Clover Digest
June 9, 2023 Edition
Don't miss out on these opportunities!
In This Week’s Clover Digest you can expect:
Day Camp Recap
Announcing the Spirit of Molly Clarke Award
Register for LQAE
Ribbon Sale Meeting
Food Stand Meeting
FairEntry OPEN; Deadline June 30
Summer Photo Contest & Premium Book Available
Fair Clean Up: July 17
Federation Meeting: July 17
All Livestock Meeting: July 17
Regional, State, and National Events
Robotics Day Camp Recap
Announcing the Spirit of Molly Clarke Award
Nobles County 4-H is excited to announce the Spirit of Molly Clarke Award. This award is named for and given in memory of Nobles County 4-H’er, Molly Clarke. On September 25, 2022 Molly passed away suddenly in an accident. During her 10+ years as an 4-H member, Molly thrived in 4-H. She was a trusted, quiet, compassionate youth leader who loved all and was loved by all. This award aims to honor and remember Molly’s legacy in the program while recognizing 4-H youth who share a similar spirit.
Youth, volunteers, parents, and staff will use a Google Form (z.umn.edu/SpiritofMollyClarke) to nominate youth of any age who embody Molly's character and spirit. In 2023, nominations will be accepted from June 9 - August 4. A small committee of Nobles County 4-H volunteers and Molly’s family will meet with 4-H staff on Saturday, August 5 to review nominations and choose a monetary award winner. A recognition ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 6, 2023 in the Olson Arena immediately following the Inspirational Service.
Please review the award write up document for complete details and start nominating youth who carry on Molly’s legacy.
LQAE Training
All youth exhibiting at the Minnesota State Fair must have a valid LQAE certificate. In person LQAE training will take place this Wednesday, June 14 at Adrian Elementary School from 5:00-8:00 pm. The training is free, but registration is required in 4-H Online. Youth attending this training must register by Sunday, June 11. In-person LQAE training is valid for three fair seasons. If you have questions, please reach out to Anna. All assurance and ethics training must be completed by July 26 to be eligible for the State Fair.
Ribbon Sale Committee Meeting
Food Stand Committee Meeting
FairEntry Open
FairEntry is now open for registration! The deadline for fair registration is Friday, June 30 at 11:59 p.m. New this year, animal ID information will be pulled from 4-H Online into FairEntry. All animals ID’d in a family will be available to pull for individual youth’s exhibits. This change will ensure a smoother check in process for all youth, volunteers, and animals at the county fair. When attaching an animal to an exhibit you will look for the grayish white “Add an Animal” button. See the photo below for a visual guide. As always, if you have any questions please reach out to the office by email or phone (507-295-5313).
Premium Book Feature: Summer Photo Contest
This year’s premium book is now available at z.umn.edu/NoblesPremiumBook. Please read through the book and reach out with any questions. If you would like a printed copy of the premium book, please reach out to the office.
In this week’s Clover Digest, we are featuring our brand new summer photo contest! Throughout the summer and county fair, snap photos documenting your 4-H experience as you work on projects and partake in 4-H events. Our contest will have three categories:
Hard at Work: Photos of youth working on projects before and during the fair. This could also include groups working in the food stand or helping with other fair related events.
Fun with Friends: Photos of groups of current 4-Hers enjoying 4-H activities throughout the summer.
4-H Spirit: Youth and volunteers sporting their annual Nobles County show shirts. Could also include youth participating in community service events.
Photos will be reviewed by staff following the county fair. A collection of 10-12 photos will be shared on the Nobles County 4-H Facebook page for a public vote. The photo with the most public votes will be featured on the cover of the 2024 Nobles County 4-H Premium Book.
All photos submitted must be taken during the 2022-2023 4-H year and must be submitted by Tuesday, August 8, 2023 to the upload link (z.umn.edu/NoblesSummerPhotoContest). Photos must follow all MN 4-H Guidelines including the Livestock Cloverbud rule.
Pre-Fair Clean Up: July 17
Pre-fair Clean Up will take place on Monday, July 17 starting at 5:00 pm. The following areas will be cleaned by the following clubs for both pre and post fair cleanup:
Benton: Clovers
4-H Office & Plaza: Indian Lake Progressives
McCarvel Display: Grand Prairie Rockets
McCarvel Kitchen: Okabena Bees & Rushmore Central Hustlers
Olson Arena: Graham Lake Braves & Elk Tip Toppers
Six to eight members are expected to attend pre and post fair clean up from each club. The more members the quicker clean up is done. Please bring brooms, rags, buckets, basic tools, ladders, etc.
Federation Meeting: July 17
The Federation will meet on Monday, July 17 at 7:00 pm at the Fairgrounds. The Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 pm. We will discuss final preparations for the county fair.
All Livestock Meeting: July 17
All species superintendents will meet for a final livestock meeting on Monday, July 17 immediately after the Federation meeting at the Fairgrounds. We will discuss final preparations for the county fair and ensure volunteers are available to help with shows and other activities.
Regional, State & National Events
Southwest Regional 4-H General Livestock Judging Contest presented by Murray County
Registration is now open for the annual livestock judging contest held on the Murray County Fairgrounds on June 28th from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 4-Hers in grades 3-13 are invited to attend. This event is for practice only and not a qualifying event for a Regional/State competition. The cost of this event is free for Murray County 4-Hers. The cost for other counties to $10 per youth. Lunch will be provided by the Murray County Cattlemen's Association.
If you have any questions please contact Melissa Runck email 507-836-1143 mkrunck@umn.edu. Register at https://z.umn.edu/2023SWJudgingContest
The Seed Detective Mystery Tour
Plan to participate in the Seed Detective Mystery Tour. This mystery tour will happen on June 28th starting at 8:45 in the parking lot of Ambush Park Benson MN. You will need to wear comfortable clothes, and shoes and be prepared to visit a variety of places. This is a mystery tour so the locations will be a mystery until arrival. All participants will receive a Mystery kit to help them solve the various mysteries on the tour. This kit will provide you with the tools necessary to solve the mystery in the end. Your secret agents will provide you with a fun, exciting, and mysterious day of learning about plant sciences. Sign up in 4-Honline and search for “Seed Detective Mystery Tour.” Registration closes June 12th, so sign up today! For more information, you can contact Brian McNeill at mcnei006@umn.edu or Becca Turnquest at turnq069@umn.edu. Sign up today! You do not want to miss this mysterious tour!
Ag Academy: Passion to Career in Willmar, Minn.
Join us, as well as our partners at FFA, for Ag Academy: Passion to Career– a unique opportunity for youth in grades 7-11. This three-day, two-night camp runs from June 22-24, and is located at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn.
At this camp, youth will have the chance to explore different careers in agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) while experiencing a college campus. In addition, college professors and industry leaders will provide hands-on learning experiences on topics like animals, communications and more. For more information and to register, visit z.umn.edu/2023AgAcademy.
Participate in State Arts In
This year, State Arts-In will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Youth in grades 9+ can be a part of this community of young adults. They will put together a show, develop new skills, and grow in leadership, teamwork and goal setting. This event will take place on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Aug. 10 - 17 and Aug. 22 - Sept. 4. From highly experienced youth to those with little experience, all can learn and grow from this program.
Registrants will rank their choices of "majors" to participate in: band, tech, costuming, and performing. Directors will make final selections of major choices. Those who register by June 30 will receive a $50 discount. Registration and program details (including online info sessions for youth and families) can be found at z.umn.edu/statearts-in.
4-H STEM Explorers Day Camp - June 27, 2023
Free family-focused webinars May through August 2023
University of Minnesota Extension will present a series of webinars from May through August to support families and those who serve families in making informed decisions that lead to greater health, resilience and well-being. All webinars are virtual and free. Learn more and register today!
Share Your Story with 4-H Stock Talks!
Minnesota 4-H is excited to offer 4-H Stock Talks and we want to hear from you! A stock talk is a short video presentation about an animal science topic of your choice. Your stock talk can be creative, funny, or serious - just be yourself! Video submissions are due June 30.
Learn more and register.Regional 4-H Alpaca/Llama Show
Engineering Design Challenge
The 4-H Engineering Design Challenge is a friendly challenge program for teams of youth in grades 3-8 and 7-12.
This year, youth will use principles of engineering to create a Rube Goldberg™ machine that completes a 2-step task designed to Take Your Best Shot and create a celebration
Participants will also have the option to showcase their designs in-person on August 7 at St. Cloud State University, or virtually on August 15.
Registration is due June 23rd. Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/4hedc.
Events & Activities
Check out 4-H Events across the region: z.umn.edu/sw-catalog-of-opportunities
Anna Rose & Wendy Baumgartner
Email: mnext-nobles@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/nobles
Location: 315 10th Street, Worthington, MN, USA
Phone: 507-295-5315
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoblesCounty4-H
Twitter: @UMNExt