Traverse County Extension

05/29/2026

When does heat stress occur?Heat stress occurs when the bird’s core body temperature increases to fatal temperatures due to poor heat loss and limited coping means. Environmental temperature and humidity play a role in heat stress, so it is key to measure both in the barn.

05/29/2026

Build, Win, and Celebrate: 2026 4-H Engineering Design Challenge
Get ready to build, design, and dazzle at the 2026 Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge (EDC)! Youth in grades 3 and up will team up to create a Rube Goldberg™–style machine that wins a carnival game and puts on a show-stopping celebration of victory for the crowd.

Want in? Connect with your local Extension educator to form a team, and if you’d like extra support and updates, fill out the optional Intent to Join a Team form by June 30—no requirement, just helpful connections and resources to get you started strong!

https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-minnesota-state-fair/4-h-engineering-design-challenge

05/28/2026

Join other teens who love filmmaking at the 4-H Video Workshop Aug. 11-13, 2026 on the MN State Fairgrounds and UMN Twin Cities campus in St Paul. For youth in grades 8 & up.

More Info/Register: https://z.umn.edu/SummerVideo

05/28/2026

Big Stone County has some openings and have invited Traverse to participate.

05/28/2026

Let’s Talk About Loneliness in Young People 👥
Because everyone needs someone to talk to.
Loneliness affects young people more than many realize. About 21% of teens report feeling lonely, and many keep those feelings to themselves, making it hard for others to know when they need support.
You can make a difference by choosing to check in. A simple message, a quick call, or a few kind words can remind someone they matter. You never know what someone is going through, and your small act of care might be exactly what they need.
Source: Edweek.org
This is video seven 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.

05/27/2026

Traverse has two 4-H youth graduating this year. How many projects have they completed over the years? How much community service have they done? Please congratulate them on their accomplishments over the years and let’s look forward to seeing the adults that they become!
Morgan received a $250 4-H scholarship.

Morgan Smith
I will be attending Central Lakes College for Natural Resources.
I enjoyed my time in 4-H at the state fair, working on projects, and getting to know other people. 4-H is great way to get involved with your community and make friends.

05/27/2026

Are you a small or beginning pig farmer and have questions about swine health, nutrition, management, or day-to-day challenges? Join us next week on June 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. for a Q & A and conversation with a panel of experienced swine specialists on Zoom. Register now: z.umn.edu/bc1g 🐖

This webinar is hosted by University of Minnesota Extension, Iowa State University, and The Ohio State University, with funding provided by the National Pork Board Swine Educators grant program.

05/27/2026

Let’s Talk About Caring for Older Adults 🧓
Because everyone needs someone to talk to.
Loneliness is more common among older adults than many people realize. 43% of older adults report feeling lonely, and many experience it quietly without reaching out for support.
You can make a meaningful difference by choosing to show up, even briefly. Even short visits matter more than you think. A quick check‑in, a shared cup of coffee, or a few

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Register for the Buds and Blooms 4-H Photo Challenge!

Minnesota 4-H photography is excited to offer a statewide photography challenge to youth in grades K+. Youth will select one photo and write a few brief sentences stating why it's special to them and email [email protected]. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on June 8.

More info at z.umn.edu/budsandblooms2026