April Lyon County 4-H
Here is what’s new for Lyon County 4-H

April Federation meeting
The next Lyon County Federation meeting will be held on Monday, April 6, at 7 p.m. We will be discussing the fair items, identifying summer program offerings, and discussion the location of the July Federation meeting. If you would like something on the agenda, please let Sam (jens0593@umn.edu) know by April 3.
Join us for the Southwest MN 4-H Spring Wildlife Day 2026
Love the outdoors? Join the Southwest Minnesota 4‑H Spring Wildlife Day on April 11, 2026 at the Merit Center in Marshall. A whole day of wildlife activities perfect for all ages and skill levels. Sign up by April 3: https://z.umn.edu/SWMNSpringWildlifeDay
SW region shooting sports and wildlife coaches training
Spring 4‑H Shooting Sports and Wildlife coaches training is happening April 11, 2026, in the Marshall area. Build your skills in shotgun, wildlife, air rifle/pistol,or archery. Training runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. New to 4-H shooting sports coaching? An online training is required prior to attending this one day certification. All coaches must complete or have up to date Minnesota 4-H screened volunteer training. Please bring your lunch and a refillable water bottle. Use the link for full details and registration.
Redwood County 4-H multi species grooming and fitting event
Join Redwood County 4-H for a hands-on grooming and fitting fiesta on April 18 and 19, 2026.
Place: Birch Coulee Ranch 2026; 35480 675th Ave, Morton, MN 56270
Dates:
April 18 - Beef, Dairy, and Goat, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
April 19 - Sheep, Swine, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
-You may attend both days choose 1 species per day
Trainers: Wess Richey from Sullivan Supply and local grooming and fitting experts to help participants with the hands on portion of our day. Bring your own animal to groom or buddy up and share an animal for the ultimate learn-a-thon. With expert guidance from Wess Richey and local experts, you'll grasp the 'what' and 'why' and dive into the do.
Cost is $30, including lunch and snacks.
Registration: in your mn.4honline.com account under the events section. Search for Redwood County Please note: All communication will come to you through email. Please include the email address you often check.
Questions:
Adam Goblish, Redwood County 4-H Volunteer, 507-530-3386 or Stacy Johnson, Redwood County 4-H Staff, 507-637-4025 or skjohnso@umn.edu .
Send payments to Redwood County 4-H, PO Box 130, 403 South Mill Street, Redwood Falls, MN 56283.
Buds & Blooms Photo Workshop
Minnesota 4-H Photography is excited to offer a statewide floral and foliage photo workshop to youth in grades K-13.
The Zoom workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. Learn from MN 4‑H Photography Committee members Cora, Michele and MaryAnn as they guide you through creative, hands-on techniques to elevate your flower and foliage photography. Participants will explore ways to capture striking textures, vibrant colors, dramatic lighting, and unique perspectives that transform ordinary plants into captivating, eye‑catching images.
Find more information here: https://extension.umn.edu/event/buds-and-blooms-4-h-photography-workshop
Register at: https://budsandbloomsworkshop.4honline.com
Questions? Email fourhphoto@umn.edu.
Animal ID deadline May 15
All animals must be ID’d in 4-H Online by May 15. Check out the Animal ID information here
4-H Camp at Shetek
Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? 4-H Camp is the perfect way for youth to create, explore, and make new friends. This year’s camp will once again be held at Shetek Lutheran Ministries on the beautiful shores of Lake Shetek. Youth who have completed grades 3–6 are invited to choose from two exciting camp encampments, each offering two nights and three days of classic camp fun and hands-on learning.
What to Expect
This multi-county overnight 4-H Camp is packed with engaging educational sessions and traditional camp activities, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, outdoor games, team-building activities, campfires, storytelling, and more.
High school-aged 4-H camp counselors help guide campers throughout their experience, building connections and creating a welcoming environment. Campers stay in group cabins with peers of a similar age, and all meals and snacks are included.
Health, medical, and dietary accommodations can be made, please include this information during registration or connect with your local 4-H staff.
Audience
Youth completed grades 3-6 in spring of 2026
Camp Sessions
Encampment 1: Monday, June 22, 1:00 p.m. – Wednesday, June 24, 10:45 a.m.
Encampment 2: Wednesday, June 24, 1:00 p.m. – Friday, June 26, 10:45 a.m.
Registration: Lyon County 4-H pays 75% of the early bird registration rate after you attend camp
$150 per camper (Early Bird rate through May 10)
$175 per camper (Late registration May 11-29; t-shirt not guaranteed)
Registration opens March 2, 2026, and closes May 29, 2026.
Register online via 4-H Online. For help, check the event registration guide at z.umn.edu/4hEvent or contact your local Extension Educator.
Financial Assistance Available
4-H is committed to making camp accessible to all families. If financial support is needed, reach out to Sam jens0593@umn.edu at the Extension Office, we offer financial assistance for camp fees.
Bring a Friend. You don’t need to be a 4-H member to attend, just bring your sense of adventure. If you’re new to 4-H and not enrolling in the year-round program, simply create a 4-H Online account, select "In-Person Camp/Event" as your club, and choose any area of interest for your child. Once approved, you’ll receive instructions to complete camp registration.
Don't miss out on this exciting summer experience. Secure your spot at 4-H Camp 2026 today.
Accommodations
University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Plant Science opportunities for all youth grade 3 and above
Whether youth are just getting started or already growing their skills, there’s something for everyone.
What is crop scouting? Virtual info session
Curious what crop scouting is all about? Join us to learn more.
Wednesday, May 6, 5:00 p.m.
Sign up by May 5 to attend live or receive the recording
Junior crop scouting: Grades 3–5
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
2026 Lyon County Fair Schedule
Check out the fair schedule. This will help you with planning your showcase experiences this summer. z.umn.edu/LyonFairSchedule
Shooting Sports Program
Did you know that Lyon County 4-H offers shooting sports through the Sharpshooters project club? The sharpshooters offer BB gun (3 grade +), archery (3 grade +), air rifles, and air pistols (4 grade +),.22 rifles and 22 pistols (7 grade +), muzzleloading (7 grade +), and shotguns (7 grade +)
If you would like to learn more or participate, let the Extension Office or the Sharpshooters club leader know.
Here is a link to consent forms that parents need to sign for the use of firearms or air guns. Here is a link to the form if you would like to review it--Consent form
Stay up-to-date with the county calendar
2025-2026 Lyon County Calendar Dates for state wide events will be added when available.
Contact
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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