June Lyon County 4-H

Did you miss the March LQA&E training? To be eligible to participate in the state fair, youth must have an active LQA&E or YQCA certification prior to the county fair. If you have questions about your certification status, please contact the Extension Office. The training location is the Extension Office. There will need to be a minimum of 5 registered participants per level to hold the training.

Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics (LQA&E) certification is a three-hour, in-person training that is valid for three years.

June 29, levels 1 And 2, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.

To register: z.umn.edu/LyonLQAE

4-H has been an incredibly important part of my life for the past 12 years. Through it, I’ve had the opportunity to explore a wide range of projects, including shop, STEM, and youth leadership. I was also involved in both the dairy and horse projects, which gave me the chance to travel across the state and even the country. I am truly grateful for everything 4-H has given me, and I’m excited to continue my journey this summer as part of Lyon County 4-H.

This summer, 4-H members in grades K-12 can turn everyday trash into treasure with the exciting new Upcycle Your Summer project kit. Each kit provides everything needed to complete three creative upcycling activities, including step-by-step guides with photos, basic supplies to get started, reflection pages, and tips for exhibiting at the fair.

Participants will explore sustainability and creativity by transforming recycled materials into useful or artistic projects. Members simply supply common household items such as plastic bottles, cardboard, jars, and any extra decorations they’d like to use. Designed with all ages in mind, the activities include simpler options for younger members and more challenging extensions for older youth.

Register by June 11

z.umn.edu/UpcycleYourSummer4-HProjectKit

Join us on Thursday, August 6 at 1:00 p.m. for a fun 2½-hour fishing class with Mike Frisch from the ZEBCO School of Fish. Kids (grades 1 and up) will learn about fish, lakes, knot tying, and how to fish with a slip-bobber.

Each student gets their own ZEBCO rod and reel, tackle box, hat, and workbook to take home Over a $50 value. Grade 1-3 Need a adult present.

Cost $10

Location: Independence Park picnic shelter

To register: z.umn.edu/Lyon4HSchoolofFish

Mark your calendars for July 13 from 7-9 p.m. for our countywide pool party, which will take place at the Tracy pool (with food and swimming provided by the federation through your fundraising). The whole family is invited to attend.

• Whether youth are just getting started or already growing their skills, there’s something for everyone.

  Tuesday, July 28

  A beginner-friendly experience with hands-on activities like plant, weed, and pest ID—perfect for building curiosity and confidence.

  • Held alongside the Crop Scouting Challenge

  • Registration: May 1 – June 15

  4-H/FFA crop scouting challenge: Grades 6+

  July 28

  Youth work in teams to identify weeds, insects, diseases, and field issues in real crop settings.

  • Optional overnight experience (July 27) with educational workshop + hotel accommodations available

  • Registration: May 1 – June 15

  4-H crop scouting summer field days: Grades 3+

  Hands-on field experiences across the state—great for families and youth of all abilities!

  • Lamberton: July 7

  • Rosemount: July 15

  • Crookston: July 15

  • Registration: May 1 – June 30

  
  

  
  

Check out the fair schedule. This will help you with planning your showcase experiences this summer!. z.umn.edu/LyonFairSchedule

We are calling all 4-H Seniors. Wouldn’t an extra $250 be awesome for your first year of college or Vocational-Technical College? Take a couple of minutes to apply for the Ribbon Auction Scholarship. All recipients must be present at the ribbon auction on August 15 to receive their scholarship. Check out the Scholarship application .

We have project resource books available at the Extension Office. These resources will guide you through beginning a new project and can help you further develop and elevate current projects. We have created a "library" for our resources. Please browse the library and contact the office to borrow a resource, or we will scan and email it to you. If you are interested in additional resources, please refer to the 4-H Mall.

Beginning in 2026 fair goers will have the opportunity to vote on a Community Choice Award During the fair. Awards for each main project area in the general building. For example, the Industrial Technology category will include both wood shop and metal shop projects. All grade levels will be combined into one group (there will not be separate awards by age/grade). At the end of the fair, the votes will be tallied and the youth selected as the winner in each project area will receive a bonus premium of $50 that will be recognized and given at the Annual Round Up Awards Banquet.

Would you like to show your 4-H pride? We will have 4-H family signs and “Join 4-H” signs available soon. Please reach out to Sam or Aimee to get signed up for one. Signs are limited so get on the list quickly.

Also, if you have a high school senior in your household, we have a 4-H senior sign for you. Stop by the office to pick up your sign-up today.

Local Staff:

Sam Jens, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Lyon County

jens0593@umn.edu or 507-532-8219 ext 2

Aimee Powers, Support Staff, Lyon County

power684@umn.edu or 507-532-8219 Ext. 1

Email: mnext-lyon@umn.edu
Website: extension.umn.edu
Location: 500 Fairgrounds Road, Marshall, MN, USA
Phone: 507-532-8219
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UofMNExt
Twitter: @UMNExt

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