Clover Chatter
CHARLES MIX COUNTY
South Dakota 4-H Capitol Day
South Dakota 4-H is hosting their annual day at the Capitol, January 22, 2025, where we will learn about the legislative processes in our state and get to mingle with fellow 4-Her’s. We are departing Lake Andes at 7:00 am and returning by 6:00 pm. We are excited to announce that all seats are full to go on this trip, so be sure to watch for social media up dates in the following days! If you are participating, be sure too bring money for lunch and snacks and to wear your 4-H green!
With the new 4-H year getting started, the Leaders would like to welcome anyone who has an interest in serving the Leader’s Association. If you are interested, please contact President Mike Dangel or Educator Lesley Rygaard. lesley.rygaard@sdstate.edu
Concession Stands at the County Fair
If you attended the County Fair this year, you are aware we tried something new and had food trucks the first day and a honor system on pork sandwiches for the second day. It was suggested to offer the concession stand option up for someone in 4-H to take this over, or if you know of a youth organization that would like to run the concessions at the county fair next year, please reach out to the office and let us know!
County and State Horse Show Dates
Announced!
The county Horse Show will be June 25th at the 7N Arena in Bon Homme Co. The 2025 State 4-H Office Horse Show will be held in Huron at the State Fairgrounds on July 8th10th, 2025. Check in and YIA will be on July 7th.
SIOUX EMPIRE LIVESTOCK SHOW
County Fair Dates
Announced!
The Charles Mix Leaders Association has Announced the 2025 dates for the County Fair. The Fair will be taking place on July 29th-August 2nd.
Youth can participate in two Youth Livestock Literacy events in Sioux Falls in January. The Sioux Empire Livestock Show Youth Livestock Skill-athon will be Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Expo Building on the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds during the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. Preregistration is requested (but not required) by Jan. 16 in order to prepare materials. Pre-register to wsweeter@lincolncountysd.org.
Youth can also participate in the Sioux Empire Livestock Show Youth Livestock Judging Contest in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 26. Check-in is from 12-12:45 p.m. and the contest starts at 1 p.m. Preregistration is $10 per person with early registration due by Jan. 3 at https://web.siouxfallschamber.com/events/2025Sioux-Empire-Livestock-Show-4-H-FFALivestock-Judging-Contest-2664/details. Late registrations are accepted but the fee is $20 per person.
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.
Meetings
Leaders Association
Jan. 27th, 2025
@ 4-H Center
Starts at 6:00 pm in Lake Andes Fair Board
January 6th, 2025 7:00pm @ 4-H Center in Lake Andes
Clubs Community hard Workers
Located in Wagner @ Fire hall
Contact Jenna Krcil or Cathy Kreeger if interested in joining
Hearty Helpers
Meet every second
Sunday of the Month
Located in Geddes/Lake Andes
Contact Darci Bultje if interested in joining
SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H VOLUNTEERS
are essential to the mission of our program. These caring adult mentors bring forth many skills and hours of dedicated service each year to help strengthen the lives of young people. If you were a volunteer in the 2023-24 4-H program year, thank you so much! South Dakota 4-H volunteers serve one-year terms, renewable indefinitely so long as both parties (i.e., typically the volunteer and lead county 4H professional) wish to continue the relationship. The returning volunteer indicates this interest by re-enrolling in 4-HOnline after October 1st. At this point, the returning volunteer’s status is “pending.” In most cases, the lead local 4-H professional will quickly approve and the 4-HOnline status will then say “active.” This signifies the renewal of the relationship for the 4-H year ahead. If the lead local 4-H professional does not wish to continue the relationship or wishes to discuss role restrictions or alterations, they will communicate this to the volunteer. Each year, a few 4- H volunteers are not renewed for service. Reminder: All returning volunteers need to indicate their interest in returning. The preferred renewal date is before December 31(or other local program preferred date), but required before volunteers are allowed to do any 4-H programming or events and before September 1st. Otherwise, should they wish to return at a future time, they will have to restart the volunteer process from scratch and pay a $75 lapsed background check fee. Interested in becoming a new volunteer this 4H year? Contact Lesley or Jo Cee at the office anytime, preferably before April 1, to learn more.
In2024,thesecond North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Impact Survey waslaunchedtogatherinformation from4-HVolunteersabouttheperceivedimpactofvolunteering.
Thepurposeofthestudywastoinvestigatethe:
Individual Benefits
Organizational Benefits -or,valuetotheindividualvolunteering -or,valuetotheExtension4-Hprogramand Public Value -or,valuetothecommunity(ies)wheretheyliveandwork 273 South Dakota Volunteers respondedtothesurvey,aresponserateof 27.3 %,thehighestintheregion!An
electronicsurveywassenttoasampleof1,000volunteersfromeachofthe12NCRstates.Atotalof2252volunteers respondedforanoverall188%responserate
Volunteersgiveonaverage10hoursamonthtoSouthDakota4-H Averageyearsofservicewas135yearsfor volunteers 2/3ofvolunteerswere4-Hmembersasyouth
Volunteers value the "shared sparks" model of 4-H, which focuses on working with young people on areas of mutual interest to facilitate youth thriving.
I N D I V I D U A
E N E F I T S
Volunteers come into the 4-H Youth Development Program to support youth and make a difference In addition, they personally:
"Ifeelthatmostofmylifeskills comefromwhatI'velearned eitherdirectlyfrombeingin4-H orbeingavolunteer Ihave learnedhowtostandinfrontofa crowdandspeaktoeveryone withoutfear.Beingabletopass thatknowledgeontotheyouthin 4-Hhasbeenagreatfeeling.”
Volunteers bring substantial value to Extension and 4-H programs. Volunteers said they:
taught youth new skills
recruited new volunteers to 4-H shared the value of the 4-H program
It has been great to be able to present opportunities for the kids to be involved in that I have had the opportunity to learn about due to my involvement in the community through this organization and others.
SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H VOLUNTEER
Volunteers impact the communities where they live and work. Their value goes beyond the scope of the program and leads to changes in community conditions. Volunteers said that volunteering for 4-H:
recruited new youth to 4-H helps connect communities improves community health makes communities stronger planned learning experiences encourages civic involvement
I feel that by volunteering for 4-H I am able to learn about needs in the community. Then I pass that information on to friends and coworkers. To help our community out when needed.
SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H VOLUNTEER
Volunteers not only bring invaluable experience and care (as caring adults) to the 4-H program and its participants, but volunteers seek out 4-H as an opportunity for personal growth and to give back to their communities and the youth they serve
South Dakota 4-H Trip Application to the 2025 National 4-H Conference
Members of the South Dakota 4-H Program, have the opportunity to apply for National 4-H Conference scheduled for April 11-16, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia Youth must be 16-18 years old by the date of the event to apply Applications need to be submitted to the applicant’s 4-H Educator Upon approval, the 4-H Educator submits the signed application, via email or USPS mail, to the State 4-H Office by January 24, 2025. A designated committee of 4-H Youth Development professionals and/or previous trip participants will review applications and notify youth if they are selected to attend National 4-H Conference as a delegate.
NOTE: 4-H youth in South Dakota are awarded one trip per calendar year to represent the State 4-H Program at a national 4-H event/conference Eligible youth may reapply in future years for trips in which they have not yet participated
Application Process. To apply for this trip, applicants and 4-H Educators need to submit a portfolio of the following items. DO NOT SUBMIT the member’s 4-H Journal or 4-H Record Books as part of this application.
• Cover letter (one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font; sample copy is provided in this packet – please replace with applicant’s cover letter)
Describe your definition of 4-H Citizenship and Community Service.
Describe what you learned through 4-H Citizenship and Community Service that makes you a better person and citizen for your club, community, country and world
• Résumé (one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font; sample copy is provided in this packet – please replace with applicant’s résumé)
List the 4-H member’s name, complete address, county, contact information including email address and phone numbers
Describe the size and scope of two of your 4-H project areas, focusing on goals set/achieved and skills/ knowledge gained
Describe the leadership skills you have attained through 4-H activities, events and opportunities.
• • One Page of Photos (Optional) with captions showing 4-H leadership work and accomplishments
Non-Confidential Letter of Recommendation (commenting on skills relevant to your selection) from one of the following :
4-H Club Leader
4-H Educator
School employee
Employer
Pastor
• Checklist completed with required signatures
Participants are responsible for the entire cost of the trip The price to attend National 4-H Conference will be determined when the registration fee has been announced and the number of youth attending from South Dakota has been determined. Potential costs for four youth to go is $3,300.00 per youth.
The National 4-H Conference is pleased to offer financial assistance to 4-H youth and adult chaperones to maximize opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to attend Conference The Scholarship Form, can be found at https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/2024%20National%204-H%20Conference%20 Scholarship%20Form English-508.pdf. For more information, email National4-HConference@usda.gov, subject line “National 4-H Conference Scholarship Program”. The deadline to submit scholarship forms is Monday, January 13 at 11:59 p m Eastern
The deadline to submit the application to the State 4-H Office is Friday, January 10th To submit the scholarship application, email sdsu 4h@sdstate edu
Plan of Action At the conclusion of the trip, delegates will create, with the guidance from their trip chaperone(s), and implement a plan of action The plan of action describes how delegates intend to benefit/inform others of 4-H opportunities related to Citizenship and Community Service For more details about National 4-H Conference, please review information at https://4-h.org/parents/national-4-hconference/. You may also contact the South Dakota State 4-H Office using the contact information above.
{Type youth’s USPS mailing address}
{Type City, State and Zip Code}
SAMPLE SD 4-H Trip Application to the National 4-H Conference COVER LETTER
{Type date of letter}
Dear State 4-H Office,
{In the opening paragraph, applicants should explain what they are applying for }
{In the second paragraph, applicants should describe their understanding of citizenship and community service.}
{In the closing paragraph, applicants should include other relevant information they think is important along with current contact information (e.g., phone number, email address).}
Sincerely,
{Type the applicant’s name.} Enclosures
SD 4-H Trip Application to the National 4-H Conference RÉSUMÉ
SAMPLE
{USPS mailing address} {City, State & Zip Code}
{Phone number(s)} {Email address(es)}
Club Work
Project Areas
Leadership Skills
Education
Interests/Organizations
{Name of 4-H Member}
{Years of membership}
{Club Name}
{Primary interest area}
{Years in Project #1}
{Main Focus Within Project Area}
{Size and scope of project area}
{Goals originally set for project area}
{Goal achievements}
{Current/future goals for project area}
{Knowledge and skills gained}
{Years in Project #2}
{Main Focus Within Project Area}
{Size and scope of project area}
{Goals originally set for project area}
{Goal achievements}
{Current/future goals for project area}
{Knowledge and skills gained}
{Where/Location} {Leadership Skill}
{Who, if applicable}
{What, if applicable}
{Where, if applicable}
{When, if applicable}
{Why, if applicable}
{Where/Location} {Leadership Skill}
{Who, if applicable}
{What, if applicable}
{Where, if applicable}
{When, if applicable}
{Why, if applicable}
{Dates}
G P A {0 00} on a {0 00} scale
{School}
{Listing of other activities}
{County}
{Project Area}
{Project Area}
{4-H Activity/Event/Opportunity}
{4-H Activity/Event/Opportunity}
{City, State}
SD 4-H Trip Application to the National 4-H Conference CHECKLIST FOR:
Cover Letter
Résumé
(one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font)
(one typewritten 8½” x 11” page with one-inch margins, using a 12 point font)
One Page of Photos accomplishments
( Optional )
Non-Confidential Letter of Recommendation from 4-H Educator, School Employee, Employer or Pastor
Checklist (this document)
Upon completing this checklist (including obtaining the signatures below), applicants should submit this application packet in one of the following ways (please check which method(s) you are using).
Scan all documents (listed above) and submit them as attachments in an email message to sdsu.4h@sdstate.edu with 2025 4-H Conference Application typed in the subject line.
Mail the original hard copies of all documents (listed above) to the State 4-H Office at State 4-H Office, SAG 121, Box 2207E, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. In the lower left corner of the envelope, write 2025 4-H Conference Application.
Required Signatures
with captions showing 4-H leadership work and 4-H Member
4-H Member’s Parent/Guardian
4-H Member’s Club Leader
County 4-H Educator
REMINDER: At the conclusion of the trip, delegates will create, with the guidance from their trip chaperone(s), and implement a plan of action. The plan of action describes how delegates intend to benefit/inform others of 4-H opportunities related to Citizenship and Community Service.
FOOD, FUN, 4-H
Food, Fun, 4-H is a free at-home cooking program that unites families in the kitchen and at the dinner table. This program gets young people in the kitchen and provides experience preparing home-cooked meals, trying new foods, encouraging family time, developing communications skills and having fun!
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
FOOD, FUN, 4-H IS A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOUTH OF ALL AGES. YOUNGER MEMBERS CAN WORK WITH A PARENT OR CARING ADULT TO CREATE THEIR RECIPES, WHILE EXPERIENCED 4-H CHEFS CAN TEST THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND CULINARY SKILLS CREATING THE RECIPES.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
THOSE WHO REGISTER WILL RECEIVE MONTHLY THEMED RECIPES ON DIFFERENT COMMODITIES IN SOUTH DAKOTA FOR ONE COMPLETE MEAL, EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION, CONVERSATION STARTER TOPICS AND IDEAS FOR A FAMILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY THROUGH A MONTHLY EMAIL OR MAIL IF EMAIL IS NOT AVAILABLE FAMILIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING THE INGREDIENTS TO PREPARE THE RECIPES
How to sign up?
EMAIL LESLEY RYGAARD@SDSTATE EDU THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICATE IN FOOD, FUN, 4-H SIGN UP BY JANUARAY 17TH! YOU WILL RECIEVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMING YOU ARE ON THE LIST TO PARTICIPATE, AND BE ASKED HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECIEVE YOUR FREE MONTHLY KITCHEN ITEM ON JANUARY 31ST YOU WILL RECIEVE AN EMAIL ON THE RECIPES, TABLE TOPICS, EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION, AND GOOGLE FORM TO ENTER IN PICTURES AND ANSWER THE MONTHLY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE TIL FEBUARY 21STD TO COMPLETE THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY RECIPES
What is included:
Each participating family/household will receive a monthly packet via email (or mail if email is not available) with recipes for a main dish, side and dessert, as well as table topics, and educational information. At the beginning of the program, 4-H members who register for Food, Fun, 4-H and are active in 4HOnline will receive a 4-H apron
Each month, 4-H members who register for Food, Fun, 4-H, are active in 4HOnline, and completed the previous month's reporting requirement will receive a kitchen item that will be used in the recipe.
MEMBER EXPECTATIONS: FOR EACH MONTHLY PACKET, MEMBERS HAVE 20 DAYS TO PREPARE THEIR RECIPE(S), SHARE TWO PHOTOS (ONE PREPARING THE RECIPES AND A PHOTO OF THEIR FAMILY MEALTIME) AND ANSWER THREE QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR COOKING AND MEALTIME EXPERIENCE. UPON RECEIPT OF PHOTOS AND RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL RESPONSE, MEMBERS BECOME ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE NEXT MONTHS KITCHEN TOOL 3 MONTH PROGRAM WILL START FEBUARY AND END IN APRIL