MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER

Minnesota 4-H livestock exhibitors can now complete the interview process needed to exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. All 4-H'ers that will exhibit livestock at the state fair (except dairy) are required to participate in this online livestock interview process. Because of Murray County's fast turnaround from county to state fair, we require Murray County 4-H youth to take the test prior to our fair. All Murray County Youth must have this interview completed by AUG 11. If you are unsure which specie, you will be taking to state fair be sure to complete all species livestock interviews.

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

All 4-H livestock exhibitors (except dairy) and Horse should select and complete their species' interview based on the grade completed in 2025.

Livestock interviews will include an educational podcast, followed by a 25-question quiz.

In Murray County 4-H due to the quick turnaround from County Fair to the state fair we require our youth to take this livestock interview prior to the county fair. If your youth intends to take a state fair trip if awarded, they need to complete this prior to Aug 11, 2025 If you are unsure which specie please take both interviews.

z.umn.edu/StateFairLivestockInterviews

We are in need of at least one female chaperone for the General State Fair Encampment Aug 24 - Aug 26. We can always take more chaperones. The federation supplies bussing to and from the fairgrounds, we pay for your entranced fees, lodging and meals. You get to help 4-H youth grades 6 - 12 grade find where they judge, check them in nightly and ensure they have a great experience at the state fair. If you are interested, please contact Kim asap.

New this year we will be enforcing stalling times for all livestock. They are listed in the premium list as well as multiple letters, emails and newsletters. If your livestock is late, you may lose the opportunity to patriciate in the ribbon auction.

Greet Fair goers, share about 4-H and the projects our youth can make. https://z.umn.edu/2025MC4Hbuilding

The Murray County Emergency Manager and local emergency services will be participating in a safety drill prior to the start of county fair and are looking for 35 -40 volunteers. In order to keep the integrity of the drill for the EMS workers, details shared prior to the event will be minimal. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Please contact Carl Nyquist at cnyquist@co.murray.mn.us to learn more or volunteer. Volunteers are needed to help our EMS workers stay current!

Murray County 4-H will be selling two livestock scales.

The first one is a small animal Smidley Analog. This scale will be listed at $150. Top weight is 400 lbs.

The second scale is also a small animal MoorMans digital Scale. This scale will be listed at $250. Since it is digital we were not heavy enough to reach top weight. Sorry. If you are interested, please contact Kim Hause by email. Please include, name, contact information and which scale (or both) that you are interested in. All interested parties that have responded by Aug 6, will be entered into a drawing and the new scale owners must pick up the scale on Sunday Aug 10 between 4:30 and 6:30 PM (during fairgrounds set up)

The 2025 Murray County Fair Premium List has been finalized and is ready for viewing! I have linked that document below, but if you are interested in getting a paper copy, please contact the Extension Office and we would be happy to get you one!

2025 Murray County Fair Premium List

We will be sending out a link to our fair registration site shortly!

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!

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

Are you looking for a great weekend activity for a young person in your family who is neurodivergent or who has a disability? This overnight family camp is a great place for youth with developmental or physical disabilities or neurological differences and their caregivers, parents and siblings. In other words, this is a camp for the whole family.

• Who: Youth with disabilities (neurodivergent, developmental or physical) and their families, including school age siblings enrolled in 4-H or adult siblings. Families will be housed together. Families will participate in some activities all together and there will also be activities planned for only youth, only youth with disabilities, only siblings and only adult caregivers. All youth grades 3-12 are welcome.

• Location: Camp Eden Woods, 6350 Indian Chief Rd, Eden Prairie, MN 55346

• Date: August 22-24, 2025

• Cost: $125/camper; caregiver’s stay is free.

• Additional Details: Registration closes on August 10, 2025

• Registration: Register on 4-H Online

• Contact: Betsy Minnaert, betolson@umn.edu, 612-670-4866

Llamazing Alpaca Explorers is a series of independent learning guides for youth in grades 3 and up to get to know llamas and alpacas. Each guide is designed for youth in grades 3 and up to be able to explore on their own, or with the help of a caring adult, through pictures, videos and hands-on activities. Project time: At your own pace

Part 1: Llama-Alpaca Body Bonanza, includes seven activity guides focused on llama/alpaca history and anatomy.

Part 1 Guide

New! Part 2: Llama-Alpaca Herds and Handling, includes four activity guides that teach you how to handle your llama-alpaca safely through pictures, videos and hands-on activities.

Part 2 Guide

Click Llamazing Alpaca Explorers page for more details!

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 https://z.umn.edu/MC4HAmbassador24-25

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

© 2023 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.