

MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER
MARCH 15, 2025

Federation Meeting and Leadership Supper
Join us March 24
Please join us for the Leadership supper at 5:45 at the Court building meeting room RSVP are greatly appreciated. Following will be the Federation Meeting. To RSVP please fill out the linked form
Horse Pleasure Clinic
June 19 - 20 at the Murray County Fairgrounds
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
Under the Sea Cloverbud PJ Party
March 21, 2025 from 6 - 8 p.m.
All Murray County 4-H Cloverbuds (grades K - 2) are invited to join us Friday, March 21 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Murray County 4-H Building. Snacks will be provided, wear your PJ's and come for an amazing under the sea adventure with the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors.
This year's theme is 'Under the Sea!'
Please register at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in
Adopt a Lamb/ Lottery Lamb
Sign-up at the Murray County Extension Office!
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.
4-H Camp at Lake Shetek
June 23 -25 or June 25 - 27
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.
$150 per camper (Early Bird rate through May 10)
$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!
Watonwan County 4-H ALL species Youth Clinic
Join us for a FREE All Species Youth Clinic!
Friday, April 4th 2015
From 6pm-8pm
At the Windom Community Center, Windom MN
Light Meal will be provided
Hosted by: Double Time Farm
Guest Speaker: Al Schminke
National Show Feed Specialist ADM-ShowTec Feeds, Show Pig and Lamb Producer, Judge.
Topics: Selection, Management, Nutrition and Supplements for all species!
Hair Care and Hide Tips
Q&A Session
Bring your questions and get a head start on this show season!
Registration: Appreciated but not required
4-H Tasty Tuesdays: Fan favorite dishes from youth chefs
Our young chefs are excited to share their favorite creations with you. Come taste the passion and creativity they've put into every dish!
In this program, participants will have the opportunity to create all kinds of dishes, from mouthwatering side dishes to delicious mains and sweet desserts.
All Tasty Tuesdays will be held virtually from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on the following dates:
- Mar. 18
- Mar. 25
- Apr. 1
- Apr. 8
Audience: Youth in grades K-13.
Cost: Free Sign In
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. In this new series, we will hear from experts that celebrate Minnesota's long tradition of fishing.
Learn about lakes, rivers, the Great Lakes and native fish in this webinar series held on Tuesdays from April 29 to May 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom.
Audience: Youth in grades K and up
Cost: Free
Registration: Register in 4-H Online by April 22.
For assistance, refer to the event registration guide.
Action 4-H Photography Workshop
Thursday, March 20 from 7 - 8 p.m. via Zoom
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a statewide action photo workshop to youth in grades K-13.
The Zoom workshop will be held on Thursday, March 20 from 7-8 p.m. Learn from two newspaper reporters/photographers how to tell stories through action shots. Participants will gain valuable techniques for capturing thrilling, action-packed moments.
Find more information here.
Register at: https://actionphotographyworkshop.4honline.com
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
Action 4-H Photography Challenge
Due April 21, 2025, by 11:59 p.m.
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer another statewide photography challenge open to youth in grades K-13.!
Capture a thrilling shot or a fast-paced moment! Whether it’s sports or animals in motion or other dynamic events, action photography allows you to freeze movement.
Select five of your seven images (with no or minimal editing) taken between March 21-April 18. Select one image to write 1-2 sentences on why that photo is important to you.
Submit five (5) jpg or jpeg images and your statement in one email to fourhphoto@umn.edu by 11:59 p.m. (CST) on April 21, 2025. Please type “Action” in the email subject line, and in the email include the participant’s name, grade, county, your 1-2 sentence statement, and the one photo submission, as indicated in the rules.
Register at: https://MNActionPhotoContest.4honline.com
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
University on the Prairie
July 1 - 2, 2025 at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center - Lamberton
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
YELLO
June 10 - 13 - University of Minnesota Morris
Youth in grades 7+ are encouraged to attend Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) June 10 - 13 at the University of Minnesota - Morris!
YELLO is a dynamic 4-H Leadership conference that is facilitated and planned by the Minnesota 4-H Ambassadors.
What happens at YELLO?
This annual event engages youth in leadership development, relationship-building, and planning for future action through hands-on learning experiences, including:
- Major classes – Youth will choose a project-based learning track and dive deep into a topic of interest, receiving six hours of engagement. (4-H staff are invited to apply to present).
- Leadership minor – Youth will explore leadership on a personal, group, and societal level through interactive lessons led by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.
- Service and education – Participants will engage in hands-on service projects focused on civic responsibility. This years’ service theme is mental wellness.
- Social events – Networking opportunities, game nights, dances, and more!
Cost and Registration:
- $300 early bird registration (February 1 - March 31)
- $350 regular registration (April 1 - May 16)
Visit the 4-H YELLO Conference page for more details!
4-H Young Alumni Event
April 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. in Mankato, MN
We’re bringing Minnesota 4-H young alumni together for a fun, FREE night of pickleball, networking, and good vibes—and you’re invited all at no cost to you!
Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Time: 6 - 8 PM
Location: Picklebarn, 90 Power Drive, Mankato, MN 56001
What to expect:
Reconnect & Network – Meet fellow 4-H alumni, catch up with old friends, and make new connections.
Give Back – Learn about exciting ways to support today’s 4-H youth.
Free Headshots – Get a professional headshot for work or personal use.
Pickleball + Snacks – Enjoy free food and some friendly competition on the court!
This event is just for young alumni & young adults, and we can’t wait to see you there! Bring a significant other or friend -- no prior 4-H experience required!
RSVP here by March 28!
Can’t make it this time? No worries—fill out this interest form to stay in the loop for future alumni events.
Southwest Minnesota Virtual Judges Training
April 28 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Can you see yourself as a judge at local county fairs? Here's your chance to shine! Join our 4-H Virtual Judge Training on April 28 and get ready to evaluate general projects like a pro!
When: April 28
What: Learn, grow, and prep for judging adventures ahead!
Why: Your skills can inspire and educate the next generation!
Don't miss out! Register by April 21 at z.umn.edu/2025virtualjudgestraining.
Let's make judging not just fun but incredibly rewarding!
Minnesota 4-H is powered by the amazing skills and dedication of our judges! Whether you're a pro or just someone who loves to learn and teach, you can be part of our vibrant community. No previous 4-H experience is needed—just bring your passion for education and growth! Help shape the future by evaluating and celebrating the learning journey of young Minnesotans. Our 4-H staff will guide you through everything you need to know, and you can be at the heart of county fairs and exciting events across the state. Ready to dive in?
Sign up at z.umn.edu/2025virtualjudgestraining to join us in making learning fun and rewarding!
2025 4-H/ FFA youth crop scouting challenge dates announced
Registration opens May 1
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.
Enrollment/ Re-enrollment is now OPEN!
Complete as soon as you are able!
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!
Scholarship Opportunities
Compeer Financial champions a strong future for agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s High School Senior Scholarship Program* awards 123 scholarships (41 per state it serves) to students based on a combination of academic achievement, agricultural and community youth organization involvement and essay response. Each scholarship is for $1,500. Deadline is March 15, 2025!
4-H Scholarships
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.
Andrea Ruesch Scholarship
The family of Andrea Ruesch established a 4-H scholarship in memory of her dedication and contributions to the Minnesota 4-H program. Based on the family's belief in positive youth development, the focus of this scholarship is on demonstrated learning through hands-on experience and using what you have learned to help others (youth leadership).
This is a one-time $1,000 scholarship and at least eight scholarships will be awarded annually.
For 4-H members who are high school seniors or first-year college students. They must currently be enrolled in one of the counties listed: Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Martin, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rock and Watonwan.
The application must be submitted by March 1.
After School Adventures Registration is now OPEN
STEM the gateway to endless possibilities!
Our After School Adventures program will be held for MCC and Fulda school districts for youth in grades K - 6. This is open to all youth; they did not need to be members of 4-H to participate in these sessions. Please see the session dates and themes for both school districts:
Murray County Central
- April 1 - Using STEAM to grow
Fulda
- April 3 - Using STEAM to grow
$5/ per session or $30 for all seven sessions - per one youth
Please click HERE to register your kids for this great opportunity!
See flyer below for more details!
Murray County Central After School Adventures - Flyer
Fulda After School Adventures - Flyer
Minnesota 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
Minnesota 4-H outdoor education offers a variety of programs, from outdoor skills to summer camps, shooting sports, and ATV safety.
The 2025 Minnesota 4-H WHEP contest will be held at the Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve in East Bethel, Minn. on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals and teams will compete in wildlife identification skills and develop wildlife management plans. The top senior team (grades 9+) will earn a trip to the National WHEP contest to be held in July 2025.
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 2024 - 2025 Schedule of Events
Please take a moment to download or print the 2024 - 2025 Murray County 4-H calendar.
Ambassador Updates
Become a Murray County 4-H Ambassador!
March Ambassador Activities:
March 15 Help staff at the Murray County Expo - great way to promote Murray County 4-H 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (not required for the entire event).
March 21 Cloverbud PJ party - 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. make those connections and be the role models for our youngest 4-H Members. Under the Sea is the theme and yes please come in your PJs.
As always let Kim know if you can't make an event.
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
New Volunteers
Welcome Kim & Genna!
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!
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
Kerstin Thoms
Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County
📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1145
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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