Dunn County Clover Courier |
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UW-Madison Extension Dunn County |
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Hello Dunn County 4-H Families!
Happy June Dairy Month! I hope you all get a chance to partake by having some ice cream or cheese curds! I also hope that everyone's school year finished strong and you get a chance to relax before we really get into fair season. If you are looking for something for you kids to do now that school is out, we've got a lot that we're offering these next few months.
In this newsletter, you will find information on:
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- Fair Updates
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4-H softball schedule
- Adult Awards and Graduation Deadlines
- Project Days
- Cloverbud Day Camps
- Stuffed Animal Show
- So much more!
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Also, I wanted to show my appreciation to everyone who took the time to fill out the Programming Needs Survey. We had 61 responses! This showed me what kind of programming families would like, and how they would like it delivered. Stay tuned for some new and exciting opportunities.
I hope you all have a great month! Please reach out if you have any questions.
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| Zachary Rozmiarek
Dunn County 4-H Educator
715-308-8616
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| Dunn County would like to welcome our summer intern Sam Stephens back again this summer!
“Hi everyone! I’m Sam, and I’m so excited to be back with the 4‑H community this summer! I just graduated from UW–River Falls with my degree in Agricultural Marketing Communications and Agricultural Business, and I can’t wait to reconnect with all of you and jump back into the work that makes this community so special. After the summer, I’ll be looking for a full‑time role in agriculture and community engagement. When I’m not working, you’ll find me baking, fishing, or enjoying the outdoors.”
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The 4-H Softball Schedule is out! The Juniors (8-12 years old) will be playing on Sunday nights at 6:30pm and Seniors (13 years old and up) will be playing on Tuesday nights at 7:30pm. No registration is necessary, just show up and play!
This is a great way for youth to get involved and make friends from around the county. Please consider checking it out!
Visit our softball page for the 2026 schedule, consent forms and more!
Also, join the Youth Activities Council for the Senior Game on June 23 at the Downsville Rec Park for FREE root beer floats before the game!
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Fair Entry for the Dunn County Fair is open and will close on July 7. Fair entry happens on the FairEntry website linked to the NEW Dunn County Fair website (https://dunncountywi.gov/fair). It is separate from selecting your projects in www.4honline.com.
I will be offering a Fair Entry help sessions on Wednesday, July 1, 6-8pm
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It will begin with a short presentation on how to enter your projects, and then I will be available to to answer questions. You are welcome to come at 6pm for the presentation, or drop in anytime between 6-8pm to get your questions answered.
I've included a Fair Entry tip sheet. Please read it before you make your entries.
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Fair Set Up and Barn Decorating |
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| Fair set up and barn decorating will take place on Thursday, July 16th at 6pm at the Dunn County Fairgrounds.
Swine participants are asked to be at the fairgrounds at 3pm to help replace the boards in the swine barn.
We will also need help setting up for the youth exhibits. If you are taking any non-animal projects, please consider helping out.
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Fair Schedules Announced! |
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| The fair board has announced the fair schedule and the fair office hours. Follow the links below for a larger version of each schedule.
Notable changes:
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Buyer sign up will be located in the Extension Office (3001 US Hwy 12, suite 216) this year. They are open from 8-4:30 Monday- Friday.
- Portions of the Dog Judging will take place on Monday, July 13 at 6pm
- Saturday, July 18th has been added as an additional time to drop off non-animal projects.
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NOTE: These do not reflect all of the changes. Please read the schedules carefully and reach out to the fair board if you have any questions.
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Cow Update for Dunn County Fair |
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A health inspection for influenza A is no longer needed to travel to a show. You must still have a form of identification. While an RFID Tag 840 is not required, it is recommended. It will be required for all cattle in 2027.
Be sure to read the Junior Fair Book, and watch for updates on the Dunn County Fair website and Facebook page to be up to date on all showing requirement.
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Superintendents and Judge's Helpers Meeting |
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| A fair superintendent and judge's helpers meeting will be held at the Dunn County Government Center on Thursday, July 9 at 6pm. Topics will include:
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The role of the superintendent/ judges helper
- 4-H and extension office's role in the fair
- entering scores into fair entry
- how to talk to kids about their projects and scores
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All fair superintendents and judge's helpers are encouraged to attend.
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Fair Booth, Sign, and Planter Contests! |
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| The Dunn County Fair will once again be sponsoring the Fair Booth contest and Fair Sign Contest. Information on both can be found in the Junior fairbook under department 32.
Fair sign judging will be based on location, creativity, and use of theme.
The fair will also be sponsoring a Club Planter Contest! Each club that participates will get a $20 donation! You can find out more by following the link below.
These are all great ways to promote your club and the fair. Please consider participating!
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Adult Awards Applications - Deadline Extended |
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| Have you had a 4-H Leader or partner make an impact on you or your youth? Consider nominating them for a 4-H Adult Award. Applications will be accepted until June 14, 2026 for the following awards:
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- Partners in 4-H - recognizes individuals, organizations, or businesses that have impacted Dunn County 4-H
- Volunteer of the Year Award - recognizes volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support youth and the program
- Alumni Award - Recognizes 4-H alumni who is a current 4-H leader
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More information and application forms can be found on the Dunn County Awards Website.
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Graduation- Deadline Extended |
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We are asking all graduating 4-H members to fill out the graduation form so they can be recognized at the 4-H awards ceremony at the Dunn County Fair! If you do not plan to attend the ceremony, please fill out the form so you can be recognized in the awards booklet.
Graduating 4-H members are invited to join us for the ceremony which will take place on Sunday, July 26 at noon on the main stage. Youth can choose if they want to be recognized the year they graduate high school, or the year they graduate 4-H (one year after high school).
After you fill out the form, email a photo of yourself to Ann (ann.lee@wisc.edu) to be included in the awards booklet. Extended to June 14
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Upcoming Events and Programs |
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We are excited to bring back the Summer Project Days! This year they will be held on Friday mornings from 9:30-11:30 am in June and July. They are open to ALL 4-H members, but are geared toward youth in grades k-5.
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- June 12 Fishing Fun (At Knapp pond in Knapp, WI) Registration closes Thursday, June 4!
- June 19 Splash Science
- June 26 Edible Engineering
- July 10 Paper and Stamp Making
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More information and registration can be found on the links below.
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CloverBud Day Camps - Registration is open! | |
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Join Cloverbuds from Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties for the Tri-County Cloverbud Day Camps! Explore a different ecosystem each day as you attend the different camps. Youth are encouraged to sign up for one, two, or all three day camps!
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Tuesday July 14 -Colfax Fairgrounds, Dunn County
- Wednesday, July 15 - Irvine Park, Chippewa County
- Thursday July 16- Carson Park, Eau Claire County
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Follow the link below for information and registration links for each of the camps!
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| Did you miss out on camp, or looking for more? This event is for you!
We will be hosting a new program called Outdoor Adventure Days on June 29 and 30 from 9am- 4:30pm at Hoffman Hills State Recreational Area. It will be 2 days of crafts, nature, hiking, and camp songs, games, skits and more!
Youth in grades 3-6 are invited to sign up for one or both of the days. Youth in High School are encouraged to sign up as a older youth volunteer/ counselor.
We are also looking for a couple of adult volunteers for this event. Please reach out to Zac if you are able to help.
Note: This event is NOT over night.
Registration is open in www.4honline.com and will close on June 15.
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Meat Animal Project Swine Updates |
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The Meat Animal Project will host a showing, feeding, and general care clinic for members of the swine project. It will be held on June 27th at 10am at N2839 Cty Rd K, Menomonie, WI.
Please reach out to the Meat Animal Project if you have any questions.
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The Meat Animal Project is asking all youth who are showing swine to help replace some board in the swine barn before Fair Set up on July 16.
They are asking everyone to arrive at 3pm.
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Photography Mounting Party! |
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Need help choosing which photos to take to the fair? Do you want to make sure you're following all of the rules in the fair book? Then this event is for you!
We will be hosting a Picture Mounting Party on Tuesday, July 7 from 6-7pm in the Dunn County Government Building. We will have the tag board and all of the supplies you'll need to mount your pictures. Just bring the photos!
Please fill out the form so we can get the tag board ready for you!
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| Join us for the third annual Cloverbud Stuffed Animal Show at the Dunn County Fair!
Cloverbuds will gain experience showing animals while showcasing their favorite stuffed animal.
This year the show will take place on Saturday, July 25th at 11am in the Show Ring outside of the swine barn. There will be a practice day on Saturday, July 11th at 10am in the County Government Building. Attending the practice isn't required to show, but highly suggested.
This event is designed for Cloverbuds, but all are welcome to participate, including 4-year-old siblings and non 4-H friends.
This is a Fun Show ran through 4-H, so it will not count as one of your three Cloverbud projects. Please fill out the form if you are interested in participating.
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4-H Night at the Races 2026 |
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| Calling all race fans!!!
Join us for the 4-H Night at the Races on Friday, August 14th! The Speedway is giving FREE admission to ALL Dunn County 4-H members! We will have a pre-party with food, lawn games, and activities for the kids. We will also our own section and go to the infield to say the 4-H pledge.
The pre-party will start at 5pm. If you are interested in attending, please let us know by filling out the form below.
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Cloverbuds are able to take three non-animal projects to the Dunn County Fair. When it comes time to sign up on FairEntry, you will want to choose "Youth Organizations, Dept 17." There you will find Cloverbuds and can select "Entry 1, 2 and 3." Then, you can bring ANY non animal project you find in the fairbook.
Although Cloverbuds cannot bring animals, we have a couple of opportunities to get them ready for when the time comes.
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We will be hosting the Cloverbud Stuffed Animal Show during the Dunn County Fair. This is a fun way to get cloverbuds talking to judges and practice sharing about their animals.
- The fair hosts a LIttle Britches Show for 4-8 year olds. Registration can be found on the Dunn County Fair Website.
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| If you are looking for a fun way to meet new 4-H'ers, consider participating in a 4-H Softball Game!
4-H softball is played in a fun, low-stress environment. Players of all abilities are encouraged to attend. Each week new teams are picked, so you get to opportunity to meet new people each time!
Check out the schedule below, and come join us for a game.
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As we are getting ready for fair season,this is a good time to share some information about the fairs. This month's Exploring 4-H Newsletter talks about how fairs are organized and how you have help your member find success.
It is important to note that fairs are just one of many ways 4-H'ers show what they know. Participation in fairs is not required, but it is highly encouraged. For many families, it is the highlight of their summer.
Being new is scary. Please don't hesitate to reach out to Zac or your club leader if you have any questions. We're here to help.
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County-Wide Meetings and Events |
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County-wide project meetings are open to any 4-H member who meets the age criteria. If you are unsure about adding a project area, these meetings are an excellent way to explore and learn more. Reach out to the extension office or project leaders for more information.
Projects can be added any time before May 1st in 4honline.com.
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| Rabbit Hopping |
Every other Tuesday 6-8pm, Small Animal Buiding on the Dunn County Fairgrounds | Rabbit Hopping Practice | | Youth Equine Project | Sundays 5-7pm, Thursdays 6-8pm Dunn County Fair Grounds | Ride night practices and clinicians | | Dog Project | Mondays 6-7pm, Small Animal Building on the Dunn County Fairgrounds | practice |
| Small Animal Project | Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 at the Dunn County Government Center |
showmanship times and fair prep | |
Youth Activities Council | Tuesday, June 23, 6:30-7:30 Downsville Rec Park |
Rootbeer Floats and Softball |
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County Government Building, 3001 Us Hwy 12 E, Menomonie, WI 54751
Please park on the West Side of the building and use the Health Department Doors for all programs at the Government Center.
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4-H On the Air is a fun and unique opportunity for the youth, and a great way to promote your club and Dunn County 4-H. Interviews can be done at the station or by phone.
If you are listed here, please take a moment to connect with WAXX: farm@midwestfamilyec.com or call Jill at 715-852-2659.
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| | June | Colfax 22'ers | | July | Sand Creek Pipers | | August | Rock Falls Rockets |
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The Dunn County Leaders Council is excited to help fund your 4-H trip! The Leaders Council is committed to funding 25% of all state and national trips and experiences. The Leaders Council may fund at greater amounts depending on the number of participants and budgetary allowances.
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The Leaders Council supports youth in excelling in 4-H activities by helping to remove financial barriers. If your youth needs financial assistance for a 4-H project or activity, email zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu. All requests are voted on by the Leaders Council and are kept anonymous.
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The Leaders Council will meet on Wednesday, August 28 at 6:30pm in the Lower Level of the County Government Building.
The Leaders Council isn't just for club leaders. ALL Dunn County 4-H parents and volunteers are invited to attend. If you are looking for a way to support the Dunn County 4-H Program, the Leaders Council is for you.
Parents and volunteers are welcome to join online or in person.
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The Leaders Council is looking for volunteers who would like to serve on a committee. If you are passionate about helping youth, and would like to help fund raise, organize events, or assist with awards, reach out to Zac for more information.
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In order to share the great work our Club Leaders are doing, we are asking you to report your monthly attendance numbers. These numbers will be tabulated and presented to the county board and other stakeholders to help ensure the future of 4-H for years to come!
Please enter your monthly attendance numbers in this form below or send them to Zac at zachary.rozmiarek@wisc.edu.
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Dunn County 4-H Leaders Council Sponsors |
Thank you to our 2025-26 Leaders Council Sponsors! If you, or someone you know, would like to become a 2026-27 sponsor, reach out to Zac, or visit the link below.
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An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.
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3001 US Hwy 12 East Suite 216 | Menomonie, WI 54751 US
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