The market beef ID deadline is fast approaching! Information was mailed to those enrolled in the beef project as of January 10. This deadline is for those identifying and exhibiting a beef market animal (beef steer, market beef heifer, dairy steer) with a birthdate of January 1, 2022-August 31, 2022 finished market animal at the time of county fair. These animals need to be ear tagged and identified by February 15, 2023.

All other beef animals (breeding heifer, cow/calf/ prospect calf) are identified later in the year.

You can find all information about the tagging and ID process here. Ear tags are to be ordered through the google form included in the letter. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out.

The Forada Lions have invited Douglas County 4-H to help with the upcoming Harvest Pack April 13 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Forada Fire Hall. Please come 15 minutes early for instructions. We had a great turnout last time so hope to see many of you there again this year! This is for any age youth and parents/guardians are welcome also.

• April 1 (Saturday) - Douglas County 4-H is partnering with the Legacy of the Lakes Maritime Museum to host a workshop around flotation science.
• April 30 (Sunday) - Moses & Aaron 4-H club is hosting a Rabbit Fun Show at the Brandon Auditorium. Thank you to these 4-H members and their families for sharing your time and talents!
• May 6 (Saturday) - Engineering Design Day to be held in Alexandria. Come and learn what you can build and do in the engineering design project. Don't miss it!

More information on these fun opportunities coming soon.

4-H believes that youth learn best by doing. That's why all 4-H'ers are encouraged to participate in hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture, and civic engagement. Youth can concentrate on one project area, or they can try as many as they like.

Youth drive their own choices. As in the 4-H pledge, they use their:

Head to engage actively in learning.

Heart to demonstrate caring for others and their own learning.

Hands to share their experiences with others.

Health to experience success and learn to support their family, community, and world.

Project work can be overwhelming-where to begin, how to get started, what should I do are FAQ’s surrounding project work. Some project areas are easier to figure out than others. Watch this space in future newsletters for project information and ideas.

A 4-H exhibit is something that 4-H'ers can make and show at the fair or other showcase event to demonstrate what they have learned in the project area.

Animal Science

Animal science encompasses many animals and learning opportunities. One aspect of animal science is raising animals (concentrating on animal selection), nutrition and how to exhibit your animal in the show ring. There are specific deadlines, requirements, and birthdates around showing live animals. Dog has specific requirements around dog training and horse has a variety of classes and opportunities to participate. Informational resources include families in your club or local program, animal nutritionists, 4-H curriculum, and 4-H staff. Visit https://extension.umn.edu/projects-and-more/4-h-animal-science-projects for more information. You do not need to own an animal to exhibit, we have leasing options for exhibiting breeding animals, horse and dog. Under this project umbrella you will find:

• Alpaca/llama, beef, dairy, dog, goats (meat and dairy), horse, poultry, rabbit, sheep, and swine.
• Science of Animals
• Livestock demonstrations
• Dog training
• Horse training, horse related and horse riding.

Creating an exhibit

After exploring and learning about animal science, you can create an exhibit to bring to your fair or showcase event. These might include:

• Show a live breeding or market animal based on qualifications of birthdates and more.
• Exhibit your dog at the county dog in a variety of classes after attending dog training which is required.
• Show your horse at the county fair horse show in a variety of classes.
• A static/general exhibit about an aspect of the animal science project area including: interactive exhibit around body parts, or some aspect of raising an animal; poster showcasing disease and prevention methods (animal nutrition, breed selection, by products, genetics, the topics are endless) or demonstrate about your animal of choice using a live animal or a slide show, or posters.

• Participate in livestock/horse/rabbit/poultry judging or project bowl about your animal of choice.