4-H Friday Newsletter

Friday, January 9, 2026

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! 

4-H and community youth are invited to attend Family Learning Day! Learn a new skill or gain fresh ideas. It will be a fun, informative day. Parents are encouraged to spend the day with their child and help them find their sessions.

*Some sessions have filled already, so please keep that in mind when registering. 

Clover Con Skills Camp offers 4-H members the opportunity to explore interests in comics, fantasy, and gaming. This hybrid program combines online and in-person sessions focused on various creative and practical skills. Participants will engage in activities such as world-building, character development, and costume creation centered around their favorite comic or fantasy themes. 

NOW Open to youth in grades 10,11, and 12!

This hybrid program for youth in grades 5-12 covers the following skill areas:

Schedule and Locations:

Wisconsin 4-H proudly presents STEAM GAZE, a dynamic, full-day experience designed for curious and creative youth in grades 3–5. This spring, dive into a world of discovery where art meets science through hands-on workshops led by passionate educators and mentors.

Whether your spark is chemistry, theater, visual arts, environmental science, music, or something in between, STEAM GAZE offers multiple interactive tracks to ignite imagination and innovation. Youth must attend with an adult (parent, club leader, teacher, Extension staff, etc.). Adult attendance is free.

Event Details:

Wednesday, January 14 at 6pm  |  Fond du Lac County Campus, 400 University Dr

4-H has so many great opportunities available, and it is hard to know about them all. We don’t want our members to miss out! New families can expect to meet other new families, have questions answered, and learn about various topics such as projects, general meetings, 4-H Structure, and different opportunities.

We are also seeking volunteers to help facilitate stations during the New Family Orientation. If you or someone in your club would be interested, please sign up at go.wisc.edu/v16984

Fond du Lac County Market Livestock Educational Requirements
● To qualify for the Market Livestock Sale, participants are required to complete eight (8) educational
credits. There will be no educational requirement for youth who graduated from high school the
previous year.
● Each exhibitor, including those showing their last year, must be Youth for the Quality Care of
Animals (YQCA) certified. YQCA certification can be obtained either online or in person.
● The calendar year for completing eight (8) credits begins July 1 (before the previous fair) and ends
on July 1 of the current year. Educational credits earned July 1 prior to the current year's fair will be
applied to the following year's market livestock sale qualification.
● All educational classes/shows/YQCA Certification must be submitted within 10 days of the event or
completion for meeting credit. After 10 days, NO points will be counted.
● All approved events will be posted on the Fond du Lac County Meat Animal Project Website at:
https://www.fonddulaccountyfair.com/p/exhibitor-information/market-livestock-committee-and-project.
      2 points - meetings 1-2 hours in length, exhibiting livestock at any show
      3 points - meetings 1⁄2 day in length (3 - 6 hours)
      4 points - judging teams, quiz bowl teams, meetings one day in length (6 or more hours)
      6 points - meetings two or more days in length
      1 point - any meeting in conjunction with a show, sale, or livestock event (i.e., World Beef Expo,
                     World Pork Expo, etc.)
      4 points - high school or college meat animal-related class
      2 points - livestock-related public presentation (i.e., Day on the Farm, civic groups, etc.)
      2 points - YQCA certification - in person or online
      2 points - carcass contests
      2 points - orientation night (March)

Only one point will be allowed for online/virtual learning opportunities or webinars
For specific details regarding educational activities for credit, please visit
https://www.fonddulaccountyfair.com/p/exhibitor-information/market-livestock-committee-and-project.

Educational Opportunities
January 14th @7pm - Agriculture career fair at St. Lawrence Fire Hall
What opportunities are there for me after the show ring?

January 29, 2026 - 5pm-8pm- We will be offering a rare opportunity to meet and learn from Levi Richards, Live Stock Judge and program director of Formula of Champions Feeds. Learn how to start and finish your FAIR ANIMALS with proper nutrition, minerals and/or supplements. Don't miss this event!
Country Visions Cooperative Brillion County Store 1010 W Ryan Street Brillion, WI 54110.

February 7th @10am- Umbarger, ShowRite, rule, AllN, Purina hands-on feed talk.
What to feed and when. Supplements... worth the money - when to use.
Location TBD watch for updates!

May—-Stay tuned for more details about an upcoming hands-on showmanship clinic! Insights
and practical experience in showmanship. Participants will learn what judges are specifically
looking for during competitions.
Washington County Fair Park.

4-H Discovery Kit Distance Learning Program - January 13, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

New Family Orientation - January 14, 2026, 6-7:30 pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus, 400 University Dr, Room 205/206

Winter Leadership Camp - January 23-25, Waupaca

Teen Leaders Association (TLA) - January 26, 6:45 pm at Rolling Meadows Meeting Room

Design Your Landscape Kit Distance Learning Program -January 26, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

LEGO Club - January 27, 6:30 pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

Family Learning Day Registration Closes January 26th

4-H Discovery Kit Distance Learning Program - January 27, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

State 4-H Meats Judging Contest - January 31, register through 4-HOnline

State 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl - February 7, register through 4-HOnline

Design Your Landscape Kit Distance Learning Program -February 9, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

4-H Discovery Kit Distance Learning Program -February 10, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

Teen Leaders Association (TLA) - February 23, 6:45pm at Rolling Meadows Meeting Room

Design Your Landscape Kit Distance Learning Program -February 23, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

LEGO Club - February 24, 6:30pm at the Fond du Lac County Campus

4-H Discovery Kit Distance Learning Program -February 24, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom, preregistration was required

Family Learning Day - February 28, 2026

  Tracy Keifenheim

4-H Program Educator

tracy.keifenheim@wisc.edu

Sarah Stevenson

4-H Program Assistant

sarah.stevenson@wisc.edu

 Misty Jimenez

4-H Associate Educator

misty.jimenez@wisc.edu

The Extension office has moved to the Fond du Lac County Government Center. Visitors must use the north entrance and go through security, then take the elevators in the lobby to the 2nd floor.

UW Extension Fond du Lac County
160 South Macy St, 2nd floor
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 906-4623

http://fonddulac.extension.wisc.edu/4h/

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