06/02/2026
June Harney County 4-H Updates!
I have a lot of updates for you, so hang in there, and sorry for the information dump!
1. Weigh-In/Tagging for market sheep, goats, and swine is Saturday, June 6, from 7 am - 11am. The kids don't need to be there, but their animal does.
There have been several swine getting sick this year already. This situation is being monitored by the HCYLSA Chair, Swine Superintendent, and local veterinarians.
As of right now, if you have had ANY sick animals (swine, goats, or sheep), please call me at 541-573-8384 BEFORE weigh-in. We do not want any sick animals, or potentially sick animals, to be brought in.
If you are concerned about the risk of your animal getting sick from the weigh-in, you can choose not to unload your animal during weigh-in, and they can be tagged in your trailer. These animals won't be weighed, they won't participate in the Rate of Gain contest, and they won't qualify for an award in the Ultrasound Carcass competition. If you are choosing this option, and you have swine, please make sure you bring your own pig boards from home for use during tagging.
If there are any changes to the weigh-in process, we will let you know ASAP, so keep your eyes open.
2. The 2026 Harney County Youth Exhibitor's Guide, which includes all the information you need to know about the HCYLSA and Harney County 4-H Fair, is available online at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/4h/harney/fair or at HCYLSA.org. Print versions will be available in the OSU Extension - Harney County office (Courthouse Basement) and at many stores and businesses in town by the end of this month.
3. The Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) class, or an approved Oregon 4-H alternative (for small animals, dog, and horse only, no more classes scheduled this year), is REQUIRED before fair begins, if you are showing an animal at fair this year (Dog, Horse, Beef, Sheep, Goat, Swine, Cavy, Rabbit, Poultry, Waterfowl).
This class is good for three years and can be taken online at: https://YQCAprogram.org or in person at the OSU Extension Office June 23, 9 am-11am, July 8, 4pm-6pm, or August 10, 12pm-2pm (online registration at https://YQCAprogram.org still required).
When you register, there is a pre-test for you to take (very short) before the class. To get your certificate, there is a post-test (very short) that you must take. When you register, please allow sharing of your certificate, so I will get it automatically, or be prepared to provide it prior to the fair.
For more information about in-person classes, please contact the OSU Extension office at 541-573-8384.
4. We have finished updating the 4-H Record Book Information Document with updated links, and it was emailed out. Please let me know if you have any issues with it or suggestions for making it more user-friendly. Sorry for the delay in getting this out! Remember, record books are not required but are strongly encouraged; however, to qualify for any of the 4-H Top Hand Awards or apply for the Harney County 4-H Memorial Scholarship, they must be turned in.
5. A Tractor Safety Course is scheduled for June 15 at Crane High School. There are only 20 spots available, so if you have a kid 14-17 years old, get them signed up now at beav.es/fmC (case-sensitive URL).
6. We are having a day camp this year! The Harney County 4-H Dirt to Dinner Day Camp is open to ALL Harney County youth (not only those enrolled in 4-H) who are entering Kindergarten to 6th grade. Join us July 13-16 from 9 am - 3 pm, while we explore how the food we eat is made! The Harney County 4-H Dirt to Dinner Day Camp will include 4 days of fun activities, garden-themed snacks and crafts, and lots of learning about growing their own food! Youth will get to talk to local producers, learn about Farmer's Markets (and get a gift card to spend at our local Farmer's Market), and learn by doing with hands-on activities.
Registration fee includes Camp Shirt, Snacks, and craft items for all 4 days. A sack lunch will need to be brought by the kids daily. Register now at beav.es/f8n (case-sensitive URL).
7. Make sure you give Les Schwab a thank you next time you stop in; a generous contribution from them allowed us to purchase a new show office for the HCYLSA and Harney County 4-H. While you are at it, swing by and thank Ed Staub & Sons, because they also made a generous donation that will allow us to finish the inside of the show office. It would be great if you could also send them thank-you notes!
8. We are excited to announce that Shylee Davis will be an Intern for the OSU Extension - Harney County Office this summer! Shylee's past experience and volunteerism during previous HCYLSA events will make her an excellent addition to our staff. Welcome Shylee!
9. Please mark your calendars for two exciting 2026 Lake County 4-H horse events!
Lake County 4-H Ranch Horse Clinic & Show, July 24-26, 2026, Lake County Fairgrounds, open to all enrolled horse 4-H members in Oregon and California.
Lake County 4-H Performance Horse Clinic & Show, August 14-16, 2026 (additional day this year to include a clinic!), Lake County Fairgrounds, open to all enrolled horse 4-H members in Oregon and California.
Additional details and registration information for both events will be shared soon. If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Abby Walker OSU Extension Service-Lake County Tel.: 541-947-6054 Cell.: 541-350-2043.
10. The National Index Study is out! This study is important because it allows us to share information about Harney County 4-H, as well as stories of youth transformed through 4-H. If you have a 4-H member between 13-18, you should have received an email with a link to the survey. If you haven't received the link, please reach out and I will make sure to get it to you.
11. Speaking of surveys, the Harney County 4-H Needs Assessment Community Survey is live! This survey will help us make the Harney County 4-H program fit the needs of our community. This survey is available to EVERYONE, so please share this link with your friends and family: beav.es/fqp (case-sensitive URL). If you filled out a survey for us in March, you do not need to complete this survey. Thanks for all your help making Harney County 4-H a better program!
12. Volunteers for Fair Needed! We have lots of fun activities planned this year, but we can't do it without help! As we start planning for the 2026 Harney County Fair, we are looking for additional volunteers to help us with some of our new events, including Stuffed Animal Showmanship, Little Hands Sandwich Making, Little Hands Craft Table, Adult Showmanship, Beyond Ready Showmanship (for youth with disabilities), Barnyard Olympics, and a Quiz Bowl. If you, or a family member, or someone you know in the community, is able and willing to help, please have them reach out to me at 541-573-8384.
Thanks for everyone's help! I really couldn't do it without you! As always, please reach out if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions to share!
