Message from Associate Dean and Minnesota 4-H Director

University of Minnesota Extension has extended its cancellation of in-person events until the end of June. 4-H educators are hard at work creating meaningful learning and leading experiences young people can access from their homes.

Thank you to our volunteers

Travel the World with our Festival of Nations Experience
The 2020 Minnesota 4-H Festival of Nations is a new, statewide virtual learning experience that celebrates the diverse people and cultures of the world. It's designed for youth to get an introductory experience with a group or place that's unfamiliar and build appreciation. These are important early steps in being culturally competent global citizens.

Participate in the 4-H Photography scavenger hunt
The State 4-H Photography Committee would like to invite all 4-H members to participate in a statewide photography scavenger hunt between May 1-15.

Last chance: Apply to become a 2020-2021 Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador!

Don't miss out on your chance to apply to be a part of the Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador team and expand your leadership skills! Youth in grade 10 and up are welcome to apply-applications are due May 11.

Virtual learning will apply to the bonus trip program: State Fair livestock and State Horse Show bonus trip application deadline extended to July 1

Bonus trips to the Minnesota State Fair and State Horse Show recognize excellent local youth development programs. During the COVID-19 restrictions, please consider hosting virtual learning events - all virtual learning that is county planned, presented, and documented will be considered for the bonus trip program!

What's growing?

We are challenging 4-H members to get up, get out and see what's growing! We're asking you to apply science strategies as you observe plants and how they grow.

Watch for our upcoming 4-H agronomy Zoom webinar training series

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 4-H agronomy Zoom webinar training series. These online classes have been created to provide you with ways to enhance your project experience.

Market chickens and market turkeys Included in 2020 Purple Ribbon Auction!

For the first time ever, the 2020 Purple Ribbon Auction at the Minnesota State Fair will include the champion and reserve champion market chickens and turkeys!

Check out Extension's Coping with COVID-19 resources website

Are you looking for resources to get you through the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you stressed from being at home? Worried about finances or about having enough food? Extension and each of its Centers have resources compiled on one website.

Are you a county website user? We want to hear from you!

The Extension web team is conducting a survey of staff, volunteers and website visitors to learn more about how people are using the Extension county websites-submit your feedback today!

Sign up to explore science through University on the Prairie

Registration is now open for University on the Prairie! Youth entering grades 7 - college freshman will learn about science and career opportunities from college faculty and industry professionals. University on the Prairie will be held July 21-23 at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center near Lamberton, Minn. Apply by June 15.

Start your crop scouting team in time for the 4-H Crop Scouting Competition

Now is the perfect time of year to start your 4-H crop scouting team! Teams should include 3-5 youth (grades seven and up) and two adult coaches. Teams will participate in the 4-H Crop Scouting Competition on July 27 at the Bayer research plot in Benson, Minnesota.

Sign-up to meet a NASA engineer!

All ages of youth and adults interested in learning about NASA and the Mars rover program are invited to participate in this exciting learning opportunity. Pre-registration is required and space is limited-Sign-up today!

Updates on the 2020 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge

The Engineering Design Challenge is designed for youth in grades 3 and up, the challenge is great for creativity, teamwork, problem solving and idea sharing.

Attend one-day 4-H livestock day camp this July

Minnesota 4-H is offering 4-H livestock day camp at two different locations in July. The trainings will focus on youth grade 6 and up, but younger members will be welcome if they bring a parent or adult chaperone. Event and registration due dates vary by location.