Clover Digest
March 31, 2023 Edition
Don't miss out on these opportunities!
In this week’s Clover Digest, you can expect:
SURVEY: County 4-H App
Local Ambassador Opportunities
Co-op Calf Kick off Meeting and Pick Up Date
Fundraiser Committee Meeting
Food Stand Manager Needed
4-H Camp at Lake Shetek - Registration Open
Save the Date: Nobles County Summer Day Camps
April Cloverbuds
Animal Science Webinar
April Federation Meeting + All Livestock Meeting
Animal ID Reminder
Opportunities for youth in grades 3-5
Landon Rogers Memorial Education Program
Co-op Swine Interest Form
State Ambassador Applications OPEN
New Vision Sponsorships
LQAE
Fair schedule
Scholarship Opportunities
Regional, State, and National Events
FEEDBACK NEEDED: County 4-H App Survey
We are considering building a country-specific 4-H app for families to utilize during the fair and entire 4-H year. Please complete this survey by April 6, 2023. All thoughts about this project are needed and welcome.
Local Ambassador Opportunities
All youth in grades 6+ are invited to participate in our local ambassador program. As spring and summer approaches, there are many opportunities for ambassadors to help with county programming. We specifically need a couple ambassadors to help at an outreach event in April. Please take a look at the sign up and consider helping.
Co-op Calf Kick Off Meeting & Calf Pick Up
There will be an introductory meeting to the co-op calf program on Wednesday, April 12 at 6:00 pm at the New Vision Feed Mill in Worthington (1301 Co Rd 5, Worthington, MN 56187). The meeting is highly encouraged for all participants to attend.
Nobles County Co-op Calf pick up will take place on Thursday, April 27 at 5:00 pm in the Olson Arena at the Fairgrounds.
Fundraiser Debrief Meeting
The fundraiser committee will be meeting on Tuesday, April 4 at 5:30 in the Extension Office Conference Room. Please share any feedback on the annual fundraiser with Anna or the committee.
Food Stand Manager Needed
Two or three staff people needed for 2023 Food Stand. The start date is anticipated as July 27 and will last until August 6. The food stand will be open at the fair the following times:
Tuesday for Judge’s Lunch (noon hour)
Wednesday: 11 am - 9 pm
Thursday - Saturday 7:30 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Compensation is hourly and has historically ranged between $13.00 and $17.00 depending on experience; 2023 compensation rates are still being determined. Total hours range between 45 - 70 hours depending on the amount of staff hired. Staff must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University's testing requirement. Please reach out to Anna Rose, 4-H Educator at rose1612@umn.edu if you are interested in the position by April 10, 2023.
Register for 4-H Camp at Lake Shetek
Registration is currently open for 4-H Camp at Lake Shetek this summer! Visit the website for more information. Camp is open to all youth in grades 3-6. No prior 4-H experience is required to attend camp.
Summer Programming: Day Camps
Once again this year, Nobles County 4-H will be offering day camps for youth in grades K-5. Save the date for four day camps across the county:
June 5, Farmers Room, Worthington
June 28, Brewster City Park
July 12, Adrian Upper Park
July 19, Centennial Park, Worthington
Day camps are open to any youth, no 4-H experience is required. Registration will open in mid-April via 4-H Online. Mark your calendars and invite your friends for a summer of fun!
April Cloverbuds
Youth in Kindergarten through second grade are invited to join us on April 13 at 6:00 pm in the Farmers Room for Cloverbuds. We will be exploring seeds and crop science. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. We need 6-8 more youth to have the event, otherwise it will be canceled.
Animal Science Webinar on April 13
It's time to start thinking about preparing for the summer. The state animal science team will host a webinar for local livestock PDC volunteers/youth and interested staff on Thursday, April 13 from 7 to 8 p.m.
During the webinar we'll highlight system-wide policies and processes to strengthen the animal science program, discuss updates connected with livestock species, and offer educational resources. Please share this with your local livestock PDC members and encourage them to gather to watch and plan their summer animal science programming. We hope you'll join us!
Register to attend the webinar.
April Federation + All Livestock Meeting
Our next Federation meeting is on April 17 at 7:00 pm in the Farmers Room. Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 pm. An All Livestock meeting will follow the Federation Meeting at approximately 8:00 pm. We will be discussing fair plans and other summer programming.
Animal ID Deadline Fast Approaching
Less than 60 days remain until the 2023 Animal ID deadline. Stop in the Extension Office to purchase ear tags during business hours. Tags cost $2.25 per tag. If you have ID specific questions please reference the 4-H Animal ID website or reach out to Anna with questions.
Opportunities for youth Grades 3-5
Nobles County 4-H Summer Day Camps
Get Hopping with the 4-H Rabbit Program
Cottonwood County Project Day
Landon Rogers Memorial Award
Nobles County 4-H announces the Landon Rogers Memorial Education Program for 4-H members in the county who are actively involved in or would like to be involved in the Minnesota 4-H Beef Project. One or two winning entrants will receive Landon Roger’s show equipment to use for the 2023 fair. The Show Equipment will be on loan from Landon’s Parents - Lance Rogers & Tami Rogers in memory of their son, Landon Rogers. Application Materials can be found at this link and are due on May 1.
Co-op Swine Program: Interest Form
State Ambassador Applications
Application materials for youth currently in grades 10 - 12 to apply for the 2023 - 2024 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador program are open!
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors aim to reflect the diversity of the 4-H program. They serve as the face and voice of Minnesota 4-H to internal and external stakeholders. In their year-long role, the State Ambassadors attend local and regional 4-H meetings and events, speak and present at state and national conferences and events, visit with alumni and other 4-H supporters, and inspire youth to learn and lead through regional and state leadership workshops and trainings.
More information and directions to apply can be found in the State Ambassador Information Guide.
New Vision Sponsorships
New Vision Co-op is pleased to announce the 4-H Sponsorship program again this year. Youth who participate in Nobles County 4-H and patronize New Vision Co-op are encouraged to apply. The deadline to sign up is June 2nd, 2023. The application process is completely online this year.
SAVE THE DATE: Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics Training
SCHEDULE: 4-H at the County Fair
Our schedule of 4-H events at the county fair is set! The 2023 Nobles County Fair is August 2-6. Take a look at the full 4-H schedule.
UMN Extension Scholarships
Extension Development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for 4-H youth who are pursuing post-secondary studies at accredited colleges and universities. Please encourage eligible 4-H youth to visit the Extension 4-H scholarship website for detailed information on the applications, letters of recommendation needed, and amounts awarded.
Please note that applications are available and accepted online only. The online application form does not auto-save. Applications are due April 1.
Regional, State & National Events
YELLO Registration - Open
Register now for Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities! This year the State Ambassadors are excited to host youth in grades 7+ at Bemidji State University June 13 - 16. This year at YELLO youth will have the chance to participate in small group discussions, service projects, field trips and social activities.
Bunny Barn Series
BELLE Grant - MN State Fair
4-H Dairy Goat Judges Clinic
The clinic is designed for those already judging county fair 4-H dairy goat shows as well as those who would like to get started. Learn from Jodene Helt, guest judge, on individual placing of dairy goat classes, showmanship, and providing oral reasons.
In addition, judges will learn:
Ribbon distribution
Common dairy goat classes at county fair
Basic understanding of state fair lineups
Emphasizing the youth development aspect
Get Hopping with the 4-H Rabbit Project
Southwest Minnesota 4-H has an exciting, in-person opportunity to get started with and deepen your knowledge and interest in the 4-H rabbit project! This program will have something for everyone! There will be excellent and insightful information for those who are thinking about being a part of the rabbit project, as well as tips on showmanship and other topics for youth who already are a part of the project.
Youth will have an opportunity to learn about rabbit showmanship & handling, feeding & conditioning to get your rabbit show ready, what the differences are between rabbit breeds, and how to keep your rabbit healthy!
Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 9 AM - 11 AM, with time for questions and- 4-H animal ID assistance afterwards
Location: Lincoln County Fairgrounds in Tyler
Registration is just $5 (payable at the door) and can be completed here. (Parents are invited to attend as well, and are free to attend with their children.)
Contact Alicia Webb <aawebb@umn.edu>, Michele VanDyke <mvandyke@umn.edu>, or Brandi Schaap <bmraatz@umn.edu>.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! Please register by May 8.
Cottonwood County Project Day
Cottonwood County 4-H would like to invite all youth to attend our Project Day Spotlight. It's a make it and take it type project opportunity for all youth (grades K-13) on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Windom MS/HS (enter through the east doors). Check in at the school will be 15 minutes prior to the first session you're attending. Youth can select three project sessions they would like to participate in. Registration for the day is due April 14. Registration for youth from other counties is $5.
The sessions offered this year include:
Session 1: 9:00 to 9:55 a.m.
- Fluid Painting
- Floral Display
- Homemade Cake
- Agronomy & Forestry
Session 2: 10:00 to 10:55 a.m.
- Fluid Painting
- Planter Boxes
- Flag Pavers
- Agronomy & Forestry
Session 3: 11:00 to 11:55 a.m.
- Sunflower Wreaths
- Planter Boxes
- Cloverbuds: Sun (Youth in grades K-2 must participate in this session. Participants will receive a free book.)
- Agronomy & Forestry
This event is open to all youth (4-H and non-4-H) so bring a friend! Non-4-H youth will need to complete a health and liability form prior to attending (parental signature required). Please call 831-4022 or email deter086@umn.edu or mohrh002@umn.edu to register. Please RSVP by April 14 so there are enough supplies.
Volunteer Training: Youth Aspirations: Imagining and Navigating Futures in Higher Education
Rocket’s Away Aerospace Programming
Poultry Camp
The Great Mystery Seed Kit
Engineering Design Challenge
Sign up to take part in the 2023 Engineering Design Challenge (EDC). This statewide event is designed for youth in grades 3+ to work together in teams to design and build a Rube Goldberg™ type machine that solves a 2-step task. The goal of the EDC is to use engineering to encourage creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking in young people. This year’s theme is “Take Your Best Shot”. Help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of EDC!
Learn more and register.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