Clover Digest
January 5, 2024
In This Week’s Clover Digest you can expect:
- All Livestock Committee Meeting
- Office Closed on January 15
- Hygiene Supply Drive
January Federation Meeting
Annual 4-H Fundraiser
- Summer Intern
- February Cloverbuds
- Ear Tags Available
- Market Beef & Dairy Steer ID Deadline: February 15
- Andrea Ruesch Scholarship
- Camp Counselor Applications Open
- FYI: New Vision Co-op Calf Program Returns
2024 Nobles County Fair Dates
Regional, State & National Events
All Livestock Committee Meeting
ll youth and volunteers involved in the Nobles County animal science program are invited to a gathering on January 8, 2024 at 6:30 pm in the Farmers Room.
At this meeting we will create 2024 community agreements, think about dreams and goals for the next year and have time to work in small species-species groups. To make the most of our time together, please think about the following questions for our community agreement time and our dreams/goals.
Community Agreements
What would help us work best together this year as an animal science team in Nobles County?
Dreams & Committee Goals
If you could wave a magic wand and money didn't matter, what is one thing you would do to improve the animal science program in Nobles County?
As we work to invite new members into our 4-H program, what is one thing we can do as a committee/program to get new folks involved?
Between now and the end of July 2024, what is a small improvement that could be made in our animal science program?
These animal science meetings are important to our program and I encourage all youth and adults to attend. Please come with an open mind and ideas to share.
Office Closed on January 15
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Nobles Extension Office will be closed on Monday, January 15.
Hygiene Supply Drive
Thanks to a generous grant from the Minnesota Food Partner Challenge grant and Compeer Financial, Nobles County 4-H is hosting a Hygiene Supply Drive to benefit the Manna Food Pantry in Worthington. With the current grant, the county 4-H program will purchase critical-need hygiene supplies. To make a greater impact, we are inviting 4-H families to participate in this drive.
Please bring any amount of the following hygiene supplies to the January Federation meeting:
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Bars of soap
Shampoo
Disposable razors
Assorted bandages
Stick deodorants
Combs
Fingernail clippers
Tissues
These supplies will be donated to the Manna Food Pantry in Worthington in early February. Supplies must be new and unopened. This is an invitation to impact our community in a meaningful way, there is no expectation for participation.
January Federation Meeting
The January Federation meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Farmers Room. We will discuss the annual 4-H fundraiser and distribute flyers.
Annual 4-H Fundraiser
Once again this year, we will sell food items for our annual fundraiser. The fundraiser will start in January 17. The pick up date will be in March. Watch the Clover Digest and Nobles County 4-H social media for more information. Fundraising packets will be available to pick up at the January Federation meeting.
Summer Intern
February Cloverbuds
All youth in grades K-2 are invited to the February Cloverbud gathering hosted by the Indian Lake Progressives 4-H Club on February 4 at 5:00 pm. Cloverbuds will work with youth leaders and adult volunteers on a fun, hands-on project. This event is free and will conclude by 6:00 pm. Registration is required by January 26 in 4-H Online. Cloverbuds will take place at the Nobles County Government Center Farmers Room (315 10th St. Worthington MN 56187)
For accomodations, please contact the Nobles County Extension Office (507-295-5313 or mnext-nobles@umn.edu) at least 2 weeks in advance. You may also complete this accomodations form: z.umn.edu/4-H-accomodations-request.
Ear Tags Available
It is once again time to start thinking about Animal ID for the 2024 competition season. For completed and updated information regarding ID requirements for 2024 please refer to the market beef letter and the all species letter.
Tags and taggers are available at the Nobles County Extension Office during office hours (Monday - Thursday, 8:00 - 4:00 pm).
In 2024, ear tags will be sold for $2.00/tag. Please have exact change. Taggers are available for check out from the office. A $30 check deposit is required to check out the tagger. When the tagger is returned to the office, the check deposit will be shredded.
Be sure to review the deadlines and guidelines for your species and ask questions as they arise.
Market Beef & Dairy Steer ID Deadline: February 15
As a reminder, the market beef and dairy steer animal ID deadline is Thursday, February 15, 2024. Ear tags will be available in the Extension Office in January. For more information about ID requirements please refer to the 4-H animal ID website.
Andrea Ruesch Scholarship
The 2024 Andrea Ruesch scholarship is now accepting applications. To learn more and apply visit the Extension webpage. Applications are due March 1, 2024.
Camp Counselor Applications Open
4-H camp counseling is a great opportunity to grow as a leader and have fun outdoors. 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. This 4-H camp in southwest Minnesota will include four one-hour educational tracks. In addition, camp activities include swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, campfire and more! Camp counselors are expected to connect with campers throughout the entire camp experience. For more information, visit the website. Complete your online application by January 31, 2024.
New Vision Co-op Calf Applications
Thanks to generous support from New Vision Co-op the co-op calf program will return in 2024. The application is now available. All applications and deposits are due to the Extension Office on February 15, 2024.
2024 Nobles County Fair Dates
The dates for the 2024 Nobles County Fair are August 7-11. General project entry day and livestock interviews will take place on August 6. Performance, clothing and demonstration day will take place on August 2. A detailed schedule of 4-H events will be available at a later date.
Regional, State & National Events
Training: Connecting New Youth to Your Club
Are you looking for some take home resources to use for club recruitment? Join two local 4-H Educators for a training session sharing practical resources and exploring ideas to recruit new members on January 23, at 8:00 PM via zoom. Registration is now open at z.umn.edu/SWVolChats.
BLU/TEEL
There are two leadership workshops being offered this February! Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) is a youth-led workshop for youth in grades 6-9 that strengthens leadership, communication, and relationship skills. Teens Engaged in Emerging Leadership (TEEL) is for youth in grades 10+ who want to boost their leadership skills. Becoming better leaders all while having a great time.
BLU & TEEL will be hosted in three different locations and all are overnight experiences:
Feb. 3-4-BLU & TEEL at Castaway Club, Detroit Lakes
Feb. 10-11-BLU & TEEL at Camp Omega, Waterville
Feb. 17-18-BLU & TEEL at Camp Friendship, Annandale
If members of Nobles County 4-H would like to attend BLU or TEEL together, the closest location is Camp Omega in Waterville, MN. Nobles County does offer financial assistance for registration fees.
To learn more about BLU and register visit z.umn.edu/4-HBLU and to learn more about TEEL and register visit z.umn.edu/4-HTEEL.
PHOTO CONTEST: A Day in the Life
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a statewide photography challenge to youth in grades K-13. In the "A Day in the Life" 4-H photo challenge, youth are encouraged to take five photos of their life between Dec. 15-Jan. 15. From their five photos, youth should select one photo and write 1-2 sentences stating why it’s special to them. Submit all five (5) images (with no or minimal editing) and your statement explaining why the chosen photo is important in one email to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2024. Find more information and rules: https://extension.umn.edu/event/minnesota-4-h-day-life-photo-challenge
State Livestock Committee Information Webinar
You are encouraged to invite your committee or PDC members to join the volunteer PDC kickoff webinar Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. (volunteers must pre register). Volunteers can view the webinar individually, or as part of a watch party. Look for information in the Clover Update newsletter and to be shared at the staff webinar.
Judges Training
The University of Minnesota Extension will host a 4-H judges clinic for those interested in judging 4-H general/static projects at the County Fair on Monday, February 19, 2024, at the Marshall Adult Community Center, Marshall, Minnesota, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Both new and experienced judges are encouraged to attend. Registration is requested by February 12. It is quick and easy! Call your local Extension office to sign up, or visit the link for more information/to register. https://z.umn.edu/SWjudgestraining
Save the date for the Minnesota 4-H state leadership conference: YELLO
Don't miss out on the 4-H state leadership conference! Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) will take place June 12 - 15, 2024. YELLO is open to youth in grades 7+. It’s a great way to learn, build leadership skills, and make new friends! Learn more.
2024 Helping Hands Award application now available: Apply by Feb. 15
The Helping Hands Award funds project ideas that are led by 4-H youth in partnership with supportive adults, local businesses, and non-profit organizations. There were 24 projects selected in 2023 with average awards between $300 and $2,000. 4-H club and group projects can focus on STEM, agriscience, healthy living, outdoor adventures, equity, leadership, global connection, social inclusion, the arts, creative writing, and photography. Funds can also be used for skillbuilding, for example, a group training on building inclusiveness skills that can be applied to making club activities more inclusive. The 2024 Helping Hands Award application is available until Feb. 15. Questions? Contact Fun Fun Cheng at chen0169@umn.edu (preferred), 612-624-8132. Learn more and apply.
Multiple 2024 Minnesota 4-H scholarships available
Extension Development and Minnesota 4-H offer several scholarships for college-bound 4-H youth, as well as a workforce training scholarship for an adult 4-H alumni or volunteer. Over $20,000 is awarded annually through a competitive application process. Minnesota 4-H scholarship online applications are now available and should be submitted by April 1. Applications require two letters of recommendation, with one being from an Extension educator. Please encourage interested 4-H youth and adult alumni or volunteers in your county to visit the 4-H scholarship web page for detailed information about the various scholarships available and online applications. Questions can be directed to Fun Fun Cheng, chen0169@umn.edu, 612-624-8132. Learn more and apply.
Southwest 4-H Wildlife Event 2024
Are you interested or already involved in the project areas of; wildlife, shooting sports, and/or outdoor adventures? Join us we dive into Bugs Below Zero, Falconry, Jerky Making, a Wing Bee, Owl Pellets, Snow Shoeing, Outdoor Survival and learn more about the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program.
SW 4-H Wildlife Event 2024 will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Redwood Falls and will run from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m Participate for just $25, which includes all supplies and offsets cost of facilities. Learn more and register in 4-H Online.
Anna Rose & Wendy Baumgartner
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