SDSU Extension Union County 4-H Program

05/29/2026

05/25/2026

Make Time to Honor Our Fallen
Veterans On Memorial Day

by Laurie Fritsch, 4-H Educator, Clay & Union Counties

On Monday, May 25th, we observe Memorial Day. I’m not sure about you, but over the years, this particular federal holiday has come to mean more and more to me. As I reviewed some facts and figures, the details about Memorial Day and Veterans Day often get mixed up. It’s the transition from the last day of school to the start of summer, and many of us become occupied with vacation plans or backyard cookouts.

What sometimes gets overlooked in all this excitement is the real purpose of Memorial Day, which is to honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives to protect and defend our right to freedom. Though the two often get mixed up, Memorial Day is different from Veterans Day. Veterans Day is celebrated to honor all living veterans for their sacrifices and contributions.

Do something to honor the fallen
Over the years, on Friday evening of Memorial Day weekend, I chauffeured my son, Mathew, now a former member of Vermillion’s Boy Scout Troop 66, to the Bluff View Cemetery, in Vermillion, SD, to assist the American Legion Wallace Post 1, to place American flags at the gravesite of each Veteran.

I took photos of them as they carried out this patriotic duty for many fallen they’ll never meet. As I watched the activity all over the cemetery, there was such a reverent atmosphere. I remember getting choked up behind the camera, as I stopped to consider the unbelievable debt that so many of our loved ones paid for the freedom we enjoy as Americans; the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Pause at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, I encourage you to stop whatever you’re doing at 3:00 p.m. local time for one minute. Join Americans across the nation for a National Moment of Remembrance for our fallen heroes, especially those who have died in battle in service to our country.

05/23/2026

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakota...

04/24/2026

Hop Into Rabbit YLL This Saturday — Learn, Show & Have FUN!

I want to personally invite all Clay and Union County 4-Hers to the Rabbit YLL happening this weekend on SAT, April 25th at 1:00 PM at the Exhibit Building in Alcester, SD.

You’ll enjoy learning about rabbits and showing what you know in a friendly, noncompetitive Skill A Thon where everyone gets to participate immediately following the teaching session.

Jennifer Masterson, from Menno, SD, will conduct this YLL. She has been raising, showing, and breeding rabbits since she was a child.
Jennifer has judged many county fairs, and is the Vice President of the South Dakota Rabbit Breeders Association, and works closely with the youth in her role as the Youth Coordinator for the club.

Locally, she is the Secretary for the Mid-City Rabbit Club and helps organize and run two (2) open- and youth-rabbit shows a year.

1. Participants are encouraged to bring a rabbit, but only one is needed—no need to bring all of them. Also bring a carpet square or small rug to place under your rabbit before setting them down on the table. This will help your rabbit to feel stable and calm, and you can properly handle it as Jennifer works with you and your rabbit that day.

2. Jennifer Masterson will be assisting youth during the session. If you do not have a rabbit, you may borrow one of hers.

3. She will also have 4–5 rabbits for sale ($60–$75 each).

4. Rabbit Standards Books will be available for purchase for $30.

I hope to see you all there!

Laurie Fritsch, 4-H Educator
Clay and Union Counties

04/19/2026

On Saturday, April 18th, 4-Hers attended a Clay-Union County YHL and YLL, at the Clay County 4-H Center, in Vermillion, SD. Madison Kopp, Ag Instructor at Lake Area Technical College, Watertown, SD, shared hands on lessons about livestock trailer safety, covering species from cattle and swine to horses, sheep/goats, and small animals. 4-Hers participated in a glowing Glo Germ activity demonstrating how easily medicated feed cross contamination can occur.

04/02/2026

𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿

This is official YHL approved!!!

This event is open to ANYONE, not only those in 4-H!

We wanted to get it out so you can put it on your calendars for anyone interested!

Registration is appreciated, but not required. Scan this QR code below with your phone camera.