Sibley County 4-H Newsletter
November 2026
Our Annual 4-H Awards Day will be hosted by the Blazin’ West Stars 4-H Club. It will be held on Sunday, November 22 at the GFW High School in Gibbon. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. with registration, Awards at 4:00 p.m. followed by a meal at 5:00 p.m. Please RSVP by Wednesday, November 18 and let us know how many people will be attending so we can plan for the meal. We hope your whole family can join us! https://z.umn.edu/adsc
The theme this year is “Walk the Green Carpet” and we encourage EVERYONE to wear something GREEN. There will be a prize for best dressed. We also ask each club to bring TWO $10.00 GIFT CERTIFICATES for prizes.
We would like to host a contest. Since November is Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month we ask each club to bring items for the food shelf. We will weigh the food donated by each club and divide it by the number of members that attend. The club with the highest percentage will win fair bucks for the county fair in 2027.
Reminder to Re-Enroll in 4-H Online
It is that time of year again to get re-enrolled in 4-H Online. At the September Federation Meeting it was agreed to have a drawing with 10 - $20.00 gift cards. All youth that have re-enrolled in 4-H Online by October 31, 2025 will be put in that drawing. If anyone has any questions, please contact the Sibley County Extension office at 507-237-4100 or email Connie or Joleen.
Project Meetings
Regional Officer and Volunteer Training
The 2026-27 Mankato Region Annual Officer and Volunteer Leadership Training will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in Mankato at the South Central Service Cooperative, 2075 Lookout Drive, Mankato, MN 56003. Registration Deadline is Tuesday, November 3, 2026! Join us for an evening of learning. There is something for everyone.
The next Federation Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2026! We will be meeting in the Sibley County Service Center. Please plan on having EVERY club represented. The Federation delegates are the link between the clubs and the Federation. If you can’t make it, please find a replacement. CLUBS: There will be a bonus to ALL clubs that have a FEDERATION DELEGATE at every meeting (November, January, March, May and September).
Preparing Your Backyard Chicken Coop for Winter
The Online event will be held Tuesday, November 10 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Colleen Carlson, Extension Educator in Carver and Scott counties will offer practical tips and research-based best practices for raising chickens in Minnesota’s coldest months.
Participants will learn how to:
• Select winter-hardy breeds that thrive in cold weather
• Provide nutrition and general care to keep birds in top condition
• Prepare coops and runs for winter, with special focus on ventilation, lighting, and heating
• Understand egg sales basics for those interested in marketing eggs
Please click on the below link to get registered.
Getting Started in the Swine Project - What you need to know!
Are you curious about what it takes to get started in the swine project? This meeting is for YOU!
Join us for an introductory class on the Swine Project. We will be covering how to go about purchasing pigs, what facilities they need, training, tips, feed, etc.
Whether you’re a returning swine exhibitor, a first-time participant, or just interested in learning more about raising and showing pigs, we’d love to have you join us!
Date: Monday, January 4, 2027
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sibley County Service Center, 111 8th Street, Gaylord
Come learn, connect with other 4-H’ers, and discover what the swine project is all about!
You don’t have to be an expert to get started — just bring your curiosity!
Picking the Perfect Beef Project!
Are you planning to take a beef project in 4-H this year? Whether you’re a returning beef project member or new to the beef project, this meeting is for YOU! Join us to learn about selecting your beef project, what to look for when choosing an animal, and tips to help you get ready for the upcoming 4-H year. There will be helpful information for experienced members and those just getting started!
Date: Saturday, January 9, 2027
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Daryl and Marilee Peterson Farm, 28795 611th Avenue, Gibbon, MN 55335
Bring your questions and get ready to plan for a great beef project year! We look forward to seeing our current and new beef project members!