Jackson Journal
February 2024
County Updates
Finally February...and a bonus day!
Hello Jackson County 4-H Families and Volunteers,
It is finally February and that means we have some important deadlines coming up for members who exhibit animals in the Beef project area. Market Beef Animal ID's are due February 15, 2024. This also means they need to have their necessary ear tags in and their completed ID added to 4-HOnline. Please read further in the Jackson Journal (see Animal Science Updates) for more information about the Animal ID process for not only beef, but other animals as well as that deadline (May 15, 2024) will be here before you know it!
Speaking of dates and deadlines it is also a good time to remind you about some new dates and deadlines for 4-H'ers planning to exhibit and showcase their 4-H projects at the Jackson County Fair.
- April 26, 2024 - REA shirt order form due! - 4-H youth who showcase a general project or an animal science project and wear their shirt receive $10 from REA!
- May 25, 2024 - FairEntry for 4-H exhibit registration OPENS! - use the FairEntry site to sign up for county fair exhibits.
NEW DATE - June 25, 2024 - FairEntry registration Deadline for 4-H’ers - if you don't sign up, you can't exhibit at the fair.
July 9, 2024 - Pre-Fair Judging Day/Presentation Day (project areas judged include: clothing, food revue, creative writing, performing arts, demonstrations, presentations, etc)
NEW DEADLINE - July 10, 2024 - Animal Registration Papers, and LQA&E / YQCA certification due to office. Superintendent Meeting and Livestock Quotas finalized.
Lastly, the office has been busy organizing, prepping, and preparing for our spring and summer activities. It's never too late to plan ahead. If you or someone you know has an idea for what types of events, programs, or project area learning opportunities youth are looking to be involved in, please let us know!
We are also looking for volunteers to help be a 2nd adult at events such as project days, ambassador meetings, livestock programs, etc. If you think you would like to spend some time (no more than 5 hours a week) helping the youth in Jackson Co. with their 4-H project learning, please reach out to us and we can get you connected with the youth and or their clubs!
Stay tuned for more information and continue reading as there are many opportunities for youth and volunteers to be involved in 4-H not only in Jackson county, but throughout the state!
Just a heads up; the Extension Office will be CLOSED on Monday, February 19 in observance of Presidents' Day.
Remember, this February has one more day... what will you do with that extra day?
Grateful to have you all as our Valentines,
Caitlyn and Jazlyn
Club and 4-H Member Information
2024 County Fair REA T-Shirt Orders Needed!
If you didn't know, Federated Rural Electric provides all our 4-Hers and Volunteers a free REA 4-H T-Shirt to be worn during the county fair, and more specifically during the Ribbon Auction and General Project reveal. Youth who partake in one of those events will also be given $10 cash for wearing their shirt!
Let us know what sizes you need HERE: https://z.umn.edu/OrderREATshirt - DON'T DELAY - ORDER TODAY!!
Plan to Re-enroll in 4-H!
The new 4-H year began Oct. 1. In order to remain enrolled in 4-H and participate in any 4-H activity (club meetings, programs, events), you will need to show your family’s intent to participate by logging in to 4-H Online and reviewing, updating and submitting the following information:
Your family's contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
Each family member's health and emergency contact information.
Project areas of interest for this coming year.
Parental consent required for youth participating in shooting sports/wildlife programs.
You can login to 4-H Online to complete the re-enrollment process NOW. This guide has more information.
If you plan on exhibiting projects (livestock and general/non-livestock) at the Jackson County Fair it is VERY important you re-enroll ASAP.
Welcome New 4-H Members and Volunteers!
Are you new to 4-H or just want to fresh your knowledge on what 4-H has to offer? Check out the New Member Resources Folder, (z.umn.edu/JacksonNewMemberResources) where you can find a great outline of the program, requirements, important dates, and much more!
Join the Jackson County 4-H SWIM (Seeing Wellness in Motion) Team!!
Calling all youth grades K-13! It is MN 4-H’s goal to get our youth moving and learning all summer long - are you interested in reaching that goal?
Jackson County 4-H is excited join other 4-H members in the MN 4-H Southwest region to offer a SWIM – Seeing Wellness in Motion 4-H program. Youth will learn the fundamentals of swimming, track and field events, and educational opportunities around health, wellness and staying in motion. Each SWIM practice will include a healthy living learning opportunity.
Join us for Jackson 4-H SWIM's Informational/Kick-off Meeting on March 19, 2024 at 6 p.m at the Jackson County Central Pool.
- Please RSVP here: z.umn.edu/JacksonSWIMkickoff
There will be an informational meeting for parents as well as fun intro to SWIM activities for youth.
- A meal will be provided.
- Cost is FREE to attend the meeting.
Who can participate?
This program is open to youth grades K - 13. Youth will become members of 4-H as part of the registration process. This 4-H enrollment is free of charge and does not obligate the youth or families to participate in 4-H outside of SWIM 4-H unless further participation in 4-H is desired by the youth or family.
All youth must be able to swim a minimum of 25 yards to participate for their safety.
NOTE - this program is not intended to replace swimming lessons and we encourage youth to continue to complete their swimming lesson programs.
More info found here:
Animal Science Updates
IMPORTANT - Animal ID and Ear Tag Information
If you are new or returning Animal Science Project member please pay attention to the important info regarding Animal ID and Ear Tags. Please check your mail for more information about Animal ID information.
- Learn more about what Animal ID is here: z.umn.edu/Whatis4Hanimalid
- Animal Science Updates are found here: https://z.umn.edu/2024AnSci4HUpdates
How to Animal ID in 4-H Online: z.umn.edu/Animalid4Honline-guide
ENTER your Animal IDs on 4-H Online: https://4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
- **Reminder, (This DOES NOT register your livestock or general projects INTO the county fair - it only identifies which animals youth are thinking about bringing to the county fair.)
Ear tags are available for pick up in the Extension Office for the following animals: Market Beef, Dairy Steer, Goat, Sheep, Swine. We also have tattooers and ear tagger for families to check out and use.
- Ear tag info is found here: https://z.umn.edu/4-Heartaginfo
ID these animals in 4-H Online by Feb. 15, 2024
- ALL Market Beef and Dairy Steers - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/beefIDs
ID these animals in 4-H Online by May 15, 2024.
- Beef -
- registered and commercial breeding heifers and cow/calf pairs, prospect market calves - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/beefIDs
- Dairy - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/dairyID
- Dog - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/dogIDs. Remember to also update your dog's vaccination paperwork: https://z.umn.edu/dogvacform
- Goats -
- Meat Goats, see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/meatgoatID
- Dairy Goats, see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/dairygoatID
- Horse - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/horseID. Remember to start getting your horse's Coggins testing scheduled.
- Llama, Alpaca - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/llama-alpacaID
- Poultry - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/poultryID. Make sure you have your poultry's health papers. You will get leg band at the county fair.
- Rabbits - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/rabbitID
- Sheep - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/sheepID
- Swine - see this document for ID Requirements: https://z.umn.edu/swineID
Applications Now OPEN! - New Vision Feeder Calf Program
Jackson County 4-H and New Vision Co-op are pleased to offer the co-op calf program again in 2024 for youth in Jackson County looking to explore the dairy beef program.
The purpose of this program is to provide an educational experience in dairy beef production for youth enrolled in Jackson County 4-H, through a calf sponsorship program provided by New Vision Co-op. New Vision Co-op will provide Holstein steer calves of approximately eight weeks of age. Calves will arrive in April and will be picked up at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.
Cost is $150 and you must submit an application.
For more information and the application about the program go to:
it will prompt you to make a copy before editing - z.umn.edu/NewVisionCalfApplication
PDF version - z.umn.edu/NewVisionCalfAppPDF
NEW this year - Broiler Derby!
Jackson Co. 4-H is excited to POTENTIALLY provide a Broiler Derby Program for 4-H Youth in grades K-13.
In the Broiler Derby Program, 4-H'ers complete a record of their experience of raising broiler chickens. Participants are judged on both their records and an interview as well as how they show their poultry.
The goals of this Broiler Derby program are to:
- Increase membership and involvement in the 4-H Poultry project area,
- Provide youth with a new opportunity to learn about poultry.
- Increase knowledge of the poultry industry.
- Develop a network of knowledge and experience to support 4-H members in the Poultry Project.
Complete this form by March 29 if you want to learn more or are interested in participating in the Broiler Derby!
RETURN - all unused animal ear tags provided by 4-H!
This may be new information for Animal Science project members.
In order to be in compliance with MN Board of Animal Health and USDA official tag tracking. All unused 4-H ear tags need to be returned to the 4-H Extension Office as soon as possible.
- 4-H Ear tags from this year that are unused must be returned to the Extension Office within 2 weeks of the Animal ID deadline
- If you have older 4-H tags that have been unused, please return them immediately to the 4-H office.
Poultry Workshop - Coming this Spring!
New to the poultry project or don't know where to start? Maybe you want to improve the skills you already have? Well, we are working on 2 different workshops for you to participate in!
- Join us in this Spring and Summer (dates and location TBD) as fellow Jackson County youth and poultry experts explain how to grow your poultry showing skills!
Topics covered will include:
- Paperwork needed to enter into co. fair
- How to animal ID (pigeons/doves)? AND how to register exhibits on FairEntry?
- Caring for you birds before the county fair
- Prepping your birds for county fair
- Poultry Showmanship
- Anatomy of your birds
- Handling your birds
- Washing and grooming your birds
- Practice posing your birds
- What the judge is looking for in the poultry show
Jackson County Volunteer and Committee Updates
Jackson County Committees - roles, meetings, yearly planning
Thank you to those who attended the committee meetings the first week of January.
If you were/are on the following committees from 2022-2023 and plan to be for 2023-2024, please watch your emails for notes and future dates and times for the next round of meetings.
If you are planning to leave the committee you are on, please let the office know ASAP so we can begin to fill your spot.
Not sure what these committees do in Jackson County 4-H? Are you interested in joining? Please contact the Extension Office.
JACKSON COUNTY COMMITTEES for youth and adults
- Auction Committee
- General Project Committee
- Food Stand Committee
- Livestock Superintendents Committee - WE STILL NEED a GOAT superintendent!
- Banquet Committee
Apply for Scholarships, Grants, and Awards!!
Jackson County Senior Scholarship 2024
Jackson County 4-H is excited to offer current graduating seniors an opportunity to receive scholarship funds to use to further their education. The 2024 application is available as a Google Form and in PDF format. Be sure to check it out!
z.umn.edu/SeniorScholarshipPDF
z.umn.edu/JacksonSeniorScholarshipEform
Applications are due April 15th, 2024.
No late applications will be accepted.
Senior & First-Year College Students - Apply for the Andrea Ruesch Scholarship!
The family of Andrea Ruesch established a 4-H scholarship in memory of her dedication and contributions to the Minnesota 4-H program. Based on the family's belief in positive youth development, the focus of this scholarship is on demonstrated learning through hands-on experience and using what you have learned to help others (youth leadership). This is a one-time $1,000 scholarship and at least four scholarships will be awarded annually.
Visit the Andrea Ruesch Scholarship webpage to learn more and apply!
Deadline to apply is March 1, award recipients will be notified in April.
Other 4-H Statewide Scholarships, Grants, and Awards
Minnesota 4-H offers a variety of other scholarships, grants, and awards statewide. Check out what they have to offer! Many of the applications are due at the end of February or April.
Learn more at: https://z.umn.edu/MN4-HScholarships
Save These Dates
Upcoming Extension Office Hours
The Jackson County Extension Office will be closed on the following dates. If you need to pick up or drop off anything please plan to do so outside of these dates, or utilize the drop box behind the office.
- May 27 - Memorial Day
- June 19 - Juneteenth
- July 4 - 4th of July
- July 18 - 29 - Office staff will be in the Jackson Co. Fairgrounds 4-H Office - Lakefield office closed
Jackson County 4-H Ambassadors ZOOM Meeting
4-H Ambassador aged youth (grades 6-13) in Jackson County are invited to a fun filled event to help connect with other youth in Jackson County and plan our Ambassador Service Project as well as county fair details.
When: Monday, February 26, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Location: ZOOM meeting!
No need to RSVP - join us with this link: https://umn.zoom.us/j/94800178739?pwd=SHpyMUdUMDBNZTMvTk5ma0FLdSs5dz09
NEW LOCATION! - Advisory Board and Federation Meeting - April, 15 2024
Stay up to date about 4-H in Jackson County by reading the past agenda and the minutes from the January Federation Meeting we had on January 22, 2024.
Please encourage one adult and one youth to represent your club at the next Federation meeting happening April 15 at 7:30pm at the JCC Middle School in Lakefield.
Agenda can be found in the event date on the Jackson County 4-H Google calendar (z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal) when ready.
Advisory Board meeting will take place at 6:30pm prior to the Federation meeting.
Jackson County Important Dates and Deadlines
To stay up to date about deadlines, events and reminders please subscribe to the Jackson County 4-H google calendar: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal
February 8, 2024 - Supers get list of families who have sent in Beef IDs
February 15, 2024 - Market Beef ID Deadline in 4-H Online - this does not enter your exhibit into the county fair, you must do so with FairEntry.
February 16, 2024 - Beef Superintendents help 4-H office verify Market Beef IDs and contact families if necessary.
- Extra date for verification is Feb. 20.
- April 26, 2024 - REA shirt order form due! - 4-H youth who showcase a general project or an animal science project and wear their shirt receive $10 from REA!
May 8, 2024 - Supers get list of families who have sent in Animal IDs
May 15, 2024 - Animal ID Deadline in 4-H Online -this does not enter your exhibit into the county fair, you must do so with FairEntry.
May 16, 2024 - Superintendents help 4-H office verify IDs and contact families if necessary
- Extra date for verification is May 20.
- May 25, 2024 - FairEntry registration OPENS! - use this site to sign up for county fair exhibits.
NEW DATE - June 25, 2024 - FairEntry Deadline for 4-H’ers - this signs you up to exhibit at the fair!
July 9, 2024 - Pre-Fair Judging Day/Presentation Day (project areas judged include: clothing, food revue, creative writing, performing arts, demonstrations, presentations, etc)
NEW DEADLINE - July 10, 2024 - Registration Papers, and LQA&E / YQCA certification due to office. Superintendent Meeting and Livestock Quotas finalized.
July 16, 2024 - Pre-Fair Clean-Up
July 23-28, 2024 - Fair Dates
July 28, 2024 - Post Fair Clean-Up
July 29, 2024 - Livestock Judging Contest in Jackson
August 22 - Sept. 2, 2024 - Minnesota State Fair
September 2024 - Fair Recap meeting with Superintendents and Committees
Get Involved!
Change Lives, Teach Ag Conference
Attention all 4-H'ers in grades 9 - 12 with an interest in a potential career in education! Join us at the Change Lives, Teach Ag Conference on Friday, March 8. This event is organized by SMSU (Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall), UMN-TC (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities), and UMC (University of Minnesota - Crookston). It aims to introduce young individuals to careers in agricultural education. Participants will engage in interactive learning experiences and have the opportunity to connect with faculty and students from the three institutions.
Interested? Please complete the online application by Monday, Feb. 5.
Successful chosen applicants will be notified no later than Friday, Feb. 23. There is no cost to participate in the conference, excluding transportation to the event. Don't miss this chance to explore exciting possibilities in agricultural education!
4-H Horseless Horse Round Up
Palominos, Pintos, Ponies and more, join the 4-H Horseless Horse Round Up virtual series to learn all about horses (no horse required!). This virtual series is open to all youth in grades 3 and up. We will meet weekly to dive into a new topic with activities, speakers and more! To learn more, go to z.umn.edu/HLHRoundUp
SD 4-H Poultry Judges Clinic
The South Dakota 4-H Poultry Committee invites anyone interested in learning how to become a 4-H poultry judge to a judges clinic on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 2-4 p.m. at the Brookings County Outdoor Adventure Center. Wayne Fischer will lead the clinic. Anyone 17 years old and older is invited to attend.
Sign up is required at https://www.lincolncountysd.org/.../4H-Poultry-Judges... by Feb. 5.
Wildlife Wednesdays
Have you ever looked out your window and wondered about the animals that share our environment? How do they stay warm in the winter? Why do some of our winged friends fly south when the weather changes while others hang around?
Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Join us as we explore and uncover the fascinating lives of wildlife with wildlife experts, biologists, and Master Naturalists. This series of wonder and wander will promote conservation knowledge and spark lifelong respect for the environment around us!
Sessions will be held virtually from 7 - 8 p.m. as follows: Jan. 31; Feb. 7, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
For youth in grades K-13. There are no deadlines for this series.
4-H Tasty Tuesdays: Bountiful Breads
We know baking is considered an art, but did you know it is also science?
Come toss around some flour with us as we create a variety of breads that you can enjoy on their own or partner up with pastas, chilis, and soups, including Minnesota's famous wild rice soup! You might find a dessert bread to add as a treat! We'll learn about the mysterious chemical reactions that are part of making these bountiful breads. This series will bring lots of hands-on learning, and you won't be able to keep your hands off the dough!
Sessions will be held virtually from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Feb. 13, 27; March 5, 12, 19; April 2, 16.
For youth in grades K-13. There are no deadlines for this series.
4-H Explorers in Ag
Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to join us as we explore agriculture around the world. You aren't going to want to miss this agriculture exploration as we travel virtually to three countries in this self-guided program with opportunities to connect with people in other countries. A kick-off event will be held via Zoom on Monday, Feb. 19 at 8 p.m. From there, you’ll be given access to a Google site to explore a country each week. A guide will be provided to help you explore a farming practice within each country. 4-H Ag Ambassadors will check in weekly to discuss what you’re learning along the way. This year guest speakers will share more about agriculture in the countries participants are exploring. More info will be sent out upon registration. All guest speakers will be recorded for later viewing.
Registration deadline: Feb. 12.
The Basics of Being a Super Sitter! Virtual Clinic
We are excited to bring you our Super Sitters Series virtually this spring. Our goal is for you to walk away with the knowledge to be a Super Sitter Hero!
The clinic will include:
hands-on learning activities to do at home
information on ages/stages
baby well care
healthy snacks
speakers from public health and local agencies.
What you receive through email/mail Student Handbook
Activities/Recipes
Ages and Stages Handout
Basic First Aid and Emergency Care Booklet
First Aid kit supply list
Event Details
Date: February 20, 21, 22, 26, and February 29
Time: 5:45 pm - 7:00 pm
Who: Open to all youth in grades 5+
Where: Online via Zoom from the comfort of your own home!
Cost: FREE!
Register by Feb. 15 in 4-H Online.
SW MN Judge’s Training
The University of Minnesota Extension will host a 4-H judges clinic for those interested in judging 4-H general/static projects at the County Fair on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Marshall Adult Community Center, Marshall, Minnesota, from 10:00 a.m. - 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. The Extension Educators in 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 February 12. It is quick and easy! Call your local Extension office to sign up, or visit the link for more information/to register. https://z.umn.edu/SWjudgestraining
Minnesota 4-H Project Bowl: Virtual Bowling 101
Again in 2024, Bowling 101 will be held virtually! 4-H’ers will join a Zoom meeting and use the Kahoot! app to participate. The state bowl committee is committed to increasing interest in project bowl, particularly for younger 4-H’ers. Therefore, we are offering a non-competitive "Bowling 101" category for youth in grades K-4.
Bowling 101 will be offered on Thursday, February 29 and Tuesday, March 12 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Register here: 2024 Virtual 4-H Bowling 101 Registration
Participants cannot be in both Bowling 101 and the regular contest.
Rockets Away! - Aerospace Series
Join us on Earth Day from your launching pads at home for the first session in our series as we discover rocket science! Learn how rockets are designed and how they lift into space. May the Force Be with You as we come together dressed as our favorite Star Wars characters and blast off!
For youth in grades 3-8.
Learn more here: 2024 Rockets Away! Flyer - Google Docs
Register here: 2024 Rockets Away! - Google Forms
4-H Opportunities in the Southwest and Statewide
Stay Connected with 4-H!
Contact and Follow Jackson County 4-H
Jackson County 4-H
607 State Highway 86, Lakefield, MN
Email: mnext-jackson@umn.edu
Phone: 507-662-5293
Website: extension.umn.edu/jackson
Follow us on Facebook
Jackson County 4-H Google Calendar: z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal
PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE 4-H APP!
Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/al/app/minnesota-4-h/id1478965229
Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.minnesota4h.umn
Get text notifications by signing up on the Remind App - Directions below:
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