McLeod County 4-H

04/01/2026

Today is the deadline to get your scholarship applications in!!

03/26/2026

🎓 4-H Scholarship Opportunities – Don’t Miss Out! 🍀

Have you applied for the numerous scholarships available through 4-H? Now’s the time!

✨ Don’t forget to check out:
• McLeod County 4-H Scholarships – for graduating McLeod 4-H members
• BELLE Grant Scholarship – for first-time State Fair exhibitors
• Minnesota 4-H State Scholarships – multiple opportunities for graduating seniors

⏰ Act fast! Most applications are due April 1, 2026.

This is your chance to celebrate your hard work, leadership, and growth in 4-H—plus earn support for your future plans!

Links:
McLeod 4-H Scholarship: https://z.umn.edu/2026McLeodScholarship
Duesterhoeft Scholarship: https://z.umn.edu/DuesterhoeftScholarship26
Minnesota 4-H Scholarships: https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-member-resources/4-h-scholarships-grants-and-awards
BELLE Grant: https://extension.umn.edu/4-h-member-resources/4-h-scholarships-grants-and-awards -grant-2043612

03/17/2026

Calling all 4-H volunteers in McLeod, Meeker, Stearns, Sherburne, & Wright! Join us for County 4-H Volunteer Connection, a series of virtual calls to check in with staff and other volunteers. Learn more at z.umn.edu/CountyConnection.

Our next connection call is March 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm where we will cover:
🎨 Project learning and how to support in meetings
📝 Club meeting agenda resources
🐷 Animal IDs
☀️ Summer risk management

03/16/2026

We have a few boxes of extra fruit still available for sale!

Also a reminder to place make sure to pick up your fruit TODAY! We will be in the Ag Building until 7:45 tonight.

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers who helped sort and to those who have already picked up your fruit!

03/16/2026

FRUIT IS READY TO BE PICKED UP!!! Please come get your fruit as soon as possible!

03/16/2026

Update: the truck will be here closer to 2:30/2:45

03/16/2026

03/14/2026

Flash and Function: Effective Cattle Marketing
The McLeod County 4-H Beef Program is excited to offer a hands-on learning opportunity focused on one of the most valuable skills in today’s cattle industry - effective marketing. In a world where buyers often make decisions online, strong images and clear messaging can set your cattle apart and build buyer confidence.

Flash: This session will bring together regional cattle professionals and breeders to teach participants how to capture high-quality cattle photos that highlight structure, muscle, balance, and overall phenotype. Youth will learn practical tips for lighting, angles, backgrounds, and simple editing techniques, whether using a smartphone or camera.

Function: Participants will also strengthen their ability to identify and communicate the best attributes of their cattle, including genetic potential and performance indicators such as EPDs. The session will cover how to write compelling sale descriptions that combine visual strengths with data-driven information, helping sellers tell a complete story and market cattle with professionalism and purpose.

03/11/2026

🎉🍀 You’re Invited to McLeod County 4-H Family Fun Night & Open House! 🍀🎉

Join us for an evening full of fun, connection, and 4-H spirit!

📅 Monday, March 16
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
📍 Agribition Building, McLeod County Fairgrounds

Bring the whole family and:
✨ Participate in hands-on activities
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Connect with local 4-H families
🍎 Watch our Food R***e event
🍊 Pick up fruit from our annual fundraiser

Whether you're a current member or interested in learning more about 4-H, this is a great opportunity to see what McLeod County 4-H is all about! We can’t wait to see you there! 💚🍀

03/10/2026

‼📣LAST CALL!!!!📣‼

Calling all 4-H youth who love food, cooking, and creativity! Food R***e is a fun opportunity for members to plan, prepare, and present a favorite food while showcasing what they’ve learned about nutrition, menu planning, and table settings.

Register by TODAY and find more information at z.umn.edu/MCFoodR***e26

New in 2026: Exhibitors must include a judging binder with their menu, cost, nutrition info, photos of their food, place setting, and action shots of them preparing their recipe!