Jackson Journal

Hello Jackson 4-H youth, families, and volunteers!

We made it! the Jackson County Fair has come and gone and summer is coming to a close. Thank you all for the countless hours, talents, and individuals that made the Jackson County Fair a huge success. 4-H is run on youth and volunteers and it was so cool to see our 4-H'ers enjoy exhibiting in the showcases and telling their 4-H story.

As the Extension Office is preparing to send our Jackson 4-H'ers to the Minnesota State Fair we are also working on reflecting on this past 4-H year.

There are 2 important surveys that we are asking youth to fill out. Both of these surveys help guide staff and 4-H program decisions to make the best program available to all youth, families and volunteers in not only Jackson Co. 4-H but also MN 4-H.

Survey #1 is the Youth Outcome Survey (if you already did this at the county fair, you don't need to do this electronic version)

Survey #2 is the Jackson 4-H County Fair and 4-H Programming Survey

The new 4-H year of 2024-2025 will start on October 1, 2024 which means 4-H re-enrollment, new member enrollment, and club chartering will be here before we know it!

We are also going to be in a state of transition as we say goodbye to Jazlyn and Meta. Meta's internship ended on Friday, Aug. 9 and Jazlyn's last day will be Friday, Aug. 16. That being said Caitlyn will be doing her best to meet the needs of Jackson 4-H until we can hire a new support staff. While change is difficult - we are all excited for where Meta and Jazlyn's journeys will take them and are happy to have had them and their talents here in Jackson 4-H!

As we close out the monthly message we want to wish you all a great time at State Fair if you are an exhibitor or if you plan to go for a mini family vacation while enjoying the last couple weeks of summer vacation.

Happy August and thanks for a great County Fair!

Caitlyn, Jazlyn, and Meta

As I begin to reflect on the end of another incredible summer with Jackson County 4-H, I wanted to take a moment to say thank you and leave you with one last message before I go.

It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated families, enthusiastic youth, supportive community members, and my colleagues, especially Caitlyn. Together, we have made lasting memories, celebrated numerous achievements, and, most importantly, fostered a spirit of growth and learning. Your commitment and passion have been the heartbeat of this program, and for that, I am truly grateful to have been apart of it.

I am happy to share that I have accepted a position with UMN Extension in the Worthington Regional Office. While I am excited about this new opportunity to grow professionally and take on new challenges, I am sad to say goodbye to this incredible community that I’ve had the pleasure of working with.

As we embrace new changes, remember to be kind, give grace, ask questions, and offer a helping hand. Your unwavering support and dedication have been a shining example of these values. Together, we can continue to foster a positive and inclusive environment to "Make the Best, Better".

In the 4-H Spirit,

Jazlyn Meyer 🍀

Hello Jackson County 4-H,

I had the opportunity to be your 2024 Jackson County Youth Development 4-H Summer Intern. My three words that I used to describe this internship were diverse, busy (in a good way), and reestablish. I have been able to participate in day camps, LQA&E training, events during the county fair and more. I have networked with other interns in the southwest region including Martin County and Nobles County.

When it comes to me being busy, you will probably never find me not doing something. I am always working on stuff whether it is sorting the scrapbook paper donation we received or making signs on Canva. When it comes to reestablish, I was able to positively impact Jackson County 4-H. Reestablishing connections in the community and building new relationships as well as reestablish events like the Jackson County Livestock Judging Contest and bringing back the Runnings buckets!

I would like to say thank you to everyone who helped me throughout this summer, I really appreciated the support. I will be heading back to South Dakota State University for my 3rd year majoring in Agricultural Education and Animal Science. But this does not mean goodbye, it’s a see you later because I’m sure you’ll see me around the county fair in the future. If you would like to stay connected with me, you can always send me an email at tewesmeta@gmail.com and I am always looking for penpals. Thanks again Jackson County for an unforgettable summer, and as always, “once a 4-Her, always a 4-Her!”

Sincerely,

Meta Tewes

Unfortunately there have been updates to the terms and conditions from the Remind App company. This means 4-H is not able to use Remind for free as we have been doing and if we want to continue then we would need to pay a subscription fee of close to $1000.

That being said, we are working on a solution so that families, youth and volunteers are kept in the loop and not overwhelmed by "all the emails".

Our Jackson 4-H App has the capability to join groups and receive text alerts. Since we already pay for the Jackson 4-H App it is important to start utilizing it to its full potential.

Please download the app and start joining the groups available. This is all new to us in the office to, so more info will be sent out as it becomes available.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE 4-H APP!

Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/al/app/minnesota-4-h/id1478965229

Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.minnesota4h.umn

Are you new to 4-H or just want to fresh your knowledge on what 4-H has to offer? Check out the New Member Resources Folder, (z.umn.edu/JacksonNewMemberResources) where you can find a great outline of the program, requirements, important dates, and much more!

Interested in finding a community 4-H Club? Here are all 7 of the Jackson Co. 4-H clubs and the contact info: z.umn.edu/Jackson4-Hclubs - "Shop" around, visit clubs at their next meeting and find the club that best fits you and your families needs!

Are you stepping into a role supporting 4-H clubs this year?

Do you need to learn alongside other volunteers and connect with quality resources and tools to support your club?

Join us for the New Club Leader webinar to learn more about the role of a 4-H Club leader, and be equipped with resources and techniques to develop your 4-H club. This 75-minute online training is open to Minnesota 4-H volunteers, potential volunteers, and youth leaders as part of our statewide volunteer development webinar program. While the content is geared toward new club leaders, anyone providing leadership and support to a 4-H members' experience will benefit from the material.

Topics include:

• Roles of volunteers and staff

• Essential elements of 4-H Clubs

• Building a club support team

• And many tools and resources to get you started!

The webinar training will be offered on:

• Thursday, September 19 at 7:00 pm

• Thursday, November 14 at 6:30 pm

Register by completing the online form.

Need more information?

Contact your Local Extension Educator or Volunteer Systems Regional Educator Jeremy Freeman at jeremyf@umn.edu

Nominations/Applications NEEDED from the following clubs for the following positions:

Advisory Committee (3 year terms) - ideally 1 adult representative from each of these clubs:

• LaCrosse Loyal Workers
• Middletown Livewires
• Heron Landers

Auction Committee (3 year terms) - ideally 1 adult representative from each of these clubs:

• LaCrosse Loyal Workers
• Middletown Livewires
• Petersburg Willing Workers
• Rost-Sioux Valley

Please fill out this google form: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonABACNomForm if you are considering to join the committee or if you would like to nominate someone for the committee.

It is mandatory that committee members are 4-H screened volunteers as this meets the requirements of the U of M Extension for adult volunteer leadership. See here for more information: https://z.umn.edu/4Hscreenedvolinfo

Nominations are due September 9, 2024 and will be voted on at the September Federation Meeting. If you wish to be on the committee you must be present at the September Federation Meeting.

Youth grades 6-13 are invited to apply for a 2024-2025 Federation Officer position! These are highly respected positions where you are the governing body running the Jackson County 4-H Program.

Your voice MATTERS as you are the center of the Youth Development program. Please considering applying by filling out this form: z.umn.edu/JacksonFedOfficerApp

If you would like a paper copy of the form, please contact the Extension Office.

On the form, please indicate which officer position you would like to serve. Officer role descriptions are here: z.umn.edu/4HFedOfficerRoles

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 9. Federation Offices require a submitted application. Nominations from the floor will not be accepted.

Clubs and Members who were top sellers for our 2024 Peach Fundraiser can expect to see award checks in the mail along with their Premium/Auction checks in September.

Top Selling Clubs: Prizes will be checks issued to the 4-H club and need to be used for 4-H club educational activities, 4-H project development, or the club’s community pride project.

• 1st place ($100) - Middletown Livewires

• 2nd place ($75) - LaCrosse Loyal Workers

• 3rd place ($50) - Delafield Diggers

Top Youth Sellers: Winners will receive a shop4-h.org gift card to purchase their choice of 4-H merchandise.

• 1st place ($50) - Brunk Family

• 2nd place ($25) - Tressa Withers

• 3rd place ($15) - Noah Thompson

Thank you all for showcasing your projects at the Jackson County Fair. If you did not participate in the County Fair, that is A-Okay because your voice still matters as we move into a new 4-H year starting in October!

Please complete this survey with feedback your family has about this year’s county fair, 4-H programming, and improvements for the 4-H program in 2024-2025.

As a reminder, constructive feedback includes identifying a problem and then offering tangible solutions to solve that problem. Excessively harsh feedback with no solutions is not actionable and will not be tolerated.

Post fair / 4-H programming survey results will be used by staff, committees, and the fair board for planning future Jackson County Fairs, Jackson County 4-H Programs, and opportunities to encourage youth voice and leadership opportunities.

Responses will be accepted until September 9, 2024.

https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HSurvey

REMEMBER - you are not only representing Jackson County 4-H. You are also representing MN 4H - Please review the codes of conduct as they will be enforced at the MN State Fair:

• Youth

• Adult

• Volunteer

More info about State Fair for 4-Hers can be found here: https://z.umn.edu/MNStateFairExhibitor

• Livestock participants staying off the fairgrounds should have 4 gate tickets.

• Livestock judging participants do NOT need a ticket.

• General Project participants staying off the fairgrounds should have 1 gate ticket.

• If you have lost gate tickets or 4-H pins, please let us know as they can be replaced. Also, if you have extra, please return so that the our county does not get charged.

Caitlyn will go up to the cities and complete final registration on Aug 16. She will be getting trailer hang tags, dropping off projects, and finalizing all things State Fair for Jackson County.

State Fair Pictures: Please send Jackson County Office pictures from 4-H livestock/general project judging or participating in fun events at the MN State Fair. We love to post them on social media and people love seeing all of you in action! Pictures can be sent to: mnext-jackson@umn.edu

Important 4-H phone numbers

If you have questions, please contact your local 4-H staff first for assistance. The below phones will be staffed beginning the week of the Minnesota State Fair.

• Superintendent’s office: 651-642-2356

• Livestock office: 651-642-2360

• 4-H Building exhibits/demonstration office: 651-642-2388

• Nurse: 651-643-6187

4-H at the Minnesota State Fair app!

Download our free app for:

• Judging results
• Map
• Public schedule
• Exhibitor show announcements
• 4-H event livestream

• State Fair General Encampment is Tuesday, August 27 - Thursday, August 29. See here for more information: https://z.umn.edu/MNStateFairExhibitor

• State Fair General Encampment Premium Book: https://z.umn.edu/MNSF4HGeneralBook

• General Projects DUE to the Lakefield Office by AUGUST 13 (NEXT WEEK TUESDAY) !! If they are not here they don't go to the State Fair. Make sure you bring or email a picture of the project so we can make sure the correct project is picked up after the State Fair.

• OVERSIZED projects - you will be responsible for bringing your project to the State Fair at Final Registration on Aug. 16 from 1 P.M - 3 P.M. If you have an oversized project, contact the office as we can assist by connecting you with other 4-H'ers that have oversized projects so that you can work together to bring them up.

• Linked: Schedule for General Project Judging

• VIRTUAL JUDGING OPTION submit prior to Aug. 15 at 4 p.m. - (club or individual) please fill out this form: z.umn.edu/4HStateFairVirtual

• Live virtual judging will take place on the following dates and times:

• Aug. 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or 2-7 p.m.

• Aug. 28, 2-8 p.m.

• FASHION REVUE Participants: Submit narration info, upload photo here: z.umn.edu/4h-fashionrevue

• NOTE: The following items/exhibits are to be brought with the 4-H’er to their encampment and return home with the 4-H’er at the end of their encampment.

• County Arts-In supplies

• Flower Gardening - cut flowers

• Food Revue

• Foods - perishable foods

• Fruit - fresh fruit

• Potatoes

• Public Presentation supplies

• Share-the-Fun supplies

• Vegetable Gardening - fresh vegetables

• *Note: Fruit, Potatoes and Vegetable Gardening will be thrown after the fair.

• All exhibits should be labeled with the county name and the name of the 4-H’er. (we have cards in the office for you!)

• If an exhibit has multiple pieces, each piece should be labeled with the county name and the name of the 4-H’er.

• If an exhibit has multiple pieces, please label them 1 of 3, 2 of 3, 3 of 3, etc.

• If there are any special instructions for the set-up of the exhibit, write out these instructions and include/attach with the exhibit and notify Exhibits staff when checking in the exhibit.

• Include specific watering instructions for all live plants.

• Project Pick Up After State Fair: If Caitlyn brought your project to the state fair, another county Extension Educator will be bringing it home. We ask that all projects be picked up from the Extension Office between September 9-12.

• Livestock Encampment is Wednesday, August 21 - Sunday, August 25. More info found here: https://z.umn.edu/MNStateFairLivestock

• State Fair Livestock Premium Book: https://z.umn.edu/MNSFLivestockBook

• Linked: Arrival and Departure Procedures and the map

• NEEDED by Aug. 9 (TOMORROW) - Livestock Transportation Plans : respond to this email with info such as: Driver, hauling what, primary barn. See this link for example of what is needed: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCoTransportationPlan, Not listed on the transportation plan = no hang tag for your trailer.

• NEEDED by Aug. 9 (TOMORROW) - A key volunteer from each species. - They will be the main contact person and be in charge of picking up the species related things from the Lakefield Office on Aug. 19 and getting them to the families that need them. I will also be giving you my cell number in case things arise at the State Fair and you need help.

• Key Volunteer Specie Assignments:

• Beef - Jen and Jeff Tewes

• Dairy - Kristin Kyle

• Goats - Sarah Thompson

• Poultry - Ruby Family

• Rabbits - Suzanne Milbrath

• Sheep - Andy Nesseth

• Swine - Grechen Benda

• Caitlyn NEEDs TO KNOW from Key Specie Volunteers:

• Will we be utilizing a county designee for Livestock Bedding and Forage? If so please let me know ASAP!

• Livestock Key Volunteers can come pick up materials such as hang tags, passes, etc on Monday Aug 19 at the Lakefield office. - If your key volunteer per species does not pick them up, you won't have a hang tag for entry day.

• ALL LIVESTOCK Exhibitors (minus Dairy) MUST COMPLETE LIVESTOCK INTERVIEWS by August 20 at 6 p.m. - Livestock Interviews link: https://z.umn.edu/StateFairLivestockInterviews

• You must complete your interview online by 6 p.m. on:
• Tuesday, Aug. 20 for all beef, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine exhibitors
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 for llama-alpaca exhibitors

• DAIRY Exhibitors:

• Submit genetics and production data for state fair dairy animals here: z.umn.edu/4h-dairygenetics-production

• If you plan on participating in Dairy Showcase please submit required Leadership Profile here: z.umn.edu/4h-dairy-showcase

• SWINE Exhibitors: Please see attached info about marketing and housing!

Wednesday, August 21st : 2-3 pm

Location: White tent between Christensen Pavilion & Como Avenue

Why should you attend?

• Get to know other 4-H youth

• Review specific specie information

• Walking tour of important locations

• Ask questions and learn from experienced 4-H exhibitors!

Open to all 4-H exhibitors but geared for:

• Three or less years of experience at State Fair

• Exhibitors showing a new specie

• Exhibitors with small county delegations

Hosted by the Animal Science Youth Leadership Team

Learn more and register.

You must COMPLETE LIVESTOCK INTERVIEWS by August 22 at 6 p.m. - Livestock Interviews link: https://z.umn.edu/StateFairLivestockInterviews

• You must complete your interview online by 6 p.m. on:
• Tuesday, Aug. 20 for all beef, dairy goat, meat goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine exhibitors
• Tuesday, Aug. 27 for llama-alpaca exhibitors

Time to reflect on the year that was and plan for the new 4-H year!

If you or your club members were/are on the following committees for 2024-2025 4-H Year, below are tentatively scheduled dates for upcoming committee meetings.

• Auction Committee - August 12 5:30-6:30 P.M. at the Jackson County Extension Office.

• General Project Committee - September 4, 2024 from 5:30 - 6:30 P.M. at the Jackson Middle School in Lakefield.
  

• Food Stand Committee - August, 26 2024 from 5 - 6 P.M. at the Jackson County Extension Office.
  

• Livestock Superintendents Committee - Tuesday, September 3, 2024 from 6:30 - 7:30P.M. at the Jackson Middle School in Lakefield.

Looking for funding to assist with registration or participation costs for 4-H camps, workshops, education events, or other 4-H sponsored events? Submit a Bring it Back Form to request assistance!

Learn more and apply here: z.umn.edu/JacksonBringitBackgoogleform

A paper form is available on the Jackson County 4-H Website

How does it work?

• The Jackson County 4-H Federation has allocated funds in our yearly budget to help offset some if not all costs for 4–H events, workshops, camps, etc.

• The funds awarded will be up to 75% of the amount requested or as determined by the Jackson County 4-H Federation Budget overseen by the Jackson County Extension Educator, Youth Treasurer, and Adult Treasurer.

• Those receiving funds are expected to give a short presentation to the 4-H Federation at the next available date or the January 4-H Federation Meeting, whatever comes sooner.. If members can’t attend, a written report shall be submitted.

• Funds will be paid after the member attends the event and reports back their experience to the Jackson County 4-H Federation.

• The Jackson County Extension Office will notify those applying if funds are available and their request is approved.

• If funds are not available in the Federation Budget, the Extension Educator will propose to the Federation a change in budget allocations. The Jackson County 4-H Federation will then determine where the funds will be taken out to fulfill the request or deny the request.

The Jackson County Extension Office will be closed on the following dates. If you need to pick up or drop off anything please plan to do so outside of these dates, or utilize the drop box now in FRONT of the office to the right of the front door!

• September 2 - Labor Day
• September 24 - 26 -All Staff Conference, Office CLOSED

When: August 26, 2024 at 6 P.M.

Location: Jackson County Extension Office

Bring: Some positive energy and ideas for 4-H week in October!

What?: We will be reflecting on the county fair as well as working on planning for 4-H week in October.

Please RSVP by August 23 by emailing or calling the extension office.

Stay up to date about 4-H in Jackson County by reading the past agenda and the minutes from the January Federation Meeting we had on June 17, 2024.

Please encourage one adult and one youth to represent your club at the next Federation meeting happening Monday, September 16 at 7:30pm at the JCC Middle School in Lakefield.

Agenda can be found in the event date on the Jackson County 4-H Google calendar (z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal) when ready.

Advisory Board meeting will take place at 6:30pm prior to the Federation meeting.

To stay up to date about deadlines, events and reminders please subscribe to the Jackson County 4-H google calendar: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal

• August 13, 2024 - General Projects going to the State Fair due to the Extension Office by 4:30 P.M.

• August 22 - Sept. 2, 2024 - Minnesota State Fair

• Aug. 21- 25, 2024 - 4-H Livestock Encampment
• Aug. 27 - 29, 2024 - General Encampment for Jackson Co 4-H - opportunities to travel with other counties during this encampment!
• September 13- 16, 2024 - MN 4-H State Horse Show
• September 21-22, 2024 - MN 4-H State Dog Show

• September 2024 - Fair Recap meeting with Superintendents and Committees

We've compiled a list of events and activities taking place in Southwest Minnesota and Statewide. Click the buttons below to explore all the options and ways to get involved in 4-H programs that spark your interest!

Jackson County 4-H

607 S Highway 86, Lakefield, MN

Email: mnext-jackson@umn.edu

Phone: 507-662-5293

Website: extension.umn.edu/jackson

Follow us on Facebook

Jackson County 4-H Google Calendar: z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE 4-H APP!

Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/al/app/minnesota-4-h/id1478965229

Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.minnesota4h.umn

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