Clay County

IMPORTANT: There is a new late deadline policy for state-level events. This new policy is that there will be NO EXCEPTIONS for the deadlines listed in the document.

THe office will be doing our best to keep everone aware of upcoming Dates and Deadlines as time goes by. Below you can find the official document outlining the deadline policy.

https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-02/MC-04126.pdf

The booklets, definition sheets and answer sheets have been updated for the Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) Skill-a-thon and can be found at 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences Skill-A-Thon. The booklets work as a great resource if you want to print them and make them into flashcards. Updates have been made to the state contest. The state contest will consist of identification for Food & Cooking, Interior Design & Housing, and Sewing & Clothing (Beginners-10 items of each, Juniors-15 items of each, Seniors-25 items of each). Juniors and Seniors will also take a quiz. This event will be timed and will require participants to choose a time slot in FairEntry.

The Consumer Decision Making (CDM) Contest will return to the South Dakota State Fair for the first time since 2019. This contest will happen concurrently with the FCS Skill-a-thon on Sunday, Sept. 6 in Nordby Exhibit Hall. The CDM Contest is an opportunity for youth to demonstrate their ability to make sound purchasing decisions. The contest will consist of two judging classes and one set of questions for beginners, four judging classes and two sets of questions for juniors, and six judging classes and two sets of oral reasons for seniors. Judging classes will be chosen from the categories listed in the National Championship Consumer Decision Making study guide. The study guide may be accessed at https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/fcs/. Contestants may participate at any time during the posted hours of the contest and must register in FairEntry to participate. This event is not timed.

South Dakota 4-H will host a Beyond Ready training for 4-H families and volunteers on April 11, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. online and at various locations around the state. In-person meeting locations include Watertown, Mitchell, and Rapid City.

This training and event will be an opportunity for 4-H volunteers to learn about the Beyond Ready initiative and work with 4-H professionals to carry out the state’s strategic goals. Lunch will be included with registration.

Learn more and register at https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/south-dakota-4-h-beyond-

ready-training-volunteers-and-4-h-families.

Registration closes on Tuesday, April 7th.

We are excited to share that the 2026 State Horse Show Guide is now available on the Extension website. Please take a moment to review the guide. The State Horse Show contestant packet and scorecards will be available soon.

Link to State Horse Show guide: State Horse Show, Judging and Hippology

**Please note: To participate in the State 4 H Horse Show, youth must first compete in a county level 4-H horse show. They must enter the same classes at the county level that they plan to enter at the state level. No minimum ribbon placing is required, but participation in each class entered is mandatory. If a youth cannot attend their own county horse show, they may compete in another county’s show to meet this requirement.

Deadline for 2026 Horse Show is July 1 at 11:59 p.m. No late entries will be accepted.

Our County Horse show will be June 30, 2026.

The State Dog Show website has been updated with new score sheets, an updated project guide and updated skill-a-thon study guide. The Obedience section of the 4-H Dog Project Guide has been updated this year. All of the score sheets for obedience have also been updated. Please discard any old score sheets and use these. The Dog Skill-a-Thon Study Guide has also been updated with new areas to study. Go to State Dog Show (this website currently shows dates and locations from 2025, however the project guide, score sheets, and skill-a-thon study guide are all up to date) to access the updated information. The dog contestant packet will be posted soon.

Please note that the deadline to upload dog information in 4-H Online is June 1. Registration in FairEntry for either of the regional dog shows is Aug. 1. The Eastern Regional Championship is Aug. 15 in Mitchell, and the Western Regional Championship is Aug. 29 in Rapid City. The regional dog shows do not require a county qualifying event.

Our County Dog Show is July 21, 2026.

Protien Month helps kids understand the foods that help muscles grow and keep bodies strong! From eggs to beans to yogurt to chicken, kids learn fun, easy ways to cook protein-rich meals the whole family will enjoy.

Parents notice:

• Kids become more adventurous eaters
• Mealtime becomes a shared, positive experience
• Youth gain confidence preparing real meals

Protein = power! Find this month’s recipes at: https://extension.sdstate.edu/4-h-flavorful

Finished the activity? Scan the QR code to tell us how it went!

Titan Machinery along with SDSU will be hosting a Diesel camp for interested high school students this summer July 15-16th at Raven Precision Ag on the SDSU Campus. Students will meet and learn from industry professionals and collaborate and connect with other campers during this unique summer experience. If interested, please visit https://www.titanmachinery.com/titan-careers/student-programs/student-camps for more information.

Titan International has opened it’s application process for 4-H or FFA members that are

interested in the restoration of antique tractors. Those that qualify could receive a donation

of front and rear antique tractor tires. More information on this unique program can be

found here: https://www.titan-intl.com/antique-tractor-restoration

When: April 7th 7:00pm CT

Who: Jason Schuber, JM Davis Arms & Historical Museum

We will take a look at some of the different, seldom talked about, firearms of the Old West

and why we are unfamiliar with them

National 4-H Western Heritage Winter Webinar Series.

January 4-H Western Heritage Winter Webinar “Dressing Your Best in the Old West” by Karla Knoepfl, Senior Extension Specialist, Oklahoma State University:

https://arizona.zoom.us/rec/share/bapfeJfjB2NH12xi7FhNZDf45dENS3tiyprg15gIVmbId7

pLBBl0TQDzd7rvQse3.vswglnqSR2vEZ1Wk

The link and upcoming schedule are now posted at: www.4-hwesternheritageproject.org under the Youth Activity Guide Companion tab.

Each year, the written exam topics for Juniors and Seniors at the State Horticulture Skill-a-thon rotates. Test questions come from the National Junior Horticulture Association (NJHA) study guides. The topics for 2026 Horticulture Skill-a-thon exams will be as follows:

Juniors: Garden Flowers & Fruit and Nut Production

Seniors: Managing Trees and Shrubs & Vegetables

Study guide links and the Horticulture Skill-a-thon Handbook for 2026 have not yet been updated on the State Fair tab of the Extension website but should be shortly. All of this information will be found in the YIA section of the State Fair Landing Spot soon. The link to all study guides can be found under the “Study Manual” heading at the following link: https://www.njha.org/horticultural-id-and-judging-study-materials-2.html. Here is a Horticulture Tip Sheet that was put together to help answer common questions.

In December, a committee was formed to address the decreasing involvement in particular Youth in Action state-wide contests. After carefully considering different options, the Clover Classic Committee is excited to announce the 2026 Clover Classic which will take place Monday, June 15 - Tuesday, June 16 in Brookings, South Dakota.

This event will host the national qualifying contests for livestock judging and livestock Skill-A-Thon and will also host a wide array of Youth in Action contests for 4-H’ers from across the state. Please see the TENTATIVE schedule below for information about how the event will be structured. Schedule and events offered may be subject to change. As the planning for the Clover Classic continues, be on the lookout for a contestant packet, volunteer needs, registration information and other announcements in the coming months.

• South Dakota State University Extension is co-hosting the event with the Butte and Lawrence county conservation districts, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the South Dakota Society for Range Management. The contest is for FFA and 4-H youth who are interested in learning more about rangeland or soils.

• In the Soil Days contest, youth will learn about soil texture and types, factors that limit soil health, land management recommendations, and understanding suitability for building infrastructure.
• For the Rangeland Days contest, youth can compete in three categories: display, talk, and judging. There are four age divisions: New Rangers (ages 8-10), Wranglers (11-13), Scouts (first-time attendees ages 14-18) and Go Getters (youth 14-18 with previous experience). Participants will learn about plant identification, ecological sites, and how to determine suitability for cattle and wildlife.

Who is this event for?

• Rangeland Days is for youth age 8-18 and educates them on South Dakota’s most- threatened natural resource – grasslands.
• Soil Days is for 14-18-year-olds and educates them on one of South Dakota’s most important resources – soil.
• Combined, the event provides 4-H and FFA youth with hands-on experience in understanding rangeland resources and a sense of stewardship in natural resource management. Don't be shy if your students haven't attended before. There is room for all levels of understanding!

Who do I contact with questions?

• Kaylee Wheeler, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist, at Kaylee.Wheeler@sdstate.edu
• Emily Rohrer, NRCS State Rangeland Management Specialist, at Emily.Rohrer@usda.gov
• For soil days specific questions: Lance Howe, NRCS Soil Scientist, at Lance.Howe@usda.gov

If youth are unable to attend either camp, private appointments can be set up. To schedule please email mytimelessday@gmail.com or call (402)518-0220

Join us for the 2026 SD 4-H Photography Challenge. Open to all youth 8-18

Goal 1: Learn and sharpen your photography skills

Goal 2: Create a photo that is ready for Achievement Days

Goal 3: Have fun and connect with industry professionals across SD!

Sign up here: Start Date Jan. 15 – 2026: https://forms.gle/ctojgUeSA5b2fnVg9

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes loans to youth to establish and operate agricultural income-producing projects in connection with 4-H clubs, FFA and other agricultural groups. Projects must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience. The maximum loan amount is $10,000.

Youth Loan Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a citizen of the United States (which includes Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) or a legal resident alien
• Be 10 years to 20 years of age
• Comply with FSA’s general eligibility requirements
• Conduct a modest income-producing project in a supervised program of work as outlined above
• Demonstrate capability of planning, managing and operating the project under guidance and assistance from a project advisor. The project supervisor must recommend the youth loan applicant, along with providing adequate supervision.

For help preparing the application forms, contact your local County USDA Service Center or

visit fsa.usda.gov

The 4‑H Youth in Action (YIA) program celebrates young people who are creating real change in their communities. This national program amplifies the stories and leadership of 4‑H youth, showcasing how 4‑H has shaped their lives and equipped them to impact others.

Four Award Winners will receive a(n):

• $5,000 scholarship for higher education, paid directly to the institution, including two‑year and four‑year colleges, trade schools, or other advanced learning opportunities.
• Year of professional and media development, training, networking, and national opportunities to serve as a spokesperson and thought leader.
• All expenses paid trips for each award winner and a chaperone to attend national events.
• Official reference letter from a National 4‑H Council leader for educational or career purposes.

If you know a young person whose work deserves recognition, encourage them to apply today and share their story with a national audience!

It may be past the "prime" time to join or re-enroll, but 4-H is open to anyone at any time!

Use the link to sign in 4-H Online (https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in) for the 2025/2026 4-H Year!

The State 4-H Office sends out an Everything Friday Message that is sent out every week.

If you are interested in signing up to this Listserv, please send them this link:

https://sdstateoira.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9STL1XLiYOpmlPE

Save the Date for Summer Camp 2026! Registration opening soon for the following camps:

• Lake Poinsett – Ages 8-12 - June 7-10
• Going Beyond – Ages 12-14 - June 10-12
• Storm Mountain – Ages 8-12 - June 14-17

New for Summer 2026

• Teen Adventure Camp @ Storm Mountain – Ages 15-18 - May 31-June 3

March 1 - Fruit Sales End

March 11 - Fruit Delivery Day

June 30 - Clay/Union/Yankton County Horse Show

July 8 - Lennox Special Foods

July 13-15 - State Horse Show

August 12-15 - Clay County Fair and Achievement Days

Office Hours Monday through Friday 8-5 (closed over noon hour)

-Laurie Fritsch

4-H Educator

-Rali Sykes

4-H Administrative Assistant

Email: clay.county@sdstate.edu
Website: https://www.claycountysd.org/extensionoffice4h.cfm
Location: 515 High Street, Vermillion, SD, USA
Phone: 605-677-7111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19jWQKEPVq/