Clay County

We’re excited to launch 4-H Flavorful, a free at-home cooking program that helps youth build confidence in the kitchen while preparing healthy meals with their families.

This month’s focus is VEGETABLES—why we need them, how they keep us healthy, and fun ways to cook them! Youth will get:

• Easy, kid-friendly veggie recipes
• Nutrition tips and portion guidance
• Shopping lists & meal builders
• Family conversation starter
• Hands-on cooking skills

Each month’s lesson—including this month’s Vegetable theme—will be available on the SDSU Extension website at https://extension.sdstate.edu/4-h-flavorful

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes loans to youth to establish and operate agricultural income-producing projects in connection with 4-H clubs, FFA and other agricultural groups. Projects must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience. The maximum loan amount is $10,000.

Youth Loan Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States (which includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) or a legal resident alien
• Be 10 years to 20 years of age
• Comply with FSA’s general eligibility requirements
• Conduct a modest income-producing project in a supervised program of work as outlined above
• Demonstrate capability of planning, managing and operating the project under guidance and assistance from a project advisor. The project supervisor must recommend the youth loan applicant, along with providing adequate supervision.

For help preparing the application forms, contact your local County USDA Service Center or

visit fsa.usda.gov

The American Farm Bureau Federation is excited to offer a unique national opportunity for 4-H, FFA and Jr. MANRRS members on January 11th , 2026. From January 9-14, 2026, AFBF will host it’s 107th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA. As part of this event, a special Youth Leadership Program will be held on Sunday, January 11th , exclusively for youth members.

This free program for 4-H members gives youth the chance to:

• Connect with farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders nationwide
• Network with other youth leaders and build leadership skills
• Attend the Empowering Young Leaders reception with AFBF President Zippy Duvall

More information can be found here AFBF YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

* This event is not an SDSU Extension or SD 4-H sponsored event. We are sharing because there may be value to some of the youth in the SD 4-H Program

Now is the time to re-enroll in 4-H Online (https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in) for the 2025/2026 4-H Year! It doesn't matter whether you joined 1 week ago or you have been in the program for 8 years, EVERYONE must reenroll every year! So if you are a volunteer, Cloverbud, or a 4-H member please follow the link above and get you and your family reenrolled so we can have a GREAT 2025/2026 4-H year!

This also is the best time for our friends to join us in 4-H! If you have friends or family that are not yet enrolled in 4-H this is the most opportune time to sign up, or for them to reach out to the office for more information!

The State 4-H Office sends out an Everything Friday Message that is sent out every week.

If you are interested in signing up to this Listserv, please send them this link:

https://sdstateoira.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9STL1XLiYOpmlPE

Save the Date for Summer Camp 2026! Registration opening soon for the following camps:

• Lake Poinsett – Ages 8-12 - June 7-10
• Going Beyond – Ages 12-14 - June 10-12
• Storm Mountain – Ages 8-12 - June 14-17

New for Summer 2026

• Teen Adventure Camp @ Storm Mountain – Ages 15-18 - May 31-June 3

December 4 - 6-7pm - Stand Still Parade of Lights

December 7 - 3pm - Shooting Sports Try-It Day

December 8 - Registration DUE for Clover Connect presents: Unlock the Science of Food!

December 22 - Clover Connect presents: Unlock the Science of Food!

December 22 - 2-4pm - Clay County 4-H Christmas Party

December 24-26 - Office CLOSED for Christmas

January 1 - Closed for New Years Day

Office Hours Monday through Friday 8-5 (closed over noon hour)

-Laurie Fritsch

4-H Educator

-Rali Sykes

4-H Administrative Assistant

Email: clay.county@sdstate.edu
Website: https://www.claycountysd.org/extensionoffice4h.cfm
Location: 515 High Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Phone: 605-677-7111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19jWQKEPVq/