MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER

Another year of wonderful memories, great youth, families and Volunteers. So many smiles, laughter, and trying new things. The Murray County 4-H Staff would like to say thank you to all of our 4-H youth, families, volunteers, fair board. We really do have a wonderful 4-H community that we are so proud to be a part of.

Feel free to check out all of the winners and photos located on our google drive. The photos that are labeled are those that took top in their class, division or specie, the rest of the amazing photos will be labeled as time allows.

https://z.umn.edu/2025MURRAYCOUNTY4HJUDGINGRESULTS

https://z.umn.edu/2025countyfairphotodrive

Murray County 4-H members and volunteers are encouraged to set goals each year to help with growth in our 4-H program. Use the attached forms to set your goals - all goals entered will be rewarded at the annual awards banquet this fall. Goals are due October 4, 2025.

https://z.umn.edu/membergoals2025

https://z.umn.edu/Volunteergoals2025

Murray County 4-H members are encouraged (but not required) to complete a record of each project area they participated in throughout the year. It is a great way to track your learning and growth throughout the years. All completed records will be rewarded at the annual awards banquet. Records are due October 4, 2025.

This form helps share information regarding leadership, finances, club meetings and goals for each club. There is a paper copy in each club mailbox and we can mail that out if you prefer. Please reach out with any questions or assistance. We are happy to help.

Club Charter (with funds) - print

Club Charter (without funds) - print (llama/alpaca for Murray County)

Youth are invited to join us for the 4-H Animal Science on Wheels: Livestock tour – a unique opportunity for youth in grades 7+ to learn about the livestock industry, with farm stops throughout southwestern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. This 3-day, 2-night experience runs from Oct. 16-18, and will give young people the opportunity to explore the general livestock landscape! Youth will stay overnight in a hotel with adult chaperones and be transported via motorcoach, all for $150. The tour begins in St. Cloud with pick-ups in Willmar, Marshall and Pipestone.

During this tour, youth will have the chance to explore the livestock industry with tour stops at SDSU in Brookings, several cattle and sheep operations, a veterinary clinic, a meat processing facility, and more!

We have an app available that provides easy access to all things Murray County 4-H and Fair season!

Please take the time to download and utilize for access to show programs, stalling survey, Foodstand menu and so much more!

Available in the Apple App Store or Google Play! Search 'Minnesota 4-H' to download!

Fall adventures await at Southwest MN 4-H Fall Wildlife Day 2025! Youth in grades 3-12, join us for sessions on fishing, trapping, and outdoor photography. Sharpen your skills in wildlife and outdoor pursuits-counts toward shooting sports hours too. Saturday, Oct 4 at Talcot County Park, Dundee. Register early by Sept 30 for $25 (adults free). Opens Sept 15 on 4hOnline. Bring water bottle, lunch, and weather gear. Details: z.umn.edu/4HEventRegistrationGuide.

4-H Clubs are invited to participate in the annual Murray County Museum's 2025 Holiday Open House at the Dinehart Holt House. Each club or group that participates decorates a tree (that is provided by the museum). This year's theme is Hunting for the Holidays! Feel free to contact the museum staff directly if your club is interested.

Are you stepping into a role supporting 4-H clubs next year? Do you want to learn alongside other volunteers and receive quality resources and tools to support your club? Then, plan to attend our new club leader orientation webinar.

This 75-minute online training is open to Minnesota 4-H volunteers, potential volunteers and youth leaders as part of our statewide volunteer development webinar program. While the content is geared towards new club leaders, anyone providing leadership and support to a 4-H members' experience will benefit from the material.

Session offerings

For flexibility, we have two available dates to choose from. The content will be the same for both sessions.

• Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m.

During the session, you will gain

• An overview of club volunteer roles and how to build a volunteer team.
• An understanding of the nuts and bolts of 4-H clubs.
• Strategies to design the essential elements for thriving clubs.
• Resources to use and next steps that can support you in the growth of your 4-H club.

For questions or to gain more information, reach out to your local Extension educator or contact Jeremy Freeman, volunteer systems director, at jeremyf@umn.edu.

https://umn.zoom.us/meeting/register/SPqTxWoHSUmzuNPXpuzBrQ#/registration

With a new year, that means new scholarship opportunities are available for high school seniors and college students. Please take the time to check out the scholarship site, to learn about upcoming opportunities this spring.

Need activity ideas for your 4-H club? Check out our Youth Development Curriculum Library for fun, educational lesson and activity resources designed for youth workers, 4-H volunteers, and youth themselves! 86 resources and counting! More content is added every month. Current categories: Animals and livestock, civic engagement and leadership, Cloverbuds (K - 2), environment and earth science, expressive arts and communication, family and consumer science, gardening and agriculture, healthy living, icebreakers, games, and reflection activities, including youth of all abilities, independent learning, outdoor adventures, STEM, and themed 4-H club agenda samples. If you have specific content you’d like to see, contact Jessica Russo at pier0239@umn.edu.

Please take a moment to download or print the 2024 - 2025 Murray County 4-H calendar.

Join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors! We meet typically once a month for leadership opportunities, youth engagement, ambassador outings and service projects. Youth grades 8 and up are invited to join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors. Fill out the attached link

https://z.umn.edu/MCAmbassador

First Ambassador Event for the 2025 - 2026 year will be our Feed a Farmers Event October 5 from 3 - 5 pm. More details to follow

looking to volunteer with Murray County 4-H Contact the Extension staff at 507-836-6927

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County

📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1144 ✉️hausek@umn.edu

SLAYTON, MN 56172

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

University of Minnesota Extension, Murray County

📍2848 BROADWAY AVE 📞(507)-836-1145

✉️thoms531@umn.edu

SLAYTON, MN 56172

Administrative Assistant, Murray County Extension

📍2848 Broadway Ave 📞 507-836-6927 ✉ carl5049@umn.edu

Slayton, MN 56172

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