May 13, 2026

Marie's Message

Celebrating Our 4-H Seniors

As another 4-H year comes to a close, we are proud to recognize and celebrate our graduating high school seniors. These young people have dedicated countless hours to learning, growing, and giving back through their 4-H experiences. Whether leading club meetings, mentoring younger members, participating in community service, or developing skills through their projects, they have made a lasting impact on our program and community.

Through 4-H, our seniors have built more than project knowledge—they have developed confidence, leadership, communication skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. They have discovered their sparks, pursued their passions, and stepped outside their comfort zones to try new things. These experiences have helped prepare them to be Beyond Ready for whatever comes next.

While we will miss seeing their leadership and energy in our clubs and events, we are excited to see where their paths lead. We know they will continue to contribute, lead, and make a difference in their schools, workplaces, and communities.

Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors—we are so proud of you and wish you the very best in your next chapter!

Sincerely,
Marie

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

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

Astico Perseverance (Blake Kurth):  The Astico Perseverance club met on May 4, 2026 with 26 members attending and routine business. Members shared updates from recent activities and made several decisions, including approving funds for flowers at the town hall and fish pond prizes for the fair.  The meeting also focused on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities—such as the fair booth, dairy brunch activities, and Storytime on the Farm—before adjourning  with the next meeting scheduled for June 1.

Hyland Prairie (Ryver Ressel): The Hyland Prairie 4-H Club held their April meeting with member demonstrations, reports on recent experiences such as archery tournament, Space Camp, and National 4-H Conference, and updates on summer opportunities like Dodge Co. 4-H camp. Members discussed upcoming activities including Dairy Brunch volunteering, potential community service projects, and club t-shirt orders, while also confirming upcoming fair food stand participation. The club will continue planning future events, with the next meeting scheduled for May 14 at Prairie View Elementary.

Neosho Utopians (Mckayla Conley): The May meeting of the Neosho Utopians 4-H Club had a rock painting activity after the meeting. After we finished painting the rocks some of them were hidden in the rocks around school.

If you have animal projects and are planning to show at the fair, there is one more opportunity for the YQCA class.  Please reach out to the county project leaders if you have more questions.

Get ready for summer fun at Upham Woods! We’re kicking off the season with a fantastic lineup of programs for all ages. From family adventures to adult explorations, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to read the program details for age restrictions and to find your perfect summer experience. All youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 WI 4-H Area Animal Science Days, with events hosted in Grant County (June 19) and Clark County (June 30). 

Registration deadline: June 1, 2026. Participants should review the registration guide before signing up. 

Youth can participate as individuals or teams; entries include judging contests, plus optional poster and photography contests.

Cost: $12 per participant; optional lunch is $10 and must be pre-ordered. 

Teams can be registered by a volunteer or staff member; individuals can register themselves. 

There will be up to 3 scholarships for no less than $1,000 each. Applications are due by July 25th of the current year.

The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and the Dairy Innovation Hub are excited to announce the return of Badger Dairy Camp to the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus from July 9-12, 2026. The goal of this program is to educate youth about the breadth of areas that contribute to Wisconsin's dairy industry and the higher education and career opportunities available. The program includes hands-on workshops, tours, and recreational activities for youth ages 12-17 as of January 1, 2026. 

Registration is now open. The camp is limited to 100 campers, and applicants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Click the button to learn more and to register. You can also contact Megan Lauber directly at (262) 902-3156 or badgerdairycamp@ansci@wisc.edu.

Our 46th Annual Dodge County Dairy Brunch it will be held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds outside of Beaver Dam on Sunday, June 7th, 2026 from 9am until 12:30pm. 

Please sign up to help at the Cream Puffs & Carmel Apple Slices stand, the WWA Ice Cream Booth, Fish Pond, and 4-H Promotion Booth! 

At the Dodge County Fair, 4-H youth have the opportunity to go beyond displaying their projects—they can share the story behind their learning. Through reflection, youth highlight the skills they’ve built, the challenges they’ve worked through, and how their passions have grown throughout the year. This experiential learning approach helps youth connect their efforts to real-world skills like communication, confidence, and personal growth.

Who may exhibit at the Dodge County Junior Fair?
All youth who are Dodge County youth organization members (4-H, FFA, Jr. Holstein Assn, or other recognized youth organization under adult leadership, grades K-13, that has an education program appropriate to that organization and is approved by the Dodge County Fair Board) are eligible to exhibit. Cloverbuds (grades K-2) may enter the Cloverbud category ONLY.  Exhibitor grade is January 1 of the current year.

How to Enter Junior Fair Exhibits
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Dodge County Junior Fair Entry Coordinator with questions dodgecountyjrfair@gmail.com or 920-386-3834

When Margot is not available, Junior Fair items may be left in a basket in the County Administrator's Office. 

Dairy-judging practices

Showmanship clinic at Smith-Crest Holsteins sale

Wisconsin Junior State Fair

General questions? Contact DYAC via e-mail: dodgecountydyac@gmail.com.

MAY

19 - Leader's Executive Board Meeting 7pm

25 - Memorial Day Observed - 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