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LEADERS, MEMBERS, and PARENTS can contribute to the articles posted weekly by completing a short form and uploading their article and any photos at go.wisc.edu/2665ok. Articles for the current week must be submitted by 12 pm on Wednesday. We would love to hear from you. Secretary minutes can also be submitted here as well!
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| Join Us for a Youth-Led Art Workshop! |
4-H Youth Leader Austyn is hosting a hands-on Acrylic Painting & Drawing Workshop, and your young artist is invited to jump in and create their very own masterpiece! Youth will be guided step-by-step through an acrylic painting project — but with plenty of room to make it their own. We’ll help them bring their unique vision to life. All materials are provided, and parents are encouraged to attend.
Limited to 10 youth per session. Session 1 for youth in grades K5-5th is full - a waitlist has been started. Cost is $5 per youth with a max of $15 per family. Payment is due to the Extension office by April 21. Make checks payable to: Fond du Lac County 4-H.
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Market Livestock Policy Update |
The Fair Board has adopted DATCP's recommendations set on March 5 that repeals PRRS/PEDv testing requirements, yet requires standard intra-state swine health certificate. It is important to note that this waiver ONLY applies to the PRRS/PEDv testing. Standard health papers/testing are still required. Email info@fonddulaccountyfair.com with any questions.
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| Poultry Project Opportunities |
Volunteer Lori Quackenboss will be hatching silkie chicks at Ascension Lutheran Church (901 Cty Rd V, FDL) and there are several opportunities to be involved:
Egg Candling - Check for viable eggs on May 7th at 6:00pm
Hatching Day - Come (hopefully) see some of the chicks hatch on May 15th between 11am-12:30pm or 6-6:30pm
All potential chicks are spoken for at this time. If you have any questions, contact Lori at 920-517-8172.
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Dairy Judging is a great opportunity to help 4-H youth sharpen their skills on decision making, build confidence in public speaking, and building relationships with their peers. We have a few practices scheduled below, with more to be announced at later dates. In addition, the Area Animal Science Days competition will be Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 in Clark County. *Please bring a notebook and a pen or pencil to practice.* We look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, April 13th @ 6:30 PM: Westphalia Holsteins, W6301 West Byron Road, Brownsville
Wednesday, April 29th @ 6:30 PM: Vir-Clar Farms, N5119 County Road K, Fond du Lac
Chad Ryan 920-960-1449
Matthew Kramer 920-838-0201
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Saturday, May 2nd at 8:30am at Vir-Clar Farms, N5119 County Road K, Fond du Lac
Will cover nutrition and showmanship for dairy cows and counts as a fair requirement. Contact Karla at kstumpf1@new.rr.com with any questions
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Dairy Innovation Camp July 9-12 |
The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences and the Dairy Innovation Hub are hosting Badger Dairy Camp on the UW-Madison campus from Thursday, July 9th, through Sunday, July 12th.
Campers will stay and dine at the Dejope Residence Hall to experience the full student experience (double occupancy; roommate requests available). The tentative schedule includes hands-on workshops, tours, and recreational activities across the UW-Madison CALS campus. Hands-on workshops will be led by dairy industry leaders in land and water resources, animal health and welfare, human health and nutrition, farm business and community, and linear evaluations and dairy judging. College preparation workshops will be tailored to the camper’s current grade level in collaboration with CALS.
We will provide additional details as camp applications are released at the beginning of April. Camp applications will require a nonrefundable $175 registration fee. The camp will be limited to the first 100 registrants. Complete this survey to receive an email when applications open.
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| Which track will you choose at Summer Academy? |
Youth in grades 8-11 will explore career and hobby pathways in various fields like agriculture, STEM, leadership, arts, and more. You’ll also have the chance to build friendships and networks with people from across Wisconsin.
Dates: June 14-18, 2026
Location: UW-Madison Campus
Registration Fee: $150 (Covers lodging, meals, transportation, activities, and more)
Register by April 26
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Dance and Movement Block: Work with members of UW Dance Exchange to explore creative movement. Appropriate for both skilled and novice dancers who are open to new experiences and exploring creativity.
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Computer Science and Cyber Security Block: Spend time exploring cutting-edge research with university researchers and students, with possible topics including cryptography, robotics, or game design. Youth will learn from undergraduate advisors about different UW-Madison majors in computer, data, and information sciences.
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Climate and Weather Block: The block will feature hands-on workshops and presentations that cover the various types of severe and hazardous weather that we experience in Wisconsin. We will also invite weather and climate professionals to a career panel, where the youth participants can ask questions about getting into STEM careers.
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Agriculture Block: Does roaming the rumen sound intriguing? Do you love animals or think a career in agriculture is something you want to explore? If this sounds interesting, this is the track for you. Youth will work with UW Madison faculty, 4-H Ag Ambassadors, and community professionals and experience hands-on activities in dairy, animal science, and agriculture.
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Gaming Block: Youth in this session will explore the basics of esports, including game design and development. Career opportunities in esports will be covered, educating youth on a possible future in this exciting field!
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Science Block: Youth will explore state of the art science labs and engage with UW science undergraduate students. Whether they are interested in biology, chemistry, or geology, they will find their science spark in this session.
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Join the 2026 Thank a Volunteer Campaign |
4‑H thrives because of dedicated volunteers who give their time, skills, and passion to our youth. This year, help us celebrate these incredible individuals by recognizing a volunteer who has made a difference in your club or community.
💚 Share your appreciation in any of these ways:
📸 Submit a 4‑H related photo of the volunteer in action
💬 Share a short quote of thanks
🎥 Record a brief video including: “Thank you, [volunteer name]”, Your 4‑H club name, Why you appreciate this volunteer and how they’ve supported you or your club
Submit by April 10 to be featured during National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026). Submissions after April 10 will still be used to celebrate volunteers throughout the year!
Let’s come together to honor the people who make 4‑H shine. Your gratitude makes a difference.
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WI 4‑H Apparel Store Orders due April 15! |
Show your 4‑H pride and support a great cause! Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the Wisconsin Association of Extension 4‑H Youth Development Professionals (WAE4‑HYDP).
🛍️ Store open now through April 15
👕 Youth & adult sizes available
📦 Ship to your home or save on shipping by selecting county Extension office pickup (available at the end of May)
Support 4‑H and look great doing it!
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These camps combine outdoor adventure, hands-on learning, and leadership development—giving students the chance to build conservation skills and explore environmental careers.
Middle School Camp (Grades 6–8): June 28 – July 1 at Camp Lakotah
High School Camp (Grades 9–12): June 15 – 18 at North Lakeland Discovery Center
More details can be found here: https://wisconsinlandwater.org/camps
💲Scholarship Opportunities: Scholarships are available to help cover camp costs through Wisconsin Land and Water and Fond du Lac Bird Alliance.
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Conservation Programs for Groups |
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Volunteer Shout-Outs due April 10 - https://go.wisc.edu/2026thankavolunteer
Dairy Judging - April 13, 6:30 pm, Westphalia Holsteins, W6301 West Byron Road, Brownsville
Wildlife Club - April 14, 6:00pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus
Summer Day Camp Registration Opens - April 15
National Volunteers Week - April 19-25
Acrylic Painting Art Workshop - April 25, 3-4 pm (grades K5-5) and 4-5pm (grades 6-13) at the Fond du Lac County Campus - Register through 4H Online by April 15
Horse Project Meeting - April 25, 12pm at Double Bar A, N3758 Dehring Rd, Oakfield
Teen Leaders Association (TLA) - April 27, 6:45pm at Rolling Meadows Meeting Room
LEGO Club - April 28, 6:30pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus - LEGO Build Challenge: Mystical/Dragons
Dairy Judging - April 29, 6:30 pm, Vir-Clar Farms, N5119 County Road K, Fond du Lac
Adult Leaders Association Meeting - April 30, 6:30pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus
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UW Extension Fond du Lac County
160 South Macy St, 2nd floor
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 906-4623
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The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
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160 S Macy St Second Floor | Fond du Lac, WI 54935 US
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