MURRAY COUNTY 4-H NEWSLETTER

Looking for an unforgettable summer experience? Youth who have completed grades 3–6 are invited to attend 4-H Camp at Shetek Lutheran Ministries, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Shetek in southwest Minnesota.

Campers can choose between two encampments:

• Encampment 1: June 22–24, 2026

• Encampment 2: June 24–26, 2026

Each session includes two nights and three days filled with outdoor adventure, educational workshops, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, team-building activities, and classic campfire fun.

High school-aged 4-H camp counselors provide leadership and guidance throughout camp. Campers stay in age-based cabins, and all meals and snacks are included.

More information can be found at z.umn.edu/4HCampShetek26. Registration will be open March 2 - May 29, 2026, on camplakeshetek.4honline.com.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity for youth to unplug, build confidence, and make lasting friendships!

Sharpen your skills before county fair by attending the Murray County 4-H Horse Pleasure Clinic!

Clinician: Kathy Johnson

- Kathy’s focus is on developing youth, not just riders. By teaching horsemanship through the lens of developing the rider’s ability to identify a problem, break it down and find a solution for solving it is the key to being a good horseman, not just a good rider.

Topics Covered:

• Showmanship
• Horsemanship
• Western Pleasure
• Ranch Riding
• Ranch Pleasure
• Trail
• English Equitation
• English Pleasure

Deadline to Register: May 1, 2026

For more information, please view the brochure linked in the Murray County 4-H Horse Clinic Folder

Contact Jody Jackels if you have questions or would like to register! Spots are limited!

📲(507)-626-1591

💻 jjackels@outlook.com

A new and exciting opportunity is available to youth who are interested in learning more about the games portion of the horse project area, we encourage you to attend the Murray County 4-H Horse Gaming Clinic!

Clinician: Trinity Beauvais

Topics Covered:

• How to help your horse develop proper frame
• Rate, timing and position in the pattern
• Drills to improve consistency and speed
• Rider position to support your horse

Please contact Cassandra Kleinjan at (507)-920-0157 for more details or to register! Spots are limited; we encourage youth to sign-up if they are interested in attending.

2026 high school graduates that have been a Murray County 4-H member at least four years are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026. Scholarships will be awarded at the Murray County Fair after the Premier Showmanship Showcase Friday, August 14, 2026. Awards will start at 5:30 p.m. or after Premier Showmanship, if it runs longer than 5:30 p.m.

Apply using the Murray County 4-H Scholarship Form

If your 4-H youth would be interested in the Adopt a Lamb or Lottery Lamb program, please contact the Extension office at (507)-836-6927 to get your name on the list for the Herrig Family to line up sheep for this year. Market Lambs are estimated at $350 per head.

What is Adopt-a-Lamb or Lottery Lamb? The Herrig family lines up all of the sheep and will help families learn about care, feeding, and shearing.

Adopt - a - Lamb Program

The adopt-a-lamb project was started for 1st and 2nd year sheep project members. The lambs all come from the same producer and cost the same amount to buy. When the members get their lambs, they draw a number, and that is the lamb they get. Help is available to them during the summer to help the youth and lambs get a good start.

Lottery Lamb Program

In the Lottery Lamb class, each member can request one lamb. The lambs all come from one producer and are very even in size. The members draw a number to see which lamb they get. Then they take them home and see how good they can make them. The winner of this class will receive a $100.00 cash award. This award is sponsored by the Steve Schreier Family and the Herrig Family Hampshires.

New Vision Co-op is pleased to announce that it will be offering its 4-H Sponsorship program again this year. The program will be the same as last year, where participants will receive the full value that they apply for, and the County Extension will receive an additional 20% on top of that total. The deadline to sign up is June 12, 2026. Below is the link where applicants can apply for the sponsorship and get more information. https://newvision.coop/4-h/

Are you a new poultry exhibitor or looking to brush up on your poultry showing skills? Join Lincoln County 4-H and our poultry experts for a free, fun, hands-on workshop all about exhibiting poultry!

Youth will learn poultry showmanship, how to prepare birds for the fair, proper daily care, and tips to feel confident in the show ring. Whether it’s your first year or you want to sharpen your skills, this workshop will help you and your bird shine at the fair!

When: April 11, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Where: Ivanhoe Community Center – Ivanhoe, MN

Learn more and register by April 3: https://z.umn.edu/LivestockClinic-Lincoln

Contact the Lincoln County Extension Office at 507-694-1421 or email gnemitz@umn.edu for questions.

• Guidance on which foods you can safely and legally prepare and sell
• Practical tips for maintaining a clean and sanitized kitchen for safe food production
• Interactive, hands-on activities
• A free coupon for the online tier 2 course
• A printed certificate of completion, qualifying you to register as a tier 2 cottage food producer (allowing you to sell up to $78,000 per year)
• Lunch and light refreshments included

Who can attend: Anyone can attend; however, registration is required

When: April 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Minnesota West Community and Technical College - Pipestone Campus

1314 N Hiawatha Ave.

Pipestone, MN 56164

Cost: $85

Registration: https://z.umn.edu/aumz

Please contact our ANR Educator, Matti Boomgaarden at boomg022@umn.edu if you have questions!

Are you interested in learning more about your beef animal? We have an opportunity for you!

Join other 4-H’ers interested in the beef project and have a fun afternoon learning about daily animal care at home and at the fair. In addition, learn more about show ring etiquette as you prepare to ready your animal for showing. All K - 13 youth are welcome; K - 2 youth must be accompanied by an adult.

When: Sunday, April 12, from 4 - 5:30 p.m.

Where: Beef Barn at Jackson County Fairgrounds, 78748 550th Ave, Jackson, MN 56143

Registration deadline: April 6 Register at z.umn.edu/BeefBreakdown today!

Calling all youth interested in fish, fishing, and exploring Minnesota's wonderful world of water! Join 4-H to learn about the fish and waterways of Minnesota from experts in this new series that celebrates Minnesota's long tradition of fishing. Join 4-H for five total sessions via Zoom on April 28, May 5, 12, 19, & 26 and June 2 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Check out the web page for details and how to register: z.umn.edu/4HFishingWebSeries

Want to take your leadership to the next? Apply to be a Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador! Applications are due April 15. Learn more about the State Ambassadors and apply at https://z.umn.edu/stateambieappinfo.

Step right up! Join us for the 2026 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge kickoff! This year’s theme? Midway Madness! Design a Rube Goldberg™ machine that can win a carnival game every time and celebrate the win! An informational webinar will take place on April 29 from 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Learn more and register at the 2026 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge webpage.

Ready to launch your future? Join Major General (Retired) Timothy A. Sejba as he shares how his journey—from a University of Minnesota, Duluth student to a top leader in the U.S. Space Forcer, took him to the forefront of space operations. Discover how curiosity, STEM, and leadership can take you beyond ready!

Learn more and register on the 4-H STEM Beyond Ready Series: From Minnesota to Mission Control webpage.

Students entering grades 7-13 can have an adventure in science and career exploration on the prairie in SW Minnesota. University on the Prairie is a unique program that showcases hands-on activities related to animal science, food science, engineering, ag/environmental science and chemistry.

Faculty from the University of Minnesota and SDSU, along with local professionals and SWROC scientists will join teachers from the region to guide students through hands-on exploration of science in five career areas important to the life and future of southwestern Minnesota. The program is unique in the state and offers students an opportunity to open doors to many career paths and will perhaps result in a future soil scientist, pharmacist, or chemist.

The program is full of fun and hands-on activities. It will be held at the Southwest Research & Outreach Center laboratories, classrooms, and outdoor facilities near Lamberton. Check in at the SWROC will be at 10 a.m. on June 30. The program will run from 10:30 a.m. - 6:25 p.m. on June 30 and from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on July 1. An overnight lodging option is available at the SWROC (air mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows are encouraged).

Registration is now open at uotp2026.4honline.com. Total cost is $50 per student. Register by June 12. More information can be found at: https://extension.umn.edu/event/university-prairie

Questions! Please email mohrh002@umn.edu

Get set for Southwest MN 4-H Spring Wildlife Day 2026! Enjoy exploring the world of fish and water ecology, ATV Safety, and nature photography to awaken your inner explorer. Perfect for young adventurers, whether you're a 4-H newbie or an outdoor adventure pro—and it counts toward wildlife hours!

Join us Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Merit Center in Marshall, MN. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m.; activities run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register by April 3, 2026. Bring a refillable water bottle, lunch, weather-appropriate clothes, and extra socks.

Send payments to Redwood County 4-H, PO Box 130, 403 South Mill Street, Redwood Falls, MN 56283. Event information and registration lin: .https://z.umn.edu/SWMNSpringWildlifeDay

Contact our event facilitators with any questions.

• Youth event: Stacy Johnson at 507-637-4025 or email skjohnso@umn.edu

• Youth event: Souzanne Souza email souza004@umn.edu

• Adult Shooting Sports Coaches Training: Sam Jens email jens0593@umn.edu

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.

YELLO is a 4-H leadership conference for youth in grades 7+ that prepares youth to learn and lead in their communities. YELLO is planned and facilitated by the Minnesota State 4-H Ambassadors.

This annual event aims to engage youth in building leadership skills, developing positive relationships with peers and adults, and planning out how to take future action.

Activities include:

• Leadership minor: Leadership lessons are led by the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassadors throughout the event. Youth will explore leadership on a personal, group, and societal level.
• Service and education: Participants engage in hands-on service to learn about civic responsibility while also making positive contributions to the community. This years’ service focus is on disaster relief and emergency response.
• Majors: Majors are one of the main educational components of the YELLO experience. Majors are opportunities for youth to do a deep dive into the project area of their interest. There are different major categories, and each youth will choose a class where they will receive a full day of exciting hands-on experiences.
• Social events: Youth will be able to network with one another in fun ways. In the past, this has included talent shows, game nights, dances, etc.

Registration for YELLO is open. The cost to attend YELLO is expected to be $350, with an additional fee for opting in to ride the bus. Youth will register via 4-H Online.

Yes, it's that time of year already...Re-enrollment for Murray County 4-H opens today! It allows you to update your family information, address, email, etc. This is also the time to select your primary club with the option the enroll in a secondary club (for example Horse Club or Llama/ Alpaca Club). Staff want to make sure you are getting the information you need and answer any questions you may have!

Every year, starting September 15, each youth from Cloverbud to grade 13 need to be enrolled. Families can do that by visiting https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in. Update all the info, share any new project areas you might be interested in learning about so you can receive the appropriate emails throughout the year regarding information and deadlines for those particular project areas.

Here is a 4-H Online 'Tip Sheet' for enrolling/ re-enrolling to help with the process offering step-by-step instructions.

Volunteers need to be updated every third year. You should have received a message prior to September 15 if it's your year to renew. It will include directions as well as the link https://4-h-volunteer.extension.umn.edu/welcome-or-renew/renew. If it's not your year, 4-H staff will handle the rollover for you.

Thank you for taking the time to do this - the sooner your enrollment gets completed, the less emails and reminders you will receive.

Thank you for making Murray County 4-H the best it can be!😃

Please take a moment to download or print the 2025 - 2026 Murray County 4-H calendar.

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!

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.

Join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors! We meet typically once a month for leadership opportunities, youth engagement, ambassador outings, and service projects. Youth in grades 8 and up are invited to join the Murray County 4-H Ambassadors. Fill out the attached link

https://z.umn.edu/MCAmbassador

Our next meeting will be on April 12 (a week later than we normally meet due to Easter Weekend). This will be our last scheduled meeting for the school year of 2025 - 2026. Youth will be discussing our leadership kits and the expectations for sharing them with their clubs. Looking into summer, please remember that Ambassadors have a meeting in July prior to the Federation meeting for Fair Assignments and to be present to select next year's officers. Please mark July 27 at 6:00 p.m. on your calendars.

Please send a warm welcome to Hiedi Stoel as she has officially become a Murray County 4-H volunteer! She has expressed interest in sharing her skills with our After School Adventures and Summer Programming.

Ryan is a well-known voice in Murray County and will be guiding youth as a mentor in Murray County 4-H's beef project. Ryan enjoys sharing his knowledge of livestock and is excited to work with the livestock youth of Murray County 4-H.

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Contact the Extension staff at (507)-836-6927

We would love to see the positive impact you could make in our program!

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

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