2023 Premium Book
Please pay close attention to the 4-H Fair schedule that is located in the beginning of the book because there are several times that have changed this year like arrival and departure times, show times, and weigh in times. Also a few species have moved their Cloverbud classes to the middle of the show and will no longer be the first class. Those species that have moved the classes are noted in the premium book in red under the Cloverbud class in that species. If you have any question please let us know!
A copy of the book can also be found on the Murray County 4-H App and on our website!
Murray County 4-H Summer Day Camps
For class description or more information please visit UMN Extension-Murray County website at https://extension.umn.edu/local/murray or contact Kim Hause hausek@umn.edu or 507-836-1144. See the Murray County Extension Website for additional programming to be added throughout the summer or virtual programming that is available.
Youth must be enrolled in MN 4-H but do not need to join a community club. Please see our family user guide to learn more: https://z.umn.edu/familyuserguide
Grade Level = 2022-2023 School Year
To view the flyer click here!
***CORRECTION ON THE DATE FOR CUPCAKE DECORATING!!! THE DATE SHOULD BE JUNE 26 NOT JULY 26!***
2023 Ag Robotics Challenge! Practice Started May 1!
Are you interested in learning about robots? Are you up for some fun challenges? If so, sign up and participate in a local county 4-H robotics program and begin to prepare for the 4-H SW Robotics Agriculture Challenge! Learn about coding and building specific robotics to compete in the New challenge for 2023!
Event Details
WHO: Grades 3- 8
WHEN: June 7, 2023
TIME: 9 am -11:30 am
WHERE: participate in one of three locations: Morris, Redwood Falls or Slayton
COST: Free!
Form a team of 3- 5 members or come as an individual and we will place you on a team that day!
We will have Edison robots available to use for the challenge that day.
Check with your local 4-H Extension Educator on the availability of these robots to practice with!
Cloverbuds! You are invited to join us at the Ag Robotics Challenge for a hands-on session geared just for you in robotics through coding, circuits, wiggle bots, plus more!
To register, go to 4-H Online and under events, find “Ag Robotics Challenge.”
Deadline to register is June 1, 2023
Murray County will be hosting robotics practices on Mondays in May from 3 to 5 p.m. for grades K - 6 and May 1 and May 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. for youth in grades 7 and up. If you would like to participate in the event but cannot make the practice times, contact Kim to check out a robot kit and what areas you need to prepare for. Please RSVP with Kim if you will be attending practice.
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
Lake Shetek 4-H Camp. Late Registrations will be accepted until May 27th!
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)
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.
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 should have received a letter in the mail. If you did not receive a letter in the mail and believe you may need LQA&E training please contact McKenna mschreie@umn.edu or 507-836-6927. If you received a letter in the mail and you don't need LQA&E training we apologize for the inconvenience!! 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)
Becoming a Volunteer to Transport Livestock to State Fair
The County Fair and Minnesota State Fair will be here before we know it! It isn’t too early to start thinking about livestock projects and transportation to and from the fairs. In 2023 Murray County 4-H is highly encouraging adults who may possibly transport livestock to and from the Minnesota State Fair to become screened adult volunteers. This process is free and easy!
We have decided to highly encourage this due to the loadout at the State Fair becoming a safety issue the last several years. If you are assisting with loadout and an accident were unfortunately to occur at the State Fair and you are a screened volunteer, you would be covered under Minnesota 4-H’s insurance. If you are not a screened volunteer unfortunately you could be found liable. Even if your child is an actively enrolled 4-H member participating at the State Fair, you still must be a screen volunteer to be covered. We hope something like this never happens, but we are trying to look out for our families and cover them the best we can in the event an accident was to ever accidently occur.
In order for your adult volunteer application to be approved in time for the Minnesota State Fair your application is due to the Extension Office by July 1st. A Paper form is required. Filling out the application in 4-H Online will not be accepted!!
Please follow the link to obtain a copy of the form or stop into the Extension Office to pick up a copy. When you follow the link you will also find the instructions on how to complete the rest of the volunteer application process!
We thank you for you cooperation and please contact the Extension Office if you have any questions!
May Environmental Service Project
In May, flowers have bloomed and are vibrantly showing their colors. Wildflowers are flowers that grow without support from humans and in their natural environment. Flowers produce oxygen, reduce stress and can help improve the moods of others.
For May’s challenge, youth are encouraged to plant wildflowers in their community. Some wildflowers planted in the garden are purple coneflower, purple milkweed, rough blazing star, maiden pink and more. It is also important to consider researching the native plants that are ideal in your region to allow them to grow without much attention, rather than non-native plants.
To learn more and submit your service projects check out the MN 4-H Statewide Service website at z.umn.edu/MN4H-Service!
University on the Prairie
We hope to see you July 26-27 for University on the Prairie! Youth entering grades 7-13 are invited to explore science-based careers at University on the Prairie!
Held at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center near Lamberton, University on the Prairie immerses students in hands-on activities related to different sciences. Tracks are led by university faculty and area professionals.
NEW in 2023 - housing is provided (and optional).
Cost to participate is $50. For more information, contact the Cottonwood County Extension Office at 507-831-4022 or mohrh002@umn.edu.
4-H STEM Explorers Day Camp
4-H STEM Explorers Day Camp - June 27, 2023
Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to Explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by spending a day on the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus. The day will consist of faculty presentations and fun hands-on activities. Join us afterward for rock-climbing in the Myers Field House!
Registration closes Friday, June 16. 2023
Barn to BBQ: Meat Sciences
Interested in learning more about the meat products we produce? In learning about the science behind the meat we find at our local butcher or store? Join us to learn about the journey from the Barn to the BBQ! This will be a day full of meat science exploration. We will learn from industry experts on different meat products, the value of meat products, how they are processed and more! We will learn about beef, pork, lamb and goat meat products. We will see live ultrasounds of valuable meat cuts, see primal cuts being broken down into retail cuts, learn about the importance of meat grading and try our hands at judging and even taste test many different types of Minnesota Grown meat!
Barn to BBQ is open to all youth in grades 6 and up. The event will be held at SMSU in Marshall on Tuesday, June 13, from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost for the event is $25 per person (a parent is welcome to attend, for $25 with participating youth). Interested in attending? Register by June 1 in 4-H Online to attend this event; for assistance with your 4-H Online event registration, check out the event registration guide.
Questions: Do you have questions about 4-H Barn to BBQ? Contact 4-H Extension Educators Sam Jens at jens0593@umn.edu or Kirstin Koch at kochx040@umn.edu.
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
Minnesota 4-H Crop Scouting
Want to know what crop scouting is all about? Join us on May 17!
We'd like to start a team, but just don't know how. If any of these questions resonate with you, make sure to join us on Wednesday, May 17 at noon, 3:30 p.m., or 7:30 p.m. to learn more about crop scouting.
Sign up by May 16 to get a reminder and the email link.
If none of these times work, no problem. Sign up and we'll send you the webinar recording.
Stay up-to-date with Minnesota 4-H plant science programming opportunities and highlights
Minnesota 4-H has been expanding plant science programming and we've seen the program grow quickly! Programming is happening all across Minnesota, and we'd love to share highlights and successes with you.
We’ll begin sending out a quarterly newsletter, along with other opportunities, to a Minnesota 4-H plant science listserv. Stay up-to-date to ensure you don't miss out on what's happening. If you know others who would be interested in your community, send them a note and encourage them to sign up!
Engineering Design Challenge Kick Off Training Lyon County
Join us for the Engineering Design Challenge Kick Off training!
Friday, May 26th
4:30-6:00pm
Location: the Lyon County Fairgrounds in Marshall
504 Fairgrounds Road, Marshall MN, 56258
NO FEE!
3rd grade to 6th grade.
Register by May 23rd.
For more information, contact Sam Jens, Lyon County at jens0593@umn.edu
“Up Close & Personal” 4-H Photography Challenge
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a statewide photo challenge to youth in grades K-13.
Getting in close is the name of the game for this photo challenge! Show us your best picture of small details that suggest a larger story. Select a close-up photo (with no or minimal editing) from the 2022-2023 4-H year and submit it with up to two sentences that explains why the photo is important to you.
Submit one (1) jpg or jpeg image to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on June 5, 2023. Please make sure to include “Up Close & Personal” in the email subject line, along with the participant’s name, grade and state in your email as indicated in the rules.
Volunteer 4-H photography judges will provide feedback via a slideshow. Top photos will be recognized with a prize and random prize drawing winners will also receive a gift.
Find more information about the challenge here.
Register at: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in (under events)
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
Paper Clover
Mill Wheel Dairy Show Clinic
Waseca County 4-H and presenter Katie Coyne invite you to the Mill Wheel Dairy Show Clinic on Friday, June 9, 2023 at the Waseca County Fairgrounds! 4-H’ers are invited to bring a dairy calf or heifer to experience hands-on learning in washing, fitting, clipping, showmanship and more.
Who: 4-H Dairy Project Members
Must be 3rd grade (completed) and older to attend - no Cloverbuds please
HS aged youth are highly encouraged to attend as well - there is always something new to learn! MWSC will challenge you to reach your goals.
When: Friday, June 9, 2023 from 9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Where: Waseca County Fairgrounds Livestock Arena
(409 8th Ave NE, Waseca, MN 56093)
Cost: $25 payable to Waseca County 4-H (Card payments can be accepted
beginning in May - call the Waseca County Extension Office at 507-835-0600 to pay with a card after May 1st)
The cost includes demonstrations and the opportunity for you to practice on your own calf or heifer with input and expertise from Katie herself! Prizes will also be given out to lucky participants!
Additional information:
Participants should bring:
- A sack lunch - There is a refrigerator onsite to keep things cold - snacks and water throughout the day will be provided.
- Bag of shavings
- Hay and water bucket
- Clipping equipment - clippers, topline brush
- Show whites and Show halter
- Other show supplies - fly spray, brushes, hose, etc…
- Chutes are optional
Other Information
- If bringing a calf or heifer, it is recommended they come washed and that youth spot wash upon arrival.
- Youth should prepare a heifer to bring by breaking it to lead, clipping the head and washing it twice before attending the clinic.
- Heifers should be washed the evening before the clinic.
- It is best not to bring milk cows.
- Please bring heifers that can be handled by the participant (not too big for younger showmen)
- Youth may share heifers if needed but ideally, one heifer/person works best.
- The clinic will start with the clipping session so cattle should be clean and dry at the start of the clinic.
- Youth will actually clip their calf as they advance to the next level of proficiency with their clipping.
- Parents are encouraged to participate with limited assistance to the youth.
- The fairgrounds will be open and ready for arrivals starting at 8 am.
Registrations are due no later than May 25th!
To sign up visit: z.umn.edu/June9MillWheelClinicRegistration
Kandiyohi County 4-H Dog Fun Match
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 or Contact Amber Carlson with any questions at amber.christina.carlson@gmail.com or 320-444-1332.
Send payment to: Kandiyohi County Extension office, 2200 23rd Street NE Suite 2025, Willmar MN 56201
Ag Academy: Passion to Career
4-H and FFA are hosting Ag Academy: Passion to Career, a three-day, two-night camp for youth in grades 7-11 at Ridgewater College in Willmar, Minn., from June 22-24.
Youth will have an opportunity to explore careers in agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) while experiencing a college campus and touring local industries.
College professors and industry leaders will provide hands-on learning experiences on animals, communications, agronomy and more.
Audience
Youth in grades 7-11.
Cost
$100
Registration
Registration opened in 4-H Online on April 17 and closes on May 26th. For registration assistance, refer to the event registration guide or contact Katie Johnson at kwending@umn.edu.
State Arts-In: Registration is now open!
This year, State Arts-In will celebrate its 50th anniversary. This year's participants will put together a very special show with lots of alumni support and appearances throughout the experience.
Youth in grades 9+ can be a part of this community of young adults. They will put together a show, develop new skills, and grow in leadership, teamwork and goal setting. This event will take place on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Aug. 10 - 17 and Aug. 22 - Sept. 4.
Registrants will rank their choices of "majors" to participate in: band, tech, costuming, and performing. Directors will make final selections of major choices. Those who register by June 30 will receive a $50 discount. Registration and program details (including online info sessions for youth and families) can be found at z.umn.edu/statearts-in.
The 2023 Engineering Design Challenge: Task, Story, Presentations and Judging For teams participating in the 2023 Engineering Design Challenge - Take Your Best Shot! Use Engineering to Achieve Your Goal
2023 State Showcase: Take your best shot and celebrate!
The goal of the 4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC) is to encourage creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Participants will apply their STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) knowledge and skills to solve problems by identifying and researching them, then making and implementing a plan to design a solution.
In both Level 1 and Level 2 of the Challenge, youth not only employ physics and engineering and storytelling, to create a Rube Goldberg™ type machine.
A Rube Goldberg™ machine is an overly complex contraption that does a simple task and uses everyday items in a fun or amusing way. The machine uses a series of chain-reaction steps that culminate in accomplishing a task.
Take Your Best Shot! Use Engineering to Achieve Your Goal
Teams of youth work with volunteer coaches to create a machine that completes a 2-step task designed to solve an issue connected to energy. Specific task info can be found on the challenge task, story, presentations and judging info sheet.
The Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge Showcase will be held in person on Monday, Aug. 7, at St. Cloud State University. A virtual state showcase will be offered on Monday, Aug. 14.
Start your teams now! Summer Adventures will host an Engineering Design Day June 26 to get youth interested in the challenge. Look for Summer Adventures information coming soon.
Become a Chaperone for YELLO
Registration for the 2023 YELLO Conference is now open, and we are looking for chaperone's for this year’s event. Youth Engaged in Learning and Leadership Opportunities (YELLO) is the premier statewide youth leadership conference for youth in grades 7-13 in Minnesota, and we rely on a team of volunteer chaperones to help make the experience possible. YELLO will be returning to Bemidji this year, marking our second time ever holding YELLO outside of the Twin Cities. YELLO 2023 is coming up June 13-16 at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Chaperones perform a variety of roles that help make YELLO possible. You can read more about the Chaperone Role here. If you would like to apply to be a chaperone, please submit an application using this form. Or, if you have any questions, please feel free to connect with me or to contact Sutton Stewart (stewa313@umn.edu). The deadline to apply to be a chaperone is Friday, May 19th.
4-H Regional Llama/Alpaca Show
4-H Regional Llama/Alpaca Show will take place on Saturday, July 15, 2023
Sponsored by Southwest MN 4-H Llama/Alpaca Project Club
• Performance (Obstacle & Public Relations)
• Showmanship
All 4-H Members grade 3 and up and enrolled in 4-H Llama/Alpaca are welcome to join us. Everyone will receive a ribbon. Judging will be done by volunteer judges.
Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The show starts at 10:00 a.m. Cost: $5.00 per animal. This will be a trailer show. There will be no stalling available. Come and join us for a fun and educational experience to get ready for your local shows & State Fair. This will be a great opportunity to show with other 4-H members from other counties. A free will donation lunch will be served. Bring your own beverages, snacks, chairs, & canopy.
For more information contact Sam Jens, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Lyon County Jens0593@umn.edu or 507-532-1310
4-H video production workshop
Join the Minnesota 4-H video project team for an awesome summer workshop! Youth members who have experience in video creation will come together to learn from experts in the field about story development, lighting, sound, video angles and so much more.
This workshop will include four one-hour virtual sessions, a three-day in-person immersion event and a one-day film festival.
Virtual sessions
July 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 21 from 5-6 p.m.
In-person overnight session
Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. - Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Film festival
This will be held during the Minnesota State Fair - yet to be scheduled.
Audience
Youth who have completed grades 8 and up as of June 2023.
Cost
$65 includes meals, lodging, instructor fees and all activities
Register for this event by July 12 in 4-HOnline. For more information please visit: https://extension.umn.edu/event/4-h-video-production-workshop
Free family-focused webinars May through August
The University of Minnesota Extension will present a series of webinars from May through August to support families and those who serve families in making informed decisions that lead to greater health, resilience and well-being.
All webinars are virtual and free. Learn more about the webinar series. (Follow the link for each series to learn more about webinar topics, dates, times and registration.)
Charlas en Español (Talks in Spanish)
Brindamos información y recursos en español para ayudar a las familias a tomar mejores decisiones. Los temas que tratamos son de utilidad para su vida diaria.
Climate and disaster preparedness
Find practical strategies for planning, navigating and responding to climate change and natural disasters to support better health and wellbeing for all.
Family-friendly earth care
Explore the connection between global health and wellness. Gain practical tips and resources to promote environmental wellbeing through gardening and farming practices.
Finding balance
Discover practical tips to prioritize your mental, physical and emotional health while navigating life's challenges and opportunities.
Making cents of it all
Learn strategies for navigating financial decisions, including, budgeting, saving, credit and debt management.
No place like home
Whether you rent or own your home, get tips to make your home and community healthier, affordable and energy efficient.
Parenting and relationships
Receive effective tools for maintaining positive, healthy relationships, including practical tips for parents and caregivers.
Recovery and health
Understand how recovery and health are interconnected as we discuss opioid use disorder (OUD) and harm reduction.
What’s for dinner?
Discuss various food-related topics, including food safety, farmer's market visits, managing allergies and food’s connection to mood and self-care.
Please register for the webinar(s) you plan to attend via the link above and share these opportunities with friends, family, co-workers, networks, and program participants.
Inclusive 4-H Virtual Training Opportunities
Inclusive 4-H Virtual Training Opportunities
Are you interested in creating safe and welcoming spaces in your 4-H clubs or project events? Are you excited about helping make 4-H an inclusive space for youth of all abilities? This is an exciting opportunity for you!
Three Inclusive 4-H virtual training opportunities will be offered in May for volunteers, 4-H’ers, and their family members. Content is best for youth 6th grade and older. The purpose of these virtual trainings is to provide ways to better include youth with disabilities from diverse communities in your 4-H groups. You do not need to have any prior knowledge or experience to attend.
We are offering three disability-related virtual training opportunities. Sign up for one, two or all three of these.
Understanding Behaviors
We'll work through disability related behavior scenarios and provide ideas of how to handle these within your club
Date: Wednesday, May 17
Time: 6:30-7:15 p.m.:
Identity Etiquette
We'll explore the way we greet and interact with people as well as the ways we speak about them and reference them when they are not present
Date: Wednesday, May 24
Time: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Sign up to attend at z.umn.edu/Inclusive4HVirtual
Below you will find a link to the new member newsletters
Edition 1 October- November New Member Newsletter
Edition 2 December- January 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