

MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER
APRIL 15, 2024

County Fair Hay Bale Contest
This year's theme is.... FAIR FOOD 🍿🥨🌭🧀🍦🍪
We will allow a first come first serve basis to choose your item, we prefer to not have any repeats. Please fill out the selection on how many bales you will need and which type of bale you would like. If you would like to send a drawing to Kim or Mallory, it really helps the fair board with getting the bales set up. Decorating can begin on Monday, August 12 or Tuesday, August 13 before the fair.
Livestock 101 Workshop
NEW!
Livestock 101 is an interactive learning opportunity for families to learn about different species and what all goes into getting them ready for county fair. Join us April 19 at the Murray County 4-H Building from 6 – 8 p.m. to listen to some of Murray County’s best livestock showmen and mentors. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Murray County Extension Office at (507)-836-6927.
Open to all ages!
Click here to register.
4-H Camp at Lake Shetek
Registration is open for Session 1 & 2!
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 southwest Minnesota on the shores of Lake Shetek at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. There will be educational sessions and camp activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, campfire and more.
High school-aged camp counselors will connect with campers throughout the entire camp experience.
Youth who have completed grades 3-6 can choose one of two camp sessions (three days/two nights):
- Camp session 1: Monday, June 17 at 1 p.m. - Wednesday, June 19 at 10:45 a.m.
- Camp session 2: Wednesday, June 19 at 1 p.m. - Friday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m.
Audience
Grades 3-6 (completed as of June 2024)
Cost
- $150 - Register March 1-May 10.
- $175 - Register May 11-27; a camp t-shirt is not guaranteed.
Registration fee includes meals and lodging for three days/two nights, supplies and a camp t-shirt.
Animal ID Deadline - May 15
Attention all Murray County 4-H animal exhibitors!
May 15, 2024, for beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine.
NEW CLOVERBUD RULE
Please read through the entire message for species variation
The Minnesota 4-H Youth Development Cloverbud policy creates a uniform set of rules for participation to maintain developmental appropriateness and safety for our youngest 4-H members. A rule related to Cloverbuds and animals has been updated.
When Cloverbuds and animals are together at a 4-H program, families may now choose one of two acceptable ways to guide and monitor involvement in non-mounted activities:
The responsible person is in control of the animal with the Cloverbud at their side.
The Cloverbud is in control of the animal with the responsible person at their side to assist or take control of the animal when needed or as directed by staff, volunteers, or show managers.
In the horse project, the second option does not apply to mounted activities. When a Cloverbud is mounted on a horse, the horse must always have a lead line and be under the control of the responsible person.
Cloverbud families may choose either option. Either way, Cloverbud exhibitions will continue to be non-competitive. Complete Cloverbud rules are found in the Cloverbud information sheet.
Please help spread the word about this rule change to Cloverbud families involved in your local programs!
Scholarship Opportunity!
Many scholarships are still available!
Visit the University of Minnesota Extension website to check out their listing of scholarships!
All Seniors from Murray County 4-H will also have the opportunity to apply for the local Murray County 4-H Scholarship. Five $500 scholarships will be awarded each year at the annual awards banquet. Apply here : https://z.umn.edu/Murray4HScholarship2024
2024 New Vision Co-op Sponsorship Program
New Vision Co-op is pleased to announce that we will be offering our 4-H Sponsorship program again this year. The program will be the same as last year where the participants will receive the full value that they apply for, and the County Extension will receive an additional 20% on top of that total. The deadline to sign up is June 7, 2024. Attached is our flyer that you are welcome to use for advertisement. Below is the link where applicants can go to apply for the sponsorship and get more information. Please share this with the 4-H members in your county and please let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to working with you and your county again this year!
Murray County 4-H Scholarship
2024 High School graduates that have been a Murray County 4-H member for at least four years are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded at the Fall Annual Awards Banquet.
Please click here to apply.
Murray County Cattlemen's Scholarship Opportunity
There will be two $500 scholarships awarded for 2024. The application deadline is May 1, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.
Please click here to see requirements and further details for this scholarship.
Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association Scholarships
The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is offering two $500 scholarships for postsecondary students.
Please see the links below to apply!
4-H Horse Pleasure Clinic
June 27 - 28 at the Murray County 4-H Fairgrounds
Attention horse exhibitors! There will be a horse pleasure clinic hosted at the Murray County 4-H Fairgrounds with Clinician, Kathy Johnson.
Stalling will be available, please bring your own bedding/ shavings and clean your stall (there will be no charge as long as these rules are followed). The clinic will be from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days, a lunch will be provided. There are camping spots available for $25/ day, and hook-up for electric is available.
Topics covered include: Showmanship, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Ranch Riding, Ranch Pleasure, Trail, English Equitation, and English Pleasure.
The cost will be $130 for both days, lunch provided. Deadline to sign-up is June 1! Spots are limited, if you are interested, we would encourage registering right away for this opportunity!
Please see the brochure below for further information.
Sensational Soybeans - 4-H Project Kit
Registration Deadline is May 1!
Ready to dive into the world of plants? Join us for an exciting soybean growing experience with our 4-H sensational soybean kits!
These kits are perfect for youth in grades 3+ who are eager to get their hands dirty and learn about agriculture. When you sign up, you'll receive a self-guided soybean kit containing everything you need (except the bucket and soil) to grow soybeans.
As part of this experience, you can:
- Grow anywhere: No matter where you live, you can join in. Our user-friendly kit makes soybean growing accessible to all.
- Discover Minnesota's soybeans: Explore how soybeans thrive in Minnesota's rich agricultural landscape. Throughout the summer, learn from local farmers about cultivation techniques and farming practices.
- Explore soybean uses: Soybeans are incredibly versatile, from food to biofuels. Discover the variety of ways they impact our daily lives.
- Experiment with soil: Test different soil types and watch soybeans grow before your eyes. This hands-on experience deepens your understanding of plant growth and soil dynamics.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!
Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp
June 17 - 19
Do you want to enhance your livestock evaluation and selection skills? Do you want to become better with oral reasons? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you!
Presented by the University of Minnesota Livestock Judging Team and Coach Kyle Rozeboom, this camp will teach you the fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, provide instruction with oral reasons, and help you become more confident in livestock judging.
Please click here for further information and registration.
Lottery Lamb & Adopt a Lamb Sign-up
Contact the Murray County Extension Staff
The lottery lamb and adopt a lamb program is now OPEN! These programs are focused on helping introduce youth to the sheep project while getting assistance from Herrig Family Hampshires and Schreier Farms.
Re-enrollment
Please complete your re-enrollment for the 2023-2024 year, visit 4-Honline to complete this task. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to the Extension staff!
Feed for Success
Virtual Sessionas Available!
Wondering how to help your 4-H market animals reach a healthy rate of gain? Want to learn more on how to feed your 4-H production animal to make sure they are getting the proper nutrition for growth? Join us in learning how to determine your feeding program goals for your market or production animal from nutritionists and Extension Educators who specialize in livestock species.
This learning opportunity is available for youth grades 3 and up.
When:
Goat & Sheep: April 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
To register, log in (or if new to 4-H to enroll), at 4-H Online.
Activity ideas for your Club!
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.
Mark your Calendars!
Murray County 4-H 2023-2024 Schedule of Events
Please take a moment to download or print the 2023 - 2024 Murray County 4-H calendar.
Save the Date!
ANIMAL ID DEADLINE FOR 2024
May 15, 2024, for beef, dairy, dairy goat, dog, horse, llama - alpaca, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine.
Ambassador Updates
Attention Ambassador Team
There will not be an Ambassador meeting in the month of May.
Kim will keep members posted throughout the summer months on when their next meeting will be.
Exploring Your Future
Virtual Webinar Series
Designed for youth to explore and identify their personal aspirations for the future through interactive activities that encourage creativity, self-awareness, critical thinking, goal setting and self-discovery.
Personalized for youth in grades 7-11, session content is designed to spark curiosity and plant the seeds that will motivate youth to make plans for their personal pathway to the valued future of their choice. Youth will have the opportunity to learn about financial planning, admission processes, career exploration and more!
This web series begins Monday April 1st and continues Monday April 8th, Monday April 15th, Monday April 22nd, and Monday April 29th.
Click here to register for this learning opportunity!
Rockets Away!
Aerospace Series
Join us on Earth Day from your launching pads at home for the first session in our series as we discover rocket science! Learn how rockets are designed and how they lift into space. May the Force Be with You as we come together dressed up as our favorite Star Wars characters and blast off!
Who: Youth in grades 3 -8
Launching Dates: April 22 and 29 we will Zoom and learn.
On May 4th we will gather at a galaxy near you!
Time for this date will be determined.
Time: 7 pm - 8 pm
Cost: Each participant will receive a kit with starter supplies for our virtual sessions. The cost per kit is $20 (check with your local Extension Office for scholarship opportunities)
Checks should be made to Lyon County 4-H, and mailed to 500 Fairgrounds Road, Marshall MN 56258
*Space is limited to 50 participants - sign up soon!
Register here: 2024 Rockets Away! - Google Forms
Deadline to register is April 15. For more information contact Brian McNeill, Regional Extension Educator at mcnei006@umn.edu, Sam Jens, Lyon County 4-H Extension Educator at jens0593@umn.edu, or Suzanne Souza, Big Stone County 4-H Local Extension Educator at souza004@umn.edu.
Southwest Regional Photography Workshop
Zoom in on your camera skills with youth across the southwest region! Youth in grades K-13 will learn from experts and participate in a photo challenge. Register in 4-H Online by April 22: https://2024sw-photography.4honline.com.
YELLO 2024 will be held at.....
University of Minnesota- Morris!
We're excited to bring youth from across the state to southwest Minnesota to focus on learning and leading in 4-H and beyond!
Watch for official announcements on the Minnesota 4-H Facebook and Instagram channels and check out this summary of upcoming dates/deadlines:
- May 10 - Registration closes for youth and chaperones.
National 4-H Conference
The 2024 National 4-H Conference will be held April 19 - 24, 2024
The 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, nation and world.
This year Lindsey Hause was selected as a Minnesota Representative! Sophia Gaul, who attended last year, was asked back as a Youth Team Leader. Encourage your 4-H'ers to reach out to Lindsey or Sophia to learn all about their experiences.
Find more information on the National 4-H Conference website.
Wildlife Wednesdays
Explore and Uncover the Fascinating Lives of Wildlife
Have you ever looked out your window and wondered about the animals that share the same environment as you do? How do they stay warm in the winter? Why do some of our winged friends fly south when the weather changes and some hang around? Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays!
This series of wonder and wander will bring to youth conservation knowledge and the start of lifelong respect for the environment around us.
Sessions will be held virtually, 7 - 8 p.m., on Wednesdays from January 31 to April 24, except February 14.
Go here to register for this FREE event!
Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
Contact your local Extension staff on how to create a team!
WHEP is a hands-on environmental education program dedicated to teaching wildlife and fisheries habitat management to youth. It provides participants an opportunity to test their wildlife knowledge in a friendly competition in teams of 3 - 4 similarly aged individuals, led by a local 4-H volunteer coach.
University on the Prairie
June 24 - 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Explore science-based career opportunities in environmental and agricultural science, chemistry, engineering and more! University on the Prairie immerses youth entering grades 7 through one-year post-high school in hands-on activities that show what you can do with science education.
You will conduct experiments, participate in hands-on labs and learn new skills from professionals working in science fields. You will increase your understanding of science and discover what potential career options interest you the most.
All University on the Prairie activities take place in the classrooms, labs and the great outdoors at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC) facilities.
Check-in is at 8 a.m. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on June 24 and 25.
Register here if interested in signing up for this opportunity.
New Volunteers
Welcome Terri!
Terri Campbell is our newest Murray County 4-H volunteer!
Terri has been helping with Murray County 4-H and really enjoys seeing her granddaughter getting involved in all that 4-H has to offer.
Thank you for your willingness to give back!
Kim Hause
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
📍2848 BROADWAY AVE ☎️(507)-836-1144 ✉️hausek@umn.edu
SLAYTON, MN 56172
Mallory Vos
Administrative Assistant, Murray County Extension
📍2848 Broadway Ave ☎️ 507-836-6927 ✉ carl5049@umn.edu
Slayton, MN 56172
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