CLOVERLINE
Inside this Edition
Program Announcements 1-2
Upcoming Events & Opps .........3-6
Upcoming Dates
September 15 PA Farm Show Scholarship Application Deadline
September 20 Chester County 4-H Center Annual Auction and Fundraiser
September 30 Clover Award Applications Deadline – Due in the Chester County 4-H Office
September 30 Farm Credit Award Application Deadline
September 30 Livestock Record Books & Award Application Deadline
October 1
ZSuite enrollment opens for the 2025-2026 4-H Year
October 6 Go Green Day
October 7-12 National 4-H Week
October 10 Deadline for Farm Show Tag Verification with Extension Educator
October 15 Deadline for Online Registration for Farm Show (Swine, Sheep, Goats)
October 18 PA 4-H SLC Jr Conference
October 23-25 PA 4-H State Horse Show, PA Farm Show Complex
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
4-H Enrollment in the 2025-2026 Program Year
The official 4-H program year runs from October 1st to September 30th annually. All members and volunteers are asked to renew their 4-H enrollment in ZSuite AFTER October 1st. Please do not change any information in ZSuite until then. Contact the Penn State Extension Chester County Office at 610-696-3500 or ChesterExt@psu.edu with any questions.
National 4-H Week
The 2025 National 4-H Week is scheduled for October 5-11 with the theme, "Beyond Ready!" This week celebrates the 4-H mission of preparing young people for life and careers through community events, initiatives, and national gatherings. Members are encouraged to help promote 4-H and their clubs in the community.
A key event during this week is the Go GREEN day on Monday, October 6, where participants wear green to show their 4-H spirit. Some other ways you can celebrate 4-H:
• Give back by helping at the 4-H Office or at a 4-H event.
• Wear your 4-H gear.
• Set up a 4-H Information Booth at a community event or local store.
• Shout out to a fellow 4-Her. Send it to us and we’ll post it on our social media pages!
• Create a window display.
• Become a 4-H volunteer.
• Share your 4-H story.
• Have a 4-H picnic with your club.
• Send a 4-H ‘Thank You’ to your leader!
Go Green Day
In celebration of Go Green Day during National 4-H Week, the Capital Building in Harrisburg will be illuminated in green on October 6!
On Go Green Day, individuals, organizations, and landmarks across the country will show their support for 4-H by wearing or displaying green. Lighting up the Capital Building will be a powerful symbol of 4-H's impact and a reminder of how our programs continue to shape the next generation of leaders to be “Beyond Ready” for the future.
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Farm Show 2026
Pennsylvania Farm Show- Department 24
Pennsylvania is proud to host the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation. The event showcases the quality and breadth of Pennsylvania's agriculture industry and the people who make it thrive. The show offers visitors a tiny slice of the industry that employs nearly half a million people and contributes $132.5 billion to Pennsylvania's economy every year.
Participating in the Farm Show is something many Pennsylvanians look forward to all year. It provides an opportunity to showcase the hard work and time invested in producing the best possible exhibits. The Farm Show runs from Saturday, January 10 to Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA.
There are a variety of live animal, still project, and presentation opportunities that align with many PA 4-H projects. Still projects, including project posters, sewing, and handcrafts, are part of Department 24. Prior to entering, be sure to take time to review the General Rules and Regulations, as well as the appropriate Department Rules.
Family Living – Department 24 Entries: Chester County 4-H will be packing and delivering non-perishable Department 24 Family Living projects to take to the Farm Show this year. ALL entries must be pre-registered before December 15th to receive entry tags. Tagged projects can be brought to the Penn State Extension Chester County Office by 10:00 a.m. on December 22, 2025. More details on Department 24 can be found here.
Be sure to carefully read and enter projects. Chester County 4-H is not responsible for determining appropriate categories, and Farm Show rules are clear that they will not accept improperly registered projects.
2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show Junior Market Entries & Exhibitors
Please notify Audrey Reith (alr5762@psu.edu) at the Chester County 4-H office if you intend to exhibit Jr Market animals or breeding stock at the 2026 PA Farm Show.
No paper tag forms will be accepted for tagging verification. As your county educator, Audrey will need to fill out and verify the tags, pull hair samples, and complete documents, as well as file them with the Farm Show Jr. Livestock office. Audrey must complete this on your premises, BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10th
On-farm impromptu RFID inspections may be made by the Junior Market Livestock Committee or Ethics Committee while animals are on feed.
Exhibitors who tag market animals and plan to show at the 2026 Farm Show will need to enter online at www.farmshow.gov no later than October 15 for swine, sheep and goats. YQCA (Youth for the Quality Care of Animals) certificate is due at the time of entry and will need to be uploaded to FairEntry when entries are submitted. No late entries will be accepted.
Hair samples will be required for all Jr Market animals and can be done by/with your 4-H Educator. To request hair sample envelopes, please call 717-787-2905. There are a limited number of sampling bags at the Penn State Extension Chester County Office.
NEW this year! Pennsylvania Bred awards will be given to the Champion and Reserve animals in each species that are bred in Pennsylvania.
Fall Paper Clover Campaign
Paper Clovers campaign Dates for the Fall 2025 Paper Clover Campaigns are: November 28 - December 14, 2025.
Help promote your club and Chester County 4-H by participating in the 2025 Paper Clover Campaign.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship application is open!
Each year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the Foundation awards scholarships to outstanding youth. Scholarships are awarded based on participation and volunteerism at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, academics, financial need, 4-H and/or FFA involvement, and community service as determined from the application and letters of support.
The applicant must be enrolled in a degree or certification program at a post-secondary educational institution - major or degree program does not matter!
The 2025 scholarship amount is $6,000 to each recipient, plus an additional $2,000 if they attend Penn State or Delaware Valley University and are a student in good standing in the College of Ag!
The application deadline is September 15, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
For more information about the scholarship and the application, please visit the website: https://pafsscholarshipfoundation.com/apply-for-a-scholarship/.
4-H Center Auction Invitation
It is that time of year again that we are preparing for the annual Chester County 4-H Center Benefit Auction on September 20, 2025.
The 4-H Center provides the main location for Chester County 4-H youth to hold their meetings, the annual 4-H fair, special events, and more. Supporting the 4-H Center will secure the future of a place where young people can learn and grow to become future leaders.
In addition to the county 4-H program, the Romano Center offers a facility to support other businesses within Chester County. Open to rentals for livestock and equine events, community group meetings, and professional business, the facility hosts over 95 meetings annually.
Funds not only support the cost of the center operation and improvements but also supports 4-H youth by saving dollars they would need to spend to rent a space.
We hope to see you this year at our annual benefit auction on Saturday September 20, 2025. The auction will include both a silent and live auction with a BBQ dinner as well as desserts from a local vendor and 4-H teen members, both who donate proceeds back to the 4-H Center.
In addition, if you are interested in donating an item or know someone who would be interested in donating, please plan to drop off donations during these times: 9/17, 9/18, 9/19 from 6:00-8:30 p.m., and 9/20 from 9:00 a.m.-noon.
We look forward to seeing all 4-H families and our 4-H community at this event.
With regards,
Chris MacCauley, on behalf of the Chester County 4-H Center Board of Directors
PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTS
Reminder — Farm Credit Award
Applications for the Mid-Atlantic Farm Credit Award are due to the Extension office by the end of day on September 30, 2025. There are Farm Credit awards for Dairy, Dairy Goat, and Livestock project members.
Applications can be found at: Farm Credit 4-H Award_Chester County_Rev 2025 -Fillable.pdf.
Chester County Teen Talk Line
Have you heard about the Teen Talk Line in Chester County?
Teen Talk Line is a peer support line which teens can call or text to chat about whatever is on their mind.
This is a free resource available to all teens of Chester County!
Donate to Chester County 4-H
Chester County has several options for giving to support the program. If you are interested in making a donation to the program it can be done at raise.psu.edu/Chester4HFund
If your company offers employee matching or donation for your service time, please contact the Penn State Extension Chester County Office at 610-6963500 or ChesterExt@psu.edu for more details.
Invite PA 4-H State Council to Your Next Event!
State Council is available for visiting clubs and presenting at county events, virtually or in-person! Submit a request form here.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Attention Members interested in Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Here’s your chance to have a behind the scenes tour of the New Bolton Swine Teaching and Research Center!
• November 15, 2025
• Tours begin at 10:00 a.m.
• Registration opens October 1st in ZSuite
Join us for the Chester County 4-H tour of the New Bolton Swine Facility, where you'll get a firsthand look at a farrowing operation where breeding sows give birth to piglets destined for finishing farms. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the aspects of swine production.
Participants will learn about the critical role of biosecurity in protecting animal health and gain insight into the reproductive cycles that drive successful breeding programs. The tour also highlights the facility’s organic feeding system, designed to support sustainable and ethical farming practices.
You'll see how pigs are tracked using an animal identification system, and explore the tools and techniques used in piggery management, including specialized equipment that ensures animal welfare and operational efficiency. Whether you're interested in veterinary science, agriculture, or animal husbandry, this tour offers valuable knowledge and hands-on learning through the collaboration of the Penn State 4-H program of Chester County and the Swine Teaching and Research Facility at New Bolton Center.
**If you currently have swine on your farm or in your care, you cannot enter the swine facility due to biosecurity risks.**
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
County Teen Council:
Leadership Opportunity for Teens
Attention 4-H Members, 13 and older! WE NEED YOU!
The Chester County 4-H Teen Council is a great opportunity for you to be part of a fun club. The goal of Teen Council is to help develop leadership skills amongst its members and to develop county-wide programs for members to interact.
The club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Chester County Government Services Center. Contact Toni Stuetz at tmm113@psu.edu or 484-887-2346 for more details.
Clover Awards
Attention 4-H members! This is a friendly reminder to complete your Clover Award applications. This recognition program is open to ALL 4-H members. Applications are due to Toni by September 30th each year.
Applications can be found in ZSuite or on Cloverlink.
Please contact Toni ASAP, at tmm113@psu.edu or 610-696-3500, if you plan to work on a Diamond Clover Award (level 6) application.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Attention Horse Members
Coming Spring 2026 Explore the World of Thoroughbred Horses!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to:
Work on a thoroughbred breeding farm?
Break and train thoroughbreds?
Be part of the action on behind the scenes of a track?
Work in veterinary medicine with these magnificent animals?
In Spring 2026, you just might have the chance to experience all of this and more!
Stay tuned for details on this exciting new opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of thoroughbred horses. Whether you are passionate about animal care, racing, or equine science, this program could be your gateway to a thrilling career path.
Chester County 4-H Air Pistol Club 8-Week Fall Session
Are you between the ages of 8 and 18 and looking for a fun, hands-on way to build confidence, focus, and leadership skills? The Chester County 4-H Shooting Sports Program is launching an exciting eight-week Air Pistol Club, and we want YOU to be part of it!
Learn the basics of shooting sports
Practice safe handling of equipment
Build self-confidence and discipline
Make new friends in a supportive 4-H environment
We are looking for 15 enthusiastic youth to join this awesome opportunity. No experience needed just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!
Tuesday evenings, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
October 21- December 9, 2025
Chester County 4-H Center
Enrollment opens October 1st in ZSuite
New to 4-H? No problem! Families can register at 4h.zsuite.org. Reminder: You must be enrolled in 4-H to participate.
Questions? Contact the Chester County 4-H office at 610-696-3500 or email ChesterExt@psu.edu
Let’s aim high together, join the club, and discover your potential!
2024-2025 Calendar of Events*
September 15 PA Farm Show Scholarship Application Deadline
September 20 Chester County 4-H Center Annual Auction and Fundraiser
September 30 Clover Award Applications Deadline – Due in the Chester County Extension Office
September 30 Farm Credit Award Application Deadline
September 30 Livestock Record Books & Award Application Deadline
October 1 ZSuite enrollment opens for the 2025-2026 4-H Year
October 6 Go Green Day
October 7-12 National 4-H Week
October 10 Deadline for Farm Show Tag Verification with Extension Educator
October 15 Deadline for Online Registration for Farm Show (Swine, Sheep, Goats)
October 18 PA 4-H SLC Jr Conference
October 23-25 PA 4-H State Horse Show, PA Farm Show Complex
*Dates, events, and locations are subject to change.
Chester County Penn State Extension 4-H Team
Toni M. Stuetz, 4-H Extension Educator
Audrey Reith ,4-H Extension Educator
Bo Holobovich, 4-H Program Assistant
ADDRESS
Kim Myers, Office Manager
Jen Cerimele, Administrative Support
Denine Chemnitz, Business Operations Manager
Amy Bradford, Client Relations Manager
Stay Connected
WEBSITE
Penn State Extension, Chester County
601 Westtown Road, Suite 370
West Chester, PA 19382
http://extension.psu.edu/4-h/counties/chester
WEBSITES TO REMEMBER
Chester County Penn State Extension
https://extension.psu.edu/chester-county
Chester County 4-H
4-H Enrollment System 4h.zsuite.org
https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-h/counties/chester
Pennsylvania 4-H
http://extension.psu.edu/4-h
4-H Mall Catalog http://shop4-h.org
Club Officer Training Modules
http://extension.psu.edu/4-h/members/officer-trainingmodules
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse Training http://lrn.psu.edu/
E-Learning for 4-H Volunteers https://extension.psu.edu/4-h-volunteer-orientation
Donate to Chester County 4-H http://raise.psu.edu/4HChester
Reserve Romano 4-H Center of Chester County Romano4hcenter@gmail.com
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a non-formal educational youth-development program of the United States Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/ programs/4-h
Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Chester County Extension Office at 610-696-3500 in advance of your participation or visit.
The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information, or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University's educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, Email: oeoa@psu.edu, Tel 814-863-0471. © The Pennsylvania State University 2025