Douglas 4-H Buzz
April 2024 Edition
Important May 15 Animal ID Deadline
All breeding beef, dairy, dairy goat, horse, llama-alpaca, meat goat, poultry (pigeons and doves only), rabbits, sheep and swine need to be identified. The ID information is available here in an electronic version. There are consequences for late animal science ID's. If you have signed up for any of the above animal science projects, you will receive the information in the mail. Check your member profiles to make sure you are signed up for the animal information you want to receive. Please reach out with questions you have, we are here to help you.
Adventure 4-H Daycamps for Youth Grades K-2
Save the date for popular day camps planned and run by the 4-H summer intern and youth day camp counselors. Watch for registration and event information to be available soon in mn.4honline.com.
Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- July 10 - Curtis A. Felt Memorial Park, Alexandria-Art Adventure
- July 17 - Lake Osagi Park, Osakis - Science Adventure
- July 24 - Brandon Lions Park, Brandon - Animal Adventure
- July 31 - Legacy of the Lakes Museum, Alexandria - Water Adventure
Cost is $5 per camp per youth. Payment can be dropped off or mailed to our office at 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN (2nd floor of the courthouse) prior to camp. After hours there is a drop box at the south entrance; label the envelope Douglas County 4-H and indicate what payment is for. Space is limited to first come, first served, spot is secured once payment is received.
Minnesota State Ambassador Applications Open
Apply now to be a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador if you will be in grades 11-13 for the 2024-2025 school year. Applicants must be enrolled in Minnesota 4-H throughout their July-June term. For more information please click here! Application deadline is April 15, so don't delay!
4-H Dog Training Kicks Off in April!
Want to learn how to care for and train a dog?
Tackle leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork?
Compete in a 4-H dog show?
The Douglas County 4-H program is offering dog obedience training starting in April for youth grades 3 and up. Trainers cover obedience, rally, showmanship and agility. Upload your dog id into mn.4honline.com now or reach out to the Extension office if you need assistance.
Check out these links for full details:
4-H Dog ID (completed, signed by vet and submitted to Extension prior to attending)
Register Now for Morris Regional 4-H Summer Camp
The regional 4-H camp is scheduled for June 25-27 at the University of Minnesota Morris campus. Youth in grades 3-6 are invited to attend this unique camp experience.
Youth participate in program offerings packed with educational sessions, large and small group activities and a whole lot of fun! Youth learn new skills and make new friendships. Includes water activities, various speakers, games, evening programs and campfire!
This year's track topics to choose from include Journal Jamboree, Culinary Quest, Safe & Sound, Design Dynamo, Green Thumbs, Bullseye Bonanza and Outdoor Survivalist 3.0.
Cost is $ 160 but Douglas County 4-H will pay $ 80 towards this fee for enrolled Douglas County 4-H members (active status) that attend. Fee includes lodging in a secure dormitory, meals and transportation.
Register now for best selection in mn.4honline.com or contact the office for assistance. If interested, refer to this guide on how to register for events in mn.4honline https://z.umn.edu/eventguide
4-H Junior Camp at Faith Haven
Join us for 4-H Junior Camp at Faith Haven June 13-14! Youth in grades 3-6 will experience a traditional overnight camp including games, songs, crafts, educational programs, reflective campfire and more. Camp begins at 10 a.m. on June 13 and ends at 3 p.m. on June 14.
Teen counselors will lead campers in activities that allow them to gain knowledge and develop social skills while meeting new friends. 4-H staff and high school aged camp counselors are ready to deliver an exciting overnight camp for you.
Cost is $ 110 but Douglas County 4-H will pay half your registration fee leaving your cost at $ 55. Registration closes on May 13 and space is limited to first come, first served. Please be respectful of the registration deadline. To register, go to mn.4honline.com and search for 4-H Junior Camp at Faith Haven. You may refer to this event registration guide if interested https://z.umn.edu/eventguide. If you need assistance registering, please contact the Extension office.
Annual 4-H Rabbit Fun Show
Looking for a rabbit judging experience before the county fair? Mark your calendars for this fun show and gain experience showing. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., judging begins at 11:30 a.m. This event is sponsored by Douglas County 4-H and Moses and Aaron 4-H Club. Cost is $ 3 for each rabbit entered. For more information or questions, please email Jackie at jkokett@umn.edu
- Rabbits for sale - get yours before the May 15 deadline (4-H breeds only, no crossbreds)
- Please bring a tarp to place under your rabbit carrier
- Rabbit tattooing available
- Ribbons awarded for best of breed and best opposite (classes with five or more same breed)
- Medallions awarded for showmanship in senior, intermediate and junior divisions
- Medallions awarded for best in show and reserve in show
- Food stand, door prizes and silent auction available
- Rabbit Tracks will be on site with a nice selection of rabbit supplies available for purchase
Sunday, Apr 28, 2024, 10:30 AM
Brandon City Hall and Auditorium, 105 Holmes Ave, Brandon, MN 56315
Registration for YELLO Opens on April 1 and Closes May 12!
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth grades 7 and up that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
The conference, held June 12-15, includes engaging and interactive activities and will take place close by at University of Minnesota Morris. Registration opens April 1 and closes May 10. Cost is $300 but Douglas County 4-H covers half the registration fee.
Youth will:
- Build and learn skills to reach goals and plan for the future.
- Explore careers, college and other topics of interest through interactive workshops.
- Develop positive connections with other youth and adults through small and large groups, workshops and other interactive sessions.
- Take health breaks to recharge and process learning.
Meat Goat Clinic - Part 2
Demonstrations on clipping of hooves, fitting and showmanship. Clinic is organized by the Bumgarner and Bundermann families. Please RSVP to Kelly Bumgarner at kelly@prairielakesdental.com or 320-491-4234.
Sunday, May 5, 2024, 01:00 PM
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds Road, Alexandria, MN, USA
Cloverbud Policy and Guidelines Updated
There are updates to policies around cloverbuds when interacting with animals. Check out the new updated information here. Cloverbuds are able to bring one animal science exhibit to the county fair.
Project to Exhibit Resource
If interested in learning about specific projects, here is a resource with all of the project areas we have featured in our past Buzz newsletters. Get ideas, learn about your project area interest and convert that learning into an exhibit for the county fair.
For new families, we have a workshop just for you on Wednesday, June 12 about the county fair experience. Watch for more information, but we hope you'll save the date!
New County Fair Registration Deadline - Monday, July 8!
Any exhibit showcased at the county fair must be pre-registered in our county fair registration system. Please note - we have moved our county fair registration deadline up to Monday, July 8, so start thinking about that deadline now! Some helpful tips to make the deadline:
- Read your premium book! This resource has all the details you need! Look for it in your mailbox late May or early June.
- Share this date with your 4-H'er(s). Start conversations early with your kids and start thinking ahead to what exhibits they want to bring to the fair and start gathering information.
- Set a reminder or alarm in your phone for July 8 or maybe even the week prior. Don't wait until the last minute, get organized now!
- Put this date in your virtual calendar if you use one.
- Circle the date on your paper calendar in big bold red ink!
Watch for more information to come.
County Fair Silent Auction of Exhibits
The Liberty Livewires 4-H Club are hosting the exhibit silent auction at the fair this year, with the Douglas County Food Shelf as the recipient of the funds. Start thinking ahead to exhibits you might consider making and donating, ribbon and prizes awarded in both the alumni and youth categories.
New - 4-H Animal Science Costume Contest at the Fair
New - costume contest for animals housed at the fair and their exhibitor!
As you know, costumes cannot pose any harm to animals and remember that cultures are not costumes. Be respectful of diverse cultures and avoid dressing in ways that depict entire groups of people/cultures/ethnicities as "costumes."
Categories:
- Best Overall Costume
- Most Creative Costume
- Funniest Costume
- Most Detailed Costume
This contest takes place after Round Robin Showmanship in the Erickson Pavilion!
Come on out and have some fun! Friday night of fair is deadline to signup (details to come).
Attention Sheep Exhibitors - Wether Dam Classes Added
We are adding two wether dam classes to our sheep exhibit opportunities.
- Wether Dam Ewe Lamb - Born on or after December 1 of previous year
- Weather Dam Yearling Ewe - Over 1 year and under 2 years of age and not show evidence of four permanent incisors.
If you have questions about those classes please see the Sheep Information sheet here.
Attention Swine Exhibitors
We previously limited swine exhibitors to two exhibits between market barrow, market gilt or breeding gilt. Starting in 2023 we allowed youth grades 3 and up to exhibit three swine if they choose. Exhibitors could exhibit a breeding gilt (Jan, Feb or March), a market gilt and a market barrow. However, you are not able to exhibit two of the same; for example two breeding gilts or two market barrows. If you have questions, please contact the office.
Demonstration Judging
When a former 4-H member is asked, “what did you gain through 4-H that has made the most impact on your career success?” the skill most often mentioned is public speaking.
Giving a demonstration is a wonderful opportunity to build those skills and gain self-confidence. All are welcome, 4-H premiums awarded and opportunity to qualify for a state fair trip for youth 6th grade and up. Livestock demonstrations will be judged at the county fair.
In the demonstration area (traditional demonstration, illustrated presentation, youth in action or livestock demonstration), youth are evaluated on their ability to communicate information, proper use of visuals, correct use of an introduction, body and conclusion, and the ability to answer questions.
Registration deadline is June 10. Go to mn.4honline.com and under events, select Douglas County 4-H Demonstrations. You must pre-register to be eligible for champion, reserve champion and state fair. Thank you for being respectful of this deadline so we can secure materials, schedule demonstrations and prepare the judge. Reach out of if you have questions or need help.
Thursday, Jun 20, 2024, 04:00 PM
Douglas County Courthouse, 8th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN, USA
Food Revue Judging
Food revue is a fun part of the food and nutrition project area. Design a fun menu, typically around a theme, and a menu that incorporates a healthy balanced meal. Next step is to present your information to a judge. The exhibit consists of a display that includes the following: table setting for your meal (includes dishes, cutlery, placemat/tablecloth, glasses etc.), one of the items from your menu prepared and brought to judging, an 8.5 x 11 copy of your menu and an 8.5 x 11 copy of your featured item's recipe. See flyer for ideas.
During judging, exhibitors are asked questions about the menu and the food item prepared. Exhibitors should have knowledge around menu choices, food groups, nutritional value and cost per serving.
Registration deadline is June 10. Register at mn.4honline.com and under events look for Douglas County 4-H Food Revue. You must pre-register to be eligible for champion, reserve champion and state fair. Thank you for being respectful of the registration deadline so we can secure materials, schedule presentations and prepare the judge.
If you have questions or need help getting started, please reach out to the Douglas County Extension office at mnext-douglas@umn.edu or 320-762-3890.
Thursday, Jun 20, 2024, 04:00 PM
Douglas County Courthouse, 8th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN, USA
Contact Information:
Jodi Hintzen, Extension Educator, hintz010@umn.edu
Jackie Kokett, Extension Educator, jkokett@umn.edu
Douglas County Extension
Email: mnext-douglas@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/douglas
Address: 305 8th Ave W, Alexandria, MN 56308 (Courthouse, 2nd floor)
Phone: 320-762-3890
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MNDouglasCounty4H/
Twitter: @UMNExt
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