4-H Newsletter: April 2026

Thank You!

Meier Feedlot, Marc Hollenbaugh, Livestock Sale Committee, Filomena Poss, Tressie Golding, Elsie and Asha Thompson, and Chisum Pope for helping with Beef Weigh-In and/or pre-cleanup.

Thank you to the Lincoln County 4-H Foundation for providing funding for Livestock and Horse Judging activities and Shooting Sports Equipment.

Visit our Facebook page for additional events and resources.

Highlighted Events

Dog Project – Initial Project Meeting

Date: April 20
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Contact Raejean @ 970-946-4130 for location and any initial questions.
Bring: Dog vaccination paperwork on all dogs participating in the project.
Do Not Bring: No dogs at the initial practice.

To Do in Advance: Upload Dog ID information and vaccination paperwork in 4H Online (due May 1). All dogs being used or potentially being used for the project must have their ID uploaded by the deadline.

4-H Fun Day

Hosted by County Council

Date: June 7
Time: 1:00–4:00 pm
Location: Walk’s Camp Park Facilities – 63551 CR 27, Limon, CO 80828
RSVP by June 3 to: wayne.miller@colostate.edu
Activities: Outdoor Games

*Bring water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and clothing for variable summer weather.

Online Information Locations

Facebook (Lincoln County Colorado Extension) – Events and activities including shows and workshops as well as educational opportunities.

Website (lincoln.extension.colostate.edu) – Provides a Google calendar with events, link registration information, educational content, and resources.

Newsletter (emailed out each month, placed on the Facebook page and website) – Providing information regarding events, scholarships or internship opportunities, activities, and educational materials.

Sheep / Goat / Swine Nominations

Nominations for 4-H members will be entered through 4H Online (Animals Section). Families will need to pick up tags from the extension office, tag animals, take pictures, and upload information no later than May 1. Taggers are available to borrow. Families will need to coordinate pick up of tags and taggers well in advance to ensure availability of equipment and deadline completion. *Mini sheep must be declared at nomination time.

Getting Started

  • Log in to your 4H Online account
  • Click on the member you wish to add an animal ID to
  • On the left side, select “Animals” then click “Add an Animal” then “Add New Animal”
  • Answer all questions on all pages until the animal record is complete. Repeat for all animals being nominated/tagged.*

*Animals that are not nominated/tagged by the stated deadlines will not be eligible for participation at the county fair.

Registration paperwork, bill of sales, county-specific forms, pig ear notches, and premise ID are not required. All other fields should be completed. This includes a picture of the animal’s head so that the tag is clearly visible, and two side (closer up) pictures of the animal. You will be asked to re-upload pictures if they are not clearly visible.

A beginning weight should be entered by exhibitors from when they purchased the animal for record-keeping purposes.

FFA Members (showing animals in FFA, other than beef): You still need to complete manual nomination forms and submit with pictures to coopext_lincoln@mail.colostate.edu by the stated deadlines. Forms are available at lincoln.extension.colostate.edu/4-h-forms-applications/ under the “fair related” tab.

Diagram and images showing animal ear tagging locations

Tagging Information (Sheep / Goat / Swine)

Ear Tag Placement – Required

Do not place tags too close to the inner side of the ear — this increases infection risk and causes pinching or rubbing. Also avoid the outer edge of the ear to reduce snagging or tearing. The middle third of the ear is recommended. Avoid veins in the ear to reduce bleeding and infection.

Federal ID Tags (Scrapie tags) may not be removed for any reason. Place the 4-H tag in a different location.

  • Pigs: Tag number on the outside of the ear, button on the inside.
  • Goats: Tag number on the outside of the ear, button on the inside.
  • Sheep: Tag number on the inside of the ear, button on the outside.

Tagging Tips

  • Always check equipment for proper function and ensure applicator pins are not bent and that the tagger closes all the way.
  • Ensure the button is fully inserted onto the pins before tagging.
  • Have someone help restrain the animal’s head and body to reduce movement — for swine it may work best to put them between panels or back them into a corner.
  • Get close to the tagging location, then quickly and fully squeeze the handles to ensure the tag and button interlock correctly. You may need to slightly reposition the tag on the button after application.

Disinfectant Recommendations & Infection Awareness

  • Consider wiping the tag area on the ear with alcohol or another disinfectant solution prior to applying the tag.
  • After tagging, apply iodine around the tagging area to help prevent infection or irritation. If the ear becomes highly infected (including showing pus) and the animal exhibits other symptoms of illness such as fever or going off feed, contact your veterinarian. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pus, foul odor, general irritation, or increased head scratching or shaking.
  • Fly spray may need to be utilized until the skin has healed.

4-H Project Items Available to Borrow

The Extension office has the following items for general project use. Items may be borrowed for up to 2 weeks at a time. A $50 deposit is required. Any items that are lost, broken, or stolen must be repaid.

  • Cake pans
  • Leather project basic equipment kits
  • Sewing machine

4-H Bucks Update

The Lincoln County 4-H Foundation has updated their redemption policy for 4-H Bucks.

All 2023 and prior year’s 4-H Bucks must be redeemed by December 31, 2026. A 4-year expiration date will be applied to all 4-H Bucks going forward. Graduating seniors or final-eligibility-year members must redeem all outstanding (non-expired) 4-H Bucks no later than December 31 of that year. Unredeemed 4-H Bucks will be forfeited.

4-H Bucks may be cashed for half the value, or redeemed for the full value if attending a 4-H/project-related educational workshop or camp. 4-H Bucks may be dropped off at the Extension Office and they will be forwarded to the Foundation for redemption.

Just to get you thinkin…

“Happiness is handmade.” – Unknown

Q: Why do eggs like April Fools’ Day?
A: They love practical yolks.

April 2026 Calendar

April 1 – Beef State Fair Nominations Due; County Foundation Senior 4-H Member Scholarship Due
April 20 – Dog Project Initial Meeting, 6 pm
April 22 – Registration Due: State 4-H Conference / Judging Contests
April 25 – Shooting Sports Practice 1
May 1 – Sheep, Goat & Swine Nominations Due; Horse & Dog IDs Due

Events and information available at lincoln.extension.colostate.edu/events.

Horse and Livestock Judging – Contact your coach for updated schedules.

National Show Considerations

National or regional shows can be a great opportunity for youth and families to broaden their involvement in the show or breeding arenas. These events showcase a larger display of breeders and selection of livestock from across the region or the United States. Showing at these shows should be approached differently than your local county fair or jackpots.

Plan Ahead: Animal selection and entry requirements will require starting the process almost a year in advance.

Know Your Goals: Before filling out entries and buying animals, determine what you will be showing and what classes you are interested in (market or breeding, youth or open), what your goals for the show are, whether you intend to use the animals for more than one show, and whether you are intending to showcase breeding animals for additional advertising.

Budget Carefully: Entry fees, health inspections, travel, animals, and feed can all add up very quickly. Can you afford to be away from school or work during the show period?

Meat Quality Assurance Programs: Many shows require youth exhibitors to complete a Meat Quality Assurance Program. Some may accept any type of program or certification, while others require a specific program each year (e.g., Aksarben will begin requiring YQCA certification).

DNA or Specific ID Tags: Many shows require DNA sampling and specific tags. Understand deadlines and tag requirements, especially if federal ID tags are required vs. what tags you already have in the animal.

Nomination vs. Entry: Many shows require an initial nomination process and then an actual class entry. Check deadline requirements and who may need to sign your paperwork (local 4-H office or FFA advisor).

Health Paperwork: Each show has different health requirements including the timeframe for health certificates. Work with your veterinarian well in advance and be aware of disease outbreaks and changes.

Potential Shows to Learn More:

Information & Events

Check your email and monitor our Facebook page for updates on 4-H activities and events. Forms, fees, and registrations are due to the office by the day stated, or the previous Friday if the day falls on a weekend or holiday. County-related forms and applications are available at lincoln.extension.colostate.edu/4-h-forms-applications/.

Forms can be mailed, emailed, or dropped through the back door slot. The extension office cannot take credit cards for payment.

4-H Dog Initial Project Meeting is April 20 @ 6:00 pm. Contact Raejean Palko at 970-946-4130 for location. No dogs at first practice. Bring vaccination paperwork. Dog IDs due May 1.

State 4-H Conference & Judging Contests is June 16–18 (senior age members) in Fort Collins, CO. Email christine.schinzel@colostate.edu or wayne.miller@colostate.edu to register by April 22. Cost: $175 plus travel.

Shooting Sports shoots are April 25, May 29, June 13, and July 11. Check email for updates.

Horse & Dog IDs are due in 4H Online by May 1. Only newly purchased horse IDs and brand inspection paperwork may be submitted May 2–July 1.

Sheep/Swine/Goat Nominations due in 4H Online by May 1. Pick up tags from the office. FFA members use the paper form.

State Fair Nomination Forms (sheep, goat, swine) must be picked up and returned for signature no later than June 1. Additional information including DNA packets and entry info available at coloradostatefair.com.

Market Poultry Nominations – Collect leg bands from the office and submit nomination information through fair entries by July 1.

Market Rabbit Nominations – Must be tattooed; submit nomination information through fair entries by July 1.

Fair Entries (4-H/FFA Horse, Livestock, Dog, FFA Ag Mechanics, 4-H General Projects, & Fashion Revue Narrative) – Due July 1. Check the fairbook for all other deadlines.

Horse Safety Test (New Requirement) – All horse project members must take and pass a written Safety Test once in their 4-H career. Schedule an appointment at the office; must be completed by July 15.

CSU Extension Cottage Foods Safety Trainings – extension.colostate.edu

CSU Extension Horticulture Blog – cshort.blogspot.com

CSU Extension Live Smart Blog (Family & Consumer) – livesmartcolorado.colostate.edu

CSU Extension Pasture to Profit Podcast – goldenplains.extension.colostate.edu

Lincoln County Noxious Weed Management Pocket Guide – lincoln.extension.colostate.edu

Agrability Resources (Agriculture producers/families) – agrability.colostate.edu

Various Livestock Show Flyers – showman.app or showringmaster.com

CSU Extension Gardening Webinars – Monthly on Wednesdays @ noon. planttalk.colostate.edu/webinars

Colorado Stock Horse Association Open Shows – Spring into fall. coloradostockhorse.com

Statewide CO 4-H Equine Science Webinars – Thursdays till May 7. Zoom: zoom.us/j/98227902145

El Paso County Beef Blow N Go Show – April 4 in Calhan, CO. Contact Emily Green: emily.green@colostate.edu

Colorado Boer Goat Association Shows – Multiple dates. colorado-boer-goat-association.com

National 4-H Youth in Action Awards – Open till April 13. 4-h.org

American Hereford Association Spring Scholarships – Due April 15. hereford.org

Big R Producing Partners Program – Due April 15. bigronline.com

Dairy Shrine Scholarships – Due April 15. dairyshrine.org

Heather Hays Stinnett Memorial Scholarship – Due April 15. coloradocattlewomen.org

National Junior Swine Association Scholarships – Due April 15. nationalswine.com

WinField United Careers in Agriculture Scholarship – Due April 16. learnmore.scholarsapply.org/winfield/

4-H Horse Project Clinic and Tack Sale – April 17–19 in Pueblo, CO. Register in 4H Online.

From Practice to the Ring: Market Beef Showmanship – April 18 in Calhan, CO. Contact: tlccattle@yahoo.com

Yuma County Classic (Cattle) – April 18. See showman.app or their Facebook page.

Virtual Career Night Webinar – April 19. wyoming4h.org/virtual-career-night/

Purina Giving Greatness Scholarship – Due April 22. scholarshipamerica.org

CSU Smart Equine Health: Vaccines, Diseases & Parasites Webinar – April 23. Register: col.st/wpd5q

Weld County Goat Extravaganza – April 24–26 in Greeley, CO. weld.gov

Colorado Junior Swine Association Shows – Start in April. cjsaswine.com

Elevate Swine Jackpot – April 25–26 in Bennett, CO. cjsaswine.com

Spring Gather Open Ranch Horse Show & Clinic – April 25–26 in Grand Junction, CO. Contact Tom Sharpe: 970-261-3528 or hooftracks@outlook.com

Colorado GROW Youth Institute – April 26 at CSU Spur Campus (high school students). csuspur.org/grow-youth-institute/

American Charolais Association Scholarship – Due April 30. charolaisusa.com

Angus Foundation Scholarships – Due May 1. angus.org

Maine-Anjou Scholarship – Due May 1. maine-anjou.org

Lincoln County Stockmen Association Scholarship – Due May 1. Application link. Questions: James Bledsoe @ 719-740-1911.

Little American Royal Livestock & Horse Show – May 2. pvre7.org or 970-336-8740.

4-H Dog Fun Match (Arapahoe County) – May 9 in Aurora, CO. Contact: cuvelierabriana@gmail.com or 719-491-4933.

CCC Classic Spring Livestock Show – May 9 in Colby, KS. See their Facebook page or ShowRingMaster.com.

Open & 4-H Miniature Horse Show – May 9 in Calhan, CO. Contact: emily.green@colostate.edu

Ring of Success Lamb & Goat Show – May 9 in Calhan, CO. ringofsuccesslivestockshow.com

Beat The Heat Classic Livestock Show & Fitting/Feed Clinic – May 9–10 in Pueblo, CO. See ShowmanApp.

Best of the West Showdown – May 10 in Rangely, CO. See their Facebook page.

AMSJS Cindy Climer and Jim King Memorial Scholarship – Due May 15. milkingshorthorn.com

National Dairy Promotion & Research Board Scholarships – Due May 15. dairycheckoff.com

Red & White Dairy Cattle Association Scholarship – Due May 15. redandwhitecattle.com

4-H Horse Project Workshop – May 16 in Keensburg, CO. Contact Deb Bokelman: 970-576-0565.

Rendezvous on the Range Swine Show – May 16 in Calhan, CO. ringofsuccesslivestockshow.com

Rumble at the Ranch Livestock Show – May 23–24 in Loveland, CO. See their Facebook page.

Diamonds on the Plains Livestock Show – May 28–31 in Brighton, CO. Contact Megan Miller: 303-893-3474 or meganvikmiller@gmail.com

The Showdown in Cheyenne – May 30–31. See their Facebook page.

Colorado Section Society of Range Management Scholarships – Due May 31. cssrm.org

El Paso County Dog Show – May 31 in Calhan, CO. Contact: rboynton15@hotmail.com

National Sorghum Foundation–BASF Joint Scholarship – Due June 1. sorghumgrowers.com

High Altitude Livestock Showdown – June 5–7 in Fairplay, CO. Register at ShowmanApp.

Elbert County Goat Clinic – June 13 in Kiowa, CO. Contact Nikki Lowen: 303-856-6178 or nikkilown@yahoo.com

Moffat County Jackpot – June 13 in Craig, CO. See their Facebook page.

Plainsmen Preview Livestock Show – June 13–14 in New Raymer, CO. Contact Jessy Barger: 406-564-2196.

Colorado Dairy Youth Extravaganza – June 14–16 in Greeley, CO. weld.gov

Activity Page

Monthly Reader

“Everything Spring” by Jill Esbaum

Local College Activities

Did you know that your local junior colleges and four-year institutions offer a variety of activities, events, and viewing opportunities open to the public? This includes collegiate and intramural sports, summer camps, department open houses, educational series, concerts, guest speakers, and museum and art exhibit rotations. Many of these are a great way to explore cultural opportunities that may not be available in your community but are close by.

Junior colleges are a great way to experience athletic events in smaller, more affordable venues, especially if you have younger children. You can also support local collegiate activities including clubs such as collegiate 4-H, horticulture club plant sales, and livestock club sales.

Purple Up Day – April 15

April is Month of the Military Child. Colorado and many other states are celebrating April 15 as Purple Up Day. Purple represents the combined colors of the military branches and symbolizes awareness and support of children who have parents serving in the military.

Military children may face moving to different bases and homes throughout their childhood, learning to meet new friends and adapt to new locations, and not seeing a parent for more than 6 months at a time — including parents missing out on life events and activities. Wear purple on April 15 to show your support!

The 4 H’s

Head – AGBB 2015: Houseplants

CSU offers a noncredit houseplants course covering plant history, ideal growing conditions, water and fertilizer needs, common pests and diseases, and plant selection and maintenance. The course is available multiple times throughout the year and accessible for one year after registration. Spring registration closes April 26. Learn more at online.colostate.edu – AGBB2015.

Heart – Purple Up Day

April 15 is Purple Up Day to show support for military families and their children. Each year military children make sacrifices because of their parent’s service. Colorado has several military installations. Learn more at war.gov/Spotlights/Month-of-the-Military-Child/ or installations.militaryonesource.mil.

Health – Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer can occur due to tobacco use, HPV virus, prolonged sun exposure, and other factors. Common symptoms include persistent sores in or around the mouth, lumps, difficulty swallowing, white or red patches or spots, or other continued discomfort. Having an oral exam from your dentist and your regular physician each year is a good way to focus on prevention and catch any potential illness early. Youth should also get an annual check.

American Dental Association – ada.org
Oral Cancer Foundation – oralcancerfoundation.org

Hands – ShowPig.com

ShowPig.com is a resource for youth and parents who are going to be showing or selling show pigs. The site offers a sale auction calendar listing, breeder directory, auction platform for sellers, information resources for buyers, internship and ambassador opportunities through their “Showmen in the Field” Facebook group, marketing tools, and learning resources. Learn more at showpig.com.

Colorado State University is an equal access and equal opportunity University. https://col.st/ll0t3

Any mention of company names and/or products doesn’t imply an endorsement of those entities or their services, nor does it imply a criticism of their competitors and products. Items mentioned are strictly for educational or informational purposes.

Lincoln Extension
326 8th St. / Box 68
Hugo, CO 80821
(719) 743-2542

Wayne Miller
Director, 4-H Youth Development/Agriculture

Christine Schinzel
4-H Program Assistant

Tiffany Stewart
Extension Admin

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