January 2026 4-H Newsletter
Lac qui Parle County 4-H

Fruit and Butterbraid Fundraiser Starting Soon
Fruit and Butter Braid Fundraising is opening January 12th and closing on February 16th. The pick up will be at Madison Bottling Company. Paper copies of the sale sheets will be distributed by club leaders. Please watch for an email with a printable version of both forms. The online ordering platform will be available for sales of both butter braids and fruit starting the 12th.
What you need to know:
Payment methods:
Collect all payments at time of sale
- Cash
- Checks (made out to 4-H Club ex. Freeland Telestars, North Stars, Riverside Rockets, Silver Spurs)
- Credit cards (only through online platform)
Order deadline: February 16. Make sure all payments are in by this date. Have your sales done early? Feel free to submit before the deadline.
Thanks for all your hard work and dedication--you're what makes this community so special!
Please watch your email for further information and updates on this fundraiser!
Market Beef ID Due Tuesday, February 17
t’s time to start working on your Market Beef Project! Market Beef ID Deadline is Feb. 17. Also please look at this helpful guide for Beef Information 2026. To request an Animal Tag please fill out the Animal Tag Form.
2026 Animal Tag Form
NOW OPEN!
Animals needing tags:
-Market animals
-Commercial animals
-Prospect calves
If you have a questions of whether or not your animal needs a tag please reach out to the office or check the species information sheet for 2026.
Lac qui Parle County 4-H Livestock Pathway Application - NOW OPEN
Whether you don’t know where to start, are new to showing, or have never had the opportunity, this is your chance!
The Livestock Pathway Project gives youth hands-on experiences to learn about the livestock industry and showmanship. Participants work with local producers to lease or purchase a livestock species and get a positive, supportive start. Youth will work with their own animal, receive guidance through check-ins and local mentors, take part in showmanship learning experiences, and showcase everything they’ve learned at the fair. Click the link below to get started!
Link to downloadable application: https://z.umn.edu/2026LivestockPathwayApplication
Paper copies available at the Lac qui Parle County Extension Office.
Livestock Committee Meeting
Leader's Council Meeting
Help us find a Summer Intern!
New Facebook Page!
Please follow the "University of Minnesota - Lac qui Parle County 4-H" page for further posts and social media updates!
Spond App Notifications
Spond App Notifications
Please download the spond app and use the link below to register for the Lac qui Parle County 4-H notification system. Once we get more people enrolled we will be sharing updates, deadlines, and reminders through this app!
Upcoming Events..
Camp Counselor
Are you in grade 7 or higher and excited to be a 4-H Camp Counselor? Now’s your chance to apply! Applications are open, and we’d love to see you bring your enthusiasm and leadership to our camp team.
Camp Details:
Camp Dates: June 23-25, 2026
Counselor Arrival: June 22, 2026
Location: University of Minnesota Morris Campus
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026, by end of business day(online submissions only)
Mandatory Training: Tentatively a Saturday in April.
Counselor Types:
Director (Gr. 11+)
Camp Counselors (Gr. 7+)
Support Counselors( Gr. 7+)
We're looking for responsible, fun, and enthusiastic counselors to help create an amazing camp experience for all participants. If you’re interested, please fill out your application by clicking the link below:
For questions or more information, please contact Becca Golden, turnq069@umn.edu, Jacob Halper, halpe120@umn.edu or Kylee Sherod at shero018@umn.edu
We’re excited to review your application and can’t wait for an unforgettable 2026 Morris Regional 4-H Camp!
Other Events
Experience youth leadership and service in action at BLU
Register by Jan. 9 for Building Leadership and Understanding (BLU) this February! Youth in grades 6+ will get a chance to build leadership skills and complete meaningful service projects! Learn more and register.
4-H plant science: Ready, set, grow for 2026!
With fall in the air, it’s time to start dreaming and planning your next big plant science project for 2026! Bringing a sample for your exhibit next year? Plan ahead! Some projects need to be chosen in the fall or spring at harvest time. Don’t live on a farm? No worries! You can still dive into plant science by partnering with a local farmer. Build a connection, ask questions, and learn about how crops are grown straight from the source. Need inspiration? Check out the Minnesota 4-H plant science handbook and the plant science project resource guide to help your project take root and grow into something amazing for next year’s fair. Don't forget to use the 4-H plant science web page for more ideas and opportunities. Start your 2026 Minnesota 4-H plant science project journey today!
Participate in or coach Project Bowls in 2026
Coaches and 4-H'ers (grades 3+) interested in learning more about the Minnesota 4-H Project Bowl program should check out the website for dates, locations, rules, references and more! Get ready to learn more about your dairy, general livestock, horse, llama/alpaca, poultry and rabbit projects! Check out information for 2026 Project Bowls now! Learn more and register.
4-H plant science: Ready, set, grow for 2026!
It’s time to start planning your next big plant science project for 2026! Bringing a sample for your exhibit next year? Plan ahead! Some projects need to be chosen in the fall or spring at harvest time. Don’t live on a farm? No worries! You can still dive into plant science by partnering with a local farmer. Build a connection, ask questions, and learn about how crops are grown straight from the source. Need inspiration? Check out the Minnesota 4-H plant science handbook and the plant science project resource guide to help your project take root and grow into something amazing for next year’s fair. Don't forget to check the 4-H plant science web page for more ideas and opportunities. Start your 2026 Minnesota 4-H plant science project journey today!
Beyond the Fair Project Interests
There are many ways to continue learning in 4-H beyond County Fair! If you have any interest in participating in Livestock Judging, Horse Bowl, Crop Scouting or anything else please let me know! I am happy to look into it for you!
Volunteer:
Volunteers Make The World Go Around!
To learn more about becoming an official 4-H Volunteer please follow this link! Volunteers are needed in so many aspects of 4-H! Completing the Volunteer application is easy! https://extension.umn.edu/volunteer-4-h/apply-become-4-h-volunteer
Leah Thompson, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Email: thom8004@umn.edu
Website: https://extension.umn.edu/local/lac-qui-parle
Location: 930 1st Ave Madison, MN, USA
Phone: 320-598-3325
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/University-of-Minnesota-Lac-qui-Parle-County-4-H/61576096021802/
Twitter: @UMNExt
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