Murray County 4-H Messenger
June 15, 2023
Murray County Information
Looking for Volunteer's to help with the Summer Beef Tour!!
The ask is for all those willing to help to be at the Pipestone County Fairgrounds (10th Avenue Southeast Pipestone, MN 56164) at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. Help will be needed with moving around picnic tables, setting out table clothes, serving food, picking up trash, and all cleanup afterwards. Serving will begin at 5:00 p.m.
Anyone interested in helping with the set-up and cleanup for the steak dinner on Tuesday evening (both youth and adults are welcome to help) is asked to please respond by July 1 with their availability, number of family members who are able to come, and T-shirt size(s) for those who will be helping. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa in the Extension Office at 507-836-6927.
Please go to https://z.umn.edu/HelpForMurrayPipestoneTour to sign your family up to help if you can! We appreciate any help we can get!
Office Closed
SW 4-H General Livestock Judging Contest
Calling all 4-H livestock judges! There will be a livestock judging contest held at the Murray County Fairgrounds on June 28th from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Registration for the event will begin at 9 a.m. with the contest starting at 9:30 a.m.
4-Hers in grades 3-13 are invited to attend. 4-Hers can participate in this event individually or as a team. This event is free for youth in Murray County. The cost for those in other counties is $10 per youth. IMPORTANT: This event is for practice only and not a qualifying event for a Regional/State competition.
Lunch will be provided by the Murray County Cattlemen's Association.
If you have questions contact Macy Posthuma at post027@umn.edu, Kim Hause at hausek@umn.edu, or Melissa Runck at mkrunck@umn.edu
Register at: https://z.umn.edu/2023SWJudgingContest
Deadline to register is June 23rd!
Fair Entry Opened June 1 and is Due July 15th!!
Exhibit judging registration is open June 1-July 15. How do you do register your 4-H exhibits that you want to bring to the fair? By using FairEntry.
What is FairEntry? FairEntry is the online-based system where 4-H club members register their exhibits for judging at the County Fair. The system works by using your current information from 4HOnline and integrating your member information with FairEntry. This does not replace 4HOnline.
4HOnline and FairEntry...What's the difference?
4HOnline:
- Enroll/re-enroll in Murray County 4-H (become a member or reactivate your membership)
- Allows members to select (or remove) project areas. You can then exhibit in those projects, but it’s not required. This allows us to send you notifications of events, deadlines, etc. for those projects.
- Register for State events such as BLU, YELLO, CWF, Summer camps and other state events.
- ID your animal(s) so they are eligible for county/state fair. Market beef ID deadline is February 15; May 15 is the ID deadline for other animals that require ID.
- If showing an animal(s), the system verifies required LQA&E training is completed.
FairEntry:
- All members (including Cloverbuds) register their exhibits/animals using FairEntry between June 1-July 15 to be eligible for judging. Note: animals must be identified in 4HOnline and ALSO registered as an exhibit (entry) in FairEntry. Cloverbuds are exempt from animal IDs and most poultry exhibits don't require IDs but some require a Statement of Origin.
- You must know your 4HOnline email/password to login (temporary passwords can be requested).
- You must have internet access to register your projects since FairEntry is an internet-based program.
Did you forget to attend LQA&E?
YQCA is a valid online option for MN 4-H Youth to fulfill the MN 4-H LQA requirement.
Participation in an online 1-hour Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training offered via distance learning. (See guide here) This certification is valid for one fair season. Cost for this training is $12.00 and is paid at the time of online registration with a credit card. (This is a nationally offered program and registration fee is utilized to upkeep the system and update the training modules.) Murray County 4-H DOES NOT pay for this fee. The family is responsible for the registration fee. Course must be completed by July 31st!!!
LQA certifications (LQA&E and YQCA) will be checked as part of Final Registration to verify that all State Fair 4-H Livestock exhibitors are certified at the appropriate level of LQA.
If you choose to participate in YQCA you must provide the Extension Office with a copy of your certificate after you have completed the course
Murray County 4-H in need of used lamps!
Murray County 4-H is looking for old/new/used/not working metal lamps for a project learning opportunity. We will be excited for any size lamp. They do not have to be in working condition. Please feel free to drop them off at the Extension office or call 507-836-1144 for Slayton pick up. Please help us spread the word!
Make sure to pickup your Premium Book so you can complete your entries for Fair in FairEntry
Please pay close attention to the 4-H Fair schedule that is located in the beginning of the book because there are several times that have changed this year like arrival and departure times, show times, and weigh in times. Also a few species have moved their Cloverbud classes to the middle of the show and will no longer be the first class. Those species that have moved the classes are noted in the premium book in red under the Cloverbud class in that species. If you have any question please let us know!
A copy of the book can also be found on the Murray County 4-H App and on our website!
Murray County Fair
- Hard copies of the Murray County Premium List are still available in the Extension Office if you would like one.
- FairEntry deadline is July 15th!!
- Want to have Murray County 4-H Fair information in the palm of your hand? Download the Murray County 4-H App to get up to date schedules, premium book, barn information, food stand information, placings, and more!
- Keep an eye on your email (and snail mail) for fair updates and information. Letters for Performing Arts, Food Review, and Clothing Projects will be sent out in July.
Murray County 4-H Summer Day Camp Schedule
Cupcake Decorating- June 26th from 1-3 p.m.
Take your Best Shot- June 27th from 1-3 p.m.
Livestock Judging Contest- June 28th 1-3 p.m.
Braids and Updos- July 10th 1-3 p.m.
Arts and Crafts- July 11th 1-4 p.m.
Water Wars- July 24th 1-4 p.m.
Science Inquiry- 1-3 p.m.
Exploring Animals- 1-3 p.m.
Floriculture- 1-3 p.m.
Please check out the flyer for location and what grades are welcome to attend. To view the flyer click here!
Youth must be enrolled in MN 4-H but do not need to join a community club. Please see our family user guide to learn more: https://z.umn.edu/familyuserguide
Grade Level = 2022-2023 School Year
Hub City Barrel Bash
Applications are due July 1st!
The County Fair and Minnesota State Fair will be here before we know it! It isn’t too early to start thinking about livestock projects and transportation to and from the fairs. In 2023 Murray County 4-H is highly encouraging adults who may possibly transport livestock to and from the Minnesota State Fair to become screened adult volunteers. This process is free and easy!
We have decided to highly encourage this due to the loadout at the State Fair becoming a safety issue the last several years. If you are assisting with loadout and an accident were unfortunately to occur at the State Fair and you are a screened volunteer, you would be covered under Minnesota 4-H’s insurance. If you are not a screened volunteer unfortunately you could be found liable. Even if your child is an actively enrolled 4-H member participating at the State Fair, you still must be a screen volunteer to be covered. We hope something like this never happens, but we are trying to look out for our families and cover them the best we can in the event an accident was to ever accidently occur.
In order for your adult volunteer application to be approved in time for the Minnesota State Fair your application is due to the Extension Office by July 1st. A Paper form is required. Filling out the application in 4-H Online will not be accepted!!
Please follow the link to obtain a copy of the form or stop into the Extension Office to pick up a copy. When you follow the link you will also find the instructions on how to complete the rest of the volunteer application process!
We thank you for you cooperation and please contact the Extension Office if you have any questions!
Regional Opportunities
Minnesota State Fair
Livestock Exhibitor Resource Page
The State Fair Premium Book is available on the Extension Website. You can also find a copy of it on our Website or on our app.
Did you know you can win a horse by writing an essay? 🐴
To enter, you must be enrolled in Minnesota 4-H and submit a one-to-two-page essay on what owning a paint or quarter horse would mean to you. Learn more and apply by July 15 z.umn.edu/WAPQHcontest
Mail or email your application, essay and consent and release of liability form to:
Renee Kostick, Extension educator
322 Laurel Street, Suite 21
Brainerd, MN 56401
Email: hinkx001@umn.edu
Phone: 218-232-5174
⚠️ Attention poultry project participants ⚠️
Cowabunga: Delicious dairy days - Sundae galore
Celebrate June Dairy Month and delicious dairy days with us! Sessions will be held on June 20, 22 and 27, 6-7 p.m.
Let's make sundaes, add some twist to your favorite whip topping and meet a dairy farmer and Princess Kay of the Milky Way. This is a great way to start the summer.
June 20 - Sundae galore - Learn to add new ingredients to this traditional cool treat.
June 22 - Whip it up - Do you like whipped cream? Join us as we add some twists to one of our favorite toppings.
June 27 - Say cheese - Who doesn't like cheese? We will make some cheesy snacks that will keep you grinning. Meet a dairy farmer and our new Princess Kay of the Milky Way while taking a virtual tour.
You don't want to miss out on this series!
For youth K-13
This series is free!
June Environmental Service Project
In June, we offer the opportunity to build garden boxes or raised garden beds. Garden boxes are enclosed with boxes filled with soil or heaped with a pile of soil. They are best for growing small vegetables or flowers. They benefit gardeners because they don’t involve tilling the soil, keep out tiny insects, have better drainage, fewer weeds and can be accessible for beginners.
The statewide service project aims to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and meet critical health, education, human service, human rights and environmental needs. This year’s topic specifically focuses on building awareness and inspiring service, advocacy, and philanthropy for the environment, specifically:
To learn more and submit your service projects check out the MN 4-H Statewide Service website at z.umn.edu/MN4H-Service!
University on the Prairie
We hope to see you July 26-27 for University on the Prairie! Youth entering grades 7-13 are invited to explore science-based careers at University on the Prairie!
Held at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center near Lamberton, University on the Prairie immerses students in hands-on activities related to different sciences. Tracks are led by university faculty and area professionals.
All University on the Prairie activities will take place in the classrooms, labs and the great outdoors at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center facilities in Lamberton. Each career track is led by enthusiastic faculty from U of M, SDSU, and SWROC staff, graduate students and industry professionals who are highly skilled in their field. The instructors gladly share stories about their own experiences and answer questions about how to get into certain career fields.
NEW in 2023 - housing is provided (and optional).
Cost to participate is $50. For more information, contact the Cottonwood County Extension Office at 507-831-4022 or mohrh002@umn.edu.
Registration is due July 24th!
4-H STEM Explorers Day Camp
4-H STEM Explorers Day Camp - June 27, 2023
Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to Explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by spending a day on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. The day will consist of faculty presentations and fun hands-on activities. Join us afterward for rock-climbing in the Myers Field House!
Registration closes Friday, June 16. 2023
Minnesota 4-H Crop Scouting
Registration Due June 20th
Stay up-to-date with Minnesota 4-H plant science programming opportunities and highlights
Minnesota 4-H has been expanding plant science programming and we've seen the program grow quickly! Programming is happening all across Minnesota, and we'd love to share highlights and successes with you.
We’ll begin sending out a quarterly newsletter, along with other opportunities, to a Minnesota 4-H plant science listserv. Stay up-to-date to ensure you don't miss out on what's happening. If you know others who would be interested in your community, send them a note and encourage them to sign up!
Kandiyohi County 4-H Dog Fun Match
To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com.
For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent or Contact Amber Carlson with any questions at amber.christina.carlson@gmail.com or 320-444-1332.
Send payment to: Kandiyohi County Extension office, 2200 23rd Street NE Suite 2025, Willmar MN 56201
State Arts-In: Registration is now open!
This year, State Arts-In will celebrate its 50th anniversary. This year's participants will put together a very special show with lots of alumni support and appearances throughout the experience.
Youth in grades 9+ can be a part of this community of young adults. They will put together a show, develop new skills, and grow in leadership, teamwork and goal setting. This event will take place on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Aug. 10 - 17 and Aug. 22 - Sept. 4.
Registrants will rank their choices of "majors" to participate in: band, tech, costuming, and performing. Directors will make final selections of major choices. Those who register by June 30 will receive a $50 discount. Registration and program details (including online info sessions for youth and families) can be found at z.umn.edu/statearts-in.
The 2023 Engineering Design Challenge: Task, Story, Presentations and Judging For teams participating in the 2023 Engineering Design Challenge - Take Your Best Shot! Use Engineering to Achieve Your Goal
2023 State Showcase: Take your best shot and celebrate!
The goal of the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC) is to encourage creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Participants will apply their STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) knowledge and skills to solve problems by identifying and researching them, then making and implementing a plan to design a solution.
In both Level 1 and Level 2 of the Challenge, youth not only employ physics and engineering and storytelling, to create a Rube Goldberg™ type machine.
A Rube Goldberg™ machine is an overly complex contraption that does a simple task and uses everyday items in a fun or amusing way. The machine uses a series of chain-reaction steps that culminate in accomplishing a task.
Take Your Best Shot! Use Engineering to Achieve Your Goal
Teams of youth work with volunteer coaches to create a machine that completes a 2-step task designed to solve an issue connected to energy. Specific task info can be found on the challenge task, story, presentations and judging info sheet.
The Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge Showcase will be held in person on Monday, Aug. 7, at St. Cloud State University. A virtual state showcase will be offered on Monday, Aug. 14.
Start your teams now! Summer Adventures will host an Engineering Design Day June 27 to get youth interested in the challenge. Look for Summer Adventures information coming soon.
4-H Regional Llama/Alpaca Show
4-H Regional Llama/Alpaca Show will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023
Sponsored by Southwest MN 4-H Llama/Alpaca Project Club
• Performance (Obstacle & Public Relations)
• Showmanship
All 4-H Members grade 3 and up and enrolled in 4-H Llama/Alpaca are welcome to join us. Everyone will receive a ribbon. Judging will be done by volunteer judges.
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The show starts at 10:00 a.m. Cost: $5.00 per animal. This will be a trailer show. There will be no stalling available. Come and join us for a fun and educational experience to get ready for your local shows & State Fair. This will be a great opportunity to show with other 4-H members from other counties. A free will donation lunch will be served. Bring your own beverages, snacks, chairs, & canopy.
For more information contact Sam Jens, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Lyon County Jens0593@umn.edu or 507-532-1310
4-H video production workshop
Join the Minnesota 4-H video project team for an awesome summer workshop! Youth members who have experience in video creation will come together to learn from experts in the field about story development, lighting, sound, video angles and so much more.
This workshop will include four one-hour virtual sessions, a three-day in-person immersion event and a one-day film festival.
Virtual sessions
July 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 21 from 5-6 p.m.
In-person overnight session
Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. - Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Film festival
This will be held during the Minnesota State Fair - yet to be scheduled.
Audience
Youth who have completed grades 8 and up as of June 2023.
Cost
$65 includes meals, lodging, instructor fees and all activities
Register for this event by July 12 in 4-HOnline. For more information please visit: https://extension.umn.edu/event/4-h-video-production-workshop
Free family-focused webinars May through August
The University of Minnesota Extension will present a series of webinars from May through August to support families and those who serve families in making informed decisions that lead to greater health, resilience and well-being.
All webinars are virtual and free. Learn more about the webinar series. (Follow the link for each series to learn more about webinar topics, dates, times and registration.)
Charlas en Español (Talks in Spanish)
Brindamos información y recursos en español para ayudar a las familias a tomar mejores decisiones. Los temas que tratamos son de utilidad para su vida diaria.
Climate and disaster preparedness
Find practical strategies for planning, navigating and responding to climate change and natural disasters to support better health and wellbeing for all.
Family-friendly earth care
Explore the connection between global health and wellness. Gain practical tips and resources to promote environmental wellbeing through gardening and farming practices.
Finding balance
Discover practical tips to prioritize your mental, physical and emotional health while navigating life's challenges and opportunities.
Making cents of it all
Learn strategies for navigating financial decisions, including, budgeting, saving, credit and debt management.
No place like home
Whether you rent or own your home, get tips to make your home and community healthier, affordable and energy efficient.
Parenting and relationships
Receive effective tools for maintaining positive, healthy relationships, including practical tips for parents and caregivers.
Recovery and health
Understand how recovery and health are interconnected as we discuss opioid use disorder (OUD) and harm reduction.
What’s for dinner?
Discuss various food-related topics, including food safety, farmer's market visits, managing allergies and food’s connection to mood and self-care.
Please register for the webinar(s) you plan to attend via the link above and share these opportunities with friends, family, co-workers, networks, and program participants.
Ambassador Information
Murray County Ambassador Events for June
There are no Ambassador Events for the month of June!
Volunteer Information
New Member Information
Below you will find a link to the new member newsletters
Edition 1 October- November New Member Newsletter
Edition 2 December- January New Member Newsletter
Edition 3 February- March New Member Newsletter
Kim Hause
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
Email: hausek@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/murray
Location: 2848 Broadway Avenue, Slayton MN USA
Phone: 507-836-1144
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murraycounty4h