Murray County 4-H Messenger
March 15, 2023
Murray County Information
Sign up now for the Murray County 4-H Ag Tour
Monday April 10 9:00 am - AG Tour - Grades K - 13 Welcome. Grades k - 2 must have a parent accompany the tour. Enjoy a day off from school learning about different careers in Agriculture and Livestock industries. This will also count as a livestock learning opportunity for bonus trips to state fair if we have enough kids sign up from each specie and we have youth or volunteers wiling to write a bonus trip application. To Learn more about these companies please visit https://www.bioverse.com/ or https://cambridgetechnologies.com/
Sign up at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
9:15 am Load at Murray County 4-H Building (Busing by Ludolph Bus Company)
10:00 am arrive at Bioverse - Natural Solutions
11:30 am load bus
11:45 am arrive at Pizza Ranch for Lunch (paid for by the Murray County 4-H Federation)
12:45 pm load bus
1:00 pm arrive at Cambridge Technologies
2:00 pm load bus
2:35 arrive in Slayton
Lake Shetek 4-H Camp Registration is Now Open!
4-H Camp is a great way to have fun outdoors and meet new friends! This multi-county 4-H Camp will be held in the southwest region on the shores of Lake Shetek at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. Youth who have completed grades 3-6 can choose one of two camp sessions (three days/two nights).
- Camp Session 1: Monday, June 19 at 1 p.m. - Wednesday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m.
- Camp Session 2: Wednesday, June 21 at 1 p.m. - Friday, June 23 at 10:45 a.m.
Grades 3-6 (completed as of June 2023)
Cost: $150. Murray County Federation pays for 75%. Murray County 4-H families owe $37.50
Registration fee includes meals and lodging for three days/two nights, supplies and a camp T-shirt. 4-H is committed to ensuring everyone can experience camp. Check with your local 4-H Extension educator about scholarship opportunities.
Late registrations accepted until May 27, 2022 at a $175 registration fee
Camp registration is handled through 4-H Online, our membership database. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide or contact your local Extension Educator.
Bring a friend! Non-members are welcome, but will need to enroll in 4-H Online first; club membership is not required. Select “In Person 4-H Camp/Event” as your club option to register for this event.
Registration is due in 4-H Online by May 10th!
For more information please go to the 4-H Camps page on the Extension Website
LQA&E Reminder
Murray County 4-H members requiring renewal or initial training will receive a notice from the Extension Office at a later date. For complete policy details: https://z.umn.edu/LQAEpolicy
Murray County will be offering in-person Level 1 and 2 for anyone requiring the training. Register through 4-H Online (go to Events) Sign In (4honline.com)
Sophia Gaul is 1 of 7 selected from Minnesota for National 4-H Conference!
- Sophia Gaul, Murray County
- Jocelyn Horn, Nobles County
- Emilea Johnson, Pennington County
- Vivian Mayers, Carver County
- Evan Meyer, St. Louis - South County
- Ellie Sauder, Dodge County
- Nalani Vang, Ramsey County
The selected delegates have already started meeting virtually to learn more about each other, the experience, 4-H, and their expectations during the conference. In the coming weeks, they will receive their roundtable assignment. Roundtables are composed of 12 - 15 youth from across the US, US territories and Canadian provinces. They will work in partnership with a federal agency, department or committee to research, design and present youth input on issues of importance to the agency. Their work is guided by a collegiate facilitator and NIFA staff. During the conference, they will primarily work in their roundtable group to develop their presentation and deliver it to the federal agency.
Additionally, the delegates will visit with Minnesota elected officials and share about their work at the conference as well as their 4-H experience. They will also do some site-seeing and engage in networking events with other states' delegates.
We anticipate posting applications for the 2024 conference in October. The experience is open to youth in grades 10 - 12 during the program year in which they apply.
Congratulations Sophia!
Final Notice to register for the Annual Cloverbuds PJ Party
Don't forget to RSVP to the Leadership Supper & Federation Meeting
Lottery Lamb and Adopt a Lamb are back!
The Adopt a Lamb project is for 1st and 2nd year sheep project members. All the lambs come from the same producer and cost the same amount to buy. When the members get their lambs, they draw a number and that is the lamb they get. Help will be available to them during the summer.
The Lottery Lamb class, each member can request one lamb. The lambs all come from one producer and are very even in size. The members draw a number to see which lamb they get.
Please contact Jake or Dave Herrig if you have any questions or are interested in either class.
Community Events sponsored by Murray County 4-H and Monogram Meats
We hope to host a few more this summer so please be on the lookout for more details at a later date!
New Facebook Page!!
Well it seems we have been sentenced to life in Facebook Jail :( No worries though we have created a new Facebook Page! Our new Facebook Page is called UMN Extension-Murray County 4-H. Please help us spread the word that we have a new page so we can promote our programs to as many people as possible!
We still recommend checking our website and app to stay up to date on everything!
We will also still be sending out our newsletter twice a month to make sure families don't miss anything!!!
A link to the Facebook page, Murray County 4-H app, and Murray County Extension website are listed below!
Please add us to your contact list!
Kim: hausek@umn.edu
Melissa: mkrunck@umn.edu
McKenna: mschreie@umn.edu
Encourage 4-H college-bound youth to apply for Minnesota 4-H scholarships by April 1
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. We suggest applicants prepare their responses in another document and copy/paste into the scholarship form when they have enough time to complete the process. Scholarship applications are no longer accepted via email or mail.
Application deadline: April 1.
Questions can be directed to mnextdev@umn.edu with "attn: scholarships" or call 612-624-7971.
Regional Opportunities
SW Minnesota 4-H SWIM 4-H
The SW MN 4-H region is excited to offer SWIM – Seeing Wellness in Motion through 4-H. Youth will learn the fundamentals of swimming along with educational opportunities around health, wellness and staying in motion. Participants are encouraged to learn skills of a lifetime that go hand in hand with healthy living options.
Who can participate?
This program is open to all youth grades K - 12.
All youth must be able to swim a minimum of 25 yards to participate for their safety.
NOTE - this program is not intended to replace swimming lessons and we encourage youth to continue to complete their swimming lesson programs.
Where: Practice dates/times will vary depending on the pool. SWIM 4-H meets will be located in Redwood Falls, Olivia, Slayton, Tyler, Tracy, and Windom
Cost: $35.00/youth for Swim team
Register: :https://z.umn.edu/4honlineeventregistration under events SWIM- Seeing Wellness in Motion
Need help with registration: https://z.umn.edu/familyuserguide
For more information please visit: https://z.umn.edu/sw-swim
Bunny Barn Series
Live from the Bunny Barn is geared towards youth just getting started in the rabbit project. We'll host two workshops over Zoom.
For more information visit here
Back to the Bunny Barn is geared towards beginner to intermediate rabbit exhibitors. This 5-session series will be held via Zoom and in person.
Fore more information visit here
Beyond the Bunny Barn is geared towards advanced rabbit exhibitors. This 3-session series will be held via Zoom. We'll look at how exhibitors can share their knowledge and teach youth in their county all about rabbits.
For more information visit here
The Great MN 4-H Seed Mystery Project Kit
Each year the 4-H plant science team creates a new project kit for youth to participate in. This year, the team has created a unique kit looking at seeds. Youth will discover and uncover the unknown world of seeds as we look at mystery seeds from across Minnesota's growing zones. Youth will be the detectives and use tools to solve the great seed mystery. The kit comes with the seeds, along with a few detective items. The 4-week virtual series will be held on Mondays, June 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.
There is a $5 fee for the kit. Murray County Farm Bureau Federation has graciously decided to cover the cost of the kit for Murray County 4-H'ers! When enrolling in 4-H online please make sure to not make a payment.
Thank you to Farm Bureau Federation for your donation to pay for the kits!
For more information and how to register please visit https://extension.umn.edu/event/great-seed-mystery
Rockets Away
Is it really Rocket Science? Join us from your launching pad at home and find out. We will discover Bernoulli’s principle of lift, experiment with different types of rockets, and set a date to “blast off” from different locations in our region.
Who: Youth in grades 3 -8
Launching Dates: April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1.
Where: Virtually from your “launching pad” at home.
Time: 7 pm - 7:45 pm
Cost: $10 for kit. Murray County 4-H will be covering the cost for the kits!
Each participant will receive a kit with starter supplies for each of our virtual sessions.
*Space is limited to 50 participants- sign up soon.
Register Here and select invoice county for the last question
Deadline to register is March 20th.
For more information contact Brian McNeill, Regional Extension Educator at mcnei006@umn.edu, Sam Jens, Lyon County 4-H Extension Educator @ jens0593@umn.edu or Suzanne Souza, Big Stone County 4-H Local Extension Educator at souza004@umn.edu.
Can you grow a monster sunflower?
Growing sunflowers is fun and beautiful...growing giant sunflowers is even better! Participants will receive their own seeds and instructions on how to plant and care for you sunflower throughout the summer so that you can grow a monster sunflower! How tall do you think your sunflower will get?
Grades K and up are invited to join this free summer challenge. Register by May 1 to receive free sunflower seeds and a guide to help you grow a giant sunflower. Throughout the summer, you'll receive email updates about your sunflower project with fun videos that will help you explore more. Exhibit your giant sunflower at the County Fair or join us for our final contest in the fall. z.umn.edu/GiantSunflower
4-H Youth in Action
The 4‑H Youth in Action program amplifies the diverse stories and leadership of 4‑H youth who are making a difference in their communities every day. It is a premiere community of 4‑H’ers who are preparing for their future while showcasing how 4‑H has changed their lives and equipped them to change the lives of others. Dakota County 4-H alumna, Nicole Cash, is a current YIA spokesperson!
Applicants must be:
- A current 4-H member or recent alumnus.
- At least 15 by March 27, and not have turned 20 before January 1, 2023.
The Youth in Action program is based on the story that a young person can articulate the impact 4-H has made on their lives and how 4-H has inspired them to take positive actions to improve the lives of others. The application has some great guiding questions for youth to consider when applying.
There will be an informational session for youth and families on Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. Even if they cannot attend, they should still register to get a link to the recording.
We're offering an opportunity for youth to get feedback on their applications if they submit them here by March 10. They will receive feedback by March 17, and then have time to submit by March 27.
Save the date: Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO)!
Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7+ that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
Registration for YELLO will open in April. The cost to attend YELLO is $275, with an additional $50 fee for opting in to ride the bus. Youth will register via 4-H Online.
4-H Dog Train the Trainer
Topics that will be covered include working with youth in obedience, rally, showmanship and agility disciplines. Information shared will benefit beginner and veteran trainers.
Please contact the Murray County Extension Office for more information!
Get Hopping with the 4-H Rabbit Project
Have you been wondering about the 4-H rabbit project? This in-person beginner's event is perfect for you! Come and learn about where to purchase rabbits, different rabbit breeds, how to take care of your rabbit, and answer any questions about showing a rabbit at the fair!
Saturday, May 13
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Tyler, MN (final location dependent on weather)
Grades: 3+
Cost: $5
Registration Deadline: May 8
Amazing amphibians and roaming reptiles
What do frogs, snakes and turtles have in common? Join us and learn more about Herpetology, the study of amphibians and reptiles. We will go undercover and discover the mysteries of our cold blooded friends as we learn how they can become one of your new 4-H projects! Hop and slither to the sessions on the following remaining dates: March 16, 30; and April 6, 20 from 7pm - 8pm via Zoom. Registration is open and there is no deadline. For grades K -13
https://z.umn.edu/AmazingAmphibiansandRoamingReptiles
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. To register, log in, or if new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent
Passport to 4-H Tasty Tuesdays: Foods from around the world
Get your food passports ready as we travel to a different country, learn about their culture and create some of their favorite meals or desserts! Our destination will be a mystery until you get your ingredient list! You don't want to miss out on this exciting food adventure! Our remaining arrival dates for our mystery destinations are: March 14, 28; April 4 and 11 from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Registration is currently open and there is no deadline.
https://z.umn.edu/TastyTuesdaysPassport
Registration is currently open and there is no registration deadline. To register, log in, or if Registration is new to 4-H, enroll, at https://mn.4honline.com. For assistance, refer to the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent
Ambassador Information
Murray County Ambassador Events for March
March 3 5 – 8pm Community Night Murray County 4-H Building – Game Night / Trivia and walking tacos – bring your favorite board games and socialize unplugged.
March 5 noon - 7 pm Annual Ambassador Outing head to Sioux Falls for Great Shots, food and fun
March 11 Fundraiser delivery day – plan to help at the 4-H building and assist with your club and personal deliveries.
March 24 5 – 8:30pm Cloverbud PJ party Murray County 4-H building. Come in your PJs or dressed as your favorite animal and be ready for 2 hours of sharing what 4-H is all about with our youngest 4-Hers.
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador Applications Are Now 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.
Applications are due April 17.
For more information please visit the 4-H Ambassadors Page
Volunteer Information
New Member Information
Below you will find a link to the new member newsletters
Edition 1 October- November New Member Newsletter
Kim Hause
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
Email: hausek@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/murray
Location: 2848 Broadway Avenue, Slayton MN USA
Phone: 507-836-1144
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murraycounty4h