Alfalfa County Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services

06/12/2026

🍀 BEYOND READY TO LEAD 🍀

We are seeking young leaders who are ready to make a difference, serve their community, and help lead Alfalfa County 4-H as members of the 2026-2027 County Officer Team.

County officers serve as leaders, role models, and ambassadors for the 4-H program while gaining valuable leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that prepare them for future success.

To be considered as a County 4-H Officer candidate, members should:

✅ Be an Alfalfa County 4-H member in good standing
✅ Have completed the 7th grade
✅ Submit a County 4-H Record Book by July 1
✅ Submit a one-page resume by July 1 (new requirement for 2026)
✅ Complete an officer interview on July 6

Important Dates

📅 July 1 – Record Book & Resume Due
📅 July 6 – Officer Interviews (held alongside County Record Book Interviews)
📅 July 20 – County Swim Party & Officer Election at the Cherokee Pool & Pavilion
📅 August 4 – New officers will be announced and installed at the County 4-H Banquet

Serving as a County 4-H Officer is a great opportunity to represent Alfalfa County 4-H, develop leadership skills, and help shape the future of our program.

If you're Beyond Ready to Lead, we encourage you to take the next step and run for office!

☎️ Alfalfa County OSU Extension Office: 580-596-3131

06/11/2026

☀️💧 The 4th H in 4-H Stands for Health! 💧☀️

Summer is here, and that means it's time to pay extra attention to one of the most important healthy habits—staying hydrated.

Recently, Cherokee 4-H members participated in a Swim Safety for the opening of the Cherokee pool. As part of the event, youth shared educational displays about healthy snacks, hydration, and summer safety with community members. We are proud of these young people for promoting healthy choices and helping others learn how to stay safe during Oklahoma's hot summer months.

Many of us reach for soda, sweet tea, energy drinks, sports drinks, juice, or even coffee throughout the day. While some of those beverages have their place, water remains the healthiest choice for staying hydrated. Water helps regulate body temperature, supports muscle function, improves concentration, aids digestion, and helps our bodies stay energized and functioning properly.

A few simple reminders this summer:

💧 Choose water first whenever possible.
💧 Carry a reusable water bottle with you.
💧 Drink water before, during, and after outdoor activities.
💧 Eat water-rich foods such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and oranges.
💧 Be mindful of caffeine consumption, especially for youth. Experts recommend children avoid caffeinated beverages, including energy drinks, because they can affect sleep, blood pressure, and overall health.
💧 Get plenty of rest—hydration and sleep both play important roles in helping our bodies perform at their best.

According to Oklahoma's Shape Your Future campaign, making water the "go-to" drink is one of the easiest ways to support lifelong health habits. If your family is trying to cut back on sugary drinks, start by keeping cold water readily available and making it the first choice at meals and activities.

Whether you're working in the heat, attending ballgames, spending time at the pool, or enjoying summer activities with family and friends, remember: healthy habits start with healthy choices—and water is hard to beat! 💙

Watch this video! https://healthydrinkshealthykids.org/

06/11/2026

🐟🦅 Calling All Outdoor Enthusiasts! Join Us for 4-H Fish & Wildlife Day! 🌲🎣

Spend the day exploring the great outdoors at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge with Alfalfa and Woods County 4-H! Youth will have the opportunity to learn about fish, wildlife, conservation, and the unique natural resources that make Northwest Oklahoma special.

📅 Date: June 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge
💲 Cost: $5 per participant (includes lunch)

Whether you're interested in fishing, bird watching, wildlife conservation, or simply enjoying nature, this hands-on learning experience is one you won't want to miss!

📞 RSVP by June 12 to the Alfalfa County Extension Office at (580) 596-3131.

Come discover, explore, and learn about the incredible fish and wildlife resources right here in Oklahoma. We hope to see you there! 🌿🐦🐟

06/10/2026

🌟 4-H Discovery Day Registration deadline is coming up! 🌟

The 2026 West District 4-H Discovery Day & Volunteer Conference will be on Wednesday, July 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.! Register by June 15th in zsuite.

Discovery Day gives 4-H members a chance to explore the many opportunities available through 4-H with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and learning experiences including:

🌱 Planting 101
🦌 Oklahoma Wildlife Notebooks
🎨 Fabric Collage
🍅 Homemade Salsa Making
🐄 Livestock & Horse Projects
🎯 Shooting Sports
🧵 String Art Initials
🤠 Livestock Brands
👕 Duds to Dazzle
⭐ Leadership Beyond the County Level
🔎 Wildlife CSI

There's something for every 4-H member to explore, create, learn, and discover!

Parents and volunteers are encouraged to attend the Volunteer Conference adult track. This is a great opportunity to learn new ideas, connect with other volunteers, and gather practical resources you can take back to your local club. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, you'll leave inspired and equipped with tools you can use right away.

📅 Date: July 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
💲 Youth Registration Fee: $10 per participant

📝 Registration is due Monday June 15th in ZSuite under "2026 West District 4-H Discovery Day." You may choose this link as well: https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/49100

🚗 Need transportation? Contact the Alfalfa County OSU Extension Office. Transportation may be available through certified 4-H volunteers and Extension Educators for youth who need a ride to Discovery Day.

We hope to see Alfalfa County youth, parents, and volunteers there for a day of learning, discovery, and fun!

06/10/2026

Today's the day to stop by the Alfalfa County OSU Extension Office anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. for help with Record Books. Whether you're just getting started or putting on the finishing touches, we're here to answer questions and help guide you through the process before the July 1 deadline.

06/10/2026

⏰ July 1 will be here before we know it!

Have you started your 4-H Record Book?

Record books are more than just paperwork—they help youth reflect on what they've learned, track their accomplishments, set goals, and prepare for future scholarships, awards, and leadership opportunities.

If you're feeling stuck or unsure where to begin, we're here to help!

📚 Alfalfa County 4-H Record Book Help Day
📅 Wednesday, June 10
⏰ Come and go from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
📍 Alfalfa County OSU Extension Office

Youth are welcome to bring their record books, questions, project information, photos, and any materials they've collected throughout the year. We'll help guide them through the process, answer questions, and show them how to complete sections of their record book.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just need help finishing up, we encourage you to stop by before the July 1 deadline.

Questions? Call the Alfalfa County OSU Extension Office at 580-596-3131.

06/09/2026

🐄 Cherokee Dairy Summer Field Day 🐄

Mark your calendars and join us for the Cherokee Dairy Summer Field Day on June 18 at the Alfalfa County Fairgrounds in Cherokee!

Hosted by Cherokee FFA and Cherokee 4-H, this event welcomes participants from across the state for a day of dairy judging, learning, and friendly competition. Anyone is welcome!

📅 June 18, 2026
📍 Alfalfa County Fairgrounds, Cherokee
🕘 Registration: 9:00 a.m.
🐄 Judging Begins: 10:00 a.m.
🍽️ Lunch Provided

Divisions include:
✅ FFA Teams & Individuals
✅ 4-H Teams & Individuals
✅ Adult Division
✅ Peewee Division

Whether you're preparing for contests, building judging skills, or simply enjoy learning more about the dairy industry, this is a great opportunity to participate.

💲 No registration fee!

For questions, contact Christie Snider at 405-747-8907.

We look forward to welcoming participants from across the state or across the state-line to Cherokee for a great day of dairy judging and fellowship!

🐄☀️

06/09/2026

4-H families! Food, Fun, 4-H is OPEN!! The wait is over.

✈️🌎 Food, Fun, 4‑H Takes Flight 🌎✈️

We’re now cleared for takeoff! Registration is open for Food, Fun, 4‑H Takes Flight — the free, at-home cooking program where you can explore new countries without ever leaving the kitchen. Once you register, you’ll receive an email at your household address from ZSuite with your first lesson and reporting link. 🍽️

🎟️ Sign up now: 4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/48982

06/09/2026

👶🩹❤️ Do you have a young person interested in babysitting?

Join OSU Extension and Northwest Tech for a fun and informative Babysitting Safety Class designed for youth ages 10 and over!

📅 June 29, 2026
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
📍 Alfalfa County Fairgrounds
💲 Cost: $20

Whether they're planning to babysit this summer or simply want to build valuable life skills, this class is a great opportunity to learn and gain confidence.

📍 Space is limited, so register early!

Participants will learn important skills to help them become safe, confident, and responsible babysitters, including:

✅ Basic child care
✅ Safety and emergency preparedness
✅ Age-appropriate activities
✅ Feeding and diapering basics
✅ Leadership and responsibility skills
✅ Friends & Family CPR certification

This hands-on class is packed with practical activities and real-life scenarios that help prepare youth to care for children safely and confidently.

☎️ Contact the OSU Extension office at 580-596-3131 to register or ask questions.

06/06/2026

4-H’ers of all ages representing Alfalfa County gained valuable hands-on experience developing their cooking, decorating, and identification skills at West District Culinary Day contest in Fairview on May 27th. We are so proud of our youth.👏

🍴 Food Showdown
Our Junior teams (Aidan Graham & Ramsey Green; Piper McCollum, Lisiate Ofiu & Mazie Ferrell) gained great experience at their first-ever district contest!
🥇 Intermediate Team (Austin Hensley, Stetson Metcalf & Kyler Arnold) – 1st Place
🥇 Senior Team (Zoey & Carlee Graham) – 1st Place

🧁 Cupcake Wars
Ramsey Green & Paxtyn Pullan and Piper McCollum, Lisiate Ofiu & Mazie Ferrell and Logan & Quinn Parks all had a great experience competing at their first district contest and did an awesome job!
🥇 Zoey & Carlee Graham – 🧁Senior 1st Place Cupcake War Team

📋 FCS Skill-at-thon
🥇 Junior Alfalfa Team – 1st Place
🥇 Quinn Parks – 1st Individual (Junior)
🥉 Ramsey Green – 3rd Individual (Junior)
🥉 Stetson Metcalf – 3rd Individual (Intermediate)
🥇 Zoey Graham – 1st Individual (Senior)

Way to go, Alfalfa County! 🎉👏