NDSU Extension - McLean County

09/16/2026

Applications are now open for a Southwestern North Dakota representative to serve on the State Board of Agricultural Research & Education (SBARE).

SBARE helps identify and prioritize agricultural research and Extension needs across North Dakota. This is an opportunity for a community leader to bring local perspectives and help shape priorities at the state level.

The position represents Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Grant, Hettinger, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sioux, Slope and Stark counties.

Applications are due October 1.

Applications are available at your local NDSU Extension office.

For more information, contact Jim Gray, NDSU Extension Central District Director, at 701-877-2582 or [email protected].

09/08/2026

It's ! 💜

This year's theme, "988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough," reminds us that you don't have to be in crisis to reach out to the 988 Lifeline. Whatever you're facing, support is available.

Today, share what 988 means to you - whether it's reaching out for support, checking in on someone you care about, finding someone to talk to, or simply knowing that help is available when you need it.

Share your reason and help remind others that there's no wrong time to reach out to 988.

09/04/2026

Happy Labor Day from NDSU Extension | McLean County!

Labor Day is a chance to slow down, enjoy the last bits of summer and recognize the hard work that helps our families, farms and communities thrive.

If your long weekend includes a little time in the kitchen, September is also a great time to capture the flavors of summer through food preservation. From garden produce to locally grown fruit, homemade jams and jellies are a delicious way to make the harvest last a little longer. 🍓🍑🍇

Looking for a place to start? Our Food Preservation: Jellies, Jams and Spreads publication covers the basics of making and safely preserving sweet spreads, along with recipes for favorites like rhubarb-strawberry jam, grape-plum jelly, chokecherry jelly and peach-pineapple spread.

So whether you're spending the weekend relaxing, gathering with family or getting one last batch of summer goodness into a jar, we hope you have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Our office will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, and will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Have a jam-packed Labor Day weekend! 🍓

09/01/2026

NDSU Extension Parent Education offers some fantastic resources for families with ALL ages of children! MANY of these are available for FREE! Check these out!

09/01/2026

Happy New 4-H Year🎉

Enroll or re-enroll in North Dakota 4-H! 4-H is the largest and the only research based youth organization in the state, and provides hands-on, real life experiences through projects, activities, and events.

Joining 4-H can be as simple as attending one of our events or club meetings with a friend who is already a member. Enroll >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/4-h-youth-development/become-4-h-member

Looking for a club to join? Contact your county Extension office >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-county-offices

08/31/2026

⏰ Early bird registration for ND Next ends Sept. 1!

The full schedule is now online—check out the keynote speakers, 16 breakout sessions, Community Showcase, Resource Partners and more.

Join us Sept. 30–Oct. 1 in Carrington for ND Next: The Future Grows Here.

👉 View the schedule and register at ndsu.ag/ndnext

08/31/2026

NDSU Parent and Family Educators are kicking off their webinar series! Here are the details for the first one!

🍽️ **What if the family dinner table is about more than just dinner?**

Spilled milk. Picky eaters. Busy schedules. Someone inevitably getting up three times. 😅

Family meals don’t have to be perfect to matter.

Join **Dr. Sean Brotherson** on **September 29 at noon** as we explore the **science behind eating together** and how family meals can support our overall well-being and strengthen family connections.

Because sometimes the best memories happen in the middle of the mess. ❤️

📅 September 29 | Noon
💻 Online webinar | FREE
👉 Register at **ndsu.ag/parenteducation**

08/28/2026

Join us for some fun and some delicious food!

UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED.

BBQ with a purpose!

Join us Sept. 10 from 2-5pm at the North Dakota 4-H Camp for an afternoon of hands-on grilling education, flavor science, door prizes and a dinner featuring beef, pork and lamb. Your $45 registration supports 4-H camper scholarships and investments in hands-on camp programming and equipment. Come hungry, learn something new and help give more North Dakota youth the opportunity to experience 4-H Camp.

Register to attend: bit.ly/ND4HBBQ

08/28/2026

Looking ahead to retirement? Join us for an online book club focused on more than just the financial side of retirement.

In partnership with SDSU Extension, this book club will provide opportunities to reflect on your vision for retirement, explore the role of purpose in health and well-being, and consider your goals, priorities, and plans for this next chapter of life.

💻 Read, connect, and share with others—all from the comfort of your own home!

Register now: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/events/purposeful-retirement-online-book-club-0

08/26/2026

BBQ Boot Camp is coming to Washburn!! Come and learn for a GREAT cause!!