Washington County 4-H Newsletter
January 8, 2026
This is a reminder that you need to re-enroll each year in the 4-H program. Please go into your family account in 4honline and update all those enrolling for the 2025-2026 4-H year.
As of January 2026, animal ID's can also be entered for the coming fair season. Horses and Dogs can be uploaded as new Coggins and vaccinations are updated. Beef ID's are due Feb. 17. Most animals need to be ID'ed by May 15. Please check your specific species requirement on the state website at https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-projects/4-h-animal-id
We want to welcome our new families, we know it can be a challenging to navigate the 4-H year the first time but please don't hesitate to reach out to your club leaders, established 4-H families or staff with any questions you might have along the way.
Results from the Dec. 18 poll; Best advice to deal with stress around the Holidays? Overall winner was finding joy in simple activities. Good advice for all year long!
This week’s question is related to selecting 4-H project areas and setting goals. This is a great time to set your goals for the year. Maybe it is to earn a blue ribbon at the county fair, try a new project, participate in a group activity with your club or try Arts-In, Food Revue or Fashion Revue or earn a state fair trip or win a grand champion. Maybe your goal is to qualify for a state event like Shooting Sports, Dog or Horse. Starting NOW is how you make those things happen. There are endless things to learn and explore in any project area but YOU have to make the effort and prioritize learning so you can succeed. What are your goals for this year?
4-H Baseball Caps Are Here! - Deadline Jan. 25
4-H caps are now in stock! The Washington County 4-H logo is screen-printed on 100% cotton twill baseball caps with a velcro strap. We have two styles:
Green with white ink
Black with green ink. Black caps have an extra slit in the back to accommodate a high ponytail or bun.
Caps are $10 each and will be delivered to your club leader(s).
Order by January 25th to get your cap in February!!!
Federation Meeting Program - Jan. 26 (Open to all)
Resume Writing Workshop
There will be a Federation Meeting on Monday, January 26th at the Stillwater Gov’t Center! The program for the evening will begin at 6:30 pm with Greta Tank (4-H alum) discussing resume writing! All 4-H youth are invited to attend! This workshop will help youth prepare for scholarships, post high school applications, etc. There will be a short Federation Meeting that will follow Greta’s workshop! Hope you can make it! Please pre-register so we can contact you in case of weather cancellation. https://z.umn.edu/ResumeWritingWorkshop
New Family Night - Jan. 28
Join us for our next New Family Night on Wednesday, January 28th at the Stillwater Government Center. We will talk in-depth about planning your 4-H projects and then transition to exploring the Animal Science project areas!
- 6:30-7:30: 4-H Project Planning Learn about different 4-H project areas, see example projects, learn the steps of making and showing a project. (Snacks and beverages provided.)
- 7:30-8:15: New Family Animal Science Open House
On Wednesday, January 28 there will be an 4-H Animal Science Open House from 7:30 pm - 8:15 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center. Livestock Committee members will be available to answer any questions families have about a specific species (beef, dairy, goat, sheep, swine, poultry and rabbit).The Open House is a ‘come and go’ format, there will not be a formal presentation.
An email will be sent to registered families if inclement weather will impact this event!
Please pre-register at https://z.umn.edu/NewFamily
Creative Arts Night - Feb. 13 (Reg. deadline is Jan. 30)
Join us for Creative Arts Night on Friday, February 13. Open to grades 3+ at Hooley Hall starting at 5 pm sharp! We plan to finish up by 8:00 pm. Pizza will be served!
Please pre-register by ranking the classes according to your interest. Your favorite class should be #1 and your least favorite #7. You will be taking three classes during the evening, and we will do our best to accommodate your choices. (Acrylic painting is two sessions)
We could use a few parent volunteers. Please indicate on the registration form if you can help.
Registration Deadline is Friday, January 30.
PLEASE read carefully:
- Be on time so you do not miss out on anything
- Wear old clothes or bring a paint shirt
- Bring a tray or low flat box to take your items home (some may still be wet)
- Cost will be $20/participant. Online payment is available and link is listed below. Checks and cash will also be accepted.
- Pizza will be served for dinner.(gluten free can be added under food allergies)
Register for classes at:https://z.umn.edu/CreativeArtsNight
Online payment at: https://link.clover.com/urlshortener/pxf8nk
Food Revue - Feb. 7 (Registration Due Jan. 30)
Who: Washington & Ramsey County 4-H Members, grades K-13th
What: Food Revue is a county-level event where youth prepare a meal/dish (one serving), and create a table setting to go with the theme of the food item. Youth in grades 6th and above have an opportunity to earn a State Fair Trip for their respective counties!
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM
Set-up: 8:30 – 9:00 AM
Judging starts: 9:00 AM until done for both events
Exhibits must remain on display until judging is completed.
Where: Hooley Hall, Washington County Fairgrounds – 12300 North 40th St., Stillwater, MN
Contact Ann Church at churc109@umn.edu with any questions about Food Revue.
Register at https://z.umn.edu/FoodRevue26
Fair Foodie Challenge - Feb. 7 (Reg. Due Jan. 30)
Challenging all 4-H chefs to show off their culinary skills for a chance to have their recipe showcased at the Washington County Fair 4-H Food Stand! The competition will take place on the same day as our annual Food Revue event scheduled for Saturday, February 7th, 2026.
Deadline to sign up is January 30th.
Who: Washington County 4-H Members, grades 6th and older. Individuals or teams of 2 may participate!
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Where: Hooley Hall (Washington County Fairgrounds)
Judging starts at: 9:00 am
Register and learn more at https://z.umn.edu/FairFoodieChallenge26
Livestock PDC Meeting - Jan. 28
The January Livestock Project Development Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, January 28 beginning at 6:00 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center. This committee focuses mainly on the larger animal projects including, beef, dairy, goats, sheep, and swine in coordinating county fair shows, Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics Training, barn improvements, the County Fair LIvestock Auction just to name a few. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
New Family Animal Science Open House - Jan. 28
On Wednesday, January 28 there will be an 4-H Animal Science Open House from 7:30 pm - 8:15 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center. Livestock Committee members will be available to answer any questions families have about a specific species (beef, dairy, goat, sheep, swine, poultry and rabbit).The Open House is a ‘come and go’ format, there will not be a formal presentation. If you are interested in attending this event, please pre-register at https://z.umn.edu/NewFamily
An email will be sent to registered families if inclement weather will impact this event!
Market Beef/Dairy Steer Identification - Feb. 17
4-H market beef and dairy steers need to be Identified with a 4-H/USDA RFID tag and entered into 4honline by Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Details on how to tag and identify your beef animal(s) will be emailed to 4-H families ‘enrolled in the Beef Project’ by mid January. If you have questions contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Western Heritage Zoom Mtg. - Jan. 11
Do you want to learn more about the Western Heritage Program in 4-H! Western Heritage is an opportunity to learn about roping, sorting, goat tying and more! This unique program in 4-H offers an opportunity to participate and compete in these activities with your horse. If you are new to the program you must participate in a safety clinic to ensure that your horse and you are able to work in these areas. These safety clinics will teach you about each opportunity and you can practice and compete in the regional and maybe qualify for state competition. To learn more about the opportunities in your areas join us on Sunday, January 11th at 3:00 p.m. for an introduction to western heritage and learn more about the program offerings. You can join by zoom! Here is the link.
Winter Round Up - Deadline Jan. 12
Winter Round Up deadline is fast approaching and you won’t want to miss it! Winter Round Up is an exciting three-day, two-night conference of adult and youth leadership and 4-H Horse Project learning. It's for youth in sixth grade or older who are interested in horses. Their families and adult 4-H volunteers are also welcome. The deadline to register is January 12th. This years event will be held in Spicer, MN on January 23-25, 2026. You can register through 4-H online! You won’t want to miss it!
Horse Tack Swap Planning Meeting - Jan.12
Washington County will be hosting a Horse Tack Swap in 2026. The Tack Swap is scheduled for March 28th. There will be a planning meeting on Monday, January 12, beginning at 6:30 pm at the Stillwater Gov’t Center. If you are interested in helping with this fundraiser, please plan to attend the meeting. A message will be left at; 651-430-6809 if the weather is inclement that evening. Any questions, email Ann at churc109@umn.edu
Join us for the 4-H Horseless Horse Round Up virtual series - Feb. 3
Interested in learning more about horses? Back by popular demand, we’re excited to offer this online series for horse enthusiasts in grades 3+ to learn more about horses. Join us each week in a virtual setting to learn about new topics like horse basics, horse care, nutrition, health, and more! Hands-on activities will be provided for youth to further explore each topic at home. The program offers a Level 1 series for any participants, with a Level 2 series available for participants continuing their learning from last year! Sessions will run Feb. 3 - March 10. Registration deadline: Jan. 30. Learn more and register.
Backstage Pass: Ordway Edition - Feb. 16
The central region of 4-H counties (Anoka, Benton, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, McLeod, Meeker, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington, and Wright) has a unique opportunity for you!
Join us for 4-H Backstage Pass: Ordway Edition — an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts! Youth will get a guided tour of the theatre, meet Ordway professionals, and explore exciting careers in the performing arts — from lighting and sound to stage design and production.
When: Monday, February 16, 2026, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Who: Open to grades 6+
Where: Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St, St Paul, MN 55102
Cost: $25! (Spots are limited — don’t wait!)
Learn more and sign up at z.umn.edu/4HBackstage
Arts-In Director Application - Due Feb. 20
We are now accepting applications for the Arts-In Director position for our 2026 show season! This is a paid position that works with the Performing Arts Development Committee and student directors to write the script, select music, and put together all aspects of the Arts-In encampment. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and previous Arts-In experience is preferred. Applications are due to the Extension office no later than February 20, 2026. Contact Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions. Application can be found at https://z.umn.edu/ArtsInDirector2026
Shooting Sports Orientation - Feb. 9
Families interested in learning about the 4-H Shooting Sports program that is offered In Washington County are invited to attend an Orientation scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9 beginning at 6:30 pm in the lower level of the Stillwater Gov’t Center. Staff and Trainers will be available to talk about the various disciplines that are offered, expectations, schedules, State Shoot requirements, etc. Since the cost to participate is minimal, we would like Shooting Sports families to participate in the Pheasants Forever Raffle fundraiser to help keep our costs low. Tickets will be available to pick up at this meeting. Please let us know if you plan to attend by pre-registering at; https://z.umn.edu/ShootingSportsOrientation
Any questions, contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Wildlife Wednesdays - Next date is Jan. 14
Get ready to explore the amazing world of wildlife right outside your door! Join us on Wednesday evenings for Wildlife Wednesdays, a fun and interactive virtual series where we'll dive into the fascinating lives of animals and plants with the help of wildlife experts, biologists, and Master Naturalists.
Each week, you'll discover something new and inspiring about nature—from secret animal behaviors to incredible ecosystems—all while learning how to protect and respect the environment around us. Whether you're just curious, have a love for animals, or looking for a midweek adventure, this series is your gateway to conservation knowledge and a lifelong love of nature.
Discover the wonderful world of wildlife around you with Wildlife Wednesdays! Sessions will be held virtually on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. on the following dates: Jan. 14, 21, 28; Feb, 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1,8. 4-H youth can earn up to four wildlife hours for participating in 4 of the virtual sessions! Let’s get started on those Wildlife hours for next year’s State Shoot! Learn more and register.
Wildlife Hours
If you are hoping to attend the 2026 State Shooting Sports Invitational, please remember to start tracking your Wildlife Hours NOW!!!
Examples of activities that can count for full or partial hours:
Attend a club service project for habitat restoration at a local park (full hours)
Wildlife Wednesdays is a great virtual option to earn hours! (full hours)
Do a demonstration on deer anatomy at your 4-H club (full hours)
Go hunting (partial hours)
Plan out your pollinator garden and do a fair project on it (full hours)
Start a phenology journal and keep notes when you go hiking (partial hours unless you teach the skill to others, then you can get full hours)
The list goes on and on!
If you are taking a course that counts toward wildlife hours, be sure to bring your Wildlife Hours Tracking Form to collect an instructor signature!
Shooting Sports Trainers needed!
As our Shooting Sports Program continues to grow, we are in need of additional Trainers! We would welcome new Trainers in these disciplines: BB gun/Pellet Rifle, Archery, .22 Rifle, and Trap! Training for the 4-H youth begins the first week of June - end of August. Archery and BB/Pellet training takes place on the Washington County fairgrounds. Archery, .22, Trap and Black Powder take place at the Oakdale Gun Club.
To become a 4-H Certified Trainer, you must first become a 4-H screened volunteer:
Steps to become a 4-H screened volunteer
Once you have completed your screening process, 4-H Shooting Sports Trainers are required to complete 4-H certification to become Trainers. Pre-work is completed before attending an in-person training. Training is held throughout fall and spring months in various locations around the state. For more information go to; How to become a Certified Shooting Sports Trainer Registration fees are paid by our 4-H program.
We are also in need of adult(s) to oversee the Wildlife Project that is required for those attending the State Shoot. Each county is required to present a Wildlife Project at the State Shoot. This does not need to be an elaborate project.
If you are interested in helping with the Shooting Sports Program in anyway, please contact Ann at; churc109@umn.edu
Stevens County 4-H Archery Invitational
Stevens County 4-H is super EXCITED to share that they are hosting their 3rd Stevens County 4-H Archery Invitational state-wide event! Mark your calendars for April 11th! There will also be an opportunity to test your knowledge with a wildlife skillathon! Funds raised through this event will go towards helping the Stevens County 4-H Shooting Sports Club update their equipment. Deadline to register is April 1st. This event can count for archery and wildlife hours for those interested in competing at the state shoot this fall!
When: April 11, 2026
*Registration begins at 9am, competition begins at 10 am
*Youth are able to select what time works best for them to compete (there are time slot options)
Where: Morris Area Elementary School
Who: Youth in grades 4th-13th grade
Cost: $20 ($25 for walk-ins/late payment)
Find more details and register here: https://extension.umn.edu/event/stevens-county-archery-invitational
For questions, please connect with Stevens County 4-H Extension Staff at next-stevens@umn.edu or call the Stevens County Extension Office at (320) 208-6575!
Next Ambassador Meeting - Jan. 26
Join us for the next Ambassador meeting on Jan. 26 starting at 6:00PM at the Stillwater Government Center Lower Level. Stay for a guest speaker on resume writing starting at 6:30PM.
Federation Meeting Program - Jan. 26 (Open to all)
Resume Writing Workshop
There will be a Federation Meeting on Monday, January 26th at the Stillwater Gov’t Center! The program for the evening will begin at 6:30 pm with Greta Tank (4-H alum) discussing resume writing! All 4-H youth are invited to attend! This workshop will help youth prepare for scholarships, post high school applications, etc. There will be a short Federation Meeting that will follow Greta’s workshop! Hope you can make it! Please pre-register so we can contact you in case of weather cancellation. https://z.umn.edu/ResumeWritingWorkshop
Ambassador Social - Feb. 28
Join the Ambassadors for Board Night on Saturday, February 28 from 5-8 PM at Jerry’s Foods Community Room in Woodbury! Youth are invited to bring a charcuterie board to share and a board game for an evening of fun! Youth in grades 7 and up and wanting to learn more about Ambassadors are welcome!
Join the Washington County 4-H Ambassador Team!
If you're in grades 7-13, we want you to join the Washington County 4-H Ambassador Team. The Ambassadors meet once a month at the Washington County Government Center and plan Cloverbud Workshops, Service Projects, Social events - all while building their leadership skills and having fun! Reach out to Megan at slate187@umn.edu with any questions!
Happy Hornets
The Happy Hornets met on January 6th for a business meeting followed by packing toiletries bags to donate to Basic Needs in Cottage Grove. The club packed approximately 70 bags of toiletries with each bag containing toothpaste, toothbrush, washcloth, soap, shampoo, and Kleenex.
We’re hiring a summer intern!
Do you know an undergrad college student looking for work experience in the youth development field? We have a 4-H summer intern position for Washington County. This position is designed to provide meaningful professional youth development work experience for the student intern working alongside an Extension Educator. Expectations include but are not limited to planning a June workshop, July Day Camps, promotion and county fair activities. Positions will begin in mid-May to early June and range from 8-13 weeks. Please contact your local Extension educator or sagrimes@umn.edu with questions. Learn more and apply.
Saying farewell in February
Dear 4-H families and members,
I am writing to let you know that my last day with Washington County 4-H will be February 13th.
It has been wonderful to be part of such a great community of youth and volunteers! The passion and dedication each of you brings to 4-H inspires me to continue my work with youth development through other avenues. I'm so grateful for the fun and learning I've shared with you all.
My position will be posted on December 17th. When the hiring process is complete, we will keep you up to date on the transition. In the meantime, if you have any questions or requests, please reach out to me. I will have access to my email until the end of day on February 13th.
Thank you for the past three years!
Ashton Kulesa
Poultry Workshops
University of Minnesota Extension to Host “Flock Foundations and Coop Conversations” Poultry Workshops
The University of Minnesota Extension is inviting small flock owners and producers to attend a series of workshops titled "Flock Foundations and Coop Conversations" in early 2026 across Minnesota. The workshops are designed to provide essential knowledge for raising a healthy and productive small flock and to address common poultry care misconceptions.
Participants will connect with University of Minnesota Extension educators and specialists and other poultry enthusiasts while discussing mobile poultry housing, heritage breed research, and practical biosecurity measures to keep flocks disease-free.
The workshop series will be held at four locations across Minnesota. Cost to attend is $10.
Pre-registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Register here: https://z.umn.edu/ffccregister
Event Details
Buffalo - January 29, 5-7 p.m. – Wright County Government Center, 3650 Braddock Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313
Sandstone - February 17, 4-6 p.m. – N. Pine Government Center, Pine County Office, 1602 MN-23, Sandstone, MN 55072
Park Rapids - March 12, 5-7 p.m. – Northwoods Bank, 1200 First St E, Park Rapids, MN 56470
Long Prairie - March 17, 4-6 p.m. – Todd County Courthouse, 215 1st Ave South Long Prairie, MN 56347
Learn more about small flock poultry at z.umn.edu/smallpoultry
Looking for 30 minute learning opportunities at your next club meeting?
Check out our free, searchable online Youth Development Curriculum Library for fun, educational lesson and activity resources designed for youth workers, volunteers, and youth themselves!
190 resources and counting! More content is added every month.
A few highlights:
Independent learning guides to support youth project learning, such as this Microgreen Growing Guide
Resources on project areas from Animals and Livestock, to Social-Emotional Learning, to Environment and Earth Science, to STEM, and much more!
Learn about volunteering with 4-H
4-H volunteers contribute to youth thriving. They make their communities stronger and develop skills they can use in other settings. These are all great reasons to take a step to becoming a volunteer—If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start there are steps you can take to learn more:
- Attend our virtual volunteer information session to learn more about what volunteering means to 4-H and meet 4-H staff who can support you in being connected to future opportunities.
- Complete our volunteer interest form. The info you share will be given to 4-H staff so they can work with you to find or create a volunteer role that meets your skills, interests, and availability.
- Reach out directly to your local 4-H staff to inquire about specific volunteer opportunities in your community.
Whether you join us for one day or for multiple events, we value the impact we make together for our youth and our communities! For more information contact MN4-HVol@umn.edu.
WINTER WEATHER Program Cancellation policy
The decision to cancel a planned activity is no simple matter. The safety and well-being of 4-H members, volunteers and Extension employees is the top priority.
4-H programs, activities and outings should be prepared to modify programming as needed in extreme cold weather.
Outdoor wind chill of 20 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit or lower.
The following will be considered when deciding whether to cancel a meeting or program:
The ability to safely operate vehicles (ice, snow, visibility)
Total predicted snowfall
Predicted temperature and wind chill factor
Schools are canceled
Emails will be sent to those who pre-registered for a county event being cancelled. Club Leaders should also notify members if club events are being cancelled.
Families and youth
University of Minnesota Extension works across the lifespan. We create and support positive non-formal learning opportunities for youth. We foster resilient, healthy and secure futures for families and seniors. Extension works with Minnesotans to make informed decisions leading to better health and well-being. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/working-youth/contacts-families-and-youth
Food, health and nutrition
University of Minnesota Extension improves food literacy, physical activity, food safety and healthy food access for Minnesotans and the food service industry. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/food-health-and-nutrition
Yard and garden
The best plants and gardening practices for Minnesota gardeners, homeowners and hobbyists to grow healthy lawns, landscapes and gardens. Learn more at: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden
Roles of Local Youth Educators
Ann Church - Livestock (Beef, Dairy, Llama, Sheep, Swine, Poultry, Rabbit), Horse, Shooting Sports, Federation, Community Clubs, Fair, Charters and Finance, Foods & Creative Arts projects and Food Stand.
Megan Slater - Youth Teaching Youth, Ambassadors, Performing Arts, Overnight/Day Camps, Dog, Goat, Cloverbud workshops.
Ashton Kulesa - STEM, New Families, Promotion, Outreach, Fashion Revue and Project Workshops.
Contact information is listed below.