Jackson Journal
March 2024
County Updates
"March"ing into Spring
Hello Jackson County 4-H Families and Volunteers,
March seems to be making it's entrance more like a lamb this year, but we're not going to hold our breaths that the white stuff is done falling! As we approach the halfway point of the 4-H year it's hard not to notice how the calendar is filling up with spring and summer activities. School activities are a plenty and this is always a good time to look at all the school projects or extracurriculars you have done and put them in a safe place so that you can remember to enter them into Presentation Day Judging or General Project Showcase at the Jackson County Fair! (more info below about Presentation Day)
Please take some time to look through this month's Jackson Journal as we've pumped it FULL of dates, deadlines, events, and opportunities for 4-H youth, families, volunteers and community members to enjoy!
Some events ( keep reading for more details) we are excited to highlight are:
- Jackson Co. 4-H SWIM (Seeing Wellness in Motion) Teams (grades K-13)
- *Possibly* a NEW Poultry Derby Program - need interested youth in order to offer the program
- A Presentation Day Workshop for youth grades K-13
- 4-H Summer Day Camps for youth grades K-5
- A General Project Day Workshop for youth grades K-13
- Poultry workshops for youth grades K-13
- Our 4-H Summer Intern starting in May! (More details coming soon!)
- 4-H Camp at Lake Shetek for youth grades 3-6 (a Jackson 4-H Ambie is a Camp Counselor this year!)
- Partnership 4-H programs with the Jackson County Arts Center and Jackson County Library Systems! (Solar Eclipse Family Event, Plastic Sculptures, Pollinators - oh my!)
See what we mean? Lots of things to look forward to this spring and summer - and these are just a few things happening in Jackson County or the Southwest Region! Scroll to the bottom to see the MN 4-H statewide opportunities for youth (in-person and virtual!)
Please note some of the more important upcoming dates and deadlines here:
- 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 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 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. (read further for more info about LQA&E)
July 22, 2024 - General Project Entry Day for Jackson Co. Fair (all other 4-H projects not judged at presentation day judging)
July 23, 2024 - Animal Entry Day for Jackson Co. Fair - all animals need to be in pens, cages, stalls by 8 P.M.
Feel free to contact the office if you have question or need help registering for programs/events. As always we are here to help the youth of Jackson Co. find their Spark and become tomorrows leaders and change makers one 4-H activity at a time. We hope that the 1st day of spring be a springboard and motivator for you all to find your Spark in 4-H whether it be in projects, events, volunteering, leading, or sharing your knowledge with others.
Caitlyn and Jazlyn
Join the Jackson County 4-H Remind Group!
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!
Interested in finding a community 4-H Club? Here are all 7 of the Jackson Co. 4-H clubs and the contact info: z.umn.edu/Jackson4-Hclubs - "Shop" around, visit clubs at their next meeting and find the club that best fits you and your families needs!
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!!
Summer Camp at Lake Shetek - REGISTRATION is NOW OPEN!
Registration is $150 per camper. Jackson Co. 4-H is happy to provide a discount to Jackson 4-H'ers planning to attend - Register before the deadline and receive $50 OFF (you only pay $100! per camper)
Late Registration is $175 - no discount will be available if registering late.
Jackson County 4-H Programs and Events
UPDATE!! - TWO Possible 4-H SWIM (Seeing Wellness in Motion) Teams in Jackson County!!
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.
There is a possibility of having 2 (TWO) locations of 4-H SWIM in Jackson County!!!
- Option 1 - Jackson Area
- 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
- A meal will be provided
- Option 2 - Heron Lake - Okabena
- Join us for Jackson 4-H SWIM's Informational/Kick-off Meeting on April 16, 2024 at 6 p.m at the Heron Lake - Okabena Pool
- Please RSVP here: z.umn.edu/HL-OSWIMkickoff
- A meal will be provided
There will be an informational meeting for parents as well as fun intro to SWIM activities for youth.
- Cost is FREE to attend the meetings.
- If you decided to participate in SWIM there will be a registration fee to help cover program and pool costs.
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:
SAVE THESES DATES - 4-H Project Area Workshops
Mark your calendars for the following workshops - details and registration links coming in April!
- Saturday, May 25 - Performance Day Project Workshop from 9 A.M to 12 P.M. - (topics MAY include: Fashion Revue, Food Revue, Sewing, and/or Creative Writing)
- Saturday, June 8 - 4-H General Project Day from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M - (topics MAY include: Metal Work, Cake/Cookie Decorating, Fine Arts/Crafts, and/or Entomology)
Mark your Calendars for 4-H Summer Day Camps for Youth K-5!
Youth K-5 Summer Day Camp Planning is in the works! If you are in grades 6+ you are welcome to join as helpers!
Youth K-5 are invited to participate in 1 of the 3 locations as this day camp will be the same at each of the following locations. More details coming soon including a theme, exact location, and registration. Spread the word now!
Wednesday, June 12, 9am-12 pm - Lakefield
Wednesday, June 26, 9am-12 pm - Heron Lake - Okabena
Monday, July 1, 9am-12 pm - Jackson
Start Planning your 4-H Projects for Presentation Judging Day!
Hey 4-H'ers!
- Have you or do you plan to give a club presentation or demonstration?
- Do you play a musical instrument or sing or dance - maybe acting is more your style?
- Love writing stories, poems, or research papers and sharing them with others?
- What about sewing and clothing? - Do you like showing off the clothes you buy or make to friends and family? Maybe you have some great sewing skills and are proud of the pillowcase you made?
- Ever pretend to run a restaurant or have you even planned a fancy dinner?
If you said YES! to any of these, you are the perfect participant for Performance Arts Judging Day! Judging for the following 4-H project areas takes place on July 9, 2024 from 1 P.M. - 5 P.M. at the Jackson County High School Auditorium. In order to register your projects you will need to enter them on FairEntry (portal opens May 25). Youth and their projects must be in the building by 4pm to be judged.
- Clothing and Textiles
- Purchased or Sewn Clothing
- $20 challenge
- Upcycled Clothing
- Sewn Non-Garment (pillowcase, stuffed animals, bags, etc...)
- Fashion Revue
- Public Presentations
- Demonstrations
- Presentations
- Speeches
- Food Revue
- Performing Arts (performance based and non-performance based)
- Singing
- Dancing
- Acting, Miming, Puppetry, Stand Up Comedy
- Play an instrument
- Scrapbook/Journaling/Poster/Display about any aspect of music, drama, dance or performing
- Make a script for a play, experiment with sound effects, choreograph dances others perform, stage makeup, props etc.
- Creative Writing
Eclipse/ Space Themed Family Fun Event in Partnership with the Jackson Library
Did you know there is going to be a total solar eclipse (z.umn.edu/2024solareclipse) happening on April 8, 2024?! To celebrate, 4-H and the Jackson Public Library are partnering to offer a fun filled space themed adventure to prepare you for the eclipse event.
Thursday, April 4 from 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. there will be a come and go event for all Jackson County youth and families to visit 4-5 educational stations and complete activities guaranteed to put stars in your eyes and have you wondering "what is yet to be discovered in space?".
No need to Register or RSVP! You're invited to come explore, learn, and create... More info coming soon!
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.
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 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
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! We need at least 8 youth to express interest in order to offer this program.
Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) Trainings Due July 10 by 4:30 P.M.!
If you plan to show an animal in the following species and are eligible to show livestock at the MN State Fair this year, please keep reading for important information.
Minnesota 4-H youth are required to participate in one of two training options of LQA&E (Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics) - z.umn.edu/Mn4HLQAEinfo training to be an eligible Minnesota State Fair exhibitor (grades 6+) in the following livestock shows (beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, meat goat, dairy goat and llama - alpaca). This training is optional for youth in grades 3-5.
Review the full Minnesota 4-H LQA Policy here (z.umn.edu/MnLQAEPolicy).
**Training should be completed before the Jackson County Deadline: July 10 by 4:30 P.M.**
Failure to complete the training and submit your certificate by July 10 may result in ineligibility for a 4-H livestock trip to the MN State Fair.
CHECK YOUR LQA&E TRAINING STATUS: via 4-HOnline.
- Login at mn.4honline.com
- Select the 4-H member whose status you wish to check
- On the left-side of the screen, navigate to the 'Trainings' tab.
- Select 'Trainings' and note LQAE/YQCA training(s) and their expiration date ('Exp.')
There are 2 options of training. The level of training required is determined by the grade/age of the youth at the time the training takes place. Youth completing either quality assurance training option will receive a certificate of completion.
OPTION 1: Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics (LQA&E) training refers to a 3-hour, in-person training. This training is offered in various locations across the state. Certification is good for three fair seasons. The level of training required is determined by the grade of the youth at the time the training takes place. The cost for this training is set by the county or region hosting the training. See local opportunities of this type of training below.
- LEVELS OF TRAINING
- 4-H members completing grades 3-5 must be certified in Level I.
- 4-H members completing grades 9-13 must be certified in Level II.
- 4-H members 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. It is expected that 6-8 graders with very little exposure to livestock projects will certify in Level I.
- LOCAL LQA&E TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:
- June 14 - Worthington, both Level I & II, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Registration link coming soon!
- To see all statewide dates and locations: z.umn.edu/4HLQA or visit this flyer for Southwest MN opportunities: LQA&E Flyer 2024
Please reach out to the Extension Office with any questions or concerns. We are happy to help!
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 Workshops - Save these dates and spread the word!
New to the poultry project or don't know where to start? Maybe you want to improve the skills you already have? Well, save these following dates and spread the word to Jackson 4-H'ers and others in the surrounding counties!
- Saturday, June 1 from 9 A.M. - 12 P.M.
- Saturday, July 13 from 9 A.M. - 12 P.M.
Registration will be sent out in April so stay tuned!
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
Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp
Do you want to enhance your livestock evaluation and selection skills? Do you want to become better with oral reasons? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you!
Presented by the University of Minnesota Livestock Judging Team and Coach Kyle Rozeboom, this camp will teach you the fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, provide instruction with oral reasons, and help you become more confident in livestock judging.
Camp will be held June 17-19, 2024, at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus.
Additional information, including daily schedule, housing, meals and driving directions, will be emailed to registered participants.
Register Here: z.umn.edu/livestockjudgingcamp
2024 Kandiyohi County 4-H Horse Clinic
Kandiyohi County 4-H Invites you to register for their day long clinic!
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Where: Kandiyohi County Fairgrounds, Willmar, MN
Tentative sessions may include:
Small group: Showmanship, Western, English, Balance, Anatomy, Team Building
Clinicians will provide hands-on learning during the event
Enjoy a pizza party in the evening!
Learn more and register here: z.umn.edu/KandiyohiHorseClinic2024
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/they are planning to leave the committee, please let the office know 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.
- Auction Committee - March 4, 2024 from 6-7 P.M. - Extension Office
- General Project Committee - March 12, 2024 from 6-7 P.M. - JCC Middle School in Lakefield
- Food Stand Committee - March 5, 2024 from 6-7 P.M. - Extension Office
- Livestock Superintendents Committee - we still need a GOAT superintendent - please ask your club's families if they have any interest. - Meeting - May 7, 2024 from 7-8 P.M. - JCC Middle School in Lakefield
- Banquet Committee (Enterprise and Petersburg) - September 4, 2024 TBD time and location
Minnesota 4-H 'Deep Dive' volunteer development webinar series
Communicating successfully is essential to building an inclusive environment where all members feel welcome and included. Because the nature of communication differs from situation to situation, effectively interpreting what is being communicated can also be challenging. Join this webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. as we take a deep dive into disability-related scenarios and ideas on how to best handle them within 4-H club and program settings.
This webinar series explores topics highlighted in the 2023 annual volunteer training focused on 4-H for All Abilities: Creating Inclusive Environments for Youth with Disabilities.
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.
The last deep dive will be a disability planning roundtable on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 pm. We encourage you to promote the trainings to your volunteers and/or even consider hosting a watch party. These webinars are open to 4-H Youth Development program volunteers, potential volunteers, and youth leaders
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.
Dan Patch and Youth Leadership Applications
The Dan Patch and Youth Leadership applications are due on April 8th! Be sure to print the latest application information. **NOTE: there is an additional requirement this year to have an adult write a Letter of Nomination.
This is an opportunity to showcase your learning, leadership and service as it relates to the Horse Project in MN 4-H. A 2-page resume and an 8-page portfolio are required, along with an application, signature page, and letter of nomination. For the Youth Leadership 6-9th graders, this is it!
For Dan Patch 10-13th graders, the top 20 scores advance to Phase 2 where they compete in interviews, presentations, and team problems on June 22nd. The top 10 from both age groups can stall in the Center Aisle at the MN 4-H Horse Show in September and enter in classes they earned a blue ribbon at county fair.
If you have questions about any part of the process, please reach out to the volunteer chairperson, Cindy.
Youth Leadership https://z.umn.edu/youthleadershipapplication
Dan Patch https://z.umn.edu/danpatchapplication
2024 4-H Sponsorship Program by New Vision Co-op
New Vision Co-op is proud to offer a 4-H sponsorship program. 4-H has proven to be a great way to teach kids about agriculture and they learn responsibility and are exposed to a wide variety of new experiences teaching them about growing, building, and being a leader. It is for these reasons the New Vision Co-op Board of Directors continues to offer financial support to the youth participating in the various 4-H projects.
Learn more and apply here: https://newvision.coop/4-h/
Application Deadline
Friday, June 7, 2024
ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY
Late applications will not be eligible.
Cottonwood Cattle Producers Jerome Smith Memorial Scholarship
The Cottonwood Cattle Producers are pleased to announce the establishment of the Jerome Smith Memorial scholarship. This scholarship is in memory of Jerome's dedication and contribution to the area. He was a dedicated employee, volunteer, and community leader who demonstrated a passion for service and teaching hands-on experience and knowledge within his community.
Scholarship Information:
Due Date: Applications must be postmarked, emailed to deter086@umn.edu, or delivered to the Cottonwood County Extension office by April 1, 2024.
Criteria: 2024 high school senior from Brown, Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray, Redwood, or Watonwan counties.
Amount: This is a one-time $500 scholarship. Two scholarships will be awarded annually. The recipients of the scholarship will be notified on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Use the QR code below to print off a copy of the application.
Other 4-H Statewide Scholarships, Grants, and Awards
Extension development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for college-bound 4-H youth, with applications due April 1:
- Ada and Helmuth Schroeder Scholarship
- CCI Innovation in Agriculture Scholarship
- David E. Pace and Valerie Halverson Pace Leadership Scholarship
- Kern Scholarship
Please encourage your 4-H youth to apply now! Visit the 4-H scholarship web page for detailed information about the various scholarships and online applications.
Application deadline: April 1.
If you have any questions please contact: Fun Fun Cheng at chen0169@umn.edu, 612-624-8132
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 - Staff will be in the Jackson Co. Fairgrounds 4-H Office - Lakefield office closed
Dual County 4-H Ambassador ZOOM Meeting - Jackson and Nobles youth grades 6+
4-H Ambassador aged youth (grades 6-13) in Jackson County are invited to a fun filled Zoom event to not only connect with other youth in Jackson County, but also Ambies from Nobles County. We will hopefully get to chat with some MN 4-H State Ambassadors as well dive into planning our Dual County Ambassador Summer Retreat.
When: Monday, March 25 at 6 p.m.
Location: ZOOM meeting!
No need to RSVP - join us with this link: z.umn.edu/JacksonAmbieZoom
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
- 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 throughout the state!
Shooting Sports & Wildlife Program
Martin County 4-H SS&W Team would like to invite Jackson County 4-Hers to join them for practices! Youth can participate in a range of disciplines such as archery, shotgun, rifle/pistol, and wildlife, with the hope of adding muzzleloading soon!
The SS&W Team typically meets on rotating Monday's in Fairmont or Truman, starting in May, typically beginning at 6:30 or 7 PM.
Interested in joining? Email Reilley Rode, rrode@umn.edu
Show-rite & Springfield Coop Creamery Livestock Workshop
Join us 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 5 at the Comfrey Public School Cafeteria (305 Ochre St W, Comfrey) for a free and educational evening learning about all things livestock!
Featuring show/livestock information in beef, sheep, goats and swine. Topics will include nutrition, project selection, general care and management, tips and tricks for show ring success.
Supper will be provided - sponsored by Hubbard/Show-Rite & Springfield Coop Creamery.
Sign up at z.umn.edu/showriteclinic
Watonwan County 4-H Goat Clinic
Join us for a clinic with information on how to start your project off right and prepare for show day.
Guest speakers Alison Durheim and Lynnzae Van Wyk will discuss these items below along with a live demonstration.
Basic Care: Tips for daily health, training, exercise and hair care.
Basic Show Day Preparation: Outline of the key things to do to prepare your goat for show.
Showmanship: Top 5 things to do to improve your showmanship skills.
MN 4H: Review of classes, deadlines, IDs, rules
When: Sunday, April 7th, 2024
12PM - Lunch
1 PM - Clinic
3 PM - Q&A
Where: Van Wyk Family Farm - 70117 350th St, St James, MN 56081
Contact: Nicole Van Wyk - 507-381-4335 - doubletimefarm@gmail.com
Cost: FREE
** Bring a lawn chair!
Meet the guest speakers! z.umn.edu/goatclinic2024
Ambassador Retreat! Are you Interested?
Calling all Leadership & Ambassador Teams in SE & SW MN 4-H!
Let’s spend the day together learning about leadership skills, making connections with other youth leaders outside your county, and experimenting with Culinology, a unique blend of culinary arts, food science, and food technology!
This is a great opportunity for new and experienced Ambassador/Leadership Teams and the adults who support them, to find connection, belonging and to spark ideas for leadership development and local opportunities.
If you're interested in joining other Jackson County Ambassadors for this event, please let Caitlyn know.
Join the 4-H Green Superheroes of Science!
Take part in our four-session series as a Green Superhero of Science! Youth in grades K-3 will engage in fun experiments that spark curiosity and discovery.
Experiments involve creating moon dough (a bio-plastic), exploring green chemistry and making a foaming fizzy, engineering materials to build a super soaker, solving a plastic litter mystery and creating an art sculpture, and more! Each youth registered will receive a supply kit!
First do this at home: You’ll receive all the activity lessons and supplies in your kit to guide you through doing the experiment anytime before the LIVE Superhero Gathering.
Next join us for LIVE Superheroes gatherings each week: Youth will “show and tell” what they explored, tested, and discovered at this LIVE Superhero of Science Gathering! Our Teen Superheros will lead these active sharing sessions! Superhero costumes welcome!
Who: Youth in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.
When: Four weeks of experiments
LIVE Superheroes of Science gatherings on:
Tuesday, April 9 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m
Tuesday, April 16, from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m
Tuesday, April 23 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m
Tuesday, April 30 from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. Our April 30 meeting will be longer, 6:30-7:15 pm.
Cost: $20 - this includes a supply kit for the experiments
Note: We have included new experiments and children who have participated in Green Superheroes of Science in the past are welcome to join again.
Registration: Registration will open on February. 13 through 4-H Online. Click on the event called: 4-H Green Superheroes of Science. New to 4-H or need assistance registering through 4HOnline? This link will help guide you: z.umn.edu/4hEvent. Once enrollment is approved, then the event will show up under the name of the youth to register.
Cost: The cost of the supply kit is $20. Sign up by Thursday, March 7 to receive the supply and lesson activity plans in the mail.
Space is limited to 50 participants or when registration is full.
Help Recruit Teen Leaders as Teen Superheroes of Science
Do you have 4-H youth leaders who enjoy leading younger members or creating a fun virtual environment? We could use their teen superpowers to help build the Green Superheroes of Science (GSOS) where younger youth “show and tell” what they explored, tested, and discovered during weekly STEM experiments connected to polymer science.
Teens in grades 6+ (or very mature 5th graders!) are invited to be a Teen Superhero of Science. Teens will help lead large and small group activities and “show and tell” sessions during the LIVE GSOS gatherings on: Tuesdays, April 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Our April 30 meeting will be longer, 6:30-7:15 pm. Teens are asked to join weekly 30 min. virtual prep meetings and a 1 hour training session in late March or early April (date TBD by the group).
Please share this opportunity with teens in 6th-12th grade. Interested teen leaders can apply by completing a survey at https://z.umn.edu/GSOSTeenLeader24. Check out the Teen Superhero information at https://z.umn.edu/TeenLeaderGSOS2024Info.
Green Superheroes of Science participant registration details will be available on February 13, 2024 at https://z.umn.edu/MN4HGSOSSpring2024. An email will also be sent to families of Cloverbuds via 4-HOnline.
For more information, please contact Anne Stevenson, steve020@umn.edu Amie Mondl, Extension Educator at rober199@umn.edu, or Heidi Wyatt, 4-H Program Associate, wyat0003@umn.edu
4-H Rabbit Fun Show in Brandon
Are you looking for a rabbit judging experience before your county fair? Do you need to purchase a rabbit for showing before the May 15 deadline? Need your rabbit tattooed or are you in the market for rabbit supplies?
Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 28 and attend this annual event. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and judging begins at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $ 3 per rabbit entered.
- Ribbons and medallions awarded
- Food stand on site
- Door prizes and silent auction offered
This show has lots to offer! For more information or questions, contact the Douglas County Extension office at 320-762-3890 or mnext-douglas@umn.edu.
4-H STEM Training for Adults!
The 4-H STEM 101 training is a dynamic and immersive experience designed to ignite curiosity and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among adult learners. Through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and mentorship from experienced educators and volunteers, participants are exposed to a wide array of STEM disciplines, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This comprehensive training equips 4-H Volunteers with the knowledge and confidence to excel in STEM fields, preparing them to become future leaders and innovators in an increasingly technology-driven world.
To register for this opportunity use this link: z.umn.edu/2024STEMregistration. The deadline to register is April 2nd.
The Jackson County 4-H Federation has set aside funds for volunteer training opportunities, contact the office and we will cover the cost for you!
Minnesota Farmers Union Leadership Camp
Farmers Union Youth Leadership Camps are all about helping young people become good citizens by planting the seeds of responsibility, leadership and cooperation in an environment where those qualities can grow and flourish.
Join the Minnesota Farmers Union for one of their 2024 Summer Camp sessions!
- Northern Camp (Ages 9-12) in Erskine, MN
- 6/17-6/21
- Southern Elementary Camp (Ages 8-11) in New London, MN
- 7/14-7/17
- Southern Junior Camp (Ages 11-14) in New London, MN
- 7/21-7/25
- Senior High Camp (Ages 14-18) in New London, MN
- 7/28-8/02
For more details and registration, please visit https://mfu.org/camp/
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
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Jackson County 4-H Google Calendar: z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal
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