Sawyer County 4-H

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

Sawyer County 4-H member, L.S., along with other youth from surrounding counties attended Space Camp this past week. 4-H youth traveled by coach bus to Alabama for camp. We are excited to hear about her travels. L. S.'s experience was paid through Sawyer County 4-H Leaders Board and 100 Who Care Sawyer County funds.

04/25/2026

Come join the fun!!!

04/13/2026

Sawyer County Junior Livestock and Winter Evergreens visit Pasanen's Farm

We love any opportunity to get our kids out to learn something new, and this experience was one that truly stood out. It wasn’t just the youth who enjoyed it, the parents who were able to come along had just as much fun and took away a lot of great information too!

Pasanen Farms in Exeland recently completed a huge project, installing a rotary milking system, and it was incredible to see in action. This system can milk up to 80 cows at one time, which is amazing considering that years ago when their farm started, that was the size of their entire herd! Watching how smoothly and efficiently everything runs really gave us a new appreciation for the advancements in dairy farming and the amount of work that goes into it every single day.

During our visit, we learned so much beyond just the milking process. They walked us through how they store their milk and how the milk truck connects directly to the storage tanks for pickup. We talked about their breeding program, how they carefully select and raise their cattle, and how they grow and harvest feed to keep their herd healthy and productive. They shared how they care for their calves right after birth, where they are sent and that many come right back to the farm. We also got to see the bedding they use and learned why cow comfort plays such a big role in overall production.

It was such a valuable, hands-on learning experience for everyone involved. We are so grateful for farms like this that are willing to open their doors and share their knowledge.

Thank you to Scott, Jordan, Kate and Carter for spending your morning with us!

04/08/2026

The Sawyer County Junior Livestock group recently had the opportunity to tour NorthStar Acres, where they experienced an in-depth look at modern dairy operations.

A sincere thank you goes out to Jeff and Sandie Potter for allowing us to visit their farm, along with Summer Butterfield who runs their operations, for providing a comprehensive and engaging tour of their farm. The visit began in the office, where participants learned about the history of the farm and how camera systems are used to monitor the herd.

NorthStar Acres milks approximately 1,700 cows and manages a total herd of 3,000+ animals, ranging from newborn calves to the oldest members of the herd. With such a large operation, technology plays a vital role. The group learned how computerized systems track each animal’s location and stage of development—an impressive example of how innovation supports agriculture today.

The tour continued in the milk house, where participants observed how cows are brought in, how the milking equipment operates, and what the overall process looks like. They also learned how the farm repurposes manure into bedding, manages calf feeding and weaning schedules, and cares for animals that may become ill.

In addition, Summer shared educational examples highlighting different stages of fetal development, helping the youth better understand the growth process. The tour wrapped up with a discussion on nutrition, including the various types of feed and minerals used, and even included an opportunity to sit in a chopper!

The group greatly appreciates the time and knowledge shared by everyone at NorthStar Acres.

04/02/2026

Registration OPEN
🚜 Northwest Region Tractor Safety Certification Program – June 8–11, 2026

The Tractor Safety Certification Program will be held June 8–11, 2026 at Barron High School.
📅 Mon–Wed: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
📅 Thurs (Testing): 8:30 AM–12:00 PM
💲 Cost: $20 per person

This program meets State and Federal requirements for youth under 16 who will be operating tractors or self‑propelled equipment.
It is open to:
• Youth 12–13 operating equipment for their family farm
• Youth 14–15 working for farms outside their own family

Participants will learn safe tractor operation, hazard awareness, and risk reduction. Hands‑on driving practice is included, and each student must complete a written exam and a driving test.

To register, visit: https://barron.extension.wisc.edu/tractorsafety and click REGISTER.
Registration is limited to 45 participants.

Paper forms are available at the Barron County Extension Office, 1800 College Drive, Rice Lake, WI 54868.
Questions? Call 715‑788‑6240 or contact your local Ag instructor.

04/01/2026

Hayward Cloverbud Club monthly meeting scheduled for April 2nd has been moved to April 9th at 4:00 p.m. at the Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library.

Send a message to learn more

03/29/2026

Reminder that there is an in-person YQCA training today at 2:30 at the Sawyer County Courthouse. Use the Kansas Street entrance--parking lot for the courthouse. There will be a 4-H sign outside of the entrance. Register and take the pretest at yqcaprogram.org before attending if possible. YQCA training is required for any youth that will sell animals at the Sawyer County Fair.

YQCA is a national quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21, with a focus on Food Safety, Animal Well-Being, and Character Development.

03/23/2026

Our most recent Project Day was held on Sunday, March 22nd. Youth created an acrylic painting of a winter scene. Thank you to community volunteer, Joy Kielcheski, for volunteering her time and supplies for this experience.

03/19/2026

4-H Volunteer opportunity. Thank you for all that you do for 4-H!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GrPKbLbWD/

Older Youth Leaders and Adult Volunteers – looking for ways to bring the fun into your meeting agendas? Join us for the Clover Connect idea sharing zoom in March to learn some great tips and practical ideas to bring laughter and connections to your meetings! For more information and the link to sign up, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/clover-connect-idea-sharing-zooms/

03/13/2026

Winter Evergreen Club will be having their monthly club meeting at 4:00 p.m. on March 29th at the Winter Town Hall. Come see what awesome activity Deb has planned!

Send a message to learn more