Sibley County 4-H Newsletter

The Sibley Zoological Garden is Scheduled to open in February of 2026. Human Resource Representatives will be conducting interviews on Monday, January 26, 2026 at the Sibley County Service Center in Gaylord starting at 4:00 p.m. The following positions are available. Seniors can interview for a job of their choice, they don’t need to apply for one of the following jobs. Seniors also need to bring a resume. NOTE: Register for an interview time by calling or emailing the Extension Office at 507-237-4100 by Friday, January 23. Interviews will be held at 10 minute increments.

Animal Keeper/Trainer Looking for a responsible person to monitor the health and wellbeing of animals. Duties include preparing and distributing food, checking animals for signs of illness, cleaning enclosures, keeping records, and training animals. This person may also need to answer questions asked by the public and ensure that zoo visitors behave responsibly toward the exhibited animals. Applicant should have experience working with and training animals and good observational and record keeping skills.

Educational Programs Assistant Person needed to assist Educational Programs Instructor with zoo classes and animal demonstrations for children varying in age from preschool to college. Responsibilities include communicating with students, handling live animals safely, and answering questions. May also travel in a zoo van to present outreach programs at schools and care centers. Experience with animal handling and teaching/public speaking a plus.

Gardener/Landscape Architect Person needed to care for the zoo’s plants and trees. Duties include planning what plants to use for each area, growing plants in the greenhouse, planting, weeding, and trimming bushes, hedges, and plants. Gardener will harvest many plants to be used to feed the animals, water all plants utilizing irrigation systems, hoses, or by hand, and operate mower and weed whipper.

Journalist Creative person needed to record plant and animal collections through photographs, videos, and published articles. Duties include gathering information from all departments at the zoo and publishing articles for the zoo newspaper, brochures, and website. Must possess skills in writing, photography, and computer usage and a strong interest in researching both plants and animals.

Shop Staff 1) Mechanic needed to maintain and repair zoo vehicles and equipment. If it has wheels and/or a motor, you will be responsible for repairing it. Applicant should have a mechanical ability and automotive and welding experience. 2) Carpenter needed to work in construction and maintenance of zoo exhibits. Will design, build, and maintain all wooden structures throughout zoo. Must be familiar with tools and possess basic skills in carpentry.

Food Service Staff 1) Cook’s assistant needed to help with the planning and preparation of meals in the zoo’s restaurant and for catered events. 2) Counter Workers needed at the zoo’s cafeteria and concession stands. Duties include taking orders, serving food, cleaning. Applicants for these positions are outgoing and willing to work hard. Previous experience not required but should have be comfortable working with the public.

Visitor Assistance Officer Person needed to operate and manage admission booth, greet guests, scan tickets, hand out maps, and answer questions. Creates first contact with visitors so must possess a good attitude.

Federation Meeting

The next Federation Meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sibley County Service Center. Please plan on having EVERY club represented. REMEMBER - EVERY club that has a representative at ALL five Federation Meetings will receive a pizza party. The Federation Delegates are the link between the clubs and Federation. We will be asking each club delegate to give a brief update on your club’s happenings. If you can’t make it, please try and find a replacement!

PDC Meeting

The Animal PDC Committee (Beef, Dairy, Dog, Goat, Horse, Llama, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine) will be meeting to discuss these project areas on Thursday, January 15 starting at 7:00 p.m. in the Sibley County Service Center. If you have any ideas and would like to be part of the committee, please join us!

Winter Weather Check

It is again that time of year. Inclement weather is upon us! If the weather causes cancellations or postponements of 4-H events, listen to one of the following local radio stations: KDUZ - Hutchinson 320-587-2140 and KNUJ - New Ulm 507-359-2921. If any of the county schools are canceled or have an early out due to weather, the evening county-wide 4-H events are canceled. You can also check our Facebook Page!

Project Bowl is a long-standing program in Minnesota 4-H and the second-most attended event of the year (next in line to the State Fair). In Project Bowl, teams of 3-6 youth build skills working and thinking together while testing their knowledge in these 4-H areas: Dairy, Dog, General Livestock, Horse, Llama/Alpaca, Poultry and Rabbit. All Project Bowl information can be found on the Minnesota 4-H Project Bowl website (z.umn.edu/4-HProjectBowl). The site has been updated with the newest information for the 2026 Project Bowls. On the site you will find the new rules, reference lists, regional locations and more.

Last year Sibley County had five teams in general livestock, one dairy team, two rabbit teams and three poultry teams. We are currently forming teams to start practicing for the regional and state competitions that are coming up in March and April. If you are interested in joining a team or starting up a team in one of the other project areas, please reach out to Connie or Joleen.

Poultry had their first practice on December 13 at Elbert's farm and will be scheduling more. The Dairy, General Livestock and Rabbit will have their first practice to form teams on January 4, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Courthouse Basement. Please bring your calendars so we can set future practice dates and upcoming competitions.

Cloverbuds are welcome to attend practices also to start learning, but will not be able to participate in competitions yet. Instead, 4-H has something called Bowling 101 that is open to anyone that is new to project bowl (Cloverbuds and regular 4-Hers). It is an online format so they can see what it is like to be in Project Bowl, but more at their level. Here is a link with more details for Bowling 101.

Beef Weigh In

Central identification for market beef and dairy steers will take place on SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026 from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. The weigh-in will take place at the Andy Cohrs Farm, in rural Glencoe. The snow date is February 1, 2026! The Beef Weigh In is optional, BUT if you want to be considered for Rate of Gain - you MUST have your market beef animal identified on this date . If you can not make it this date, please call our office at 507-237-4100. Remember: ALL Market Beef ID’s are due February 17 in 4-H Online! The required ear tags will be available on the 18th!

BLU-Bloom into Leadership

Looking for a way to help your child build confidence and leadership skills? BLU (Building Leadership and Understanding) is a hands-on workshop hosted by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors for youth in grades 6 and up. Participants will learn communication strategies, practice conflict resolution, and engage in service projects focused on Disaster Relief & Emergency Response. No prior leadership experience is required — just curiosity and a willingness to learn! Bloom into Leadership and register today: https://z.umn.edu/4-HBLU

Spring Fundraiser

The Sibley County 4-H Federation will once again be selling fruit. We will be asking ALL 4-H members to participate. Fruit order forms and more information will be mailed out to individual families in January. Fruit delivery will be set for later in March 2026.

Movie Night

Watch your email and Facebook/Instagram Pages for an upcoming “Movie Night” at the Arlington Theatre. Ambassadors will be sponsoring this fun event. We will be paying for the movie and popcorn.

Events Through 4-H Online

There are many great events coming up that you can register for through 4-H online. Just log into your family profile and click on events. Check back often, items are always being added. Remember if there is a cost to the event, that the Sibley County Federation has scholarships available to reimburse a portion of the cost.

Project Deadlines

Project Drop/Add Deadline: The project drop/add deadline is May 15. Please make sure to add your project areas in 4-H online.

Animal Science ID Deadline: The Animal Science ID Data Entry by February 18 (for market beef) and May 15 (for all others).

Sibley County 4-Hers are eligible for this award. About the award:

The Lakeview Livestock Legacy Scholarship is supported by an endowment held at the University of Minnesota Foundation on behalf of Minnesota 4-H. The Schmidt family established this endowment in 2025 to help families who, due to financial or personal hardship, may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in animal projects at the Sibley County Fair by covering expenses such as rental, purchase, feeding, care, or transportation of an animal. The Schmidt Family will connect the scholarship recipients with a mentor farm or family to assist them throughout the time leading up the County Fair.

Each year, up to $1000 will be awarded to scholarship recipients. Amounts will vary based on the number of applicants and desired species. Recipients may only receive the scholarship one time per species. Applications are due March 1st each year. Please reach out to the Extension Office for a copy of the Scholarship Application or if you have any questions.

January 1, 2026 - New Year's Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office closed)

January 4, 2026 - Project Bowl practice @ 2:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Court House

January 15, 2026 - PDC Committee meeting @ 7:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Service Center

January 18, 2026 - Beef Weigh In @ noon - 2:00 p.m. at Andy Cohrs Farm

January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office closed)

January 26, 2026 - Job Interview Contest, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Service Center

January 26, 2026 - Federation Meeting @ 7:00 p.m. at the Sibley County Service Center

February 16, 2026 - President's Day Holiday (Sibley County Extension Office Closed)

February 17, 2026 - Market Beef and Diary Steer ID Deadline

Job Interview Contest Job Interview Contest

Upcoming Meetings Upcoming Meetings

Federation Meeting

PDC Meeting

Winter Weather Check

2026 Project Bowls 2026 Project Bowls

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events