Extension at the University of Minnesota

New RSDP sustainable agriculture director draws inspiration from the land

His journey, from a small North Carolina family farm to witnessing food insecurity in Bolivia, led him to the University of Minnesota, where he committed to improving food systems for everyone ...
Extension at the University of Minnesota

Rural entrepreneur builds her hometown grocery business and community

The Grygla General Store has been operating since 1910. Owner Cheyenne Irlbeck is proudly carrying that tradition forward with a little help from RSDP.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

Master Gardener returns to hometown to plant trees — and memories — with students

John Nordlund attended elementary school in Gibbon, where one Arbor Day a visitor came to plant two crabapple trees with his class. Now a Master Gardener, he decided to give back to his hometown.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

How one volunteer’s work is creating ripple effects

Detectors Core Course, McCormick constructed monitoring rakes for herself and for the lake association, bringing what she learned back to others in the group.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

2026 Climate Adaptation Awards honor Minnesota environmental leaders

The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership hosts the awards each spring to celebrate and accelerate environmental stewardship across the state.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

New weather and climate checklists help Minnesotans protect their homes

New checklists help residents protect their homes with science-based steps tailored to major climate and weather threats: wind and hail, flooding, extreme heat, wildfire, and snow and ice.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

Open for exploration

Dedicated University of Minnesota Extension Master Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteers have worked to keep the Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center open on weekends, in addition to providing ...
Extension at the University of Minnesota

Cottage food spotlight: The art of developing a signature product

Deana's cottage food journey didn’t begin with a generations-old recipe or a lifelong passion for baking. Instead, it started as a passing joke.
Extension at the University of Minnesota

2026 Volunteer Week highlights outstanding Minnesota 4-H volunteers

University of Minnesota Extension 4-H spotlights the impact volunteers have on youth and their communities through the Salute to Excellence award and the Northern Lights honor.
blog.lib.umn.edu

Extension news and highlights

Summer brings even more opportunities for 4-H’ers to learn, lead and serve. Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Jordan B. shares more about these opportunities, including YELLO and 4-H camp.
blog.lib.umn.edu

Growing potatoes in home gardens

Potatoes grow from seed tubers, not true seed. They originated in the Andes and come in a variety of types, colors and shapes. Generally, there are russet types that are starchy with brown skins and ...
blog.lib.umn.edu

Understanding phosphorus fertilizers

When producers pay special attention to managing phosphorus (P), it can lead to profitable crop production. The best way to use fertilizers to meet P requirements changes with crop, soil properties ...