Douglas 4-H Buzz

May, 2022 Edition

Extension 4-H

May Animal Science ID Information

Are you interested in a 4-H animal science project? We mailed and emailed information to those enrolled in animal science projects (beef, dairy, horse, llama & alpaca, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine) but want to remind all families the deadline is soon approaching to complete your animal science ID's in mn.4honline.com. If you are new to this process, please read the materials here and contact the office, or your club leader if you have questions. We are here to assist you.


The deadline for identifying your animal science project animals is May 16 (typical deadline is May 15, but changed due to falling on a weekend.) Once you order the appropriate ear tags through our google form here, you will collect data for your animal such as birthdate, male/female, breed, etc. and log into your mn.4honline.com profile and input the data to complete your animal science ID. More details can be found here. Again, if you have questions or concerns we are here to help and encourage you to reach out to us. Happy ID'ing!

Douglas County 4-H Growing Green Garden Workshop

Saturday, April 30th, 9-11am

Ida Valley Farm (Jane & Jeff Way) located at 7487 Buckskin Ln NW, Garfield, MN 56332

This workshop is for anyone interested in learning more about growing vegetables! Register by logging into mn.4honline and click events. Search for Douglas County 4-H Growing Green Garden Workshop and click register by the Wednesday, April 27 deadline.


Day One on Saturday, April 30


  • Learn about starting seeds for your garden
  • Selecting plants for your garden
  • New and unique plants to try
  • Time set aside for questions and answers
  • Youth receive seeds for a growing contest with a $ 50 cash prize to be awarded at the county fair


Day Two on Saturday, July 30

Workshop will take place on Saturday, July 30 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Alexandria Farmers Market held at Big Ole Park. Meet Barb Egenes by the Big Ole statue for a Alexandria Farmers Scavenger Hunt.


  • Increase your horticulture knowledge
  • Complete hunt for fun prizes
  • Learn how to turn growing into a business


For more information or questions, contact the Douglas County Extension Office at 320-762-3890.

Hiring Now for Youth Food Stand Cashiers!

Help Wanted!

4-H'ers entering the 7th grade or higher are encouraged to apply for a cashier opportunity at the 4-H Food Stand. The Food Stand is in need of enthusiastic and responsible youth to run our cash registers during the course of the fair. Training on the use of our computerized cash register system will be provided prior to operations.


Benefits of the cashier opportunity:


  • Learn and practice customer service skills
  • Learn and practice how to properly handle money in a retail situation
  • Provide experience for future job opportunities
  • Have fun!
  • Assist in a meaningful way to raise funds for the Douglas County 4-H program


Details of the cashier opportunity:


  • Each cashier will be required to come to computer cashier training in the evening on Monday, August 8. Pre-fair roundup/cleanup at the Food Stand Saturday, August 13 in the morning (exact time to be TBD)
  • Cashiers will be required to cashier a minimum of four 4 hour shifts over the course of fair-week.
  • A minimum of six cashiers will be selected (maybe more)
  • A promotional t-shirt or cap will be provided to wear during shifts and will be the workers to keep after the fair.
  • Award for the position will be a flat rate of $100


Click here to apply.

It's Not Summer Without 4-H Day Camps!

We are excited to offer five in person outdoor day camp experiences for youth who completed grades K-3! These popular camps are offered at different locations in the county (transportation is on your own) for just $ 5 per camp! Signup for one or all five.


All camps start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Participants should dress for the weather, bring a water bottle and their own sack lunch; light snacks will be provided.


Please drop off or mail cash or check payments (payable to University of Minnesota Extension) to the Extension office located on the second floor of the Douglas County Courthouse. We are located at 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria and can be reached at 320-762-3890 with questions.


  • July 13 - Explore Engineering & Motion (Alexandria City Park in Alexandria). Build and make things go!
  • July 20 - Explore Chemistry & Polymers (Lake Osagi Park in Osakis). Mix things together to create new!
  • July 27 - Explore Art (Brandon Lions Park in Brandon). Paint, draw, create and more!
  • August 10 - Explore Nature (Curt Felt Memorial Park in Alexandria). Experience the world around you!
  • August 19 - Explore the County Fair (Douglas County Fairgrounds in Alexandria). Experience all things fair - food, fun and excitement.


To register go to your family profile in mn.4honline.com, click events on the left-hand side and use the search screen to find daycamp(s) of choice and click it to register. There will be a registration specific to each day camp.

It's County Fair Time, Now What?

Wednesday, June 8th, 6-7:30pm

800 3rd Avenue West

Alexandria, MN

Agenda:


  • Premium book
  • County fair registration
  • Events that take place prior to fair
  • Fair exhibit check-in and judging
  • Volunteer opportunities at the fair
  • Foodstand
  • What you should know when it comes to exhibiting animals
  • Fairground tours
  • Practice judging activity
  • Questions and answers


A lot happens before and during the county fair. This free workshop, held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, is designed for youth and parents and will help you prepare and learn what to expect. Register by logging into mn.4honline and click events. Search for It's County Fair Time Now What and click register on or before Tuesday, June 7.


This is a great review for existing members and families and especially important for first and second year members and families. Learn the what, how and why of county fair!

Summer Horse Riding Lessons

Are you a Douglas County 4-H'er 3rd grade and up wanting to learn about horse showmanship, basic riding, pleasure and horsemanship classes? These summer riding lessons are great for newcomers and experienced riders! This year's instructor is Taylor Bollman Anderson, a Douglas County 4-H alumni, and she's ready to get started. Supplies needed include halter, lead rope, horse, bridle, saddle and helmet. Long pants and boots are also required for riders.


Classes are offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays from June 7 through August 9 (no lessons July 26) and held at the Dan Neller Horse Arena at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. An informational meeting will take place Tuesday, May 31 for participants and parents from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the horse arena. Please do NOT bring your horse to this information meeting. All horses need to be identified in mn.4honline.com, have negative coggins document uploaded in mn.4honline.com or turned into the Extension office and also brought to lessons prior to bringing horse to lessons. For more information or questions, please call the office at 320-762-3890.

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