January Lyon County 4-H
Here is what’s new for Lyon County 4-H
Happy New Year.
Seasons Greetings from the Lyon County Extension staff. With the beginning of a new year, we wanted to tell you all how much we appreciate you. In Lyon County, 4-H has created a great learning environment that never fails to amaze and impress. For all you do to "make the best better," we salute you, your family, and our volunteers. Please take a minute to watch this celebration video: z.umn.edu/23lyonrecap.
Please re-enroll in 4-H as soon as possible if you haven't already so that you won't miss out on any of the great programs and events that are exclusively for 4-H members. The QR code to the right of this paragraph will take you directly to the enrollment page at mn.4honline.com.
In order to take part in 4-H activities, all participants must be enrolled in 4-H. Two current Lyon County 4-H activities we want to draw your attention to include:
The opportunity to use self-contained educational kits. To accommodate all 4-Hers, we have made kits available for youth to continue to do hands-on learning projects at home. Each educational kit comes with an instructional manual and somesupplies to help you finish it.
Become a county ambassador: Ambassadors offer leadership and engagement to 4-H members. They are role models for other 4-H'ers and serve as positive representatives of the 4-H program. There will be an ambassador (grades 6-13) meeting on Jan. 7 at the Red Baron Arena to have teambuilding by ice skating and learning how to be light on our feet as we glide across the ice. Not currently an ambassador, but if you want to check it out, come along and skate with us! Skating will be paid for by 4H, skate rental will be on you. Cost $5)
Furthermore, we are always excited for the Lyon County Fair because the great exhibits never fail to impress! In 2023, 187 out of 289 4-H members demonstrated mastery in their project areas. This year, we expect to see a lot of exciting creations at the 4-H building and the animal barns. The animal project participants of the next year are already hard at work on their projects. Identifying animals is the first step in our preparations for this year's showcase. On February 15, 2024, the deadline for Beef ID will be enforced. All other species of animals have until May 15, 2024, to upload identification papers.
Lastly, all are invited to join Lyon County 4-H in a New Year's bowling party on Sunday, January 28th, at Tracy Lanes. Come for a whole family fun time! All are welcome to attend, even if you have not had a chance to enroll. If you enroll in 4hOnline before the bowling party, your bowling will be free! Sign up at z.umn.edu/bowlingparty24 We hope you can all make it.
Sending warmest holiday greetings,
Sam Jens, Extension Educator, Youth Development, Lyon County
Aimee Powers, Extension Support Staff, Lyon County
Bowl with Lyon County 4-H
The Lyon County 4-H will have a bowling party at Tracy Lanes on Jan. 28, 2024 from 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Come for a whole family fun time! All are welcome to attend, even if you have not had a chance to enroll. If you enroll in 4hOnline before the bowling party, your bowling will be free! Sign up at z.umn.edu/bowlingparty24 or click link below.
January Federation Meeting
Mark your calendar for January’s Federation meeting. Jan. 28, 2024 7 p.m.. We will be kicking off our annual fruit and frozen food fundraiser at the meeting!
Livestock PDC Meeting
There will be a livestock PDC meeting on Jan. 9, 2024 at 7 p.m. at the Extension Office. We will be discussing educational opportunities for 2024, animal ID updates, and showcase logistics. If you would like something discussed, please reach out to your livestock superintendent.
Beef Project Tour at V and M Locker
Winter 4-H project kits
Keep warm and cozy with some creative, at-home learning projects. This winter-themed kit will include four different projects and explore a variety of areas. Each activity will include the primary supplies, instructions, and additional information needed to create the different projects/activities.
These easy projects will allow 4-H members some creative time to do things independently, work together with siblings or other 4-H members, and build off of their learning. Plus, all projects can be exhibited at next year’s county fair.
Audience: All ages are welcome to participate!
Down on the Farm
Explore the wonderful world of animal science through hands-on activities and guest speakers. We’ll learn about beef cattle, horses, swine, and chickens from industry professionals. Sessions will be offered Saturday mornings Jan 6-27 from 10-10:30 a.m.
Market Beef ID Deadline Feb. 15!
Market Beef and Dairy Steer ID deadline is Feb. 15. Don't forget to ID on time. As a reminder, the first 10 ID tags are free for each Lyon County 4-Her! If you are planning to participate in the rate of gain contest but do not have access to a scale for the initial weigh in, contact Grant Wichmann.
Ambassador Meeting at the Red Baron Arena Jan. 7 at 6:30pm
Become a county ambassador: Ambassadors offer leadership and engagement to 4-H members. Ambassadors are role models for other 4-H'ers and serve as positive representatives of the 4-H program. There will be an ambassador (grades 6-13) meeting on Jan. 7 at the Red Baron Arena to have teambuilding by ice skating and learning how to be light on our feet as we glide across the ice. Not currently an ambassador, but if you want to check it out, come along and skate with us! Skating will be paid for by 4H; skate rental will be on you. Cost $5
4-H Winter Wildlife Day!
Are you interested in or already involved in the project areas of; wildlife, shooting sports, and/or outdoor adventures? If so, you are invited to attend this wildlife and outdoor project learning event. Join us and our experts as we dive into Bugs Below Zero, Falconry, Jerky Making, a Wing Bee, Owl Pellets, Snowshoeing, Outdoor Survival, and learn more about what the WHEP (Wildlife Habitat Education Program) is. Participation in this event will count towards the wildlife hours needed for shooting sports participants.
WHO: All youth in grades K - 13. (Kindergarten - 2nd graders have a separate track this year! An adult helper is encouraged to assist these Cloverbuds.)
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 - 9 a.m. is registration/check in. The event is from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Redwood Falls Public Schools, 100 George Ramseth Drive Redwood Falls, Minnesota 56283. Park in the lower parking lot.
COST: $25 (this includes all supplies and helps offset facility costs)
Send payment to Redwood County 4-H, PO Box 130, 403 South Mill Street, Redwood Falls MN 56283
WHAT: Many sessions to participate in and all related to wildlife and the outdoors!
Youth in grades K-2 will learn about owls and dissect an owl pellet, partake in an outdoor snowshoeing scavenger hunt adventure, and learn about different animal skulls, pelts, and tracks.
Youth in grades 3-13 will choose 2 sessions to attend (Choice of Bugs Below Zero, Falconry, Jerky Making, Wing Bee). Later, they will choose to participate in either 1 afternoon session (choice of Snowshoeing and Orienteering or Outdoor Survival)
Lastly, all youth will learn about the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) as they rotate through hands-on learning WHEP sessions and participate in skill-a-thon!
HOW: Register in 4hOnline by Jan. 27, 2024.
BRING: Your own lunch or lunch options are also available off site if you choose to go out for lunch.
Refillable water bottle. Extra pair of socks and/or clothes. Refillable water bottle. Extra pair of socks.
WEAR: layers and plan to be outdoors. Hats, mittens/gloves, winter jackets, snow boots or water resistant shoes, and snow pants if you have them.
Consider being a 4-H camp counselor at Lake Shetek this summer!
With the cold weather approaching, I’m sure a lot of people are looking forward to the warm summer months again. Get a head start on your summer planning by considering applying for a camp counselor position this summer at Lake Shetek. 4-H Camp at Lake Shetek 2024 is looking for camp counselors, with applications due Jan. 31, 2024. To apply to be a camp counselor, complete the online application by clicking button below.
Counselors will be required to be present at one or both encampments on June 17-19 and June 19-21. We are looking for students who enjoy working with youth and are ready to build a positive experience with the incoming campers!
If you know of someone who would make a great camp counselor - share the application with them. No 4-H experience is required; - just need to have completed 9th grade by this summer.
4-H Project Judges Clinic
Pipestone and Lyon County 4-H will host a 4-H judges clinic for those interested in judging 4-H projects at the County Fair on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at the Marshall Adult Community Center,, Marshall, Minnesota, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Both new and experienced judges are encouraged to attend.
4-H projects play a large role in the 4-H program and at county fairs. Projects are judged conference-style, where a judge talks with 4-H members one-on-one about their project and what they’ve learned. Extension Educators from Lyon and Pipestone Counties welcome you to attend this event to help you sharpen your skills so that you can help our 4-H members grow in their learning.
To be a judge, you don't need to be a 4-H alum or an expert. You do need to know how to evaluate the learning that a 4-H'er has done. We will train you to do that.
Registration is requested by Feb. 12th 2024. It is quick and easy! Call your local Extension office to sign up, or click button below.
Office Closed For Holidays
Contact
Local Staff: Lyon County 4-H events
Sam Jens, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Lyon County
jens0593@umn.edu or 507-532-1310
Aimee Powers, Support Staff, Lyon County
power684@umn.edu or 507-532-8219 Ext. 1
Email: mnext-lyon@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu
Location: 500 Fairgrounds Road, Marshall, MN, USA
Phone: 507-532-8219
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UofMNExt
Twitter: @UMNExt