Polk County, MN 4-H

06/09/2026

🚨 Reminder for 4-H Families! 🚨
The County Fair is right around the corner! 🐄🐓🎨 Be sure to register your projects in FairEntry before [Insert Deadline Date] to ensure they are entered for judging and exhibition.
How To Register:
Use the county premium book to determine which project areas you would like to exhibit in.
Log into FairEntry to select the projects areas you want to register for.
Need help registering? Check out this registration guide (z.umn.edu/FairEntryGuide) or contact the Extension Office.

06/08/2026

Sheep & Goat Trivia Night Tonight Monday! 🐐🐑

Join us from 5:30–6:30 PM at the Valley Tech Park in Crookston for another fun Animal Science Trivia Night! Test your knowledge, enjoy hands-on activities, and compete in a Kahoot challenge.
🎉 Plus, we’ll have two prize drawings, including sheep spandex tubes, fleece leg wraps, and goat halters, collars, and leads!
📲 Sign up on 4-H Online and we’ll see you tonight!

06/07/2026

🐐🐖 Livestock Showmanship Day Camp — June 10!

Join us for a hands‑on, high‑energy learning experience focused on Meat Goat and Swine showmanship. Youth will rotate through interactive stations, practice handling skills, and build confidence in the show ring.

📅 June 10, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Erickson Farm, Climax, MN

All experience levels are welcome—whether you’re brand‑new or looking to fine‑tune your skills, this event has something for everyone.

🍔 Families are invited to stay for a grilled meal after the learning activities!

✅ Don’t forget to register!

06/07/2026

Animal Science Trivia Night Kickoff = Success!
Last Monday, Polk County 4-H members had a fantastic time at the first of our three Animal Science Trivia Nights! Participants tested their knowledge of poultry and rabbit breeds, learned fun animal facts, enjoyed two hands-on activities, and wrapped up the evening with an exciting Kahoot challenge.
To add to the fun, we held two prize drawings—and that tradition will continue at each trivia night!

🐑🐐 Up next: Sheep & Goat Trivia Night!
We’ll be giving away two great prizes, including:
• Brand-new sheep spandex tubes and fleece leg wraps
• Goat halters, collars, and leads
Be sure to sign up through 4-H Online so you don’t miss out!
📍 June 8
⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
🏢 Valley Tech Center, Crookston

06/05/2026

Register to participate in 4-H/FFA Crop Scouting.
Registration is now open for the 2026 4-H/FFA Crop Scouting Challenge and the Novice Crop Scouting Experience, giving youth in grades 3+ the chance to explore agronomy through hands-on learning, teamwork, and fun at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus on July 28!
Register by June 15 for team experience; novice participants need to register by July 15.

https://z.umn.edu/cropscouting4h-ffa

06/02/2026

🧁 Cupcake Wars: 4‑H Edition! 🧁
Calling all creative bakers in grades 3–8 — get ready for an afternoon of frosting, fun, and friendly competition!

At this hands‑on 4‑H event, youth will:
✨ Explore fun decorating techniques
✨ Learn new skills with guided demonstrations
✨ Get messy with hands‑on learning
✨ Put their talents to the test in a Cupcake Wars showdown

The top decorators will take home sweet prizes for creativity, skill, and presentation!

📍 Valley Tech Park, Crookston
📅 Wednesday, June 17
⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM
🎟️ Only 20 spots available!

Don’t miss out on this fun opportunity — register today in 4HOnline!

06/01/2026

The Polk County Fair is coming up soon! And FairEntry is now live, waiting for you to choose all the fun projects you want to share with us. You can find a list of resources on our Polk County webpage (https://extension.umn.edu/local/polk) under '4-H at the Polk County Fair'. You'll find the fair schedule, FairEntry resources, an updated copy of the premium book and a link to bring you to FairEntry registration. So don't delay, go and choose your projects! We can't wait to see them all!

05/29/2026

Don't forget to register for the Animal Science Trivia Night!

Hope to see you there!

Animal Science Breeds Trivia Nights!

Get ready for fast-paced Kahoot battles, hands-on activities, prizes, and tons of animal-science fun! Youth in grades 3-8 are invited to drive into three exciting nights of species-themed learning and friendly competition.

Dates:
June 1: Poultry & Rabbit
June 8: Sheep & Goats
June 15: Beef & Dairy Cattle

Time:
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Nightly drawings, fun species-related supplies, and engaging activities make this the perfect way to learn, connect, and discover something new.

Come ready to explore, challenge yourself, and cheer each other on as we dive into the amazing world of animal breeds!

Register in 4honline.com

05/29/2026

Let’s Talk About Inclusion 👫

Because everyone needs someone to talk to.
Feeling left out can have a deep impact on a young person’s well‑being. 62% of young people say they often feel left out, and many keep those feelings to themselves, making it hard for others to know when they need support.
You can help create a more welcoming world by choosing to be inclusive. Invite someone to join in, make space for new voices, and look for those who may be standing on the outside. You never know what people are going through, and your kindness might be the moment that changes their day.
Source: headspace.org
This is video eight in an eight‑part series created by Beyond Ready to Serve youth leaders from five Minnesota counties, ranging from eighth grade and up. As they explored the needs in their communities, they discovered a shared passion for mental health, bullying prevention, and supporting older adults. Their insights and experiences shaped every part of this project.

Send a message to learn more

05/28/2026

Today we’re celebrating one of our outstanding Polk County 4-H members William K.!

🍀 Favorite 4-H Projects
William’s favorite 4-H projects have been showing livestock, especially Poultry and Sheep at both the County Fair and the MN State Fair. He enjoys working with these animals because they’re easy to handle, fun to be around, and there’s always something to do to care for them.

🍀 What He’s Learned in 4-H
Through 4-H, William has learned how to prepare animals for the show ring, from daily care to final presentation. He’s also gained confidence in public speaking and giving presentations, skills that will serve him well long after his 4-H years.

🍀 4-H Career Highlights
William’s 4-H journey includes several standout experiences, such as:
Attending the MN State Fair with both 4-H chickens and sheep.
Competing at the National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
Cooking BBQ chicken as part of the 4-H state & national competitions.
Giving a presentation on the Poultry industry at the national 4-H level.

🍀 Plans After Graduation
After graduation, William plans to attend the University of Minnesota Crookston to major in Animal Science. We’re excited to see where his passion for livestock and agriculture takes him next!

Help us congratulate William on his incredible 4-H career and cheer him on as he steps into his future! 🎓