June Lyon County 4-H

Adventure awaits - in your backyard. The Backyard Camping project kit brings the magic of the outdoors to your doorstep with fun, hands-on activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for nature. Whether you are setting up camp under the stars or in your own living room, the kit encourages campers of all ages to learn new skills, make memories, and enjoy the amazing outdoors - no travel is required.

Register by June 12 to receive your kit and let the adventure begin. ☀️🏕️🧭

Audience: All ages are welcome to participate.

Deadline: The deadline to register for your project kit is Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Consider attending this year’s Ag Academy: Passion to Career in Crookston, MN. Join us, as well as our partners at FFA, for Ag Academy: Passion to Career– a unique opportunity for youth in grades 7-11. This three-day, two-night camp runs from June 16-18, and is held at University of Minnesota, Crookston and Northland Community & Technical College. At this camp, youth will have the chance to explore different careers in agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) while experiencing a college campus. In addition, college professors and industry leaders will provide hands-on learning experiences on topics like animals, drones, welding, horticulture, communications and more. Transportation is available and will pick up in the following towns: Mankato, Willmar, Alexandria and Fergus Falls.

Learn more here: https://extension.umn.edu/event/ag-academy-passion-career

Mark your calendars for July 14 from 7-9 p.m. for our countywide pool party, which will take place at the Tracy pool (with food and swimming provided by the federation through your fundraising). The whole family is invited to attend. This will also be the Federation meeting.

In order to be eligible to participate in the state fair, youth must have an active LQA&E or YQCA certification by Aug. 1, 2025. If you have questions about your certification status, please contact the Extension Office. Location for training will be the Lyon County Extension Office.

Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics (LQA&E) certification is a three-hour, in-person training that is valid for three years. If this date and time doesn't work for you, this is a list of other counties trainings in our region.

June 16, levels 1 And 2, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Are you looking for a safe space to learn more about livestock?

Be a part of the Opportunity for All Livestock Show, which offers youth with disabilities the chance to be paired with a mentor and an animal to gain hands-on-experience learning about the animals and how to care for and handle them. Then, you have the chance to show off your new skills in a non-competitive show. No livestock experience is needed. There will also be sensory experiences and other learning opportunities.

Who: Youth grades 3-13

What: Opportunity for All Livestock Show

Where: Le Sueur County Fairgrounds, 320 S Plut Ave. Le Center, MN 56057

When: June 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Cost: free. Lunch and t-shirt included

Applications for the 2025 National 4-H Congress will be open May 23 - June 23. National 4-H Congress is an opportunity for 4-H members to expand skills, engage with other 4-H members, and be inspired to make an impact in their club, community, country, and world.

• Who: Youth ages 14-19 as of January 1, 2025 who are currently enrolled in an ambassador group in 4-H Online (preference to youth in grades 10-12 in the fall of 2025).

• How: Youth can apply through the application packet by June 23.

• Fee: The estimated value of this opportunity is over $2200/delegate. Selected youth will be asked to contribute $250 towards their trip cost, but must also fully engage in attendance expectations.

We are thrilled to introduce Crop Scouting Summer Field Days—a brand-new, action-packed opportunity for youth across the state to dive deep into plant science and crop management like never before. Whether you’re a beginner or already have some experience in plant science, these field days will give you the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in the world of agronomy. From exploring fields and identifying crops to digging into soil health and learning from real-world experts, the event is the perfect chance to learn by doing. The Crop Scouting Summer Field Days promise an exciting, interactive and engaging experience that brings agriculture to life in the most hands-on, in-person way possible.

This is a free event, with lunch provided.

10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Families are also welcome.

Sign up now: https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-projects/4-h-plant-science-project

• Lamberton: July 8

• Rosemount: July 9

• Waseca: July 16

• Farm at the Arb: July 22

• Angora: Aug. 11

Registration: May 1 - June 31

We are excited to release the 2025 Premium Book. We encourage you to peruse the Premium Book as you consider which projects to tackle this year.

FairEntry is now open for entry and will close on July 8, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. When choosing age divisions, select the grade that was completed in 2025. For example, if your 4-H'er is currently finishing grade 5, they would sign up for classes in the 3-5 grade.

Please refer to the 2025 fair schedule. There have been a few adjustments because the Fair is scheduled 1 week later than usual in 2025.

If you require a hard copy of this year's premium book, please contact the extension office. Please do not hesitate to contact any of us with any question.

In preparation for 4-H Summer Camp, we would like to ask for your help to collect clean plastic containers for campers to make their own lanterns. The type of containers we are looking for are clear or frosted, quart to ½ gallon size such as orange juice containers or instant coffee containers. These containers need to be clean and free of wrappers on the outside. If you would like to drop off containers, please coordinate with Renae.