2026 May Clover Chatter (2)

Clover Chatter CHARLES MIX COUNTY

Important Announcment!

Important Information for anyone showing livestock, please see Page 4

Record Books Be sure to start filling out your record book for the 2025-2026 4-H year! Start early and set your goals! Lets have a great year!

May 31st - is the deadline to enroll in 4-H online if you are planning RFID Tags to show animals at the County Please reach out to the office if Fair!

you are looking for a place to buy RFID tags.

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

NO EXCEPTIONS Late Policy: Starting in 2026, South Dakota 4-H will be implementing a No Exceptions Late Policy for the following state-level deadlines and events: • State Shoot registration deadline (11:59 PM CST April 16) • Clover Classic Quiz Bowl team registration (late May) • Animal Identification in 4HOnline AND DNA nomination (11:59 PM CST June 1) • Youth Horse Literacy Event completed (June 1) • Youth Livestock Literacy Event OR YQCA completed (July 1) • State Horse Show exhibition classes registration and State Horse Quiz Bowl team registration (11:59 PM CST July 1) • State Fair registration for livestock and display exhibits (11:59 PM CST August 1) • Eastern Dog Championship show and Western Dog Championship show (tentatively late July/early August) In the event you have missed one of the deadlines listed above, you will NOT be able to participate in that state level event. There will be no exceptions or opportunities to appeal.

Any communication with 4-H professionals to plea, persuade, bribe, etc. will be grounds for membership suspension.

State Horse Show We are excited to share that the 2026 State Horse Show Guide is now available on the Extension website. Please take a moment to review the guide.

Link to State Horse Show guide: State Horse Show, Judging and Hippology Link to State Horse Show Contestant Packet: https://extension.sdstate.edu/s tate-horse-show-judging-andhippology.

Meetings Leaders Association May 18 @ 4-H Center Starts at 6:00 pm in Lake Andes Fair Board May 18 7:00pm @ 4-H Center

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

Birthdays This Month!

Ainsley Gustad 05/02 Oaklyn Peterson 05/02 Shawn Smejkal 05/04 Travis Krcil 05/07 Dashel Smejkal 05/08 Griffin Erickson 05/09 Dawson Gustad 05/16 Aspen Laska 05/18 Carson Blaha 05/19 Taeya Havranek 05/20 Emery Bultje 05/25 Jayme Bergin 05/28 Carter Smejkal 05/29 Hannah Meyer 05/30 Lauren VonEschen 05/31

Clubs

State Shoot

Hearty Helpers Meet the second Sunday of each month in Lake Andes or Geddes Community Hardworkers Meet the second Sunday of each month in Wagner.

Congratulations to those participants at State Shoot!

Luke Dangel, Emma Kreeger, Catie Payer, Case Havranek, Taeya Havranek, Sophie Jensen, Kip Beeson, Carter Smejkal, Dashel Smejkal, Dusti Laska, Luke Laska, Ethan Blaha, Logan Blaha, Katelyn Dvorak, Hannah Meyer, Lainey Martin

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

Important Dates

May 1st - Late Rodeo Contestant Entry Deadline May 31st - Need to be enrolled in 4-H online to show animals June 1st - DNA Submission Deadline June 1st- Animals need to be uploaded on to 4-H online June 1st - Deadline to complete Youth Horse Literacy June 2nd- Deadline for State Horse Show Stall Reservations June 10th - Fair Entry Opens June 15th - 16th - Clover Classic June 21-26 - National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship Grand Island NE June 30th - County Horse Show July 1st- Deadline to Register for State Horse Show July 13th - State 4-H Horse Show - Huron July 28th, 30-31 County Fair Dates

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more at extension.sdstate.edu. © 2024, South Dakota Board of Regents.

BBQ tickets

Office update

This year the BBQ on Thursday will have a fee if you do not attend a club meeting to receive tickets to sell please reach out to the office to sell some.

Lesley will be out of the office end of May through mid July on FMLA. Make sure you are getting answers to any questions and not waiting last minute as Jo Cee also works in other offices in the courthouse.

Important Info for Livestock Showers A. Requiring use of RFID tags for all market animals.

Why the change to RFID: 1) Use is encouraged by and in some cases required by USDA, e.g., USDA requires official RFID 840 tags for interstate movement of cattle including for all cattle of any age used for shows or exhibitions.

2) Ease of use for large numbers of animals being identified – RFID tags can be scanned quickly, 3) Many other shows and states require RFID tags, e.g., Kansas requires 4-H RFID for all market and commercial animals; 4) Most RFID tags are considered tamper-proof. Many animals already have RFID tags. By not requiring a specific brand/color/4-H RFID, exhibitors have the flexibility to use the type of RFID that works best within their management and other exhibition plans.

B. Deadlines are deadlines and there will be no late entries accepted for June 1 for 4-H Online entries of animals and August 1 for Fair Entry State Fair entries.

C. County qualification will be required to exhibit at State Fair. The same exact animals are not required and there is no “ribbon” qualifier. This goes for State Horse Show as well, youth need to exhibit in an event they place to participate in at the State Horse Show. There is no ribbon requirement for State Horse Show, if you are not able to compete in your county you will need to reach out to other counties to participate at their event.

The lack of county qualifying events affects local programs and support in terms of reduced entries, audiences, publicity, and sponsorship.

In the response to the county qualification question in the survey sent to livestock families in January, only 10% of over 300 respondents indicated a preference for no county qualification requirement.

D. A “Protest and Grievance Policy” that has been through university legal and administrative review will be published in the Fairbook. The policy includes an “in-show” procedure as well as “after-show”.

Events have rules and protocols to ensure safety and integrity for all participants. South Dakota 4-H supports the overall youth development program with policies and procedures that ensure safety and integrity statewide. Infrequently a 4-H member fails to abide by these frameworks and becomes subject to disciplinary action. If the disciplined or affected 4-H member disagrees with the disciplinary action/ non-action, the policy provides a means to appeal the actions taken by event/local decision-making entities.

Other announcements: The 4-H State Fair book is published. https://extension.sdstate.edu/state-fair-book The State Horse Show book is published. https://extension.sdstate.edu/state-horse-show-judging-and-hippology

State Events Webinar (#3): SDSU Extension will host a public webinar over Zoom on May 11, 2026, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. CDT to provide updates to multiple State 4-H events, including entering animals in 4-H Online, types of EID tags, Youth Livestock Literacy and Youth Horse Literacy reminders, Clover Classic and other upcoming events, along with a review of State Fair information discussed in previous webinars. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and reminders and can be completed online at https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/4-h-state-events-update-webinar.

Miner County 4-H Livestock Judging Workout Tuesday, June 2nd 6:00 pm Miner County 4-H Grounds 203 West Wilson, Howard, SD Go south at the Howard Animal Clinic on 434th Ave (about 1.5 blocks). Please check in at the Quonset—do not go to the 4-H building.

Classes will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with a flexible come-and-go format.

Participants can expect 5–6 classes, along with a scenario, questions, and a beginnerfriendly quiz covering breed and parts identification. Official placing cards will be available, and a mini Skill-a-thon will be set up in the Quonset for those who want to practice. This is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills ahead of the 2026 Clover Classic on June 15–16

Animals in 4-H Online are now open and families can enter their animals in 4-H Online.

Families have until June 1st at 11:59 p.m. CDT to enter animals in 4-H Online. If an animal is not entered in 4-H Online by June 1st at 11:59 p.m. CDT, the animal will not be eligible to be exhibited at the South Dakota State Fair in the 4-H division.

A few tips for entering animals into 4-H Online: • When a family clicks to add an animal, a screen will appear that states Animal Type and will state Tag, Tattoo or Number. When it states tag on this screen, it is not asking for the RFID tag number, this tag number is the additional tag. Please place the tag number of the additional tag in this location. When you click on continue, there is a spot for the RFID tag. If you accidentally put the RFID tag into this spot, when you get to the animal information, it will state what is to be placed in the text box for that area and you are able to update it to the correct information.

RFID tags: When entering the animal where an RFID tag is an option, you must put in between 15 and 16 characters for the RFID tag section. It will not allow you to enter the animal if you do not have the appropriate number of characters. For county only animals (not showing at the State Fair) and your county does not require an RFID tag for their Achievement Days/Fair, under the RFID tag place the animals tag number and then add the appropriate number of zeros to get to the required 15 to 16 digits. An example would be tag number 128, enter the RFID tag as 128000000000000.

• Rabbits: If you do not know the rabbit’s gender due to its young age, double enter your Rabbit in both genders in 4-H Online.

• Poultry: The band number that is entered into 4-H Online is the band number that must be used for your Poultry exhibit at Achievement Days/Fair and State Fair. The leg band numbers will not be edited after the animal deadline. It is suggested that you list the leg band color with the leg band number.

• Animals that persist from year to year (Dairy Cattle, Dog, Dairy Goat, Horse, Companion Animal, Poultry and Rabbits): If there is an animal that persists from year to year in 4-H Online, you need to re-activate that animal in 4-H Online on a yearly basis. If you do not re-activate the animal, it will not be active, and you will not be eligible for to exhibit that animal at the South Dakota State Fair in the 4-H Division.

• Horses: A recent photo of your horse is required for identification. A ¾ angle from the front left or right is preferred, which clearly shows any face and/or leg markings. If the horse has a brand, the brand should be visible in the photo, or a second photo should be added. Additional photos to more clearly show markings and characteristics may be added but are not required.

Helpful documents related to animal identification: • How to enter an animal into 4-H Online: https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2021-01/02-07-01-02.pdf • Animal Ownership and Identification Guide: https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-04/MC-04120-V2.pdf • South Dakota 4-H Livestock ID FAQs: https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-04/MC-04191.pdf • South Dakota 4-H Animal Lease Form and Requirements: https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/2026-02/MC-03361-v2.pdf

Sheep and Meat Goat ID Workshops There will be 3 workshops offered in May where participants can attend to learn more about the changes with the RFID requirements for this year. Participants will learn about the ID requirements, proper implementation of the tags, proper DNA collection, and can also participate in a YLL activity to complete that requirement for the year. Participants can also bring along their animal to receive additional support of tagging their animal and collecting the DNA. These workshops will be held at the following dates and locations: • May 21st at 6:00 pm in Aberdeen o Brown County Fairgrounds • May 26th at 6:00 pm in Salem o McCook County Fairgrounds • May 28th at 6:00 pm in Brookings o SDSU Animal Science Arena A limited number of Allflex 982 RFID tags ill be available for purchase for $5/tag

Premier Exhibitor Contest Information Premier Exhibitor Contest information has been updated and is now available on the SD 4H Website. Please note that Premier Exhibitor awards have been broken into 9 separate species. Youth must participate in all three competition areas for that species in order to be eligible for that species Premier Exhibitor Awards. Scoring information and age divisions can be found within the Premier Exhibitor Contest guide linked here: https://extension.sdstate.edu/south-dakota-4-h-premier-exhibitor-contests Please reach out to kelsey.vanderwal@sdstate.edu or sdsu.4h@sdstate.edu with any questions.

Clover Classic Registration and Contestant Packet The first ever Clover Classic will be taking place June 15-16, 2026, in Brookings, SD. Registration is now open and can be found on the SD 4-H Website. Please note that registration for the Clover Classic will close June 1 at 11:59 PM CT. All contest information and schedule details can be found within the Clover Classic Contestant Packet which is linked here: https://extension.sdstate.edu/sites/default/files/202604/MC-04224.pdf

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CHARLES MIX COUNTY 4-H MEMBER’S ANNUAL REPORT 4-HYEAR________ to________ Name

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Address__________________________________________________Zip

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Date of Birth __________________________ Age (on January 1 of current club year) _______ County _______________________________ Years in 4-H (include present year) __________ Parent’s/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________________________ Check one: ______ a member of a 4-H club

______ a special interest 4-H group member

______ as an individual (4-H member at large) My special interest group is _______________________________________________________ My local club’s name is __________________________________________________________ Club or Group Leaders ___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Club or Group Leaders President __________________________Vice President ____________________________ Secretary __________________________Treasurer ________________________________ Reporter ___________________________ Office __________________________________ Other 4-H Members ______________________

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My 4-H Goals: This year in 4-H, I would like to do the following: _______________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ My Club has the following goals for this year: ________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ (Last Updated September 10, 2024)

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Year ________

4-H Meetings/Activities During the year, I will make brief notes about my plans and myresponsibilities and accomplishments at 4-H club meeting, project meeting and activities. Indicate what meetings you attended by placing a check mark (√) in the month column.

Month

Club Meetings

Other Activities this Month

October November December January February March April May June July August September

(Last Updated September 10, 2024)

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Year ________ Ididthefollowing in my club (L),county (C),or state(S) this year. (check the ones you did, and indicate the number if done more than one time). _______1. First year members: I learned the 4-H pledge. _______2. I was host or hostess for our club. _______3. I led the pledges at our meeting. _______ 4. I went to ____ 4-H Camp ____ Teen Camp ____ 4-H Conference ____ Performing Arts _______5. I was elected ____________________________________ of our club. _______6. I served on the following committees: ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _______7. I helped with the following community service projects: ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _______8. I promoted 4-H in the following ways: ________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _______9. I was involved in church, school, and community activities other than 4-H. (list) ______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________

Signed _____________________________ Signed________________________________ 4-H Club Member (Last Updated September 10, 2024)

Date

4-H Signature Parent/Guardian Date pertains to completion of these records!

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