Sibley County 4-H Newsletter
January 2024
Job Interview Contest
We will be again holding the Job Interview Contest before the January Federation meeting.
Minnesota State 4-H is now accepting applications for a variety of positions at state-level summer events. All positions are for employment during the State Fair unless indicated otherwise. Interviews will be conducted on Monday, January 22, 2024 starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Extension Office.
Cloverbuds, Beginners (3-5), and Intermediates (6-8), should fill out job applications. Seniors (grades 9 and over) may interview for one of the state 4-H positions or for a job of their own choice, but must prepare a resume. Think about your skills and interests and match them to the following positions. If you wish to apply for a position, complete your application or resume and schedule your interview by calling the office at (507) 237-4100 by Friday, January 19.
Arts In Student Director will assist the staff coordinator and the major directors in program planning and implementing the Arts-In at the State Fair; must attend events on a full-time basis; must have experience in performing arts and demonstrate leadership skills. Dates of employment August 9-16 and State Fair.
Activities/Exhibit Assistant for Non-Livestock will prepare demonstration and youth-in action areas; set up sound systems; supervise and assist 4-H members in storage, preparation and clean up. Will also be assigned to a specific exhibit area and will check in and set up exhibit area; assist as judges’ assistants; and see that all forms, ribbon placings, etc. are returned to the exhibit office. Will maintain work areas, do final clean up and storage at close of State Fair. Must have excellent organizational and communication skills and be willing to be part of a team effort.
Fashion Revue Assistant will check all entries for accuracy and completeness; write scripts and develop suggested modeling line-up for each for the four encampments; handle participant registration; prepare judges’ packets; distribute supplies to judging areas; announce modeling line-up. Must be familiar with current fashions and fashion terms; knowledgeable about staging a fashion revue; possess organizational skills, typing skills, and the ability to attend to details and work under pressure.
Food Service Assistant performs regular cafeteria task such as food preparation, cleaning and setting tables; serving 4-H participants; clean up cafeteria following meals. Must be punctual, dependable and relate well to others on the work staff. Employed during YELLO, Arts-In, and State Fair
Livestock Exhibit Assistant will assist in the livestock offices; prepare barns for stalling of animals; hang signs; set up cages, tables, etc.; distribute hay, feed, and bedding; assist members as needed in stalling animals; direct members to wash racks and manure handling facilities; serve as runner between livestock office, 4-H building, and show rings; assist in livestock exhibit areas. Must be experienced in handling livestock, have an understanding of livestock terminology, and be able to work under pressure with a variety of people.
Maintenance Assistant will repair and build exhibit areas prior to fair’s opening. Must be familiar with tools and possess basic skills in carpentry. Will also provide cleaning services in the 4-H Building during fair.
Public Relations Assistant will record 4-H activities at the State Fair through photographs, video, and published articles. Will interview 4-Hers and gather information for news releases and maintain website during State Fair. Must possess skills in writing, photography, and computer usage.
Superintendent’s Office Assistant will sell meal tickets; respond to a number of county phone calls; distribute materials; monitor golf cart usage; and answer questions from delegates, educators, and public. Will assist in supply inventory and other duties as assigned. Must have experience in handling money, operating calculators, be good with detail and have the ability to relate to people in a friendly, positive manner.
Winter Weather Check
It is again that time of year. Inclement weather is upon us! If the weather causes cancellations or postponements of 4-H events, listen to one of the following local radio stations: KDUZ - Hutchinson 320-587-2140 and KNUJ - New Ulm 507-359-2921. If any of the county schools are canceled or have an early out due to weather, the evening county-wide 4-H events are canceled. You can also check our Facebook Page!
Next Federation Meeting
Events through 4-H Online
There are many great events coming up that you can register for through 4-H online. Just log into your family profile and click on events. Check back often, items are always being added. Remember if there is a cost to the event, that the Sibley County Federation has scholarships available to reimburse a portion of the cost.
Beef Weigh In
Central identification for market beef and dairy steers will take place on SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2024 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. The weigh-in will take place at the Joy Cohrs Farm, in rural Glencoe. The snow date is February 4, 2024! The Beef Weigh In is optional, BUT if you want to be considered for Rate of Gain - you MUST have your market beef animal identified on this date . If you can not make it this date, please call our office at 507-237-4100. Remember: ALL Market Beef ID’s are due February 15 in 4-H Online! The required ear tags will be available on the 28th!
2024 Project Bowls
Project Bowl is a long-standing program in Minnesota 4-H and the second-most attended event of the year (next in line to the State Fair). In Project Bowl, teams of 3-6 youth build skills working and thinking together while testing their knowledge in these 4-H areas: Dairy, General Livestock, Horse, Llama/Alpaca, Poultry and Rabbit. We are currently forming teams to start practicing for the regional and state competitions that are coming up in March and April. If you are interested in joining a team or starting up a team in one of the other project areas, please reach out to Connie or Joleen. Our first practice to form teams will be held January 7, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (pizza will be served) at the Sibley County Courthouse Basement. Please bring your calendars so we can set future practice dates and upcoming competitions.
Summer Interns are Still Needed!
Sibley County is still in need of a summer intern for this summer. Youth Development 4-H Summer Intern positions are designed to provide meaningful professional youth development work experience for the undergrad student intern working alongside an Extension Educator. An intern will assist with prepping materials and implementing educational programs, events and more!
The application deadline is January 17, 2024,. Interviews will be held January 22 - 26.
For the full job description and to apply, follow this link: z.umn.edu/4hsummerintern
You can also call the Sibley County Extension Office at 507-237-4100 or email rettm001@umn.edu for more information.
Spring Fundraiser
The Sibley County 4-H Federation will once again be selling fruit. We will be asking ALL 4-H members to participate. Fruit order forms and more information will be mailed out to individual families in January. Fruit delivery will be set for later in March 2024.
Share the Fun and Performing Arts
Mark your calendars for Share The Fun and Performing Arts. We have set the date for Monday, July 15, 2024. Once again this year we will combine Share the Fun and Performing Arts with the Public Fashion Revue. A location will be set at a later date.
Important Deadlines
Project Drop/Add Deadline: The project drop/add deadline is May 15.
Animal Science ID Deadline: The Animal Science ID Data Entry by February 15 (for market beef) and May 15 (for all others).
Important Dates
January 1, 2024 - New Year's Day Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)
January 15, 2024 - Martin Luther King Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)
January 22, 2024 - Job Interview Contest @ 4:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Service Center
January 22, 2024 - Federation Meeting @ 7:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Service Center
January 28, 2024 - Beef Weigh In @ Noon - 2:00 p.m. at Joy Cohrs Farm
February 12, 2024 - Auction Committee Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. and PDC Meeting @ 7:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Extension Office
February 15, 2024 - Market Beef and Dairy Steer ID Deadline
February 19, 2024 - Presidents' Day Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)
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