SDSU Extension Union County 4-H Program

09/04/2026

𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗗𝗔𝗞𝗢𝗧𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗙𝗔𝗜𝗥
𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗖𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
This message has been sent via text and email to all livestock exhibitors at the State Fair this afternoon, THURS, Aug. 3, 2026:

South Dakota State Fair: Attention all SD State Fair 4-H livestock exhibitors: After careful consideration of the forecasted heat index and to ensure the safety of all livestock species, the SD State Fair Commission has implemented temporary amendments to the 2026 State Fair exhibitor rules.

Livestock release will be permitted starting today through Sunday from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM ONLY. All exhibitors must obtain a Livestock Release Form from their barn superintendent. These temporary rules will be in effect today through Sunday. Exhibitors leaving the fairgrounds are to exit Gates 3.5, 4, and 8.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝟰-𝗛 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲
𝗦𝗗𝗦𝗨 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Berg Agricultural Hall 104, Box 2207E
Brookings, SD 57007
(605) 688-4167

09/02/2026

Union County 4-H is proudly represented at the 2026 South Dakota State Fair!
Stop by our exhibit booth to see the creativity, hard work, and talents of Union County 4-H members on display. From sewing and crafts to photography and other project areas, these exhibits showcase the dedication and skills our youth have developed throughout the year.
Great job to all of our members, leaders, and families who helped make this display possible!

07/28/2026

2026 Union County Fair –Come Check Out the 4 H Events (July 30–August 1, 2026)

Photos by Laurie Fritsch, 4-H Educator

Elk Point, S.D. (July 2026) — Union County is gearing up for three unforgettable days of youth achievement, community spirit, and summertime fun as the 2026 Union County Fair kicks off July 30–August 1st in Alcester. Local 4 H members are ready to compete in a vast array of project areas, and families won’t want to miss a moment of the excitement.

From 4-H display exhibits (i.e. non-livestock) to livestock shows, the fair will showcase the hard work, creativity, and dedication of Union County’s young people. Fairgoers can cheer on exhibitors, explore impressive displays, and celebrate the spirit of learning-by-doing that makes 4 H such a powerful part of of Union County.

“This is the best weekend of the summer for our youth,” said Laurie Fritsch, 4-H Educator for Clay and Union Counties. The fair brings everyone together—neighbors, families, volunteers—and gives our 4 H members a chance to show what they’ve accomplished all year.”
Visitors can expect upbeat energy, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to support local youth. Whether you’re stopping by for a favorite event, exploring the barns, or simply soaking in the fair atmosphere, the 2026 Union County Fair promises to deliver memories for all ages.
Mark your calendars, bring your friends, and come celebrate the incredible 4 H talent that makes Union County shine. See you at the fair—July 30 through August 1!

07/22/2026

🚨 Applications are now open for the South Dakota State 4-H Ambassador Program! 🚨
Are you a 4-H member ages 14–18 who wants to build leadership skills, make new connections, and help shape the future of 4-H in South Dakota?
⭐ Apply by August 1
⭐ Interviews held during the SD State Fair
Apply today:
Become a State 4-H Ambassador

07/13/2026

This is a friendly reminder that FairEntry for the Union County Fair closes today, July 13, at 11:59 p.m. If you have not yet completed your entries, please be sure to submit them before the deadline.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing all of your projects and exhibits at the fair!

06/08/2026

This event is approved for a large animal YLL.

In-Person BQA Training
Sioux Empire Fair/W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds
Friday, June 19, 2026
2:30 - 4:45 p.m.

Need to get your BQA certification up to date? There’s no better time than before the Sioux Falls Region Roundup on June 19 at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds North Expo Building!

Join Dr. Warren Rusche of South Dakota State University for an in-person Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training. BQA provides U.S. beef producers with practical, science-based guidance on how strong husbandry practices and sound management can work together to raise cattle under optimal conditions.

After you receive your certification, stick around for the Sioux Falls Region Roundup featuring drinks, a free beef meal, updates from SDCA, a technology hour trade show, and a co****le tournament. All happening the night before the Prime Time Gala!

06/05/2026

06/03/2026

The 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥-𝐀-𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐧 for 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒𝐭𝐡 in Alcester 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 due to lack of sign-ups.