does not need to be included in 4HOnline. 

Fair Entry (Open June 1, 2024 - July 15, 2024)

• Fair Entry Instructions
• Fair Entry is Due July 15, 2024

Minnesota State Fair

• 2024 General Encampment Premium Book
• 2024 Livestock Encampment Premium Book

Learn more about 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair. 

2024 Murray County Livestock Stalling Survey

Kim Hause, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-836-1144

Kerstin Thoms, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
[email protected] or 507-836-1145

Melissa Runck, Extension Educator, Ag Production Systems (4-H animal science projects/events)
[email protected] or 507-836-1143

Mallory Vos, Extension Staff
[email protected] or 507-836-6927

4-H Volunteer Emergency Contacts

Welcome to Murray County 4-H!! We are so happy to have you join us! The following links may be helpful for your family as you navigate this new journey!

• Murray County 4-H Family Handbook
• Cloverbud Project Record
• Important Links & Pages to Bookmark

New member newsletters

Murray County 4-H has started a new member newsletter for our new families to help them navigate being a new member in the 4-H world. Newsletter will be sent to new families every other month starting in October and families will receive them for one year. After a year you will automatically be taken off. If after a year you wish to still receive them please let the Extension Office know. Newsletters are emailed to families. If you wish to receive a paper copy instead, please let us know, and we would be more than happy to mail it to you. 

• October & November New Member Newsletter
• December & January New Member Newsletter
• February & March New Member Newsletter
• April & May New Member Newsletter
• June & July New Member Newsletter
• August & September New Member Newsletter

Gifts support 4-H youth development in Murray County, and local programming coordinated by Murray County 4-H Federation.

Give today

Fundraising is about to begin!

Your club leaders will have your packets unless requested otherwise.

Forms are due to your club leaders by Feb. 16, 2024.

Family Fundraiser Letter

Club Fundraiser Letter

Puffins Order Form

World's Finest Chocolate Order Form

McCone's Order Form

MinnTex Order Form

Murray County's economy is based on agriculture, both crop and livestock production.  Corn and soybeans are the primary crops grown in  Murray County.  Livestock production includes beef, dairy, goats, swine and sheep. 

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Secure Beef Supply Plan program provides those who work with beef cattle the opportunity to learn more about best management practices, herd health and animal stewardship. The program's goal is to create a better quality beef supply and increase consumer confidence.

Producers need to participate in only one training option to become BQA certified. Only one person from each operation is required to be certified to ensure the entire operation follows the BQA standards. However, everyone who handles and manages fed cattle is encouraged to become BQA certified. Certification is good for three years.

To find out more about Minnesota's BQA certification requirements, visit the Minnesota Beef Council site.

Ag Marketing groups meet in Slayton on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Extension Educator David Bau coordinates the meetings. To join a group or for more information call 507-836-6927 or email [email protected] 

Private pesticide applicator re-certification in 2024 has changed.  There are four options this year:  mail-in exam, online exam, live online workshops via Zoom, or online self-paced canvas course.

Beef Quality Assurance & Secure Beef Supply trainings are scheduled in February and March.

Farmland Rental Rates in Minnesota including sample leases.

• Dairy events
• FSMA on your farm

Melissa Runck is an Extension Educator in ag production systems; her time is split between Murray and Pipestone Counties. Contact Melissa for assistance with animal science, crop production, horticulture, and ag business questions.

Melissa Runck, Local Extension educator, Ag Production Systems
[email protected] or 507-836-1143 (Murray County)

Murray County Master Gardeners planted and maintain two perennial flower gardens on public property in Slayton. They host an annual summer garden tour in July, showcasing several Murray County homeowners' gardening talents.  Master Gardeners have conducted summer gardening projects for area youth and answer horticulture questions for county residents.

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

Make a gift on the University of Minnesota giving page.

Master Gardener volunteers are University of Minnesota-trained volunteers who educate the public about a variety of horticulture subjects using current research-based resources. This educational effort is designed to enhance quality of life and promote good stewardship of the environment.

Master Gardener volunteers complete many hours of volunteer work each year, providing a valuable in-kind contribution to Minnesota.

• Become a Master Gardener volunteer
• Master Naturalist volunteers work in your community

County Extension Educator Melissa Runck provides identification and answers to tree, landscape, insect, and gardening problems.
[email protected] or 507-836-1143

Murray County Master Gardeners

David Bau, Slayton, Master Gardener coordinator
507-836-6124, [email protected]

Gaylene Chapman, Lake Wilson
507-879-3509, [email protected]

Colleen Gengler, Slayton
507-360-0624, [email protected]

Mona Henkels, Fulda
507-425-3117, [email protected]

Betty Kassel, Walnut Grove
507-859-2741, [email protected]

Joan Lanoue
[email protected]

Matthew Meier, Fulda
507-220-9038, [email protected]

Marilyn Moger, Fulda
507-425-3137, [email protected]

Jolene Nelson, Hadley
507-836-6373, [email protected]

Kathy Schwartz, Slayton
507-836-8304, [email protected]

Patricia White, Westbrook 
507-274-5119

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

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