MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER

Attention Murray County 4-H families who are interested in exhibiting animals at the 2025 Murray County Fair!

The Murray County Extension Office has ID Tags available for youth who plan on exhibiting animals listed above to the 2025 Murray County Fair.

Please visit our Murray County 4-H Livestock Information Folder if you are interested in species updates for the 2025 fair season.

4-H Animal ID webpage

Feel free to stop by the Extension Office Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to pick-up your tags, or if you need other arrangements, please contact the Extension Office right away and we will do our best to get tags to you!

The 2025 Murray County Fair Premium List has been finalized and is ready for viewing! I have linked that document below, but if you are interested in getting a paper copy, please contact the Extension Office and we would be happy to get you one!

2025 Murray County Fair Premium List

We will be sending out a link to our fair registration site shortly!

We have an app available that provides easy access to all things Murray County 4-H and Fair season!

Please take the time to download and utilize for access to show programs, stalling survey, Foodstand menu and so much more!

Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play! Search 'Minnesota 4-H' to download!

Murray County 4-H is offering a wide variety of different summer programs for all age groups to attend this summer! Check out the line-up below:

SWIM Team - held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout June and July

Home Alone Safety for Kids - June 5

Babysitting Clinic - June 9-10

Arts & Crafts - June 12

AI for Youth in Grades 3 - 6 (partnered with Murray County Emergency Management) - June 16

AI for Youth in Grades 7 - 12 (partnered with Murray County Emergency Management) - June 16

Crime Busters Camp - June 17

SW Regional General Livestock Judging Contest - June 18

Simple Sewing - July 14

Seed Paper - July 15

Seed Mosaics - July 21

The Return of the Great Grilled Cheese Challenge - July 22

Robotics & Coding - Level 1 - July 16-17

Click on Murray County 4-H Summer Day Camp Flyer for more details!

Register within 4-H Online under the events tab!

Congratulations to:

Taylor L

Maryann P

Sophia N

Grace N

on being selected as recipients of the 2025 Andrea Ruesch Scholarship. There were only twelve youth selected in the Southwest Region.

We are very proud of you all!

🐄🐑🐐🐖 Curious about livestock judging? This summer, take your 4-H experience to the next level by joining one of our Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Day Camps!

These hands-on camps focus on the evaluation of beef, meat goats, sheep and swine—an essential skill to enhance your livestock project knowledge. This day camp will be a fun and educational way to boost your confidence and understanding of animal selection. Whether you're new to judging or want to sharpen your skills, you’ll learn:

✅ Fundamentals of animal evaluation

✅ Key judging terms

✅ Judging logistics

✅ and so much more!

Camp Details:

👤 Open to all 4-H youth in grades 6-12 and adults interested in coaching

💰 Cost is $10 per person (includes supplies and lunch).

💻 Register in 4-H Online by May 25 for Fertile and June 5 for St. Peter and Alexandria.

🚨 Register soon, as space is limited!

• Fertile Location - z.umn.edu/LivestockJudgingFertile

• St. Peter Location - z.umn.edu/LivestockJudgingStPeter

• Alexandria Location - z.umn.edu/LivestockJudgingAlexandria

Youth are welcome to attend the 4-H Horse Pleasure clinic hosted by clinician, Kathy Johnson. Topics covered include: showmanship, horsemanship, western pleasure, ranch riding, ranch pleasure, trail, English equitation, and English pleasure.

Stalling will be available, please bring your own shavings and clean your stall once your time at the clinic has been completed. The clinic will run from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days with a lunch provided in the afternoon.

The total cost for the camp will be $175 for both days.

Camping options are available! Each spot is $25/ day for the duration of the clinic. Money will need to be collected before leaving the fairgrounds.

Please contact Jody Jackels if you are interested in attending this event!

Cell: (507)-626-1591

Email: jjackels@outlook.com

As we are prepping for the 2025 Murray County Fair. We wanted to inform you of these opportunities, with the first one being an “Adopt a Lamb Program.” This was started for first- and second-year sheep project members. The lambs all come from the same producer and cost the same amount to buy. When the members get their lambs, they will draw a number and that is the lamb they will get. Help is available during the summer; this is to encourage a strong start for youth in the sheep program.

The second opportunity is the “Lottery Lamb Program,” each member can request one lamb. The lambs all come from the same producer and strive to keep the group as uniform in size as possible. The members draw a number to see what lamb they will receive. They then take them home and see how good they can make them. The winner of the class at the Murray County Fair will receive a $100 cash award. This award is sponsored by Herrig Family Hampshire’s and the Steve Schreier Family.

If you are interested in either of these sheep program opportunities, please reach out to the Murray County Extension staff and we will get you signed up.

Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? 4-H Camp is the perfect way for youth to unplug, explore the outdoors, and make new friends! This year’s camp will once again be held at Shetek Lutheran Ministries on the beautiful shores of Lake Shetek.

Youth who have completed grades 3 - 6 can choose from two exciting camp sessions, each lasting two nights and three days.

This multi-county overnight 4-H Camp in southwest Minnesota is packed with engaging educational sessions and classic camp activities, including: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, team-building activities, campfires, storytelling and so much more!

High school-aged camp counselors will guide and connect with campers throughout their experience. Campers will stay in group cabins with peers of the same age, and all meals and snacks are included. Adjustments can be made for health and dietary needs, please include info when registering or connect with 4-H staff.

• $175 per camper (Late registration May 11-30; t-shirt not guaranteed)

Murray County 4-H will pay 75% of youth's registration fee!

Please visit the 4-H Camp at Lake Shetek website for more details and registration!

New Vision Co-op is proud to offer a 4-H sponsorship program. 4-H has proven to be a great way to teach kids about agriculture and they learn responsibility and are exposed to a wide variety of new experiences teaching them about growing, building, and being a leader. It is for these reasons the New Vision Co-op Board of Directors continues to offer financial support to the youth participating in the various 4-H projects.

Eligibility

• Exhibitor's parent/legal guardian must be a New Vision Coop member ($10,000.00 business during the 2023-2024 fiscal year and current agricultural producer).
• 4-H Coordinator's Signature is required to verify the member's qualification after the fair is complete.
• Exhibitor's entry must meet all 4-H fair eligibility requirements and deadlines.
• Cloverbuds are not eligible for this sponsorship program.
• Co-op calves do not qualify.

Payments

• Upon receipt of this completed form, New Vision will confirm accuracy with your local 4-H Program Coordinator.
• Payments will be distributed through your local 4-H office after the county fair concludes.
• New Vision Coop recognition ribbons will be delivered to 4-H Coordinators to distribute to each exhibitor.

Online Applications ONLY! Please apply on the New Vision Co-op site, 4-H Sponsorship

Join us for this amazing roaming virtual adventure from the comfort of your own home! Explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles as spring awakens and our slithering, cold-blooded, terrestrial friends come to life—along with the birth of new offspring. Learn from passionate herpetology experts and discover exciting career opportunities in this incredible field!

May 22; June 5 and 19 from 7 - 8 p.m.

The program is free and there is no deadline to sign up!

Participating in these sessions could count for up to the four virtual hours you can receive for wildlife hours for Shooting Sports!

Registration is through 4-H Online.

4-H Goat Clinic

Youth in grades 3 and up are invited to attend a hands-on clinic focused on showmanship, fitting, and nutrition, led by guest speaker Katie Saterback. This clinic is aimed for youth that have five or less years of experience showing goats. An evening meal will be served.

Date & Time: Friday, June 20 | 5:30–8:00 PM

Location: Brown County Fairgrounds, 1201 N. State Street, New Ulm

Participants are encouraged to bring a halter-broke goat, preferably 1 per family. Pens and water will be available.

Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/bcGoatClinic by June 13.

Where: Rockin' J Arena

2916 160th Ave. Minneota, MN 56264

About Clinician: Midwest native Julie Kunde, of Julie Kunde Show Horses, is a Nebraska-based trainer specializing in training high-level, all-around AQHA and APHA/Pinto horses and their exhibitors. Her kind nature and sense of humor pairs well with horses and riders of all ages and experience levels. From local shows to World shows, Julie is a highly sought after trainer because of her kindness, humor, and versatile knowledge.

This event will be held rain or shine. Helmets are required as it is a 4-H sponsored event. Concession stand on site Auditing is permitted for a $20 charge. Youth or Adults welcome to ride.

Schedule:

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Check in

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Group 1 Riding

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Group 2 Riding

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Group 1 Riding

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Group 2 Riding

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch Break

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Group 1 Riding

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Group 2 Riding

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Group 1 Riding

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Group 2 Riding

Register at: https://z.umn.edu/Lyon4Hhorseclinic25

Cost: $125

Questions? Please contact Traci at (507)-828-4100, Janelle at (507)-530-7787 or Sam at (507)-532-1310.

All youth are invited to participate in the Cottonwood County 4-H 3-day horse clinic!

June 11-13, 2025

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Windom Arena

Tack up and warm up at 8:30 a.m.

Early bird registration (before June 1): $25/day

Come for a day or the entire clinic!

Register through the Cottonwood County Extension Office (507)-831-4022 or email Teresa at deter086@umn.edu

Negative Coggins is required.

Camping & stalls available.

Day 1 (June 11) - Games (clinician Makayla Cross)

Day 2 (June 12) - Horsemanship & Trail (clinicians Bailey Turner & Fiona R)

Day 3 (June 13) - Pattern Work & Saddle Fit (clinician Addie O'Neil)

The Opportunity for All Livestock Show allows youth with disabilities the opportunity to interact closely with sheep and goats. Each participant will be paired with a mentor and an animal to gain hands-on experience learning about the animals and how to care for and handle them.

Each participant will get the chance to show off their new-found skills in a non-competitive show.

No livestock experience is needed. There will also be sensory experiences and learning opportunities about other animals and parts of agriculture.

Please read through the Opportunity for All Livestock Show participant expectations before requesting accommodations.

Interested in being a mentor? We’re also looking for older youth in grades 10 and up with knowledge of sheep or goats who want to share their skills with others. Learn more and become a mentor.

Cost: Free (Lunch and t-shirt included)

Audience: Grades 3 - 13

Please register by June 1 before 11:59 p.m. labeled as "Opportunity for All Livestock Show - Le Sueur County (Animal, Project Learning)" under the 'events' tab in 4-H Online.

Are you looking for a great weekend activity for a young person in your family who is neurodivergent or who has a disability? This overnight family camp is a great place for youth with developmental or physical disabilities or neurological differences and their caregivers, parents and siblings. In other words, this is a camp for the whole family.

• Who: Youth with disabilities (neurodivergent, developmental or physical) and their families, including school age siblings enrolled in 4-H or adult siblings. Families will be housed together. Families will participate in some activities all together and there will also be activities planned for only youth, only youth with disabilities, only siblings and only adult caregivers. All youth grades 3-12 are welcome.

• Location: Camp Eden Woods, 6350 Indian Chief Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

• Date: August 22-24, 2025

• Cost: $125/camper; caregiver’s stay is free.

• Additional Details: Registration closes on August 10, 2025

• Registration: Register on 4-H Online

• Contact: Betsy Minnaert, betolson@umn.edu, 612-670-4866

Llamazing Alpaca Explorers is a series of independent learning guides for youth in grades 3 and up to get to know llamas and alpacas. Each guide is designed for youth in grades 3 and up to be able to explore on their own, or with the help of a caring adult, through pictures, videos and hands-on activities. Project time: At your own pace

Part 1: Llama-Alpaca Body Bonanza, includes seven activity guides focused on llama/alpaca history and anatomy.

Part 1 Guide

New! Part 2: Llama-Alpaca Herds and Handling, includes four activity guides that teach you how to handle your llama-alpaca safely through pictures, videos and hands-on activities.

Part 2 Guide

Click Llamazing Alpaca Explorers page for more details!

Wanting to trust your kids to stay at home by themselves? Join us for this educational workshop to help youth learn about home alone safety! Topics include: fire safety, encountering emergencies, first aid, telephone & door answering, activity plans and much more!

This will be held on Thursday, June 5, from 1 - 3 p.m. in the Murray County 4-H Building (3048 Broadway Ave, Slayton, MN 56172). It's FREE to attend and open to youth in grades 2+

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kim Hause (Murray County 4-H Youth Development Educator) at hausek@umn.edu or Carl Nyquist (Murray County Emergency Management Director) at cnyquist@co.murray.mn.us.

Students entering grades 7-13 can have an adventure in science and career exploration on the prairie in SW Minnesota. University on the Prairie is a unique program that showcases hands-on activities related to animal science, food science, engineering, ag/environmental science and chemistry.

Faculty from the University of Minnesota and SDSU, along with local professionals and SWROC scientists will join teachers from the region to guide students through hands-on exploration of science in five career areas important to the life and future of southwestern Minnesota. The program is unique in the state and offers students an opportunity to open doors to many career paths and will perhaps result in a future soil scientist, pharmacist, or chemist.

The program is full of fun and hands-on activities. It will be held at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center laboratories, classrooms, and outdoor facilities near Lamberton. Check in at the SWROC will be at 10 a.m. on July 1. The program will run from 10:30 a.m. - 6:25 p.m. on July 1 and from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on July 2. An overnight lodging option is available at the SWROC (air mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows are encouraged).

Registration is now open! Total cost is $50 per student. Register by May 31 at https://UonthePrairie.4honline.com

Take on the challenge and form a 4-H/FFA crop scouting team! Teams can be made up of youth in grades 6+ from one or multiple counties. Contact your local Extension office if you want help finding a team. If you don't have a team but still want to participate, we have coaches ready to coach youth across Minnesota who don't have anyone else participating in their county (this includes both the plant science project bowl and crop scouting). If you're not sure what crop scouting is, or if you want to gather a team, we encourage you to participate in virtual 4-H plant science trivia nights, and the 4-H plant science project bowl on April 12. 4-H/FFA crop scouting registration opens on May 1 and the state event will take place on Monday, July 28 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus.

Learn more about the 4-H plant science virtual teams.

Learn more and sign-up for crop scouting.

Please complete your re-enrollment for the 2024 -2025 year, visit 4-Honline to complete this task.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Extension staff!

With a new year, that means new scholarship opportunities are available for high school seniors and college students. Please take the time to check out the scholarship site, to learn about upcoming opportunities this spring.

Need activity ideas for your 4-H club? Check out our Youth Development Curriculum Library for fun, educational lesson and activity resources designed for youth workers, 4-H volunteers, and youth themselves! 86 resources and counting! More content is added every month. Current categories: Animals and livestock, civic engagement and leadership, Cloverbuds (K - 2), environment and earth science, expressive arts and communication, family and consumer science, gardening and agriculture, healthy living, icebreakers, games, and reflection activities, including youth of all abilities, independent learning, outdoor adventures, STEM, and themed 4-H club agenda samples. If you have specific content you’d like to see, contact Jessica Russo at pier0239@umn.edu.

Please take a moment to download or print the 2024 - 2025 Murray County 4-H calendar.

Join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors! We meet typically once a month for leadership opportunities, youth engagement, ambassador outings and service projects. Youth grades 8 and up are invited to join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors. Fill out the attached https://z.umn.edu/MC4HAmbassador24-25

Kim Konkol is one of our newest Murray County 4-H volunteer! Kim is a familiar face in Murray County and serves on the Murray County Fair board.

Genna Scripture is one of the club leaders for the Bondin Belfast 4-H Club, along with her husband, Todd. They have four kids that are involved in Murray County 4-H.

Thank you for your willingness to give back!

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County

📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1144 ✉️hausek@umn.edu

SLAYTON, MN 56172

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County

📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1145

✉️thoms531@umn.edu

SLAYTON, MN 56172

Administrative Assistant, Murray County Extension

📍2848 Broadway Ave 📞 507-836-6927 ✉ carl5049@umn.edu

Slayton, MN 56172

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