Nobles County Clover Digest

Belle grew up in Kenyon, Minnesota, on her family's farm and is a 4-H alumni. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Minnesota. A fun fact about her is that her family owns and operates a show pig business and sells and exhibits all over the country. She is super excited to be here in Nobles County and looking forward to serving the families and youth!

The Nobles County Animal Science meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28 starting at 5:30 pm in the Farmers Room at the Nobles County Government Center. All youth and adults are encouraged to attend. At this meeting we will finalize the premium book, work on bonus trip applications and review animal science updates for this year.

The April Federation meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28 at 7:00 pm in the Farmers Room in the Nobles County Government Center.

You will need to identify all 4-H animal projects; breeding heifers, cow/calf pairs, prospect calves (steers and heifers), dairy cattle, dairy goats, dog, horse, llama-alpaca, meat goats, poultry (doves and pigeons), rabbits, sheep, and swine. Animals MUST be identified in 4-H Online by May 15, 2025. Cloverbuds do not need to identify animals at this time.

See livestock identification requirements in the following letter: Nobles All Animal Types ID Letter. Reach out to the Extension Office with any questions!

Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics training helps youth provide excellent care for their animals and ensure a high level of food safety to consumers. This in-person, 3-hour training must be taken by youth who exhibit 4-H livestock, and is required to be eligible for the Minnesota State Fair, and certifies you for three fair seasons. If you are unsure you need the training, please reach out to the Extension office.

It is free to register, and snacks will be provided. Registration closes on May 21.

https://z.umn.edu/2025RockNoblesLQAE

The level of training required is determined by the grade of the youth at the time the training takes place.

• Level 1 training: 4-H’ers grades 6-8 and first-year exhibitors in higher grades.

• Level 2 training: 4-H’ers grades 9-13 or 6-8 that previously completed Level 1.

When: Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Generations (105 S Estey St, Luverne MN 56156

Ear tags for the 2025 animal ID season are now available at the Extension Office. New this year, tags are available at no cost to Nobles County 4-H members. All market beef IDs must be in 4-H Online by February 18, 2025. All other IDs are due on May 15, 2025. All distributed tags must be accounted for in 4-H Online and tags that do not show up in 4-H Online must be returned to the Extension office. To order tags ahead of time for pick up, please complete the order form.

New Vision Co-op is offering their sponsorship program. To learn more about this program, visit 4-H on the New Vision Co-op website.

Youth who completed grades 3-6 in the spring of 2025, don't miss out on this exciting summer experience! 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. https://4-hatcampshetek.4honline.com

As we head into spring, it's time to start thinking about animal science programming in preparation for the summer. The state animal science team will host a webinar for local livestock PDC volunteers and interested staff on Thursday, April 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required.

Do you like a good challenge? Want to be a part of something big? Learn more about leadership, deepen your ability to set goals, build a community and work as a team! For anyone currently in grades 9+ - develop new skills and be a part of this experience at the Minnesota State Fair Aug. 7-14 and Aug. 19-Sept. 1. Learn more and register.

Are you a K-12 grader looking for a fun Saturday event in June? The Jackson County 4-H programs is offering a 4-H project workshop for you to explore and create 2 take home items in the following 4-H project areas: Fishing, Lego Challenge, Macramé, Photography and a bonus Performance Day Informational session! Youth will choose 2 of the core 4 sessions being offered. All youth will learn about Performing Arts Projects during the informational session. Register by May 19 for just $5!

It's time to begin thinking about forming a crop scouting team. Teams can be made up of 4-H and FFA youth in grades 6+ from one or multiple counties. We have another opportunity for youth in grades 3-5 to participate in a crop scouting experience as well as the state contest. Contact your local Extension office for 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. 4-H/FFA crop scouting registration opens on May 1, and the contest will take place Monday, July 28 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. Learn more and register.

Mini golf will be taken to a whole new level with the 2025 Engineering Design Challenge (EDC): Putt It Together - 4-H Mini Golf Challenge and YOU can be part of the fun! This exciting statewide event invites youth in grades 3+ to work in a team of three or more people to design and build a Rube Goldberg™ type machine that completes a 2-part task: Hit a golf ball and sink a hole in one! The goal of the EDC is to inspire creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking through engineering as youth create their machines. Individuals or families interested in being on a county team should contact your local 4-H educator. Two adult volunteers will work with each team, so everyone can be in on the fun! New this year: a “rookie” level for youth new to the challenge—they’ll be working on a machine with just five steps! The EDC showcase will be held in the 4-H Building during the Minnesota State Fair! Learn more and register.

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 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.

Register with Jody Jackels at: (507)-626-1591 or email at jjackels@outlook.com

Spots are LIMITED, we encourage registering right away if you are interested in this opportunity.

Calling all youth interested in fish, fishing, and exploring Minnesota's wonderful world of water! Join 4-H to learn about the fish and waterways of Minnesota from experts in this new series that celebrates Minnesota's long tradition of fishing. Join us for five virtual sessions via Zoom: April 29, May 6, 13, 20, & 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Learn more and register.

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