Murray County 4-H Messenger
April 1, 2023
Murray County Information
Sign up now for the Murray County 4-H Ag Tour
Monday April 10 9:00 am - AG Tour - Grades K - 13 Welcome. Grades k - 2 must have a parent accompany the tour. Enjoy a day off from school learning about different careers in Agriculture and Livestock industries. This will also count as a livestock learning opportunity for bonus trips to state fair if we have enough kids sign up from each specie and we have youth or volunteers wiling to write a bonus trip application. To Learn more about these companies please visit https://www.bioverse.com/ or https://cambridgetechnologies.com/
Sign up at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
9:15 am Load at Murray County 4-H Building (Busing by Ludolph Bus Company)
10:00 am arrive at Bioverse - Natural Solutions
11:30 am load bus
11:45 am arrive at Pizza Ranch for Lunch (paid for by the Murray County 4-H Federation)
12:45 pm load bus
1:00 pm arrive at Cambridge Technologies
2:00 pm load bus
2:35 arrive in Slayton
Becoming a Volunteer to Transport Livestock to State Fair
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 becoming a safety issue at the State Fair the last several years. If you are assisting with loadout and an accident were unfortunately occur at the State Fair and you are a screened volunteer, you will 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 to accidently occur.
In order for you 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!
2023 Ag Robotics Challenge!
Are you interested in learning about robots? Are you up for some fun challenges? If so, sign up and participate in a local county 4-H robotics program and begin to prepare for the 4-H SW Robotics Agriculture Challenge! Learn about coding and building specific robotics to compete in the New challenge for 2023! Murray County will be hosting robotics practices on Mondays in May from 3 to 5 p.m. for grades K - 6 and May 1 and May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m for youth in grades 7 and up . If you would like to participate in the event but cannot make the practice times, contact Kim to check out a robot kit and what areas you need to prepare for.
Event Details
WHO: Grades 3- 8
WHEN: June 7, 2023
TIME: 9 am -11:30 am
WHERE: participate in one of three locations: Morris, Redwood Falls or Slayton
COST: Free!
Form a team of 3- 5 members or come as an individual and we will place you on a team that day!
We will have Edison robots available to use for the challenge that day.
Check with your local 4-H Extension Educator on the availability of these robots to practice with!
To register, go to 4-H Online and under events, find “Ag Robotics Challenge.”
Deadline to register is June 1, 2023
Cloverbuds! You are invited to join us at the Ag Robotics Challenge for a hands-on session geared just for you in robotics through coding, circuits, wiggle bots, plus more!
Animal ID Packets
Your family only received the animal project information you have selected in 4-H Online. Please make sure you are selecting all projects you are interested in in 4-H Online when enrolling. It never hurts to be interested in to many projects!! This is important so we can make sure we are sending you the correct information! We are seeing this is becoming a huge issue where we can't mail out the correct information to families because they have not selected the correct projects. Please don't select 4-H Animals (for new families) or Not sure yet (for new families) as projects!
Lake Shetek 4-H Camp Registration is Now Open!
4-H Camp is a great way to have fun outdoors and meet new friends! This multi-county 4-H Camp will be held in the southwest region on the shores of Lake Shetek at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. Youth who have completed grades 3-6 can choose one of two camp sessions (three days/two nights).
- Camp Session 1: Monday, June 19 at 1 p.m. - Wednesday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m.
- Camp Session 2: Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m. - Friday, June 23 at 10:45 a.m.
Grades 3-6 (completed as of June 2023)
Cost: $150. Murray County Federation pays for 75%. Murray County 4-H families owe $37.50
Registration fee includes meals and lodging for three days/two nights, supplies and a camp T-shirt. 4-H is committed to ensuring everyone can experience camp. Check with your local 4-H Extension educator about scholarship opportunities.
Late registrations accepted until May 27, 2022 at a $175 registration fee
Camp registration is handled through 4-H Online, our membership database. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide or contact your local Extension Educator.
Bring a friend! Non-members are welcome, but will need to enroll in 4-H Online first; club membership is not required. Select “In Person 4-H Camp/Event” as your club option to register for this event.
Registration is due in 4-H Online by May 10th!
For more information please go to the 4-H Camps page on the Extension Website
LQA&E Letters
Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training (LQA&E) is required for state fair livestock show eligibility for several animal species and is also required to market swine at county fair. Level 1 & 2 will be covered at this training on Thursday June 8 at the 4-H Building, 6-9 p.m.
Murray County 4-H members requiring renewal or initial training will receive a notice from the Extension Office at a later date. For complete policy details: https://z.umn.edu/LQAEpolicy
Murray County will be offering in-person Level 1 and 2 for anyone requiring the training. Register through 4-H Online (go to Events) Sign In (4honline.com)
Sophia Gaul is 1 of 7 selected from Minnesota for National 4-H Conference!
- Sophia Gaul, Murray County
- Jocelyn Horn, Nobles County
- Emilea Johnson, Pennington County
- Vivian Mayers, Carver County
- Evan Meyer, St. Louis - South County
- Ellie Sauder, Dodge County
- Nalani Vang, Ramsey County
The selected delegates have already started meeting virtually to learn more about each other, the experience, 4-H, and their expectations during the conference. In the coming weeks, they will receive their roundtable assignment. Roundtables are composed of 12 - 15 youth from across the US, US territories and Canadian provinces. They will work in partnership with a federal agency, department or committee to research, design and present youth input on issues of importance to the agency. Their work is guided by a collegiate facilitator and NIFA staff. During the conference, they will primarily work in their roundtable group to develop their presentation and deliver it to the federal agency.
Additionally, the delegates will visit with Minnesota elected officials and share about their work at the conference as well as their 4-H experience. They will also do some site-seeing and engage in networking events with other states' delegates.
We anticipate posting applications for the 2024 conference in October. The experience is open to youth in grades 10 - 12 during the program year in which they apply.
Congratulations Sophia!
New Facebook Page!!
Well it seems we have been sentenced to life in Facebook Jail :( No worries though we have created a new Facebook Page! Our new Facebook Page is called UMN Extension-Murray County 4-H. Please help us spread the word that we have a new page so we can promote our programs to as many people as possible!
We still recommend checking our website and app to stay up to date on everything!
We will also still be sending out our newsletter twice a month to make sure families don't miss anything!!!
A link to the Facebook page, Murray County 4-H app, and Murray County Extension website are listed below!
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 26 to get youth interested in the challenge. Look for Summer Adventures information coming soon.
Please add us to your contact list!
Kim: hausek@umn.edu
Melissa: mkrunck@umn.edu
McKenna: mschreie@umn.edu
Regional Opportunities
BELLE Grant & Minnesota State Fair Scholarship
Applications for the Beginning Exhibitor Livestock Learning Experience (BELLE) Grant are open now until April 3. This grant program gifts $500 to each large-animal exhibitor (beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, horse, llama, sheep or swine) and $250 to each small-animal exhibitor (poultry or rabbits) that commits to participating in the Minnesota State Fair for the first time in 2023. 15 grants will be awarded.
Additionally, the Minnesota State Fair Foundation will award up to 22 scholarships of $1,000 each to young adults from greater Minnesota or those currently enrolled in an agriculture program. New in 2023, one $2,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student of any age entering a skilled trade career or furthering their training. Applications for the Minnesota State Fair Scholarship are due Aug. 1.
For more information please visit: https://www.mnstatefair.org/about-the-fair/awards-and-recognition/belle-grant/
Project Day Spotlight
The sessions offered this year include:
Session 1: 9:00 to 9:55 a.m.
- Fluid Painting
- Floral Display
- Homemade Cake
- Agronomy & Forestry
Session 2: 10:00 to 10:55 a.m.
- Fluid Painting
- Planter Boxes
- Flag Pavers
- Agronomy & Forestry
Session 3: 11:00 to 11:55 a.m.
- Sunflower Wreaths
- Planter Boxes
- Cloverbuds: Sun (Youth in grades K-2 must participate in this session. Participants will receive a free book.)
- Agronomy & Forestry
Cloverbuds (youth in grades K-2) are expected to participate in the special Cloverbud session during the 11-11:55 a.m. time frame. They may attend additional sessions as long as an adult accompanies them. Parents of older youth are invited to stay and help too. Most classes have limited capacity, so please make sure to register early!
This event is open to all youth (4-H and non-4-H) so bring a friend! Non-4-H youth will need to complete a health and liability form prior to attending (parental signature required). Please call 831-4022 or email deter086@umn.edu or mohrh002@umn.edu to register. Please RSVP by April 14 so there are enough supplies.
4-H county fair judges clinic
Learn to judge 4-H projects at the county fair!
Join us to sharpen your skills to be a 4-H conference judge of general projects. Lincoln, Lyon and Pipestone County 4-H Extension Educators will host this event.
Minnesota 4-H depends on the skills, talents and dedication of hundreds of adult judges. They make our county fairs and other competitive events across the state possible.
You don't need to be a 4-H alum or an expert to be a judge. You need to know how to evaluate the learning that a 4-H'er has done, and we will train you on how to do this.
For more information and how to attend please visit: https://extension.umn.edu/event/4-h-county-fair-judges-clinic
This clinic is free to attend!
SW Minnesota 4-H SWIM 4-H
The SW MN 4-H region is excited to offer SWIM – Seeing Wellness in Motion through 4-H. Youth will learn the fundamentals of swimming along with educational opportunities around health, wellness and staying in motion. Participants are encouraged to learn skills of a lifetime that go hand in hand with healthy living options.
Who can participate?
This program is open to all youth grades K - 12.
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.
Where: Practice dates/times will vary depending on the pool. SWIM 4-H meets will be located in Redwood Falls, Olivia, Slayton, Tyler, Tracy, and Windom
Cost: $35.00/youth for Swim team
Register: :https://z.umn.edu/4honlineeventregistration under events SWIM- Seeing Wellness in Motion
Need help with registration: https://z.umn.edu/familyuserguide
For more information please visit: https://z.umn.edu/sw-swim
Bunny Barn Series
Live from the Bunny Barn is geared towards youth just getting started in the rabbit project. We'll host two workshops over Zoom.
For more information visit here
Back to the Bunny Barn is geared towards beginner to intermediate rabbit exhibitors. This 5-session series will be held via Zoom and in person.
For more information visit here
Beyond the Bunny Barn is geared towards advanced rabbit exhibitors. This 3-session series will be held via Zoom. We'll look at how exhibitors can share their knowledge and teach youth in their county all about rabbits.
For more information visit here
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
The Great MN 4-H Seed Mystery Project Kit
Each year the 4-H plant science team creates a new project kit for youth to participate in. This year, the team has created a unique kit looking at seeds. Youth will discover and uncover the unknown world of seeds as we look at mystery seeds from across Minnesota's growing zones. Youth will be the detectives and use tools to solve the great seed mystery. The kit comes with the seeds, along with a few detective items. The 4-week virtual series will be held on Mondays, June 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.
There is a $5 fee for the kit. Murray County Farm Bureau Federation has graciously decided to cover the cost of the kit for Murray County 4-H'ers! When enrolling in 4-H online please make sure to not make a payment.
Thank you to Farm Bureau Federation for your donation to pay for the kits!
For more information and how to register please visit https://extension.umn.edu/event/great-seed-mystery
Save the date: Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO)!
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7+ that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
Registration for YELLO will open in April. The cost to attend YELLO is $275, with an additional $50 fee for opting in to ride the bus. Youth will register via 4-H Online.
Get Hopping with the 4-H Rabbit Project
Have you been wondering about the 4-H rabbit project? This in-person beginner's event is perfect for you! Come and learn about where to purchase rabbits, different rabbit breeds, how to take care of your rabbit, and answer any questions about showing a rabbit at the fair!
Saturday, May 13
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 200 Strong St. Tyler, MN
Grades: 3+
Cost: $5
Registration Deadline: May 8
Amazing amphibians and roaming reptiles
What do frogs, snakes and turtles have in common? Join us and learn more about Herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles. We will go undercover and discover the mysteries of our cold blooded friends as we learn how they can become one of your new 4-H projects! Hop and slither to the sessions on the following remaining dates: April 6 & 20 from 7pm - 8pm via Zoom. Registration is open and there is no deadline. For grades K -13
https://z.umn.edu/AmazingAmphibiansandRoamingReptiles
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. 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
Passport to 4-H Tasty Tuesdays: Foods from around the world
Get your food passports ready as we travel to a different country, learn about their culture and create some of their favorite meals or desserts! Our destination will be a mystery until you get your ingredient list! You don't want to miss out on this exciting food adventure! Our remaining arrival dates for our mystery destinations are: April 4 and 11 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Registration is currently open and there is no deadline.
https://z.umn.edu/TastyTuesdaysPassport
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. To register, log in, or if Registration is new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent
Ambassador Information
Murray County Ambassador Events for April
There will be no Ambassador Events in April. Ambassadors are highly encouraged to attend the Murray County 4-H AG Tour on Monday April 10 leaving the Murray County 4-H Building at 9:00 am and returning to Slayton around 2:30 pm. We will be touring Bioverse and Cambridge Technologies with Pizza Ranch for Lunch to learn more see the Ag Tour information at the beginning of this newsletter. This tour is free to all youth and adults and will count towards education for applying for extra livestock trips to the Minnesota State Fair. The next formal Ambassador meeting will be prior to the Federation meeting in July.
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Applications Are Now Open!!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors aim to reflect the diversity of the 4-H program. They serve as the face and voice of Minnesota 4-H to internal and external stakeholders. In their year-long role, the State Ambassadors attend local and regional 4-H meetings and events, speak and present at state and national conferences and events, visit with alumni and other 4-H supporters, and inspire youth to learn and lead through regional and state leadership workshops and trainings.
Applications are due April 17.
For more information please visit the 4-H Ambassadors Page
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
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