Jackson Journal

December 2024

County Updates

December - Time to Reflect

Seasons Greetings this December, Jackson 4-H Families and Volunteers.

It has come to the final month of 2024 and we are fast approaching 2025! Often starting a new year causes many of us to take some time to look back on the year that was and make goals for the coming year. So as you may have guessed, our December word of the month is: Reflect

When reflecting on something, it is easy to get caught up in the exciting and happy moments or the "I will never forget this" kind of experiences. These are all wonderful things to celebrate and cherish. As 4-H youth reflect on 2024, we encourage youth to also reflect on the moments that weren't always the fun, easy going, or "best day ever" types of experiences. Reflecting on these moments are just as important.

This does not mean youth should think about all the negative things that happened in 2024 and become saddened or angry, instead, this is their chance to view them as a learning opportunities. This is also a great place to start when setting one's new year goals.

In 4-H, reflection is important to the success of every 4-H'ers experience whether it be at the county fair, in their club meetings, or during 4-H program or event. For example, maybe there was a 4-H project that didn't work out this year and it wasn't brought to the fair. Or maybe youth didn't get the ribbon they had anticipated getting. It could even be as simple as youth missed out on a 4-H opportunity due to schedule conflicts. Take a moment to reflect on what it was that prevented youth from meeting the expectations they had. It may be surprising that what once was a "negative experience" is now a "how can I do better?" learning opportunity.

When a 4-H'er reflects on the moments that did not go as planned there is so much growth that happens. See the 3 examples below:

Did the 4-Her run out of time creating a 4-H exhibit? The 4-H'er learned how important time management is.
Did the 4-H'er not have the right supplies? The 4-H'er learned the how having the proper tools and supplies is critical to the success of a project.
Was the 4-H'ers judging experience more difficult than expected? The 4-H'er learned to better prepare for the next judging experience.

When 4-H youth are encouraged to reflect on the good, the bad, and the ugly, we are helping them become resilient problem solvers who are determined to "make the best better".

As your family reflects on 2024, what moments will be remembered as the "ah ha!", "I learned...", and "if I could get a redo I would..." experiences? Their answers may surprise you!

Happy Holidays,

Caitlyn and Sandra

IMPORTANT - Don't forget to Read...

The image is a promotional graphic with a yellow background and multiple layers of text and imagery. At the top, there is a green rectangular shape with rounded corners containing the text "New Member Resources" in large, bold, white letters, giving it a prominent appearance. Below the green rectangle is a white clover emblem with four leaves. Each leaf contains a green capital letter "H." Slightly overlapping the bottom of the clover is the inscription "18 USC 707." At the bottom of the image, there is the text "University of Minnesota Extension" in white capital letters, with "University of Minnesota" in a smaller font and "EXTENSION" in a larger, bolder font.

Welcome New 4-H Members and Volunteers!

Are you new to 4-H or just want to refresh your knowledge on what 4-H has to offer? Check out the New Member Resources Folder, (z.umn.edu/JacksonNewMemberResources) where you can find a great outline of the program, requirements, important dates, and much more!

Interested in finding a community 4-H Club? Here are all 7 of the Jackson Co. 4-H clubs and the contact info: z.umn.edu/Jackson4-Hclubs - "Shop" around, visit clubs at their next meeting and find the club that best fits you and your family's needs!

A new member packet should be in your mailbox a couple weeks after you have enrolled. If you have not received one, let the Extension Office know so we can provide you with the necessary info to get you started in Jackson County 4-H!

Re-enroll or Encourage a New Member to Enroll!

The new 4-H year began Oct. 1. In order to remain enrolled, you will need to show your family’s intent to participate by logging in to 4-H Online and reviewing, updating and submitting the following information. If you are NOT yet enrolled for the 2024-2025 year and participate in any 4-H program, meeting or event, you would not be covered by our program's insurance if an accident were to happen.

What does it mean to re-enroll??

Each year returning 4-H Members/ Families must update their contact and demographic information, including club, school and grade.
Make sure each family member's health and emergency contact information is also up to date.
Specify the 4-H youth's project areas of interest for this coming year. (this is SUPER important as it helps us know which youth are interested in what to better inform them about upcoming events related to that specific project area!!)
REMINDER - Parental consent is required for youth participating in shooting sports/wildlife programs.

You can login to 4-H Online to complete the re-enrollment process NOW!!

This guide has more information for new members and how to re-enroll.

The image features a bright yellow background, presented symmetrically. Centered at the top are bold green words in a curved style that read "Jackson County 4-H." Below this text, in the middle area, are two green four-leaf clovers, each with a white "H" on each of their leaves. These clovers are positioned diagonally from each other and connected by a black, dashed line indicating movement or connection. Towards the bottom, the words "Clover Connections" are written in bold green, following an upward curved path that mirrors the top text.

Clover Connections Events

Jackson County 4-H is asking all our community 4-H Clubs to take on hosting a monthly event for Cloverbuds and new 4-H families for the following months called Clover Connections. Here are the months clubs have chosen. Dates and times will be published here once Clubs provide them.

Jan. - Jackson 4-H Ambassadors - January 11, 2025 9:30-11 A.M. - RSVP form is now open so encourage new and considering families to attend: https://z.umn.edu/JanCloverConnections
Feb. - Delafield & Heron Landers
March - Rost-Sioux & Petersburg
April - Middletown
May - Enterprise
June - LaCrosse
July - all clubs will help host a County Fair 101 event with the Extension Office

Club and 4-H Member Information

Advisory Board and CHANGES to the Premium Auction Committee

Congratulations to the following 4-H Screened Volunteers who were elected into the Advisory Board positions:

Advisory Committee (3 year terms)

Janeen Ruby - representing the Middletown Livewires
Charlene Nelson - representing the Heron Landers

**IMPORTANT** -Changes made to the Auction Committee

Auction Committee is no longer a 3 year term commitment - ideally 1 adult representative from each of these clubs is encouraged to join this committee. We are also now inviting any YOUTH from the 7 4-H clubs to participate in this committee. Please let the office know by Nov. 30 if you would like to be on this committee as we are setting meeting dates for the 2024-2025 year. Here is the role description: z.umn.edu/JacksonAuCommRole

Clubs still needing adult representation:

If you are currently an Auction Committee member and would no longer like to serve on the committee please let the Extension office know before Nov. 30.

Enterprise Earners
Petersburg Willing Workers
Rost-Sioux Valley

Clubs still needing youth representation:

ALL seven 4-H Clubs - must be an enrolled 4-H member to be on the committee!

It is still mandatory that committee members are 4-H screened volunteers as this meets the requirements of the U of M Extension for adult volunteer leadership. See here for more information: https://z.umn.edu/4Hscreenedvolinfo

Jackson County 4-H Programs and Events

Jackson County 4-H Competitive Events: Deadlines, Consequences and Exemptions

Designed to assist 4-H families and staff in understanding state/county 4-H individual competitive event deadlines, consequences applied to each situation/deadline, and the use of the one-time exemption.

4-H at the Jackson County Fair - Information and Updates

The image is an announcement for the "Jackson 4-H County Fair Schedule." The background is white with green and black graphics and text. At the top, large green text reads "Jackson 4-H County Fair Schedule." Below the text on the left-hand side is a green four-leaf clover with a white "H" on each leaf, which is the emblem of 4-H. To the right of the clover is a black outlined calendar icon with six squares in the middle representing days and two rounded tabs at the top indicating the calendar binder. Next to the calendar icon is a black outlined clock icon showing a time of approximately 4:00.

Jackson County Fair Dates for 2025

**NEW DATES**

Tuesday, July 29 - Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025 - Jackson County Fair Dates for the public

Monday, July 28 - Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025 - Dates 4-H will be at the fair (entry day and clean up)

Monday Aug. 4, 2025 Jackson County Livestock Judging Contest

TBD - Presentation Day Judging (typically occurs before general project judging at county fair)

Please check back for the full schedule when it becomes available!

Animal Science Updates

Attention Livestock Youth Leaders (grades 6+)!

Now accepting applications for the 4-H animal science youth leadership team!

Do you know a young person that would be interested in furthering their involvement in 4-H animal science? Help us identify members for this exciting opportunity - a personal note of encouragement to apply goes a long way!

Youth leadership team members will work together to provide youth voice in 4-H animal science programming. 4-H youth in grades 8+ will have the opportunity to plan, implement and evaluate a variety of animal science programs while exploring their passions and practicing leadership skills. They will also serve as positive role models for Minnesota 4-H and animal science programs. Team members will network with peers, mentors, and industry professionals through a mix of virtual and in-person experiences.

Learn more and apply here: https://extension.umn.edu/statewide-4-h-news/apply-be-animal-science-youth-leadership-team

Applications deadline: Dec. 15.

Animal ID's and Specie Information

The MN 4-H Animal Science Team takes care of placing all ear tag orders and ensures they are delivered to all MN County Extension offices. Current information we have is that ear tags will arrive sometime in Mid December if not January. As a reminder - we WILL NOT be able to use the green (2024) cattle tags for the 2025 year. See here for more info: https://bah.state.mn.us/official-id

Please utilize this site to refer to eligible birthdates, ID deadlines, and requirements as we get closer to the first Animal ID deadline of Feb. 15, 2025 (MARKET BEEF - steers, market heifers and dairy steers): https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-projects/4-h-animal-id ***NOTE - as of 11/26/2024 the site has not been updated for the 2025 4-H show year - please keep this in mind and check back frequently as it gets updated. There will be more info sent out as it becomes available.

Contgrats to the General Livestock Judging Team!

The General Livestock Judging Team competed at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville Kentucky. There were 29 4-H teams that competed with over 100 youth participants.

Team Results:

6th sheep/goats

8th hogs

7th reasons

9th overall team!!!

Team members include: Sylvia C., McKade T., Tanner N., and Brooklyn R (Cottonwood 4-H'er).

Special thanks to the team's coaches: Jim Nesseth, Zach Post, and Josh Ulbricht for helping them since the beginning of their livestock judging careers.

For more information about joining the General Livestock Judging team, please contact the Extension Office.

Jackson County Volunteer and Committee Updates

Jackson County Committee Meeting Dates

If you or your club members were/are on the following committees for 2024-2025 4-H Year, below are tentatively scheduled dates for upcoming committee meetings. If you have been invited via a Google Calendar invite it is IMPORTANT you RSVP. Thank you!

Livestock Superintendents Committee - January 8 from 6:30 - 7:30 P.M. at the Jackson Middle School in Lakefield.

We are always in need of new members (youth and adult) for the following committees. Consider joining us at these scheduled dates:

*NEW this year - no longer need to be elected to this committee* - Auction Committee - January 6 from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Jackson County Extension Office.

General Project Committee - January 8, 2025 from 5:30 - 6:30 P.M. at the Jackson Middle School in Lakefield.

Food Stand Committee - January 13, 2025 from 5:30 - 6:30 P.M. at the Jackson County Extension Office.

Apply for Scholarships, Grants, and Awards!!

The image portrays a stylized award ribbon on a yellow background. The ribbon features a large, irregular circle at the top with wavy, zigzagged edges and two hanging ribbons extending downward. The entire ribbon motif is colored in purple. At the center of the circular portion, there is a smaller purple circle containing a four-leaf clover icon in white, with a vertical white line cutting through each leaf. Below the clover, the text "University of Minnesota Extension" is inscribed in white. At the bottom of the image, covering part of the ribbons, there is a purple rectangular block with the bold white text "Jackson County Awards."

4-H Awards and Recognition

Award Nominations are now open for the following awards.

These awards are either club nominations, or self nominations for all Jackson County 4-H Members. NOMINATIONS/APPLICATIONS ARE DUE Dec. 31, 2024

Jackson County Legacy Grant Fund Online Application - https://z.umn.edu/JacksonLegacyGrantApp

Downloadable paper copies available here: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCoAwardPDFs or at the 4-H Resource Station in the Extension Office.

More information and criteria for each award can be found here: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCoAwardsGuide

Lists of Past Winners can be found here: https://z.umn.edu/PastJacksonAwardWinners

DONT FORGET - there are plenty of 4-H awards, grants and scholarships available now or opening soon - Click the link below to see what is available to apply for and their deadlines.

4-H scholarships, grants and awards

Apply for scholarships, grants and awards available to college-bound 4-H members and alumni.

extension.umn.edu

Jackson County 4-H Bring it Back Scholarship

Looking for funding to assist with registration or participation costs for 4-H camps, workshops, education events, or other 4-H sponsored events? Submit a Bring it Back Form to request assistance!

Learn more and apply here: z.umn.edu/JacksonBringitBackgoogleform

A paper form is available on the Jackson County 4-H Website

How does it work?

The Jackson County 4-H Federation has allocated funds in our yearly budget to help offset some if not all costs for 4–H events, workshops, camps, etc.
The funds awarded will be up to 75% of the amount requested or as determined by the Jackson County 4-H Federation Budget overseen by the Jackson County Extension Educator, Youth Treasurer, and Adult Treasurer.
Those receiving funds are expected to give a short presentation to the 4-H Federation at the next available date or the January 4-H Federation Meeting, whatever comes sooner.. If members can’t attend, a written report shall be submitted.
Funds will be paid after the member attends the event and reports back their experience to the Jackson County 4-H Federation.
The Jackson County Extension Office will notify those applying if funds are available and their request is approved.
If funds are not available in the Federation Budget, the Extension Educator will propose to the Federation a change in budget allocations. The Jackson County 4-H Federation will then determine where the funds will be taken out to fulfill the request or deny the request.

Save These Dates

The image features a green four-leaf clover symbol, centrally positioned against a white background. Each leaf of the clover is shaped like a heart and contains a prominent white letter "H" in the center. The clover has a thin, curved stem at the bottom. Below the clover, the word "JACKSON" is written in bold, green, capital letters. There is a small text on the lower-right leaf of the clover, reading "18 USC 707."

Jackson County Extension Office Hours

During the interim Support Staff's time, the Jackson County Extension Office hours will be:

Monday 8 - 4:30
Tuesday 8 - 3:00
Wednesday 8 - 3:00
Thursday 8 - 3:00
Friday 8 - 4:30

**If you need to come to the office after 3:00 on Tues-Thurs, please call the office to make sure Caitlyn is not out programming or at meetings before you come.

The Jackson County Extension Office will be CLOSED on the following dates. If you need to pick up or drop off anything please plan to do so outside of these dates, or utilize the drop box now in FRONT of the office to the right of the front door!

December 24-26 - Winter Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day
January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jackson Co. 4-H Ambassador Meetings for Youth Grades 5 - 13!

What: Jackson 4-H Ambassador December and January Meetings - We will be planning the Clover Connections Kick-off Event for January 11 and planning our February and March ONLINE meetings.

When:

December 9 (Rescheduled from DEC. 1) at 6:00 P.M. RSVP here by Dec. 6: https://z.umn.edu/AmbieDecRSVP - This is now a ZOOM meeting! Link is provided in Google calendar invite.

January 6 at 6:30 P.M. RSVP here by Jan. 4: https://z.umn.edu/AmbieJanRSVP
February 3 at 6:30 P.M. ONLINE ZOOM MEETING - RSVP here by Feb. 1: https://z.umn.edu/AmbieFebRSVP

Location: JCC Middle School (January) Online (December and February)

Bring:

December: A lesson or activity you like to do that you can teach others.
January: Your plan for Clover Connections and ideas for educational speakers at the Feb. and March meetings
February: Writing Materials

Please RSVP by using the links above or emailing / calling the extension office.

We need at least 5 people to attend or the meetings will be canceled.

Advisory Board and Federation Meeting - January 27, 2025

Stay up to date with 4-H in Jackson County by reading the past agendas and the past meetings minutes.

Please encourage one adult and one youth to represent your club at the next Federation meeting happening Monday, January 27 at 7:30pm at the JCC Middle School in Lakefield.

Agenda can be found in the event date description on the Jackson County 4-H Google calendar (z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal) when ready.

Advisory Board meeting will take place at 6:30pm prior to the Federation meeting.

The image features a promotional graphic for the University of Minnesota Extension. The background is predominantly yellow with a section in green. At the top of the image is a white four-leaf clover emblem with the letter 'H' in green on each leaf. Below the clover emblem is the white text, "University of Minnesota Extension." There is a green rectangular section at the bottom with the white text, "Jackson Co. Dates and Deadlines," in bold font. The green rectangle has rounded corners.

Jackson County Important Dates and Deadlines

To stay up to date about deadlines, events and reminders please subscribe to the Jackson County 4-H google calendar: https://z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal

Sunday, November 17 at 5:30 P.M. - Jackson County Awards & Recognition Banquet - RSVP here: https://z.umn.edu/BanquetRSVP
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - Market Beef ID’s Due in 4-H Online
Thursday, May 15, 2025 - All Animal ID’s Due in 4-H Online
**NEW DATES** Tuesday, July 29 - Saturday, Aug. 2 2025 - Jackson County Fair
**NEW DATE** Monday, Aug 4, 2025 - Livestock Judging Contest in Jackson
August 21 - Sept. 1, 2025 - Minnesota State Fair
September 2025 - Fair Recap meetings with Superintendents and Committees

Get Involved throughout the State!

4-H Opportunities in the Southwest and Statewide

We've compiled a list of events and activities taking place in Southwest Minnesota and Statewide. Click the button below to explore all the options and ways to get involved in 4-H programs that spark your interest!

BLU

Join us for Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU): The Art of Leadership! Dive into hands-on activities that break down stereotypes, open minds to fresh perspectives, and spark creativity. Discover how art and mental wellness connect, make an impact through creative stations for local causes, and explore what true leadership means in today’s world.

Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) is a youth-led workshop for youth in grades 6 and up that strengthens leadership, communication, and relationship skills. BLU will be hosted in four different locations and all are overnight experiences:

Feb. 1-2, BLU at Camp Friendship, Annandale
Feb. 8-9 BLU at Redwood Area Community Center, Redwood Falls
Feb. 15-16 BLU at Camp Victory, Zumbro Falls
Feb. 22-23 BLU at Deep Portage, Hackensack

To learn more about BLU and register visit z.umn.edu/4-HBLU.

YELLO

Youth Exploring Leadership and Learning Opportunities (YELLO) is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7 and up that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors.

Our 2025 conference will include engaging and interactive activities. The conference will be held June 10-13, 2025 at the University of MN - Morris campus.

What happens at YELLO?

This annual event aims to engage youth in building leadership skills, developing positive relationships with peers and adults, and planning out how to take future action.

Activities include:

Leadership minor: Leadership lessons are led by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors throughout the event. Youth will explore leadership on personal, group, and societal levels.
Service and education: Participants engage in hands-on service to learn about civic responsibility while also making positive contributions to the community. This year’s service focus is on food insecurity.
Majors: Majors are one of the main educational components of the YELLO experience. Majors are opportunities for youth to do a deep dive into a project area of their interest. There are different major categories and each youth will choose a class where they will receive six hours of instruction over two days.
Social events: Youth will be able to network with each other and other attendees in fun ways. In the past, this has included talent shows, game nights, dances, etc.

Registration for YELLO will open April 1. The cost to attend YELLO is expected to be $300, with an additional fee for opting-in to ride the bus. Register for this event in 4-H Online. For assistance registering, refer to the event registration guide.

Find Local, Regional, and State Events HERE!

Statewide Clover Update Newsletter - December

Stay Connected with 4-H!

Contact and Follow Jackson County 4-H

Jackson County 4-H

607 S Highway 86, Lakefield, MN

Email: mnext-jackson@umn.edu

Phone: 507-662-5293

Website: extension.umn.edu/jackson

Follow us on Facebook

Jackson County 4-H Google Calendar: z.umn.edu/JacksonCo4HGoogleCal

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE 4-H APP!

Apple App Store - https://apps.apple.com/al/app/minnesota-4-h/id1478965229

Google Play Store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.minnesota4h.umn

Jackson County 4-H Remind Groups are GOING AWAY

Want text reminders about upcoming events, deadlines, or project area specific info?

Unfortunately there have been updates to the terms and conditions from the Remind App company. This means 4-H is not able to use Remind for free as we have been doing and if we want to continue then we would need to pay a subscription fee of close to $1000.

That being said, we are working on a solution so that families, youth and volunteers are kept in the loop and not overwhelmed by "all the emails".

Our Jackson 4-H App has the capability to join groups and receive text alerts. Since we already pay for the Jackson 4-H App it is important to start utilizing it to its full potential.

Please download the app and start joining the groups available. This is all new to us in the office to, so more info will be sent out as it becomes available.