Fillmore County 4-H News

Get Help From or Meet with Alex

If Alex is needed or wanted at any events or meetings, or if you would like his assistance with anything, feel free to use this scheduler to request time on his calendar. He loves talking to everyone and wants to be available for everyone's needs.

New 4-H Year began on October 1st. Remember to re-enroll.

When re-enrolling, please enter the youth's email, if they have one, (preferably not a school email) as the member email so they also receive the information we send out.

Food Revue and Cake, Cupcake & Cookie Decorating Contests will be on March 28th, 2026 at United Methodist Church in Preston.
Clothing & Textiles Project workshop and info session on Saturday, March 28th, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Preston United Methodist Church.
The Fillmore County Auction Committee will meet on April 8th at 7pm, in room 108 of the extension office
There will be a Livestock Open House for all families interested in livestock projects on April 11th at the Fillmore County Fairgrounds
The April Ambassador Meeting will be on April 11th at 6pm, in Room 108 of the Extension Office
The April Federation Meeting will be on April 11th at 7pm , in Room 108 of the Extension Office.
The 2026 Fillmore County Fair will be July 20th - 26th.

Congrats to the 2025 Fillmore County 4-H Food stand Scholarship Recipients!!

About the Scholarship.

As of June 2025 the Foodstand Committee has started a scholarship program to encourage youth involvement on the Committee. One hundred percent of youth in the county are eligible, pending they meet the following requirements:

· Are active on the Foodstand Committee with multiple years on the committee.
· Display leadership skills within the committee and food stand.
· Dedicate time to attend meetings.
· Help with food stand set up and take down.
· Provide extra support in the food stand above and beyond a scheduled four-hour shift.

Youth in grades 7 through the youth’s last eligible year in 4-H who have had longevity with the committee and met the above requirements would be eligible for $200 per year of involvement, with a maximum of $1000 if involved all years from grades 7 through post-high school.

Our goal is to grow future leaders who come back to our program as alumni and support the 4-H Program.

Anyone that is interested in joining the Food stand Committee or wants to see what is involved is welcome to contact Alex at the Extension Office for more details.

Green and red flyer titled “Fillmore County Livestock Open House,” with paint-splatter style graphics. Text reads: “At the Fillmore County Fairgrounds in Preston.” Additional text explains: “Come learn about all the livestock projects offered in Fillmore County 4-H and have any questions you have answered. Anyone, 4-H member or not, interested in any livestock species is welcome to attend.” The date “April 11th” is displayed prominently. At the bottom are silhouettes of livestock animals including a cow, horse, sheep, goat, pig, chicken, and rabbit, with a 4-H clover emblem overlaid on one figure.

Join us to learn about the livestock species and get your questions answered!!

The Fillmore County Livestock Project Development Committees (PDCs) are excited to offer the Livestock Open House again this year for anyone who is interested in any of the species and would like to find out more info. Members of each livestock PDC will have representatives present to help answer questions about the animals or what opportunities there are to show.

Feel free to share this with friends who may be interested in joining 4-H as well!

Contact Alex or Heather at the Extension Office with questions.

Bathroom/Garbage Positions & Amateur Photographer Positions

The Fillmore County Fair Board is looking to fill these positions for the 2026 Fillmore County Fair.

All positions require variable hours during the week of fair 7/20/2026-7/26/2026. Hours would range between 6:00 am and 11:00 pm.

All positions are paid positions. 16 or older is the preferred age of applicants, however, any age is welcome to show interest.

If you are interested in either of the positions, please send an email to info@fillmorecountyfair.com with name, email and position you are interested in. An application will be sent to you with more information.

Promotional flyer for “Youth Exploring Leadership & Learning Opportunities (YELLO).” The top image shows a teen playing a saxophone while other youth sit nearby in a classroom setting with a red, white, and blue wall display. Text highlights: “June 9–12, 2026, University of Minnesota.” Description states YELLO is for youth in grades 7 and up to build leadership skills, explore futures, and make connections. Event highlights include: “Leadership Minor” led by Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors; “Service and Education” with hands-on civic responsibility and a focus on disaster relief and emergency response; “Majors” with in-depth learning sessions; and “Social Events” such as talent shows, game nights, and dances. Cost details: $300 early bird (ends March 31) and $350 regular registration (April 1–May 1), with optional $25 or $50 bus fee. A “Register Now!” button is shown. Contact: yello@umn.edu and website: z.umn.edu/4hyello. University of Minnesota Extension and 4-H logos appear at the bottom.

The Early Bird deadline is fast approaching!!

The Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors are excited to invite YOU to Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) - an unforgettable leadership experience happening this June 9-12 at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities!

This year's theme: "Planting Seeds of Leadership"

At YELLO youth will dive into hands-on leadership activities, career exploration, service projects and inspiring workshops - all while forming lifelong friendships with peers from across Minnesota! They'll hear from nationally recognized speakers, participate in engaging field trips and through interactive activities youth will apply their leadership skills to better understand how we are all connected and have an individual impact on our communities.

SAVE $$ - Register by March 31 to get the Early Bird Price of $300!

Regular registration ($350) runs April 1 - May 1.

Secure your spot now in 4-HOnline! (Registration closes May 1)

Contact Alex at the Extension Office with Questions

Olmsted and Winona Co. LQA&E

Olmsted and Winona Counties are hosting LQA&E at Dover-Eyota High School. This training on March 28 from 9 am - 12 pm will be held in Olmsted County but is open to youth in the SE region. LQA&E training is required for all state fair exhibitors. Youth may complete an in-person training, which is good for three fair seasons, or the online YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) training, which is valid for one fair season. If you are unsure of if you need to take LQA&E this year, Contact Alex or Heather at the Extension Office.

To sign up go to z.umn.edu/OlmstedWinonaLQAE

Sign up to attend the 2026 Goodhue County Meat Goat Project Education Day

Join the Goodhue County meat goat project for a day of education on Friday, April 3rd (most school districts are off that Friday for Good Friday).

Agenda for the day: Meet at Millville meats at 8:30AM to learn about goat cuts, meat quality and products. Then travel to the Gustafson Engineered Solutions Shop for a presentation from Jason & Missy Hoffman about feeding/nutrition and its relationship to meat quality and production. Kurt Tesmer from Tesmer Valley Livestock will also present about consumer demand, industry trends and general market information. The day will wrap up with grilled goat burgers for sampling. The education day should be wrapped up by noon.

To register: https://forms.gle/vVstZn16jTC3maHEA

"Promotional flyer for Stevens County 4-H Archery Tournament on April 11, 2026, at Morris MN Elementary School Gym. Open to grades 4 and up."

Archery Invitational!!!

Come test your skills with archery where you will have the opportunity to showcase your archery and wildlife skills and learn from peers, coaches, and volunteers in a positive environment! Open to youth grades 4+. Register in 4-H Online by April 1, 2026. Medals will be awarded to the top individuals in the archery competition!

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

Olmsted County 4-H Rabbit Fun Show

You're invited to a fun show! Youth will bring their own rabbit and participate in a mock show that will help them understand how rabbits are judged, disqualifications, animal handling, and showmanship. The judge will give feedback on how to improve for the fair and present awards. Find all the info at z.umn.edu/Olmsted4HRabbitFunShow

Date

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time

9:00 a.m. Central time

Location

Aune Hall
1508 Aune Dr. SE
Rochester, MN 55904

Contact

Megan Wilson, Extension educator
brads160@umn.edu or 507-328-6217

Houston County 2026 LQA&E

Date

Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Houston County Meeting Room in Caledonia, MN.

Time

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Central time

Cost

$5 per Youth

Registration

Register in 4-H Online.

Register accordingly:

Grades 6-8: Take Level 1 if you are certifying for the first time. Take Level 2 if you have previously been certified.
Grades 9-11: Certify at Level 2.
Grades 12-13 have four options: (1) Certify at Level 2, (2) Complete an animal science class at a 2- or 4-year accredited college (and provide proof to the Extension Office), (3) assist the county in teaching their 4-H LQA&E classes, (4) submit documentation of your leadership contributions to a 4-H animal science project meeting or workshop.

Any youth hoping to exhibit livestock with 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair must complete livestock quality assurance training.

Livestock Quality Assurance training helps youth provide excellent care for their animals and ensures a high level of food safety for consumers.

A three-hour in-person LQA&E workshop includes ethics and is valid for three years.

Youth who complete either one of these training options will receive a certificate of completion.

Read the full Minnesota Youth Livestock Quality Assurance Policy for more information.

Master Gardener helping teach about plants at a workshop.

March Update from the desk of Lisa Dierks, regional director.

Greetings,

The cycle of False Spring followed by snow & chilly temperatures has started in Minnesota. This, along with a glance at the calendar, reminds us that the official start of Spring will begin in March. Spring brings the good - green grass, baby animals, daffodils & tulips – along with the not so good – mud. As we look towards Spring, spend a few moments on the UMN Extension website, which has a variety of resources for spring planting for homeowners, including planning and growing guides, such as how to start seeds indoors.

I encourage you to forward this newsletter to someone else who may also find these articles and events of interest. There is always so much to share from Extension.

I look forward to County Extension Committee meetings in several of your counties this month and would like to hear your feedback about the updated newsletter format. Our goal is to share accurate, up-to-date, and relevant content throughout the year.

Lisa Dierks
Regional Director, Southeast
dierksl@umn.edu

Providing leadership to Dodge, Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Winona Counties, and the Rochester Regional Office.

If you have any questions or requests for resources to share in future newsletters, please reach out to me at dierksl@umn.edu. To learn more about a topic, click on the title of the article!

Spend time in any Minnesota county and you will almost certainly encounter University of Minnesota Extension. Faculty and staff, volunteers, participants, alumni and partners are woven into the fabric of rural, urban and suburban Minnesota life.

A new digital and print project called Minnesota 87 uses photos, stories and examples to show the many ways Extension touches people’s lives in every county. Extension’s work is driven by the needs of its stakeholders, and the examples of our work shown here demonstrate the breadth and depth of how Extension helps communities work toward a better future.
We hope you enjoy these snapshots, and that you will continue to support Extension in your community!

Visit the Minnesota 87 website

Visit the link above for more information, and to view upcoming workshop dates and locations.

Opportunity knocks for oats in Minnesota

Oats once covered millions of acres in Minnesota. Today, a new market for oats may be emerging for farmers — this time as a food-grade crop. A new oat mill, growing demand for oat products, and University of Minnesota research are creating opportunities for growers. From potential for improved crop rotations and soil health benefits to a new oat variety bred for food markets, Extension is exploring what oats could mean for farm resilience and profitability.

Climate trends tool simplifies state environmental review process

As part of Minnesota’s environmental review process, developers must now include local climate trend data, but finding reliable information can be challenging. The University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP) is now offering a tool to make this information easily accessible at the county scale.

Resources

Tips: Great news and more opportunities

For those plugged into Extension’s Terrestrial Invasive Species Participatory Science (TIPS) projects, we’re excited to share the results of the 2025 reporting efforts and introduce the priority species for the new year. Learn more — and join the mission — on the TIPS website.

University of Minnesota Tourism Center: a year in review

The Tourism Center is pleased to share accomplishments in 2025 and highlight select projects in each of its three priority areas. Share feedback about this new format by reaching out directly to Tourism Center Director Xinyi Qian (qianx@umn.edu ).

MARL class 14 applications open

Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership (MARL) is a two-year educational experience designed to develop the skills of Minnesota's agricultural and rural leaders. The program includes nine three-day in-state seminars, a six-day national study seminar and a 10-14 day international study seminar. Apply by March 31.

Needs assessment survey: Help shape future crop programming

The University of Minnesota Extension Crops Team wants to hear from row crop and forage producers and the ag professionals who work with them, including crop consultants, seed salespeople, pesticide applicators, grain buyers and other ag pros. Help us share this 12–15 minute anonymous survey. Input will directly guide relevant, practical education and resources.

Upcoming events and courses

Fridays with a Forester webinar series

Join Extension foresters to discuss some of the key issues and questions around forest and woodlands facing Minnesota land stewards. These online sessions will be very informal, open to the public and free of charge. All webinars will be 9-10 a.m.
Upcoming sessions:

March 20: Disturbance and woodland stewardship
March 27: Recognizing, preventing, and managing oak wilt

Organic row crops days

Organic row crop days feature researchers and organic farmers presenting about nutrient management, weed management, marketing, and new or emerging technologies in organic farming. Participants will learn more about organic nutrient management, weed management techniques, and organic crop marketing.

March 5: Organic row crops day – Lamberton
March 10: Organic row crops day – Clearwater
March 17: Organic row crops and livestock research day – Morris
March 20: Organic row crops day – Owatonna

Rice County garden day - Northfield

March 14, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Grow your gardening knowledge with Rice County Master Gardeners through educational sessions on perennial garden design, orchid care, mushroom foraging and attracting hummingbirds to Minnesota landscapes. The day will also include a vendor fair, door prizes, and a silent auction.

Get growing! A horticulture day

April 18, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Join the Olmsted County Extension Master Gardeners for a full day focused on gardening and horticulture. Speakers will share research-based information tailored to Southeast Minnesota gardening conditions, including best practices for home gardens and ways to adapt local landscapes to a changing environment.

Ag for All conference

March 7, 8:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
This educational conference is focused on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ agriculturists, with an emphasis on relevant farm production and management topics. Ag for All is open to attendees and presenters of any identity with an interest in production agriculture, food systems, and supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals working in any agricultural field.

Grow your facilitation skills

Wednesdays, April 1-22
New to leading meetings? Or want to become a better facilitator and meeting participant? If so, our four-part series on growing your facilitation skills is for you! Each 90-minute session will engage you with tools and perspectives for facilitating both in person and online meetings.

View Extension's full calendar of courses and events

Nathan Holtegaard Memorial 4-H Scholarship - Due July 1, 2026

This scholarship is intended for an active, enrolled 4-H member from one of the following Minnesota Counties: Olmsted, Fillmore, Goodhue, Mower, Wabasha, & Winona. Youth eligible to apply are high school seniors (class of 2026) or college freshman pursuing a secondary education at a two year or four-year college majoring in animal science, agriculture, or environmental science. Youth should demonstrate involvement in 4-H and be active in their school and community and show scholastic proficiency. Youth are not able to be awarded the scholarship twice, although they can apply for it more than once.

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Nathan Holtegaard Memorial 4-H Scholarship Info & App

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