June
Family Newsletter - June 16, 2022
TASKS TO COMPLETE
Please pay your membership fee
As you may have noticed, shortly after you enrolled online you were approved. Monthly email reminders have been sent to families who have not paid their county fees. We continue to accept checks/cash at any time. Please pay your membership fee, county fees are used not only for programming but also towards salaries for county personnel.
Washington County has a yearly enrollment fee of $25.00 per member (youth only) or $100 max per family for 4 or more children. We ask that you please send payment to our office address listed below.
Checks should be made out to Washington County 4-H and sent to the following address:
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
**For those using online banking, please be sure to include Washington County 4-H as checks made out to just Washington County go directly to the property tax office**
We don't want anyone to miss out so please just let us know by completing the scholarship form.
Upcoming events/activities/deadlines
Community Education - Teen Teachers Needed! June 21
4-H will be at Community Ed again this summer! Join us in introducing 4-H to youth in grades 1-5 by completing a fun 4-H project that they can bring to the fair. We will be at Lake Elmo Elementary on June 21 and Lily Lake Elementary on June 23 from 9 AM - 4 PM. If you are interested in helping, email Megan at slate187@umn.edu or Grace at verdi031@umn.edu!
Executive Board Candidates needed! Applications are due Friday, June 24th!
Federation Meeting
On Monday, June 27th beginning at 7:00 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center, we will be holding our Annual Federation Meeting which will include the election of our Executive Board Officers for the 2022-2023 year. We need half of the clubs present to vote for the Exec Board youth and adults. If you are interested in running for a position, please apply before June 24th.
The Exec Board is a leadership team similar to a Club Officer team, but on the county level. The Exec Board is made up of a; President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, and 6 District Youth Reps (3 from north end of county, 3 from south end of county). We also have 6 adults who serve 2 year terms. The Exec Board assists in making policy decisions, sets the budget for the county program, helps with countywide events, and plans Club Officer Training to name a few.
If you are a 4-H member who has completed 7th grade or older and would like to apply, you can find the Federation Application here!
If you are an adult and would like to be on the ballot, please email Ann at: churc109@umn.edu and your name will be added.
All 4-H members and volunteers are invited to attend this Federation Meeting. We need at least one half of all the clubs ‘present’ to vote!
What is the Washington County 4-H Federation?
The full Federation is composed of youth and adult leaders from all 4-H clubs. The Federation meets quarterly, in October, January, April, and June. The organization is guided by an Executive Board composed of eleven youth and six adult representatives. The Executive Board meets the months between Federation meetings; September, November, February, and March.
Who is eligible to be on the Executive Board?
The Washington County 4-H Federation Constitution states that youth officers "shall be elected for a term of one year only, but any given 4-H youth leader can hold a different office or position in ensuing years, providing it is not the same office or position held in a previous year”. At the June Annual Meeting, youth who have completed grades 7-12 are eligible to vote and run for office.
What is the time commitment?
Officer candidates should consider their other time commitments when applying. Please make sure you are available to attend meetings on the fourth Monday of each month. We cannot run a meeting without officers.
If you have any questions about the youth or adult positions, please connect with Ann @ churc109@umn.edu
Ambassador Meeting - June 27
Save the date for our next Ambassador meeting on Monday, June 27th at 6 PM at the Government Center. We will have treats, and discuss all things promotion, day camps, and County Fair! Don’t forget to stick around at 7 PM for Washington County Executive Board elections. If you have any questions reach out to Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu.
Arts-In registration - Due July 1
County Arts-In is a performing arts and leadership experience for youth that have completed grades 7-13. Back by popular demand in 2022 - an overnight encampment! Participants will work together with talented Directors and Student Directors to put together a 30-minute musical that will be performed at the Washington County Fair and Minnesota State Fair. Those who register will choose which major they would like to participate in: performing, band, or technical. See registration form for specific dates and times of auditions, encampment, and performances. Deadline to register is July 1 with a registration fee of $70. After July 1, a $25 late fee will be applied. Please reach out to Avis Peters at avisapeters@hotmail.com or Megan Slater at slate187@umn.edu with any questions.
July Day Camp Registration is now Open!
Washington County 4-H is excited to share the 2022 July Day Camps! The day camps run from July 11th-14th from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. July 11th, 12th, and 14th will be at the Washington County Fairgrounds and July 13th will be at the Science Museum. These day camps are open to anyone in grades K-6th.
Monday July 11th - Around the World
Campers will be learning about different snacks, crafts, and games from various countries.
Tuesday July 12th - Earth Exploration
Campers will be learning about animals, astronomy, and the environment they live in.
Wednesday July 13th - Science and History Field Trip
Campers will be going on a Science and History based field trip. They will be bussed to the location.
Thursday July 14th - Luau
Campers will be having a luau to celebrate the end of camp. This day will include water games, ocean activities, and smores! Make sure your 4-Her wears a Hawaiian or luau-themed shirt.
If you have any questions please contact Grace Verdick | verdi031@umn.edu
Daily fees are $25.00 per day or $70.00 for all 4 days if we receive payment BEFORE July 1st. Cash or check only made out to Washington County 4-H. All payments should be sent to the following address;
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Fee's after July 1st are $30.00 per day or $90.00 for all 4 days. Camp t-shirts will NOT be available for late registrations. Register here!
July Day Camp Counselors needed, sign up today!
Washington County 4-H is excited to share the 2022 July Day Camps and we would love to have your help as a camp counselor!
The day camps run from July 11th-14th from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, counselors would need to arrive each day by 8:15 am and be released by 4:15 pm.
There will be a camp counselor training on June 27th from 3:00-6:00 pm.
July 11th, 12th, and 14th will be at the Washington County Fairgrounds and July 13th will be at the Science Museum on a field Trip.
2022 Fashion Revue - July 21
Please sign up for Fashion Review! All 4-H members are invited to participate in the 2022 4-H Fashion Revue! You do not need to be enrolled in the Clothing Project to participate in this event. Fill out this form to let us know you'd like to participate. We'll reach out as we get closer to the judging date to gather more details about your outfits.
*** NEW THIS YEAR! Judging and the fashion show will be held on the same day***
Here is the Schedule for the day:
- 1:00-4:00 PM - Judging (time may change depending on the number of members registered)
- 4:00-5:00 PM - Dinner Break
- 5:00-5:30 PM - Fashion Show Rehearsal at Woodbury Central Park Amphitheater
- 6:00-7:00 PM - Fashion show at Woodbury Central Park Amphitheater
Register at https://z.umn.edu/2022WashcoFashionRevue
The registration deadline is June 20th. Contact Caitlin if you have any questions.
Animal Science News
Horse Project Members - Open Riding at the fairgrounds! Starts June 22
4-H Horse project members are invited to bring their horses to the Washington County fairgrounds main horse ring on Wednesday evenings to work on patterns, ride with friends and enjoy time with your horse!
Open Riding will be on the following Wednesday evenings from 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm .
June 22- Barrels
June 29 - Poles and Key
July 6 - Jumping Figure 8
July 13 - Poles and Key
July 20 - Open ring-
July 27- 4-H Schooling Show - More info to follow
Sponsored by Washington County 4-H Horse PDC.
Youth Contact: Lizzie Collette
Adult Contact: Amy Delaney 651-248-7672
Rabbit Workshop - June 26
Rabbit project members are invited to attend a pre-county fair workshop on Sunday, June 26, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm outside the Rabbit Barn on the fairgrounds. This workshop will include information on how to prepare you and your rabbit for the county fair! Have you been wondering how the check in process works, what supplies you need, what should you wear as an exhibitor, what will the judge be looking for when judging your rabbit, how does showmanship work??? Sooo many questions! We will have your answers! Come join us on Sunday, June 26! Questions? Please contact Kara at; karamt30@gmail.com or 651-214-4918
LQA & E Training (Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training) June 28 - LAST CALL Register by June 24
Washington County 4-H will offer an in-person 3 hour LQA & E Training at the U of M (St. Paul Campus) on Tuesday, June 28 from 12:30-3:30 pm. See important information below to see who needs to attend this training! Training must be completed prior to the county fair to confirm trips to the MN State Fair.
If you plan to attend this training ($5. Will be collected at the door for supplies and snacks), you must pre-register at: Washington County LQA Training
LQA&E Training Requirements:
All youth participating as a State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitor in beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat, and llama must have completed livestock quality assurance training. Certification is good for 3 fair seasons. In the next few weeks, you will be able to check the Washington County 4-H website for the list of 4-H’ers who are up to date with their LQA & E training for the 2022 fair season.
If you are due to be certified, there are two training options available;
Option 1 - LQA&E face to face Training
Participation in a face to face 3-hour Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) training offered in various locations around the state. This certification is valid for three fair seasons. 4-Hers completing grades 3-5 must be certified in Level 1. 4-Hers completing grades 9-13 must be certified in Level 2. 4-Hers completing grades 6-8 may be certified in either Level I or Level II. The determination of which Level to certify at for grades 6-8 should be based on the livestock project experience the 4-Her possesses. Registration for in-person training.
Option 2 - YQCA on-line Training
4-H members have the option of completing the 1-hour online course offered via distance learning. This certification is valid for one fair season. Cost of this training is $12/child and is paid at the time of online registration with a credit card. Since training is good for one fair season, it will need to be completed annually. This is a nationally offered program and registration fee is utilized to upkeep the system and update the training The YQCA Board of Directors moved YQCA content to a new website. Directions can be found here! Please email a copy of the your completed certificate to our office.
LQA & E Trainings promote responsible care of animals, making informed decisions in animal care and providing safe consumer food products. Youth will receive a certificate of completion.
4-H Sheep and Meat Goat Workshop - June 29; pre-registration required by June 24
Dakota County 4-H is hosting a sheep and meat goat workshop on Wednesday, June 29 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Dakota County Fairgrounds, in the Children’s Barnyard. The workshop is for meat goat and sheep 4-H members in grade 3 and older. Youth grades 3-5 must have a parent or guardian present. Topics include showmanship, fitting, lamb lead, skill-a-thon and livestock judging. Pizza will be provided.
Members should bring one lamb or goat, a fitting stand, clippers, soap, hose, and a blower.
The workshop is free but participants must register in 4hOnline by June 24. The 4-H Online event registration guide has step-by-step instructions to walk you through how to register. To register for an event in 4hOnline, the participant must be an active member in 4hOnline.
4-H at the Minnesota Cattlemen’s Summer Tour! Register by June 27
Interested in learning more about beef cattle, forages, meat science and more? Join us for the annual Minnesota Cattlemen’s Summer Tour hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension Beef Team! This interactive tour is open to all youth and adults interested in beef cattle, forages or meat science (all 4-H members can attend for free; know that the content was designed for older youth in grades 6 + and adults interested in the beef industry).
Attendees are sure to learn and experience something new, along with information you’re likely to find useful in 4-H projects, future careers and more! The day will begin at the Minnesota Zoo, followed by a day of tours at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus. We will tour the Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Forage Research plots and visit with industry representatives. The day will wrap up at the Minnesota Zoo including exclusive access to the zoo and supper. Meals and transportation are included with event registration. Enrolled Minnesota 4-H Members are invited to attend the event for free, with pre-registration due by June 27. Adults and other youth are invited to attend as well, for a registration fee of $25.
Interested in attending? 4-H Members MUST pre-register in 4-H Online by June 27 to receive a free registration; for assistance with your 4-H Online event registration, check out z.umn.edu/4hEventRegistration. Adults can also register in 4-H Online for $25 or pay at the door $30.
Questions: Do you have questions about 4-H at the Minnesota Cattlemen’s Summer Tour? Contact 4-H Extension Educators Anja Johnson at akoester@umn.edu or Kirstin Koch at kochx040@umn.edu
Livestock PDC Meeting
The Livestock PDC will meet on Tuesday, June 28 beginning at 7:00 pm at Hooley Hall on the fairgrounds. The meeting will be focused on county fair planning. If you would like to be a part of this committee or have questions, contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
4-H Stock Talks are back! - Due June 30
All 4-H youth are invited to record their own Stock Talk presentation. https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-events/4-h-stock-talks
A stock talk is a short video presentation (like a TikTok, but better!) about an animal science topic of choice (beef, dairy, dog, goat, horse, lama, poultry, rabbit, sheep or swine). Giving a stock talk is a great opportunity for youth to share their learning and practice their demonstration skills!
Potential topics for the stock talks are endless! Youth are encouraged to “be creative, be funny, be serious, just be you”! Think about something you’ve learned in your livestock project or something you enjoy doing and prepare to share it with their peers. Submissions can be individual or team, can include music, graphics, or other fun/educational elements.
Some of the topics we have seen:
• How to clip a rabbit’s toenails
• Designing a llama costume
• How to shear a sheep
• How to care for chickens in the house
• Training a service dog
• Building playground equipment for a goat
• Saddling a horse for the first time
Submissions are due by June 30.
To help you create and film your 4-H Stock Talk submission, check out this resource. check out this resource.
Submissions received by June 30 will be reviewed in early July. The first 100 submissions will receive a 2022 4-H Stock Talk t-shirt, sponsored by Ag Country, for participating. The top 10% of entries in each division will receive a special award, be featured on Minnesota 4-H social media, and (NEW) will be featured at the Minnesota State Fair.
Grab your camera, your critter, and get recording! For directions on how to submit your Stock Talk go to; Z-Link: https://z.umn.edu/4HStockTalks
Rabbit Agility Training - starting July 10
Rabbit agility training will take place on Sunday’s: July 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm outside the rabbit barn on the county fairgrounds. Did you really mean rabbit agility? Yes, we did! Youth participating in Rabbit Agility Training will be able to participate in the county fair Rabbit Agility Show held on Friday, August 5 at 10:00 am on the fairgrounds. If you have any questions about Rabbit Agility, please contact Kara at; karamt30@gmail.com
Join the General Livestock Judging Team!
Have you ever wondered what judges are looking for in evaluating your animals during a show? Do you know how to pick out your animals for a show? Have you ever wondered what criteria a judge has to judge the show?
Effectively evaluating breeding and market animals is highly important in the animal industry. Judging is an art developed through patient study and long practice. 4-H'ers interested in dairy, general livestock (beef, meat goat, sheep and swine), horses and rabbits can become good judges by knowing
• The parts of the animal and their locations
• Which parts are most important for meat and breeding stock production
• Making keen observations
• Comparing the animal to the ideal
• Weighing the good and bad points of each animal
We are currently working to put together a 4-H livestock judging team for Dakota and Washington Counties. This program is geared toward youth sixth grade and above however youth in grades 3-5 are welcome to participate! There will be a kick-off meeting on Monday, June 6th at 7:00 pm at the Dakota County Extension office (4100 220th St W #101, Farmington). Practices will be scheduled throughout the summer months along with a few contests typically held at various county fairs. The season ends with the state contest held at the MN State Fair. If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact Ann @ churc109@umn.edu
New Ranch Pleasure Horse Class
Horse Project members have received information from MN 4-H regarding the newly added Ranch Pleasure Class.
The Minnesota 4-H Horse Rulebook has been updated and Ranch Pleasure guidelines and rules have been added under the western performance section.
A Ranch Pleasure fact sheet has been developed to help answer questions. It includes links to videos to learn from and clarify the difference between Ranch Pleasure and Western Pleasure. As resources are developed they will be shared with Horse Project Members.
FairEntry is open from June 1 - July 1, 2022
A reminder for new families, completing animal ID's is NOT registering for the fair. You will need to pick what classes your animal will be shown in through the FairEntry registration. Note: you can add entries as needed meaning if you register and decide you want to enter in another area you can do so as long as you complete all entries by July 1.
2022 Wash. Co. Fair 4-H Information Book
The 2022 Washington County Fair 4-H Information (Premium) Book has been posted on our website. Many project areas have been updated from previous years as well as exhibit suggestions! Please take time to carefully READ the Information Book as it has everything you need to know to participate in the County Fair! 4-H’ers need to let us know what projects and classes they intend to participate in at the fair. Projects need to be entered into FairEntry by July 1. FairEntry will be accepting entries after June 1. In the meantime, start thinking about the projects you will want to bring to the fair!
Donate or Volunteer at the 4-H County Fair Food Stand
The Food Stand Committee needs your help! They are looking for donations of water for the fair. If you are interested in donating water or know a company that would be interested in making a donation contact Caitlin Rademacher, crademac@umn.edu.
Also, we would love to have you as and your family help run the food stand. You can sign up today at https://z.umn.edu/20224-HFoodStandVolunteers. Contact Caitlin with any questions.
4-H Graduates at the Fair!
We are looking forward to acknowledging you at the County Fair!
There are a few tasks we need from you IF you choose to be recognized:
We would appreciate having a poster board of you displaying pics of your 4-H memories/experiences. These posters will be displayed in the 4-H building during the county fair. (See pic attached of previous posters.) Please bring your poster with you to General Judging Day on Saturday, July 30 between 10-4.
Please complete and return your ‘grad application’ to be recognized Sunday night at our Awards night.
Livestock & Horse Exhibitors are encouraged to fill out the attached ‘Livestock Graduation Questioner’ that will be read during your specific specie livestock/horse show. The completed Livestock Questionnaire needs to be emailed back to Ann at; churc109@umn.edu no later than Monday, July 25th. Please do not wait until the last minute.
Upcoming Events/Activities and Deadlines
Animal Science
June 26 - Rabbit Workshop - Everything you need to know about showing at the fair.
June 28 - LQA (Livestock Quality Assurance) Washington County 4-H will offer an in-person 3 hour LQA & E Training at the U of M (St. Paul Campus) on
Tuesday, June 28 from 12:30-3:30 pm.
- July 30-31 - County Dog Show
- July 10, 17, 24, & 31 - Rabbit Agility Training (Washington County Fairgrounds)
- Aug. 3-7 - Washington County Fair (All animal shows except Dog)
Summer Camps
- June 22-24 - Archery Camp in Ramsey County
- July 11-14 - Washington County Day Camps at Hooley Hall - Grades K-6 Registration in this newsletter.
Performing Arts
- July 10 - County Arts-In Auditions
- July 17-20 - County Arts-In Encampment
Clothing & Fashion Revue
- June 20 - Clothing & Textiles Workshop (Registration due June 13)
- July 21 - Fashion Revue - NEW this year! Judging and show will take place on the same day.
Youth enrollment and animal ID deadline
- May 16, 2022
Washington County Fair
- July 1 - County fair registration deadline. All projects/animals need to be entered in FairEntry by this date.
- July 30 - 4-H General/Static project judging (Saturday)
- July 30-31 - County 4-H Dog Show
- Aug. 3-7 - Washington County Fair
NEEDED Wildlife Coordinator
We are looking for a volunteer willing to coordinate wildlife opportunities for the 4-H members participating in the Shooting Sports Program. Each youth who plans to attend the State Shoot must log 8 hours of wildlife training and work on a group project (the group project can be put together individually or as a group). We are looking for a volunteer to provide a list of opportunities/experience that youth could attend to obtain their wildlife hours. If this is something you can help with, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Promotion Committee Meeting
The Promotion Committee is planning to have their first meeting. As a reminder, some of the things this group COULD do include:
~Find and attend events that we could promote our program
~Create and distribute information about the 4-H to families in our communities
~Help organize and promote already existing promotional events and materials
~Find new ways to connect with new families
If you are interested in attending this committee meeting please complete the survey at https://z.umn.edu/PromotionCommitteeMeeting. If you know someone else who may be interested, we encourage you to share the survey with them or let Caitlin Rademacher know, and she can reach out. If you have any questions, please send them to Caitlin at crademac@umn.edu
Come help at the 4-H Food Stand
The Food Stand Committee needs your help! They are looking for donations of water for the fair. If you are interested in donating water or know a company that would be interested in making a donation contact Caitlin Rademacher, crademac@umn.edu.
Also, we would love to have you as and your family help run the food stand. You can sign up today at https://z.umn.edu/20224-HFoodStandVolunteers. Contact Caitlin with any questions.
Volunteer & Club Leader Helpful Resouces
Check out this state page for helpful resources!
https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/4-h-volunteer/
Apply to be a 4-H screened volunteer
Mallard Ducks Looking for a New Home!
Two female mallard ducks looking for their forever home. Purchased in the beginning of May at Spikes & Houles Feed Store for a school biology project. If you are interested contact Holly LaPointe at 651-226-7372 or Halapointe@hotmail.com.
Washington County Extension website - the place to find information!
- Current and past Family Newsletters
- County Animal ID letters
- News articles about our larger ongoing project areas
- Events calendar
- County club map with contacts
- County Fair information as it becomes available
- Much more
Ann Church
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6809
churc109@umn.edu
Megan Slater
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6805
slate187@umn.edu
Caitlin Rademacher
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
(651) 430-6807
Kathy Erf
Principal Office & Administrative Specialist
(651) 430-6800
eber0002@umn.edu
Washington County 4-H
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
(We are located in the Stillwater Government Center)
Office hours - Please call ahead as staff hours do vary.
8:00am-4:30pm (Monday-Thursday)
Friday by appointment
651-430-6800 or mnext-washington@umn.edu