Clover Digest
February 16, 2024
County Closed - Presidents Day
In observance of President’s Day on February 19, 2024, all Nobles County offices are closed. Anna and Wendy will be working from home and can be contacted via email.
This 4-H Extension Educator position is a community-based academic professional of the University of Minnesota Extension. The position is a link between the land grant University research and Minnesota residents by creating learning opportunities that address local needs. This position primarily works with adults to lead, manage and steward the full range of 4-H Youth Development programming in the county/tribal community. 4-H Extension educators work collaboratively with youth, families, volunteers, community partners, and University faculty/staff to reach two overarching program goals: 1) Youth will learn by developing a passion in their areas of interest; 2) Youth will lead by being innovators and social change agents. 4-H Educators ensure program quality, growth, retention, and impact while ensuring potential and current participants have full access to programs, services, and facilities. Applications are due on March 6 at z.umn.edu/4HEducators.
Congratulations to our Top Fundraiser Sellers!
The Hietbrink Family was the overall winner and will receive a $100 cash prize. The Harberts Family was the second place winner and will receive a $75 cash prize. The Remme Family was the third place winner and will receive a $50 cash prize.
The Elk Tip Toppers were our top selling club this year! Thanks again for your support of our annual fundraiser and county 4-H program.
Fundraiser Delivery Day Sign Up Genius
Thank you to everyone who participated in the annual fruit, puffin and frozen food fundraiser. The product will be delivered on March 16 at the Worthington Christian Church. Help is needed organizing and sorting product from each vendor. Review the delivery day sign up to find a slot to help. Each club should have representatives on delivery day. .
Food Stand Committee Meeting
The food stand committee will meet on Tuesday, February 27 at 5:30 pm in the Extension Office. We will continue to discuss staffing plans for the 2024 county fair. This committee is open to all youth and adult volunteers.
Ribbon Sale Committee Meeting
The ribbon sale committee will meet on Tuesday, February 27 at 6:30 in the Extension Office. We will brainstorm new ideas for 2024 and review the 2023 sale. This committee is open to all youth and adult volunteers.
Apply to be a Beef Ambassador
The Rock/Nobles Cattlemen's association's beef ambassador applications are now open! After serving as an ambassador for a year a $500 scholarship will be presented to each ambassador! Applications are due March 1.
Join the Nobles County Livestock Chats
A chat for 4-H livestock information in Nobles County including deadlines, workshops and new ideas. You are welcome to ask questions and share ideas in this chat. All members of this chat will abide by the MN 4-H Code of Conduct (www.4-H.umn.edu/policy). GroupMe is a group texting app that sends messages to an app or to your text messages via SMS. The direct links to each chat is available on the information sheet. All members are asked to join the livestock chat and may join other chats as they are interested.
Ear Tags Available
It is once again time to start thinking about Animal ID for the 2024 competition season. For completed and updated information regarding ID requirements for 2024 please refer to the all species letter.
Tags and taggers are available at the Nobles County Extension Office during office hours (Monday - Thursday, 8:00 - 4:00 pm).
In 2024, ear tags will be sold for $2.00/tag. Please have exact change. Taggers are available for check out from the office. A $30 check deposit is required to check out the tagger. When the tagger is returned to the office, the check deposit will be shredded.
Be sure to review the deadlines and guidelines for your species and ask questions as they arise.
Andrea Ruesch Scholarship
The 2024 Andrea Ruesch scholarship is now accepting applications. To learn more and apply visit the Extension webpage. Applications are due March 1, 2024.
Regional, State and National Events
SW Minnesota Seeing Wellness in Motion (SWIM) 4-H Program
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. 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. Practice dates/times will vary depending on the pool. SWIM 4-H meets may be located in Redwood Falls, Olivia, Slayton, Tyler, Tracy, Jackson and Windom Registration is open in 4-H Online and the cost is $35/youth.
Rockets Away!
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. Youth in grades 3-8 can learn more and register online.
Stevens County 4-H Archery Invitational
Participate in the first annual Stevens County 4-H Archery Invitational on March 2. Test your skills with archery and learn from peers, coaches and volunteers. The archery invitational will be held in Gym 91 in the Morris Area High School in Morris. Registration begins at 9 a.m., with the event starting at 10 a.m. Learn more about this new event!
Wildlife Wednesdays
Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Join us as we explore and uncover the fascinating lives of wildlife with wildlife experts, biologists, and Master Naturalists. This series of wonder and wander will promote conservation knowledge and spark lifelong respect for the environment around us!
Sessions will be held virtually from 7 - 8 p.m. as follows: Jan. 31; Feb. 7, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17 and 24.
For youth in grades K-13. There are no deadlines for this series.
Tasty Tuesdays: Bread
Come toss around some flour with us as we create a variety of breads that you can enjoy on their own or partner up with pastas, chilis, and soups, including Minnesota's famous wild rice soup! You might find a dessert bread to add as a treat! We'll learn about the mysterious chemical reactions that are part of making these bountiful breads. This series will bring lots of hands-on learning, and you won't be able to keep your hands off the dough!
Sessions will be held virtually from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Feb. 13, 27; March 5, 12, 19; April 2, 16.
For youth in grades K-13. There are no deadlines for this series.
Volunteer Webinars: 4-H for All Abilities: Creating Inclusive Environments for Youth with Disabilities
This webinar series takes a deep dive into topics highlighted in the 2023 annual volunteer training focused on 4-H for All Abilities: Creating Inclusive Environments for Youth with Disabilities.
For those unable to attend the first deep dive, a recording of the webinar is available here. Please make sure to submit your feedback by completing the post webinar evaluation. Also, please share this recording with those that might be interested.
There are two more deep dives into topics from the 2023 AVT training. We encourage you to promote these trainings to your volunteers and/or even consider hosting a watch party. These webinars are open to 4-H volunteers, potential volunteers, and youth leaders.
Horseless Horse Series
Back by popular demand is the 4-H horseless horse round up virtual series. We are again offering the same series from last year. New for 2024 - we'll be offering a Level 2 series!
Youth in grades 3+ interested in learning more about horses are invited to join us for the virtual horseless horse roundup series! We'll meet weekly, Feb. 5 - March 11, to learn about a new horse topic each week. Youth are encouraged to register by Feb. 1 in 4-H Online.
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