October 21st, 2026

4-H Drone Day at Arlington by Isaac Clark

Drone Learning Day October 17, 2026
Arlington Research Center

First, we started the morning by learning about what capabilities drones have. I learned that special types of drone cameras can detect color waves that we can not see with our eyes. They use this application to scan fields to see what the growth looks like and
what it needs in some areas compared to others.

Then we went outside, and we learned about robotics and how processing units work. The teacher had kits of robots that Mark Rober makes. The robot has a sensor and a plant on it, and it is attracted to light, and it moves accordingly.

After that, there were tractors, and another teacher explained how GPS (Global Positioning System) works. He explained that it communicates with a satellite to see the exact position of where it is. They tied it in with drones by talking about RTK (Real-Time Kinematic Positioning). This is because drones now have RTK modules on the drone, so you can create a flight path for it, and it will fly all by itself.

The last station we learned about was DJI Spraying Drones. The one they had was a T40. It is called that name because it can spray 40 liters; it is made in Europe, but it is about 11 gallons. It also has the capability of spreading dry fertilizer or spreading
seeds, like cover crops such as rye. This was a very cool experience. We even got to see it spray!

Overall, it was a very fun day - Isaac Clark

Marie Witzel
Positive Youth Development Educator
Juneau, WI 53039
920-386-3790
marie.witzel@wisc.edu

If clubs or groups have items to share, send them by noon on Monday to be included in that week’s issue. Anything received after 12 p.m. Monday will be considered for the following week. 

Please send any 4-H or youth development related emails to marie.witzel@wisc.edu

Thank you so much for giving so much of yourself-- you are appreciated! In honor of recognizing your milestone year, we have dedicated 4-H pins to celebrate your achievement. If you would like to receive your pin, please send an email so we know to get it ready for you!😀  Send an email to: kmflanders@wisc.edu

Reminder for 3rd Grade Members:
In Dodge County 4-H, 3rd grade members must enroll in the Exploring project and may add one additional project of their choice. If they choose Beef as their additional project, they are only eligible to exhibit in the Beef Feeder Class at the Dodge County Junior Fair. It looks like they will need to add the Exploring project and decide which one additional project they would like to complete this year.

Reminder for Adult Volunteers:
All adult volunteers must complete the required volunteer training and background check process before they can be approved and participate as a 4-H volunteer. If you have not yet completed these requirements, please do so as soon as possible to avoid delays in your volunteer approval.

Enrollment needs to be completed by November 1st, 2026

Looking to connect with 4-H members from across Wisconsin while growing your skills and exploring your interests? Consider applying for a Wisconsin 4-H Ambassador Team! Opportunities are available in Leadership, Agriculture, Arts, and the new Outdoor Ambassadors program. Youth in grades 9-12 can develop leadership skills, make new friends, represent Wisconsin 4-H at statewide events, and help shape future programming. Applications open October 1 in 4-H Online and close November 15, 2026. Visit the Wisconsin 4-H website for more information about each ambassador team and application details.

The 2027 National Poster Contest Theme "From Source to Sea. Every Drop Has A Journey" (this title must be included on each poster)

The Dodge County Land and Water Conservation Dept. will be participating in the 2027 NACD poster contest. The poster contest is open to public, private and home-school students’ kindergarten through 12th grade.

Divisions: Grades K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-9, Grades 10-12
Poster Size: 11"x17" (preferred size) 12"x18" or 14"x22" accepted

Posters are evaluated on the following criteria:

Conservation message
Visual effectiveness
Originality
Universal appeal

Poster Contest Date: January 13, 2027
Posters Due: January 6, 2027

NOVEMBER

17 - Leaders Association Meeting

19 - Beef 101 Educational Meeting @ Administration Building 7 PM

26 & 27 - Happy Thanksgiving - Office Closed

PYD Media Collection Project Resources Follow the link to learn more about the collection and request materials.

4HOnline  Log in to your account at the Wisconsin 4-H Online Sign in page

Visit the Wisconsin 4-H Website

WI 4-H Policy Updates

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension
Dodge County 4-H
Extension Dodge County  127 E. Oak Street  Juneau, WI 53039-1329
tel: 920.386.3790    fax: 920.386.3928