Jackson Journal
January 2024
County Updates
Happy January!
It finally looks like winter with all this snow. We hope you are all staying safe and warm on days when Mother Nature reminds us we still live in Minne"snow"ta.
It's been exciting to start the new year with many committee meetings and a jump start on planning 4-H's role in the Jackson County fair. If you are still interested in joining a committee to help with the planning please reach out to us in the Extension Office and we'd be happy to help connect you with the right committee for you! We especially need 1-2 goat superintendents for the upcoming county fair!
Another thing to be excited for is our Jackson County 4-H enrollment numbers. Currently we have 206 4-H youth and volunteers enrolled in 4-H online! 19 of these 206 are new youth or volunteers - WELCOME! If you have any questions or need information as you start your journey with 4-H we have provided a link to the Jackson Co. 4-H Handbook found further in this newsletter. If you have not connected with your Club Leader or are unsure about who to connect with please reach out to us in the office as we are here to help.
Returning youth, families, and volunteers, please help welcome our newest members and volunteers and guide them through this upcoming 4-H year as things start to get busy and deadlines approach. Please encourage them to look into the various project areas to explore and volunteer in. We often forget what it is like to be the "new" person so it's important to offer help and support to those who are experiencing 4-H for the first time.
As always, please let us know if there is anything you need answers to or have ideas for Jackson 4-H to be involved in. This month's Jackson Journal is jam packed with information so be sure to read carefully and mark your calendars for the year ahead.
Stay warm,
Caitlyn and Jazlyn
Club and 4-H Member Information
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!
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
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.
Clubs - Apply for $500 Award through the Association of Minnesota Counties
2024 AMC 4-H Community Leadership Award Application Do you have a special community project that you have worked on in your 4-H club or in a smaller project group in your county over the past year? If the answer is YES… consider applying for this award!
Deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 24 2024
For more information and the application, see here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lM2715CBR5W7BH3fi7gGqyqyn-s374NO/view?usp=sharing
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
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 Scholarship Opportunities Available!
Extension development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for college-bound 4-H youth, as well as a workforce training scholarship for an adult 4-H alumni or volunteer. Over $20,000 is awarded annually through a competitive application process. Minnesota 4-H scholarship online applications are now available. Applications require two letters of recommendation, with one being from an Extension educator.
Please encourage your 4-H youth and adult alumni or volunteers to visit the 4-H scholarship web page for detailed information about the various scholarships available and online applications. Questions regarding these scholarships and awards can be directed to Fun Fun Cheng, chen0169@umn.edu, 612-624-8132.
You're Invited! - From Cottonwood County 4-H
We would like to invite all 4-H clubs of Cottonwood, Jackson and Watonwan counties to a Skating Party!!!
- When: Sunday - January 28 from 2-4pm
- Where: Windom Area Arena
- Details: Admittance for 4-Hers and their families is FREE. Please bring a canned good for the local food shelf!
Skates are available if you need them. You can bring your own ice/hockey skates too.
We will have hot cocoa and snacks in the side room at the arena to keep you warm and full!
- If other clubs would like to bring bars/cookies...we won’t say no!
There are skating walkers for younger kids...or adults that need help staying upright We also
have several of our older kids who are great skaters and willing to help you if you’d like!
- If you don’t skate, no problem, come to the community room and play some games with us and get to know each other better!
Hope to see you all there!!!
Windom Workers/Dale Diggers 4-H Club
Cottonwood County 4-H Clubs
Jackson County 4-H has funds for you to attend BLU or TEAL!
Jackson County 4-H Federation has funds to sponsor youth planning to attend these events! Contact the Extension Office if you wish to utilize these funds and attend BLU or TEEL.
There are two leadership workshops being offered this February! Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) is a youth-led workshop for youth in grades 6-9 that strengthens leadership, communication, and relationship skills. Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) is for youth in grades 10+ who want to boost their leadership skills. Becoming better leaders all while having a great time.
This year’s theme is "3, 2, 1, Blast off into Leadership!" Youth will learn about communication skills and the intake of information through engaging activities and discussions.
BLU & TEEL will be hosted in three different locations and all are overnight experiences:
Feb. 3-4-BLU & TEEL at Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes
Feb. 10-11-BLU & TEEL at Camp Omega, Waterville
Feb. 17-18-BLU & TEEL at Camp Friendship, Annandale
To learn more about BLU and register visit z.umn.edu/4-HBLU and to learn more about TEEL and register visit z.umn.edu/4-HTEEL.
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.
Fill Out 4-H Member and/or 4-H Volunteer Spotlights
Jackson County 4-H Member and Volunteer Spotlights
Please take some time to fill out the 4-H Member and or Volunteer Spotlight forms for your chance to be featured on the Jackson County Facebook page!
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.
- January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- May 27 - Memorial Day
- June 19 - Juneteenth
- 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: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Location: ZOOM meeting!
No need to RSVP - join us with this link: https://umn.zoom.us/j/94952318105?pwd=U0dNN2t0NzVrTUcwVmd3Zmd4L2xuUT09
More details will be emailed soon to youth in grades 6-13.
NEW LOCATION! - Advisory Board and Federation Meeting - Jan. 22, 2024
Stay up to date about 4-H in Jackson County by reading the past agenda and the minutes from the September Federation Meeting we had on Oct. 16, 2023.
Please encourage one adult and one youth to represent your club at the next Federation meeting happening Jan. 22 at 7:30pm at the JCC Middle School in Lakefield. Agenda can be found in the event on the Jackson County 4-H google calendar when ready: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal
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.
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!
We're Hiring! Summer Internship Available NOW!
Do you know a college student looking for work experience in the youth development field? We have 4-H summer intern positions available throughout the state of Minnesota for Summer 2024. These positions are designed to provide meaningful professional youth development work experience for the student intern working alongside an Extension educator. Positions will begin in mid-May to early June and range from 8-13 weeks. The summer intern positions are posted NOW!
Visit the Extension careers page to learn more about the summer intern positions and apply.
2024 Winter Round Up!
Attention Horse Project Members!
Winter Round Up is just around the corner and you don’t want to miss this great opportunity to connect with fellow horse friends, meet new horse friends, learn about horses and leadership in a fun weekend camp setting!
We have some amazing speakers and fun activities scheduled for this year. Josh Tjossas is our keynote speaker. He will be talking about what judges are looking for when they judge your county fair shows. We have fun opportunities to learn about new programming in horse as well as dip into existing horse program areas to learn more. Oh and did we mention there would be fun and prizes!
Winter Round Up is scheduled for January 19-21, 2024 at Castaways Club in Detroit Lakes. This is the first time we have been in the Northwest! Early bird registration is $100 and due by December 18 after that registration is $110 until January 10th .
Winter Round Up is for youth 6th grade and up and adults. It it always an engaging and fun weekend! You can register through 4-H online and if you need help your local educator can help. For more information contact the Extension Office. Hope to see you there!
Early bird registration deadline Dec. 18th. Final registration January 10, 2024. More information available https://z.umn.edu/winterround-up
4-H for All Abilities: MN 4-H Deep Dive Volunteer Development Webinar series
Minnesota 4-H is committed to creating inclusive learning environments for all youth. Attend 1 or more of the 3 Deep Dive Volunteer webinars to explore a focused topic and continue to build your comfort level in working with people with disabilities.
Webinar 1: Making Simple Accommodations
Date/Time: Thursday, January 11, 2024, 6:30-7:30 pm
** For those unable to attend the first deep dive, a recording of the webinar is available here. Please make sure to submit your feedback by completing the post webinar evaluation. Also, please share this recording with those that might be interested.
Webinar 2: Behavior is Communication Behavior Scenarios Deep Dive
Date/Time: Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 7:00-8:00 pm
Webinar 3: Disability Planning Roundtable
Date/Time: March 21, 2024, 6:30-7:30 pm
Register online: z.umn.edu/VolDeepDive24
4-H Horseless Horse Round Up
Interested in learning more about horses? Back by popular demand, we’re excited to offer this online series for horse enthusiasts in grades 3+ to learn more about horses. We’ll meet once a week in a virtual setting, and supplemental material will be provided for youth to further explore each topic. Topics will include horse basics, horse care, nutrition, health, and more! New for 2024 - we’ll offer a Level 1 series for any participants, with a Level 2 series available for participants continuing their learning from last year! Sessions will run Feb. 5 - March 11. Registration deadline: Jan. 25.
Learn more here: z.umn.edu/HLHRoundUp
Chaperones Needed for BLU & TEEL!
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a chaperone and what your duties would entail, see the BLU & TEEL Chaperone Role Description document.
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.
4-H Camp Counselors Wanted!
We are looking for youth currently in grades 9-12 to serve as counselors at our multi-county 4-H camp held at Shetek Lutheran Ministries on the shores of Lake Shetek.
This 4-H camp in southwest Minnesota will include four one-hour educational tracks. In addition, camp activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, campfire and more! Camp counselors are expected to connect with campers throughout the entire camp experience.
Applicants can choose to work at one camp session (two nights and three days) or both sessions (four nights and five days). Learn more about Camp Shetek camp counselor positions here!
Apply now
Complete the online application by Jan. 31, 2024.
Selected camp counselors will be notified by Feb. 28, 2024.
Encourage a friend to apply! No previous 4-H camp experience is required to be a 4-H camp counselor. A new 4-H member? No previous 4-H experience is required to apply.
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
SW MN Down on the Farm Virtual Events
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 virtually on Saturday mornings January 6-27 from 10-10:30 a.m.
Find full details & register at: https://z.umn.edu/2024DownOnTheFarm
A Day in the Life Photography Challenge!
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer another statewide photography challenge open to youth in grades K-13!
Capture a moment in your life each day for a week! Document your daily activities as they unfold naturally - mealtime, friends, family, hobbies, backyard, animals, etc.
Select five of your seven images (with no or minimal editing) taken between December 15-January 15. From your five images, select one to write 1-2 sentences on why that photo is important to you.
Submit five (5) jpg or jpeg images and your statement in one email to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on January 15, 2024. Please type “A Day in the Life” in the email Subject line, and in the email include the participant’s name, grade, state, your 1-2 sentence statement, and which photo you wrote your statement about, as indicated in the rules.
Register at: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
Southwest MN 4-H Wildlife Day 2024
Are you interested 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 outdoors project learning event! Many sessions to participate in and all related to wildlife and the outdoors. Youth grades K-13 are encouraged to register and have fun on February. 10 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Redwood Falls Public Schools, 100 George Ramseth Drive Redwood Falls, Minnesota 56283. Park in the lower parking lot. Cost is $25.
For more information and to register visit: z.umn.edu/SW-MN4HWildlifeDay2024 or https://sw4-hwinterwildlifeevent.4honline.com/
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.
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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