We will again be using the Youth Livestock Literacy (YLL) and Youth Horse Literacy (YHL) programs for this 2023-2024 4-H year, the YLL program is a way to enhance and expand the opportunities offered to our 4-H members to complete the YQCA requirement each year. A YLL or a YQCA certificate will be a requirement to show livestock at the county or state fair in 2024 or a YHL certificate for county or state horse shows! There are many events that may qualify; we will share them here in the newsletter and on Facebook or you can always call the office and ask if we know of new opportunities. Below you can review the YLL program information sheets this lists the items that qualify to meet the YLL requirement. Any member is eligible to complete one of the alternative events; however, the YQCA option is recommended for the member’s first 4 years and may be required for some national level shows. To learn about Youth Livestock Literacy opportunities in your county and beyond, contact the Extension Office.

We have officially launched our 2023-24 statewide community service project, Clover Care Kits.

This is an effort to collect personal hygiene supplies to be donated to facilities serving resource

limited individuals. For now we have a drop box located at the office for any donations look for more information in the upcoming newsletters as we find ways to give back to this project!

Each year, South Dakota 4-H members have the opportunity to compete at National

competitions and attend National leadership opportunities. We are continuously looking for

talented individuals to coach teams and accompany youth on these experiences. Anyone

interested in these opportunities should visit https://extension.sdstate.edu/4-h-coach-and-

chaperone-application and complete the application. The office is currently collecting

applications for individuals interested in coaching or chaperoning 4-H members competing in

2024. We are also looking for folks to chaperone experiences such as Citizenship Washington

Focus, summer camps, Performing Arts, and SkillsX (formerly Teen Leadership Conference)

Members of the South Dakota 4-H Program, have the opportunity to apply for National 4-H

Conference scheduled for April 19-24, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency, Crystal City in Arlington,

Virginia.

National 4-H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4-H Civic Engagement, providing the

opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities,

their nation and their world. At the conference, delegates will have the opportunity to have

round table discussions and present to federal partner agencies. In addition, youth will take part

in Youth Career Fair exhibitions, live “cool job” panels, community service, special events,

assemblies and much more.

This experience has been a tradition for 4-H members since 1927. In 1958, the event name,

formerly known as the “National 4-H Club Camp,” was changed to National 4-H Conference.

Prior to 1959, delegates slept in tents on the grounds of the National Mall in front of the

Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Washington, DC. In 1959, the meeting moved from the

National Mall to the newly founded National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD (right outside of

Washington, D.C.).

Who can apply for National 4-H Conference?

Youth must be 16 – 18 years old by the date of the event to apply. Applicants should submit

their application to their local 4-H Youth Program Advisor. Upon approval, the 4-H Youth

Program Advisor will submit the signed application, via email or USPS mail, to the State 4-H

Office by January 22, 2024. A designated committee of 4-H Youth Development professionals

and/or previous trip participants will review applications and notify youth who are selected to

attend National 4-H Conference as a delegate. Use the button below to view the application and

apply today!

What does it cost to attend National 4-H Conference?

Participants are responsible for the entire cost of the trip. The price to attend National 4-H

Conference will be determined when the registration fee has been announced and the number of

youth attending from South Dakota has been determined. Potential costs for four youth to

attend is $3,300.00 per youth.

The National 4-H Conference is pleased to offer financial assistance to 4-H youth and adult

chaperones to maximize opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to attend

Phil Breed who was here at the county fair last year is offering an adult bee keeping class here at the 4-H Center!

Please note this is an adult only class BUT we are in the works for a future youth opportunity!

The South Dakota Ag Foundation is now accepting applications for two grant programs:

• The Building Rural Communities grant is available to 4-H Clubs and FFA/FCCLA

Chapters that wish to improve their communities through projects that demonstrate the

importance of rural communities and the value of the organization that works to improve

rural life.

• The Ag Innovators Youth Education grant is to support new approaches and creative

solutions to offer more agriculture-related innovation and leadership programs for South

Dakota’s youth.

Applications are due by March 1, 2024.

An overview and application for each of the grants is available on the SD Ag Foundation website under "grant programs."

As part of the 2024 Soil Health Conference, the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition has

announced two contests for students in South Dakota. The student video and essay contests

have been designed to give students the opportunity to learn more about soil health, showcase

their knowledge in creative ways, and win some cash prizes! See the attached contest flyer and entry form as well as their website for more information!

The Black Hills Stock Show in partnership with Pennington County 4-H is hosting their 4-H/FFA

Youth Day on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at The Monument in Rapid City.

This contest is open to teams or individual contestants. For more details

or to register, visit https://www.blackhillsstockshow.com/events/free-events/other

South Dakota 4-H is excited to announce the release of Career Conversations: Exploring My

Future in the 605 for the 2023-24 School Year. Career Conversations features interviews with

South Dakota professionals. The career reel collection, starring South Dakota industry

professionals and entrepreneurs, exposes job details, challenges, and educational requirements

which will assist in course selection and facilitate college, career, and workforce readiness. The

program is designed for individual youth to explore at their own pace or can be done in the classroom. For more information: https://extension.sdstate.edu/career-conversations-exploring-my-future-605

The new 4-H year (2023-2024) begins October 1. Members can start re-enrolling in 4-HOnline 2.0 any-time after October 1. Members do need to re-enroll every year. Returning members– please do not set up a new profile! Call the office if you need help!

Club leaders & Volunteers– don’t forget to re-enroll, too! You do not have to complete a new volunteer application but do need to pay the $10 fee by December 15 2023. Checks payable to Clay County 4-H Leaders Association

January 1 - Extension Office Closed - New Years Day

January 4 - Pick a Chick Orders Due

January 5 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

January 6 -Farmers Market

January 7 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

January 7 - Jr. Ambassadors Meeting 1pm - Kitchen

January 9 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

January 11 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

January 12 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

January 13 - SS Coaches Training - Wessington Springs

January 14 - Flyers Practice & Meeting 1230-5pm 4-H Center & Kitchen

January 15 - Extension Office Closed - MLK Day

January 15- Lucky Trailblazers 630pm Kitchen

January 16 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

January 17 - 4-H Day at the Capitol

January 18 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

January 19 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

January 20 - Farmers Market

January 20 - SS Coaches Training - Rapid City

January 20 - SS Coaches Training - Faulkton

January 21 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

January 21 - Burbank Feeders Meeting 5pm - 4-H Center

January 22 - National 4-H Conference Application Due

January 23 - Leaders Meeting @ 530 Kitchen

January 26 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

January 27 - Adult Beekeeping Class by Phil Breed 830-12pm @ 4-H Center

January 27 - Livestock Skillathon @ Sioux Empire Livestock Show 9am

January 28 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

January 30 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February

February 1 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February 2 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

February 3 - Farmers Market 4-H Center

February 3 - Youth Day at the Black Hills Stock Show

February 4 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

February 6 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February 8 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February 9 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

February 11 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

February 15 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February 15 - SS End of Match 1

February 16 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

February 17 - Farmers Market 4-H Center

February 18 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

February 19 - Extension Office Closed - Presidents Day

February 19 - Lucky Trailblazers 6pm Kitchen

February 19 - Hippology Contest - Lincoln County - 2pm

February 20 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February 22 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February 23 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

February 25 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

February 27 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

February 29 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March

March 1 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

March 2 - Farmers Market in 4-H Center

March 3 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

March 5 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 7 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 8 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

March 10 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

March 12 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 14 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 15 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

March 15 - SS End Match 2

March 16 - Farmers Market in 4-H Center

March 17 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

March 18 - State Match Registration Opens in FairEntry (12:01am)

March 19 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 21 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 22 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

March 24 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

March 26 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 28 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

March 29 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

March 31 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

April

April 2 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 4 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 5 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

April 6 - Farmers Market in 4-H Center

April 7 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

April 9 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 11 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 12 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

April 14 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

April 15 - SS End of Match 3

April 16 - Spring State Shoot Registration Deadline

April 16 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 18 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 19 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

April 20 - Farmers Market in 4-H Center

April 21 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

April 23 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 25 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

April 26 - Flyers Practice 4-8pm 4-H Center

April 28 - Flyers Practice 1230-5pm 4-H Center

April 26-28 Spring State Shoot - Ft Pierre/Pierre

April 30 - Dog Practice 7pm - 4-H Center

May

May 31 - 4-HOnline registrations due for 2023-2024 year

June

June 1 - DNA Envelopes Due to office, All animals must be entered in 4-HOnline, Youth Horse Literacy Deadline

June 3-5 4-H Camp Session 1

June 3-7 SkillsX by 4-H

June 5-7 - 4-H Camp Session 2

June 10-12 - 4-H Camp Camp Poinsett Going Beyond

June 15-22 - Citizen Washington Focus Trip

June 25 - Clay/Union/Yankton County Horse Show

July 1 - Youth Livestock Literacy deadline

Office Hours Monday - Friday 8-5 (closed over noon hour)

Raven Davis

Secretary

Lauren Hollenbeck

4-H Youth Program Advisor

Email: clay.county@sdstate.edu
Website: https://www.claycountysd.org/extensionoffice4h.cfm
Location: 515 High Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Phone: 605-677-7111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/332499696769521