Dear 4-H Families,

As we approach Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy today, and we hold their memory with deep gratitude and reverence.

This year, our reflections are especially tender. Just last week, our own community was struck by a devastating tornado. Many of our neighbors are reeling—in shock, in grief, and in need. In times like these, the true spirit of 4-H shines through: our commitment to head, heart, hands, and health—for our club, our community, our country, and our world.

Let us honor Memorial Day not only by remembering those who served, but also by being present for those who are hurting now. Reach out. Lend a hand. Offer a kind word. Let’s be the support that others need, just as we would hope for in our own time of loss.

To those who are grieving—whether from the storm or from the weight of remembrance—please know that you are not alone. Your 4-H family is here for you.

Warmly,
UW Extension Staff

Dodge County UW Extension Office 
127 E. Oak St | Juneau, WI 53039 | 920.386.3790
Website:  https://dodge.extension.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. Secretary Minutes need to go to Marie now too. The articles should be sent to Marie at marie.witzel@wisc.edu.

If you have Reporter Updates to share, please send them to Kelly at: kflanders@wisc.edu by noon on Monday to be included in that week's issue. You can also contact the office with any questions. Thanks!

Left to right: Marie Witzel, Wyatt Stowell, Helen Herlache, Max Luedtke

Wyatt Stowell and Max Luedtke represented the Dodge County 4-H Leaders Association and the Dodge County 4-H Scholarship recipients in presenting the 2024 Friend of 4-H Award to Helen Herlache, in recognition of her five years of donating 4-H scholarships to members and alumni in memory of Esther Haase Menn.

Attention Dodge County Youth 4-H Members! The Leaders Association is gifting a t-shirt to each enrolled & approved youth in Dodge County 4-H. Youth MUST fill out the attached Google form by June 1, 2025 in order to receive your shirt. One form can be used by each family. This is for youth only. The Approved Adult Volunteers are getting a direct email from the Extension Office. Shirts will be available to pick up at the Extension office before the State Fair.

Volunteering at the Dairy Brunch is a great opportunity to contribute to a special tradition that celebrates our local dairy heritage. Your support will make a significant impact. 

By volunteering, you'll be part of an unforgettable experience and also help foster a sense of community and togetherness. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the smiles and gratitude of everyone who attends!

Any club interested in having a booth at this years dairy brunch, please
fill out this Google Form 👇 .

There will be an Instructor-Led YQCA Training held for All Dodge County Animal Exhibitors who have not yet completed their required training to submit entries to the fair. A reminder that anyone exhibiting dairy, beef, sheep, swine, poultry, rabbits, or goats at the 2025 Dodge County Junior Fair needs to complete YQCA either online or at an in-person event. Your certificate will be required to be submitted when you enter for the fair. Details are as follows:

Our Dodge County Pig Pals Swine Spectacular Show is looking for 4-H and FFA Swine Project members that are involved with the Swine Project this year. This is a great activity that offers people with disabilities a chance to shine in the show ring with your help. This is also a great way to grow your leadership by partnering or working within the show in a variety of roles. Our show is scheduled for Sunday, August 17th beginning with all arriving at 9:15 am.

We will once again be expecting approximately 20 Pig Pal participants so that means we’ll need: * 20 swine exhibitor mentors to be partners along with 20 well trained pigs (7th gr. & up) 

Parents and adults associated with swine project members can also volunteer. ALL volunteers will receive a Dodge County Pig Pals T-shirt too. This is a really fun and rewarding opportunity for all involved. T-shirt order due by June 1st.

Please contact Mary Pat Boschert at 920-382-7943, call or text or email at
billboschert@gmail.com to volunteer names and t-shirt sizes, and answer any questions. Thanks everyone!

Orange Cards are Due July 21st, 2025

Dairy-Judging Schedule

May 25: Northcrest Dairy, W11673 Ridge Road, Waterloo, WI 53594, 2 p.m.
June 1: Smith-Crest Holsteins, W7465 County Road Q, Watertown, WI 53098, 2 p.m.
June 8: Nehls Valley, N3365 Level Valley Road, Hustisford, WI 53034, 2 p.m.

Dodge County calf-grant application

The purpose of the Dodge County Dairy Youth Recognition Auction Dairy Grant Program is to support active Dodge County Dairy Youth (4-H, FFA, junior breed associations) with a grant to expand their dairy project. Grant funds are used to purchase a dairy animal (any breed) to grow the youth’s dairy herd. $500 grants will be available for the 2025 program. The application is due June 1, 2025. 

LAST CALL for Wisconsin State Fair Junior Dairy Show

Wisconsin State Fair junior-show registration ends tonight, Wednesday, May 21, 2025! Here's a link to the rules and schedule. Here's the link to register.

Details:

- for youth 12-19 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025
- for registered dairy cattle
- Sign up for communication and quiz contests must be done when you enter your animals before May 21.
- Junior exhibitors must be YQCA certified at time of entry. The certification must remain active through the dates of state fair (Aug. 10, 2025).
- Dodge County requires all junior-dairy exhibitors to complete the county dairy-activity card in order to exhibit at junior state fair.

Dodge County fitting and showing clinic

The Dodge County Dairy Youth Advisory Committee is excited to host a Dairy Educational Morning on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Jon Powers Farm, 9-11:15 a.m.

Join us to broaden your dairy knowledge with learning opportunities, including:

- Feed and nutrition
- Washing and clipping
- Creating a show pack and preparing fair-show supplies
- Showmanship of dairy animals

This event is perfect for all youth involved in the dairy project. Attending counts for a point on your dairy-activity card. See you there. Sign up here by May 31, 2025.

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

MAY

26 - Office Closed -  In Honor of Memorial Day

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

4-H Volunteer Trainings Follow the link to learn more and complete your required trainings.

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