Murray County 4-H Newsletter
December 15, 2023
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Wishing you the best this Holiday season!
We are grateful for our wonderful 4-H families and the joy they bring to our county!
Thank you for making 2023 great!
From,
Kim, Melissa, and Mallory
Re-enrollment
Please complete your re-enrollment for the 2023-2024 year, visit 4-Honline to complete this task. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Extension staff!
Internship Opportunity
Youth Development 4-H Summer Intern
Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems Intern
Activity ideas for your club!
Need activity ideas for your 4-H club? Check out our Youth Development Curriculum Library for fun, educational lesson and activity resources designed for youth workers, 4-H volunteers, and youth themselves! 86 resources and counting! More content is added every month. Current categories: Animals and livestock, civic engagement and leadership, Cloverbuds (K-2), environment and earth science, expressive arts and communication, family and consumer science, gardening and agriculture, healthy living, icebreakers, games, and reflection activities, including youth of all abilities, independent learning, outdoor adventures, STEM, and themed 4-H club agenda samples. If you have specific content you’d like to see, contact Jessica Russo at pier0239@umn.edu.
Camp Counselors
Opportunity awaits!
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. 4-H camp counseling is a great opportunity to grow as a leader and have fun outdoors. Please visit our website for more information or to apply!
2023 Murray County 4-H Annual Awards Banquet Recap
4-H is SPUDtacular!
Awards Banquet was held on November 19, 2023, at the Murray County 4-H Building. This year's theme was "4-H is SPUDtacular." Murray County 4-H is honored to have 34 youth ambassadors for the 2023-2024 year. Sophia Gaul was awarded the 2023 Outstanding Ambassador Award. Sophia Nelson was awarded the "Ignite Your Spark" Award.
Murray County Emergency Management- Carl Nyquist was selected as the 2023 Friend of 4-H recipient!
Todd Kramer was honored with the 4-H Alumni Award.
Thank you for all who came to this year's event!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Murray County 4-H 2023 -2024 Calendar
Take a moment to download or print the 2023 - 2024 Murray County 4-H calendar.
Livestock Judging
Murray County is looking to put together a general livestock judging team for this upcoming year.
Looking at starting practices in early January of 2024.
Please fill out the Google Form to sign-up!
Livestock Knowledge Bowl
Sign up!
If you are interested in competing in Livestock Knowledge Bowl, please sign up on the Google Form here!
Practices will begin early January of 2024.
Horse Project Knowledge Bowl
First practice is going to be held on December 20, 2023, starting at 3 p.m. in the Murray County 4-H Building.
If you are unable to attend, but would still like to participate, please contact Darcie Spartz.
Future dates with the regional contest being held in Redwood Falls on March 16, 2024.
Winter Roundup
Attention Horse 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 people, learn about horses and leadership in a fund 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 programming in horse as well as dip into existing horse program areas to learn more. Oh, and did we mention there would be fun 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 region! Early bird registration is $100 and due by December 18, 2023, but after that, registration bumps up to $110 until January 10, 2024. This event is for youth 6 grade and above as well as adults. It's always and engaging and fun weekend. You can register through 4-H Online and if you need help, please contact Kim or Mallory.
Murray County Youth Livestock Committee Member
Murray County 4-H are seeking 4-H youth members, grades 8+, to participate on our county Livestock Committee. Duties would include: attending meetings, helping with woodchip shavings at check-in, herdsmanship judging, livestock entry day, general safety and upkeep of animals, and working in the fair office window during. If you are interested in applying, please do so on this form!
Save the Date!
Important Upcoming Dates:
January 12, 2024 - Fundraiser sales start date
February 15, 2024 - Market Beef and Dairy Steers ID due
February 16, 2024 - Fundraisers due to club leaders
March 9, 2024 - Fundraiser delivery date
4-H After-School Adventures
Skills to Succeed
Calling all youth grades K - 6. After School Adventures will be starting in October and meeting once a month in both Fulda and Slayton. We will meet the first week of October and then the second Tuesday (Fulda) and the second Thursday (MCC) from after school until 5pm. $5 per session or $30 for all seven. Sign up at here and search under events. Can't wait to see you all!
Livestock in a Box series
The animal science team is excited to roll out the second collection of learning kits for youth who are new to 4-H animal projects. The Minnesota 4-H Livestock in a Box series will explore four livestock species: pets (dog and cat), beef, sheep and swine.
Each box will introduce youth to breed identification, nutrition, health, care, and careers associated with each animal. Lessons and activities will be designed for youth in grades 4-7 to explore without (much) adult assistance and will focus on hands-on learning. Each box will include all supplies necessary for the lesson activities.
Beginning in early November, we'll begin marketing this learning series directly to Minnesota families. Boxes will be $25 each, which includes shipping directly to homes. Families may select individual boxes or order the entire series. Supplies are limited, so we encourage families to order the boxes they want as soon as possible. Livestock in a Box can be ordered just as if you were signing up for an event in 4-H online.
Ordered boxes will be prepared and delivered to families according to the following schedule:
- December: Pet [dog & cat]
- January: Beef
- February: Sheep
- March: Swine
Apply to be on the Animal Science Youth Leadership Team
The Minnesota 4-H animal science youth leadership team members will work together to provide youth voice in 4-H animal science programming. Youth team members in grades 8 and up will have the opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate a variety of animal science programs while exploring their passions and practicing leadership skills. They will also serve as positive role models for Minnesota 4-H and the animal science program. This experience will offer an opportunity to network with peers, mentors and industry professionals.
For further information on this program, please visit their website.
Deadline to apply is December 15, 2023. Please apply here if interested!
National 4-H Conference
The 2024 National 4-H Conference will be held April 19 - 24, 2024
The National 4‑H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4‑H civic engagement, providing the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, nation and world.
At the conference, delegates have the opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions and presentations to federal partner agencies and engage with their U.S. senators and representatives.
Minnesota 4-H selects four to eight youth members to attend this conference each spring.
The Minnesota delegation engages in pre-departure Zoom webinars with other Minnesota delegates, then travels together to the conference in Crystal City, Va./Washington, D.C., where they engage with over 250 youth leaders from across the U.S., U.S. territories, tribal nations and Canadian provinces. Upon return, delegates will implement their action plan to make a positive impact on an issue of interest.
Find more information on the National 4-H Conference website.
Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF)
4-H civic engagement experience for high school youth
We recently received notice that the National 4-H Council is making some substantial updates to the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) experience in Washington, DC. We anticipated opening up registration for the 2024 delegation on Nov. 1, but will need to delay this to give us a chance to update materials and iron out a few details.
Registration will open Nov. 15 and close Dec. 15 via 4-H Online.
The cost has increased; however this might not change the cost of the experience to Minnesota Youth. We will keep you posted once get more clarity on the changes being made for the 2024 CWF Conference.
Minnesota 4-H will attend CWF from June 20 - 27, 2024, tentatively planning to leave early on June 20 and return late on June 27 or midday on June 28.
Ambassador Updates
Ambassador Events
Tie blankets were donated to Sanford Children's Miracle Network in Sioux Falls, SD, thank you to our ambassador group for doing a great job and getting all of them done so we could distribute them right before the holidays!
Nominate Volunteers for Northern Lights Recognition
During National Volunteer Week (April 21-27, 2024), the Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Program honors its 7,500 incredible volunteers and celebrates their contributions to Minnesota communities. Throughout the week (and the program year), we will feature stories of special volunteers who share their time and expertise to improve the lives of youth across the state.
Please fill out this form completely, and include one or more photos of your nominee or nominees at the bottom of the form. It should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The form will be open on a rolling basis through at least Jan. 8, 2024.
Down on the Farm
Explore the wonderful world of animal science through hands-on activities and guest speakers. We’ll learn about beef cattle, swine, horses and chickens from industry professionals as we tour their facilities. Sessions will be held on Saturdays in January (6, 13, 20, 27). After each lesson, youth can work on at-home activities. Then, email a picture of your child(ren) with their completed project to mohrh002@umn.edu!
Youth have the opportunity to sign up for individual sessions or all four sessions, depending on their interest. All youth in grades K-3 are invited to attend these sessions and must complete 4-H online enrollment. Sessions will be held via Zoom from 10-10:30 a.m.; links will be provided once registration is complete.
Registration is free and can be completed here.. You only need to register once and can attend any or all sessions. For assistance, read this guide or contact Kelly Dahlke at dahlk124@umn.edu .
New Volunteers
Welcome Lydia and Mallory!
Lydia Diekmann and Mallory Vos are our newest 4-H volunteers!
Lydia, formerly Mesner, is a Murray County 4-H alumni and wanted to give back to the organization that supported her throughout her life. Lydia and her children Morgan and Mason are members of the Fenton Friends 4-H Club.
Mallory Vos, a former Swift County 4-H member has always had a passion for agriculture and helping others. She us now our office support staff for Murray County 4-H!
Thank you for your willingness to give back!
Minnesota 4-H Photo Challenge: A Day in the Life
Minnesota 4-H photography is excited to offer a statewide photography challenge to youth in grades K-13.
In this photo challenge, youth are encouraged to take five photos of their life between Dec. 15 and Jan. 15. From their five photos, youth should select one photo and write 1-2 sentences stating why it’s special to them. Youth should submit all five images (with no or minimal editing) and their statement explaining why the chosen photo is important in one email to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 15.
Kim Hause
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
📍2848 BROADWAY AVE ☎️(507)-836-1144 ✉️hausek@umn.edu
SLAYTON, MN 56172
Mallory Vos
Administrative Assistant, Murray County Extension
📍2848 Broadway Ave ☎️ 507-836-6927 ✉ carl5049@umn.edu
Slayton, MN 56172
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