Olmsted County 4-H News
April 2024
Club Information
2024 Premium Book
Olmsted County Premium Books were mailed in March and can also be found online at z.umn.edu/OlmstedCountyPremiumBook or on our website in the All About Fair article.
Updates since printing:
- Shorthorn Plus has been added to Beef Breeding Heifers
- Some birth dates have been updated in the Meat Goat section
- Performing Arts will be held at Rochester Central Lutheran School
Club Fair Shift Sign-up
2024 Expectation: Clubs should fill 2 general judging day spots, 1 set-up, 1 takedown, and one security spot. We ask that spots are filled with 1 youth and adult or one youth grades 9+. To thank you for fulfilling your club's commitment your club will receive $200. If clubs volunteers fail to complete their shifts, they will not receive any of their compensation.
Fall Festival Committee
The 2024 Fall Festival will be on Sunday, October 6.
Advertising Boards
At the last Full Council meeting, 4-H'ers approved purchasing three different sandwich boards to use for advertising. If you are holding a 4-H event and would like to use one or more of the boards, contact the office. All boards are double-sided.
Double sided with letters, swings, has a chalkboard option
Social Media Request
If you would like to have information or photos published on the Olmsted County Minnesota 4-H Facebook page for your club, project, or other 4-H event, fill out the form below. Make sure to send any photos to mnext-olmsted@umn.edu.
Animal Science Projects & Information
Regional and State Project Bowl
Congratulations to all of our Project Bowl teams who competed this year! We had five teams compete at Regionals in Horse, Dairy, Dog, and Rabbit. State Project bowl will be on April 6 and we have 4 teams competing: Dairy Senior, Horse Junior, Dog Junior, and Llama-Alpaca Senior. Good luck to all participants!
Check the Extension website for results and photos of all project bowl competitions.
Tags are available to be picked up in the office during office hours Monday-Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm and Friday 9 am-1 pm.
Sheep Project
Olmsted County 4-H is looking to expand our Sheep Project! If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about caring for and showing sheep, please reach out to the office.
Join the Winona County 4-H Goat Project on April 13! Youth do not have to be in Winona County to attend.
Please register at: z.umn.edu/4-13GoatClinic
Beef Project
Beef Project meetings are held at the Fair Board Office (1402 Fairgrounds Ave SE). The next meeting will be April 18.
Wabasha County 4-H Beef Clinic
Join Wabasha County 4-H, in association with the Chad Schmit Memorial Beef Classic, for a free beef clinic offered by representatives of the Weber Bros Cattle Company on April 19 at 6 pm at the Wabasha County Fairgrounds. Topics include daily routine and haircare, feeding practices, and clipping and fitting. More details can be found here.
Horse Project
Horse Project meetings are held at the Fair Board Office (1402 Fairgrounds Ave SE) on the first Monday of the month at 5:30 pm.
See you at our next meeting on Monday, April 1 at 5:30 pm! For April's meeting, please meet at the storage shed near the horse arena.
Rabbit Project- Save the Dates
The rabbit project will be hosting a Fun Show on Saturday, April 20 at Aune Hall.
Registration begins at 9 am with the show starting at 9:30 am; $1 per rabbit
A tattoo clinic and showmanship practice will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at Aune Hall. This drop-in event will run from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp
Do you want to enhance your livestock evaluation and selection skills or become better at oral reasons? The Minnesota 4-H Livestock Judging Camp is for you!
Presented by the University of Minnesota Livestock Judging Team and their coach Kyle Rozeboom, this camp will teach you the fundamentals of livestock judging and evaluation, provide instruction with oral reasons, and help you become more confident in livestock judging.
The camp will be held June 17-19 on the St. Paul campus.
4-H Dog SuperSesssion
The 4-H Dog Supersession will be held at the Wadena County Fairgrounds on June 1. Participants will bring their project dogs and gain experience in obedience, rally, showmanship, and agility classes. They'll also learn about grooming their dogs and explore how they can enjoy their dogs throughout their lives.
Animal PDC Update Webinar
As we head into spring and summer, it's time to start thinking about preparing for summer projects and programming. The state animal science team will host a webinar for local livestock PDC volunteers and interested staff on Thursday, April 11 from 7-8:30 pm via Zoom. During the webinar, we’ll highlight system-wide policies and processes to strengthen the animal science program, discuss updates connected with livestock species, and offer educational resources. We hope you'll join us! Learn more and register.
Other LQA&E options
Opportunities/Events
Wildlife Wednesdays
Have you ever looked out your window and wondered about the animals that share our environment? How do they stay warm in the winter? Why do some of our winged friends fly south when the weather changes while others hang around?
Discover the wonderful world around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Join us as we explore and uncover the fascinating lives of wildlife with 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 pm on: April 3, 10, 17, and 24.
For youth in grades K-13. There is no deadline to sign up.
Food Revue/Cake Decorating
We will be hosting a Food Revue and Cake Decorating Judging & Education Event on Saturday, April 27 from 4-6 pm at Aune Hall! More information can be found on the website. Registration will be open in 4-H Online through April 23.
Join us for a guided painting workshop! We'll be creating this painting --->
All projects can be shown at the Olmsted County Fair. Registration is open through April 23 or until spots are full. More information can be found here.
Word Wizards: Edit Your Writing
Take youth writing to the next level with Word Wizards: Edit your writing. Youth will bring a piece of writing that is ready to edit and work in partners and small groups to edit while learning from guest speakers. Speakers will help you learn how to offer better feedback, what to look for in your writing, character viewpoints, how to present your writing, and more!
Youth must have a piece of writing ready for editing and be prepared to share it with others. All writing shared must meet 4-H Code of Conduct standards.
4-H Tasty Tuesdays: Bountiful Breads
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.
Sessions will be held virtually from 5:45-6:45 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: April 2, 16.
For youth in grades K-13. There is no deadline to sign up. Learn more and register.
Olmsted County 4-H Scholarship
New this year, Olmsted County will be awarding two $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors (class of 2024) or one-year post-high school. You can find the scholarship application on the Extension website. Applications are due to the Olmsted County Extension Office by June 15.
Searles Family Scholarship
This $750 award is for a 4-H’er in Olmsted County who will be attending a Minnesota college or university as a freshman in 2024. The scholarship should be used toward educational expenses. Award selection is based on academic achievement, 4-H involvement, and leadership. Apply by April 15.
Nathan Holtegaard Memorial 4-H Scholarship
This is a yearly scholarship given by the family of Nathan Holtegaard, Olmsted County 4-H alumni, to a 4-H'er who's a senior in high school or one year past graduation from Fillmore, Goodhue, Mower, Olmsted, Wabasha, or Winona County. Apply by July 1.
YELLO Registration Open!
2024 YELLO registration is now open! Register by May 10 for four days of learning and leadership. This year the State Ambassadors are excited to host youth in grades 7+ at the University of Minnesota-Morris June 12-15. YELLO is a great opportunity for leadership, team building, and meeting youth from across the state! Learn more and register.
Olmsted County 4-H will cover the entire registration fee for this leadership event. Fill out this form to request your reimbursement. State-organized transportation will also be provided.
4-H State Ambassador
Applications for the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are now open! Join the State Ambassador advisors and some of the ambassadors for an informational session on April 9 at 8 pm to learn more about the State Ambassador team and the application!
Register for this session at z.umn.edu/stateambieinfosession2.
Regional 4-H Camp at Whitewater State Park
Have fun, meet new friends, and explore new things at 4-H Regional Camp at Whitewater State Park! Campers will spend three days and two nights at camp enjoying swimming, hiking, nature activities, games, the arts, music, crafts, educational programs, great food, cabin life, reflective campfires, and more! You don’t want to miss 4-H Regional Camp this summer! Camp is open to all youth, so invite your friends!
Cost: $110.00/camper. Olmsted County 4-H will reimburse the entire registration fee. (Fill out this form to request your reimbursement.) Registration fee includes meals and lodging for three days/two nights, supplies, water bottle, and a camp t-shirt.
Registration will be available in 4-H Online through May 31
Questions: Contact Aly Kloeckner at schw1348@umn.edu or Rebecca Paulson at rpaulson@umn.edu
Olmsted County 4-H Day Camps
We will have 5 day camps this summer for youth in grades K-5! Check out our summer programming catalog to learn about the themes, dates, and how to enroll. Contact Megan if you are interested in being a day camp counselor.
Sensational Soybeans
Ready to dive into the world of plants? Join us for an exciting soybean growing experience with our 4-H sensational soybean kits! Sign up to receive a self-guided soybean kit containing everything except the bucket and soil you need to grow soybeans. Explore how soybeans thrive in Minnesota's rich agricultural landscape and learn from local farmers about cultivation techniques and farming practices. Explore soybean uses and test different soil types as you watch your soybeans grow before your eyes. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of plant growth and soil dynamics. These kits are for youth in grades 3+. Learn more and register.
Crop Scouting
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 to help find a team. If you don't have a team but still want to participate, we have coaches ready to help youth across Minnesota. 4-H/FFA crop scouting registration opens on May 1 and the contest will take place Friday, July 26 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. Learn more and register.
Other Events
See an event you would like to participate in through 4-H? Bring your proposal to our Executive Board or Full Council meetings to request funding for the event.
Outdoor Education Opportunities
MN 4-H Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP)
Don’t have a team but want to participate? Register as an individual! The WHEP state contest is now open to individuals and teams! Plan to attend the state 4-H WHEP contest, which will be held at the Bonanza Education Center at Big Stone Lake State Park on April 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration details and schedule can be found on the website. Registration deadline: April 14. Learn more and register.
2023-24 SS&W Leader Certification Training
- April 20 - Wadena (Archery, Wildlife, Rifle/Pistol) - Registration can found HERE. Deadline is April 7, 2024.
- April 27 - Mora (all Disciplines) - Registration can be found HERE, deadline is April 14.
You must complete the following to become a fully certified 4-H SS&W Instructor:
- Be a fully screened 4-H volunteer in your local program.
- SS&W Leader Certification Pre-work Course - A link will be sent to you to complete a newly designed online course for completion of required information. If you have completed the old Steps 1-2, you do not need to complete this updated pre-work.
- Attend a one day in-person discipline training (training fee - $50).
Please read thoroughly the Minnesota 4-H SS&W Leader Certification Information for additional details for youth and recertification.
2024 State Shoot Preparation
Get ready now for the 2024 State Shoot, September 6-8 at the Alexandria Shooting Park, Alexandria, MN! Registration opens May 7, but now is the time to start getting your required wildlife and shooting hours. For youth wanting to attend the 2024 State Shoot, you will need:
- A minimum of 8 hours of wildlife education, which must be signed off by a SS&W certified Wildlife instructor. See the Wildlife FAQ for further information.
- Each county must provide a conservation or wildlife educational exhibit. Conference judging will take place on Saturday. At least one member from the county MUST attend the conference judging to qualify their team for team awards and their county for individual awards. Counties may not use an exhibit previously used by a youth at a county or State Fair.
- 15 hours of discipline instruction and shooting (including basic safety, range rules and etiquette, and scoring) in each event if this is the participant’s first year. If the youth has participated in a previous State Shoot, they are required to have 8 hours of discipline instruction in each event.
- For air rifle, .22, air pistol, and BB gun disciplines: 15 hours total training in one discipline and 8 hours in each related discipline. After the first year, 8 hours of training is required for each discipline.
2024 4-H Environmental Service Learning Adventure Trip
WE HAVE OPENINGS! This trip is designed for grades 8+ to experience the beautiful Isle Royale National Park while backpacking, camping, and working with biologists to study the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the island. Participants will be expected to join monthly zoom meetings from February through July for trip preparation. This trip will cost $600. Trip dates are August 4-10, 2024. Please email Nicole at pokorney@umn.edu.
Archery Dates
The sign-up for archery will be open by April 5 in 4-H Online.
- Coyote Creek Outdoors (3600 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904)
- April 30; May 7 and 21; June 4 and 18; July 9; August 6
- 6-8 pm
- Open to Dodge and Olmsted youth
- Fee: $30
- Capped at 15 participants
Find more information about SSW in Olmsted County on our website.
.22 Rifle Dates
- Open to grades 7+ in Goodhue, Dodge, and Olmsted
- $25/participant
- The program is capped at 10 participants
- Pine Island Range 5:30-7:30 pm on June 20, 27; August 1, 15
Trap Dates
- Open to grades 7+ in Goodhue, Dodge, and Olmsted
- $60/participant plus shells, Olmsted youth pay entire cost of shells
- No program cap, youth must provide their own shotgun
- Pine Island Range 6 pm start on May 16,23; June 20,27; July 18; August 1, 15
Muzzleloader
- Open to grades 7+ in Goodhue, Dodge, and Olmsted
- $25/participant
- Dates and location TBD
Wildlife Hours
- Open to grades 3+ in Goodhue, Dodge, and Olmsted
- June 29, 9 am-3 pm at Frontenac State Park
- Cost is included in the cost of other disciplines. If participating in wildlife only: $5/participant
Contact Information
Email: mnext-olmsted@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu/olmsted
Location: 1421 3rd Avenue SE, Rochester, MN, USA
Phone: 507-328-6214
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Olmsted4H