Nobles County Clover Digest
April 12, 2024
Announcement of Upcoming Office Closures
The Extension Office will be closed the following days in the next couple of months:
Wednesday, April 17, all day for regional staff development
Monday, May 27, all day for Memorial Day
Tuesday, June 11 from 8:00 - 1:00 pm for Day Camp
Wednesday, June 12, all day
Thursday, June 13, all day
Wednesday, June 19, all day for Juneteenth
Thursday, July 4, all day for Independence Day
Food Stand Update + Meeting
To successfully operate a 4-H food stand at the 2024 county fair, we must have at least two paid food service employees. The food stand will not operate in 2024 without paid staff. Please continue to share the job descriptions for the food service managers and workers we are seeking cover letters and resumes through April 15 for this position.
The food stand committee will meet on April 18 at 5:30 in the Farmers Room.
April Federation Meeting
The April Federation meeting will take place on Monday (April 15) at 7:00 pm in the Farmers Room at the Nobles County Government Center. At this meeting we will discuss summer staff, recap the annual fundraiser, share about summer programming, and participate in a fun hands-on activity. Please review the agenda, budget report and the January 2024 minutes.
April Animal Science Committee Meeting
All youth and volunteers involved with Nobles County animal science (livestock) projects are invited to the April Animal Science meeting. We will meet on April 22 at 6:00 pm in the Farmers Room. At this meeting we will finalize the premium book, work on bonus trip applications and review animal science updates for this year.
Help us collect one-use plastic!
In preparation for a summer day camp, we need your help collecting clean, one-use plastic items. We are looking for items like laundry detergent jugs, yogurt containers, bottle caps, soap bottles, and more. Please be sure to rinse your plastic containers and ensure they are clean before donating them. One-use plastic items can be dropped off at the Extension Office during officer hours or brought to the April Federation Meeting.
Register for Nobles County Summer Programming
Day camps and summer programming registration is open! Youth who are in grades K-5 (completed in May 2024) can attend a variety of day camps. Youth in grades 6+ (completed in May 2024) can help at day camps and/or attend summer project days.
All registration is available in 4-H Online. Each day camp will need at least 5 youth helpers (grades 6+); youth helpers can sign up to help at a day camp in 4-H Online.
Day Camps (K-5)
Summer Project Days
Day camps and summer programs are open to all youth. Invite your friends!
Babysitting Clinic
Are you interested in learning the ins and outs of babysitting? In partnership with Adrian Community Education, Nobles County 4-H is hosting a babysitting clinic for youth in grades 5-8, May 28-31 from 8:00 - 11:00 am at the Adrian Elementary Commons. This class will train participants on babysitting basics, food and nutrition, emergency preparedness, and the business of babysitting. Attendance at all four sessions is required. The cost of the class is $20, payable to Adrian Community Education. Register my May 10 at: z.umn.edu/24NoblesSuperSitters.
New Vision Co-op Sponsorships: Application Open
New Vision Co-op is once again offering their sponsorships. Learn more about this opportunity at https://newvision.coop/4-h/.
Scholarship Opportunity: Murray County Cattlemen’s Association
Two, $500 scholarships will be awarded this year for graduating high school seniors, and currently enrolled college students in an ag program or ag-related technical program in 2- and 4-year universities/technical schools. The scholarship is available to students in Murray county and surrounding counties. The deadline is May 1, 2024. All forms must be completed online, through the Google Form.
Jackson/Nobles County LQA&E Training
Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics training helps youth provide excellent care for their food animals and ensure a high level of food safety to consumers. This in-person, 3-hour training is REQUIRED to exhibit with 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair, and certifies you for three fair seasons.
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: Tuesday, June 4 from 5 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Where: Worthington Intermediate School (671 N Crailsheim Rd Worthington, MN 56187)
Supper will be provided, or feel free to pack your own.
What to bring;
a water bottle
a notebook
a pen or pencil
any 4-H Animal Science project records that you keep
This event is open to any youth in grades 6-13 who are interested in 4-H Animal Science Projects or are planning on attending the MN State Fair with their livestock project. Registration is open until May 21 at https://SW-LQAEinWorthington.4honline.com.
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.
Regional, State and National Events
Photo Contest: Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Calling all youth photographers! The “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” Photo Contest is all about showcasing a photo that is special to you! Submissions due May 1. Learn more: 4-H Hit Me with Your Best Shot Photo Contest | UMN Extension and rules here.
Sign-up for 4-H Camp at Lake Shetek
4-H camp is a great way to have fun outdoors and meet new friends! This multi-county 4-H camp will be held in southwest Minnesota on the shores of Lake Shetek at Shetek Lutheran Ministries. There will be educational sessions and camp activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, campfire and more. Register by May 10 for a discount. Learn more and register.
Feed for Success
Wondering how to help your 4-H market animals reach a healthy rate of gain? Want to learn more on how to feed your 4-H production animal to make sure they are getting the proper nutrition for growth? Join us for this free workshop series to learn how to determine your feeding program goals for your market or production animals leading up to showtime. You'll learn from nutritionists and Extension Educators who specialize in each livestock species.
University on the Prairie
Learning is fun at the University on the Prairie program! Students entering grades 7-13 this fall can have an adventure in science and career exploration at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center, near Lamberton, June 24-25, 2024. Find more information here: University on the Prairie | UMN Extension
Area Horse Clinics
Youth interested in learning more about the horse project are invited to two area clinics in June. Learn more about the Cottonwood County and Murray County horse clinic.
Southwest Photography Workshop
Zoom in on your camera skills with youth across the southwest region! Youth in grades K-13 will learn from experts and participate in a photo challenge. Register in 4-H Online by April 22: https://2024sw-photography.4honline.com.
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.
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.
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