Chisago County
Clover Update

Here's what's new from
Chisago County 4-H this month!
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Central weigh in and identification is done for these species by MN 4-H volunteers to help gather results for the rate of gain contest and prepare for the livestock auction. The animals should be weighed and tagged at the Central Weigh-in.

Saturday, April 24, 2021
This is a great event for youth who are interested in food and nutrition to showcase their projects. Exhibits that are displayed and judged here count towards Premiums for the 2021 County Fair and in some cases can qualify you for the 2021 State Fair (6th grade and above in select classes).

Monday, April 19, 2021 - Saturday, April 24, 2021
Summer is coming up, and I bet you would like to make some extra cash by learning how to babysit your neighbors or children of family friends. Come learn from 4-H what it means to be a babysitter, how to keep yourself and the kids you supervise safe, and more! We will focus more on child development, safety, and responsibility. 
The New Year is here which means it is time for 4-H families to consider what animals they will be exhibiting at the County Fair! Whether you are a new member or have been enrolled in the program for years it is important that you pay attention to the important information related to the Animal Identification process as there can be changes from year to year.

  • Horse Project Meetings - Begins March 15
  • Drill Team Meetings - Begins March 14
  • Horseless Horse Meetings - Begins March 14

Meet together with other youth at a Community Garden in North Branch or Rush City to grow vegetables and create a pollinator friendly garden!
Each week we’ll have a different topic and project to explore as you take your learning from seed to table. All youth participating with us at the garden will receive a FREE Grow with 4-H T-Shirt and be eligible to win other raffle prizes!

Learn how to train the ideal pet, or for competition! This project is open for youth of all abilities in grades 3+

Again in 2021 funds will be available to first time Chisago County 4-H Livestock exhibitors within a given species (beef, goat, poultry, rabbit, sheep and swine) to help us promote Animal Science projects and equip 4-H members with additional funds needed to support their project.

The accommodation request form has been designed to help families communicate their child’s unique needs to MN 4-H staff to ensure that accommodations are made to serve the youth in the best way possible! The information collected in this form will be sent to 4-H staff so that they can help volunteers get the proper training and support needed to make accommodations.
Resources
Check out all 4-H upcoming events
Chisago County 4-H club & project calendar
Keep up-to-date on our website and Facebook too
Get connected to a local 4-H Club to begin your 4-H experience. 4-H Clubs typically meet monthly and are a great place to learn new skills, form friendships, and make a positive difference in your community.

Enrollment for the new 4-H year opened up on October 1 and Minnesota 4-H families are reminded and encouraged to enroll/re-enroll youth members
State 4-H news this month

Reflections on violence against Asian American and Pacific Islanders, winter gear drive and outdoor learning opportunities and an update on fair season.
 
Registration for the 2021 Engineering Design Challenge opens April 1! For youth in grades 3 through 12. Great for developing creativity, problem solving and communication skills while working with a team of others.
 
The 2021 Minnesota 4-H Beef Boot Camp is intended for youth wanting to take their show animal to the next level. Dive deeper into the knowledge and skill of fitting your show animal with Kirk Stierwalt, a nationally known cattle clinician that combines hands-on fitting demonstrations with one-on-one personalized instruction. The camp will be held on June 19 & 20 at the Murray County Fairgrounds in Slayton, Minnesota.
 
Due to Covid, we will be extending by one year the Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics (LQA&E) in-person training certification of any youth that had certified in 2018 and 2019 and we will be extending by one year the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) computer-based training certification of any youth that had certified in 2020.
 
Minnesota 4-H State Ambassador applications are open - apply today! 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.
 
Supporting social emotional wellbeing can be fun and games! Join us on Tuesday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. for a training on how to host virtual games and promote positive youth development at the same time. Together we will practice building belonging and creating connections by exploring easy to use virtual games.
 
We want 4-H to be a place for all youth regardless of their differing abilities and needs. Join other volunteers from across the state on Thursday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. to learn how to better support young people in your 4-H group with disabilities. 4-H staff will share both personal and professional experiences working with this unique audience, help you learn how to identify those who may need different or extra supports, share tips and resources, and provide an opportunity for participants to share and hear from others about their experiences. 
Jeremy Freeman, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
651-277-0151 | jeremyf@umn.edu