4-H Newsletter: June 2026

Thank You!

Lincoln County Stockmen’s and Triple Oak Energy for your contribution to purchasing additional panels at the fairgrounds for future use.

Thank you to the following for donating to the Livestock Sale Committee Scholarship Program: Bledsoe Ranch (James & Will), Andrea Blackwelder & James Harvey, Flagler Coop, Rafter 6W Feedlot (Morgan & Casey Wiersma), Jess & Mary Solze, Brad & Traci Weisensee, Ben & Kendra Brent, Bruce & Kara Hass, Lindsey Blackwelder & Mikaela Taylor, Cole & Kim Britton (In Memory of Cameron Britton), Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services, Weller Insurance LLC (Dianna Weller & Dana Johnson), Purple Mountain Livestock (John & Melissa Durham), and the Ephron Brent Family.

Thank you to the commissioners for increasing premiums for classes at fair.

Biosecurity Bingo Activity

Biosecurity is extremely important for keeping your 4-H project animals and other animals (including household pets) healthy.

View Activity
A cow standing in a grassy field

Hoof Trim Day – Beef & Dairy Cattle

  • Date: June 26
  • Time: 7:00–11:30am (limited time-specific slots available on a first-registered basis)
  • Cost: $40/head (no bills larger than $20; no checks or credit cards)
  • Open To: All 4-H & FFA Members
  • RSVP Due: June 17 to christine.schinzel@colostate.edu
  • Location: Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services, 474 1st Ave., Limon, CO
  • Event Day Phone: 719-775-8166

*Animals must be halter broke and able to lead. Cancellations after the deadline will still require payment to the hoof trimmer. Sponsored in part by Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services & BioZyme.

PORTABLE SCALE/TRAILER & FAIRGROUND SCALES AVAILABLE FOR USE

A portable scale (sheep, goat, and swine) is available for use at the Extension Office. It’s available for use/pickup on a first-come basis by appointment only during office hours, and is mounted on a garden trailer for transport.

  • A $50 deposit is required and an equipment check-out sheet must be completed. Please bring cash or check (no credit card machine available).
  • The scale must be disinfected according to the “Disinfectant Protocol Sheet” before it is returned to the office.
  • A $50 late fee will apply if the scale is not returned on time.
  • Non 4-H/FFA members may also rent the scale for $25/day.

The scales at the fairgrounds to weigh cattle and other species are also available by appointment during office hours.

Animal Information Corner: Animal Sitting

When you have to be gone, it’s important to have someone you trust come take care of your animals at your home or theirs. This might be your 4-H animals, pets, or other livestock. Animal/house sitting can also be a great part-time job opportunity for youth working for neighbors or friends.

Tips for having others take care of your animal chores:

  • Who to ask: Neighbors, friends, other relatives, co-workers or their children, college students, etc.
  • Age appropriate: Can they drive, or can a parent drive them; can they handle the tasks safely?
  • Payment: Find the average wage per hour or job for comparable work. Consider other compensation like gift cards or feed exchange, and determine when compensation will be paid.
  • Have them come over in advance to go through everything and answer follow-up questions. Spend time identifying where to find/use feed, buckets, hoses, cleaning equipment, emergency shut-offs, first aid, etc.
  • Go over “cleaning” if needed, especially for pets (e.g., carpet messes). Talk about medical care situations and who to call for what and when. Cover the location of hoses and fire extinguishers.
  • Go over available restrooms, snacks/foods, and keys to access facilities.
  • Add instructions for impending weather (power outages, frozen water tanks, broken hydrants, insects/pests, extreme heat, mud, etc.).
  • Go over emergency situations and have a backup plan if the sitter can’t make it due to illness or another event (e.g., a broken-down vehicle).
  • Talk about your “other guests and animals” policy (e.g., friends or siblings).
  • If they’re staying in the house, go over what areas they can access and what’s off-limits, and what they can or cannot use.
  • Similarly, go over what outdoor items they can or cannot use (tractor, 4-wheeler, etc.).
  • If animals are going to the sitter’s house, determine logistics: needed items, socializing with unknown animals, pickup/drop-off times, etc.

Getting ready for the sitter:

  • Have written instructions covering daily tasks, chore expectations, special handling needs per animal, what’s “normal,” exercise routines, and special behaviors to watch for.
  • Stock up on snacks, drinks, and easy-to-cook foods for the sitter, especially if they’re staying at the house.
  • Ensure enough supplies are on hand for the time you’ll be gone, plus a couple of extra days in case of weather delays or a delayed return.
  • Make neighbors aware you’ll be out of town and who is coming over; share phone numbers as appropriate.
  • Pick up personal items in the house and make sure it’s clean and safe (e.g., firearms locked up).
  • Ensure first-aid kits (human and animal), fire extinguishers, and cleaning supplies are readily available.
  • Provide house and contact information: address, your contact numbers, an emergency contact, utility company numbers, fire department, sheriff’s department, 911, poison control, your veterinarian, and the nearest urgent care/ER. Confirm whether the youth has a cell phone or needs one provided, and make sure they know how to use a landline if needed.

Tips for youth seeking animal sitting jobs:

  • Talk with your parents about taking on an animal sitting job, what it might entail, and how they may need to help (e.g., rides to the house each day).
  • Determine what compensation you need to cover your time and expenses (fuel, labor, supplies). Consider sitting for free occasionally to help neighbors/friends, build goodwill for a future sitter, or earn community service hours.
  • Get your resume ready, listing chore skills, prior animal experience, and references.
  • Create a business card or flyer to advertise your services; with permission, post flyers on local community/ad boards.
  • If this becomes more than a hobby, you and your parents should talk with an insurance agent about needed coverage and a tax preparer about tracking income/expenses.
  • Safety is important — make sure you and your parents know who is hiring you and that it’s a safe environment.
  • When pre-visiting the home, learn about feeding, cleaning, exercise, medical care, supply locations, usage rules, individual animal behaviors, and emergency shut-off locations (water well, electrical breakers, etc.).
  • Provide the family with key info: any medical conditions they should know about, whether you have a cell phone, whether you can drive, any conflicts that might prevent you from doing chores, and your backup plan if you get sick or can’t make it.
A blanket flower

Horticulture Corner: New Master Gardener Volunteer

Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener volunteers are one of many volunteer types in Extension and 4-H. Master Gardeners go through extensive training to help individuals with landscapes, flowers, and vegetable gardens, and work with Extension to provide resources and answer questions about diseases, pests, planting, and more.

Our newest Master Gardener for Lincoln County is Kim Britton.

For questions or resources, contact Lincoln County Extension at (719) 743-2542 or reach out to Kim at (719) 892-0316 (leave a message) or mastergardener@lincolncountyco.us. Please be mindful not to call outside of normal business hours.

Other Resources for Gardening, Trees, and Plants:

4-H Fun Day

4-H Fun Day hosted by County Council (Activity: Softball) Date: June 7 @ 1:00pm RSVP Due: June 3 to wayne.miller@colostate.edu Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, and clothing for variable summer weather. Please bring any baseball equipment you have (gloves, bats, balls, helmets) to share for the day. Equipment is not required to attend.

JUST TO GET YOU THINKIN…

“Nobody accidently has a great attitude. Nobody stumbles into gratitude. And nobody means to end up bitter, it just quietly moves in when you stop choosing something better. Guard your peace like it cost you something. Because it did.”
— Tim Tebow

Information & Events

Check your email and monitor the Facebook page for updates on 4-H activities and events. Forms, fees, and registrations are due to the office by the stated day, or the previous Friday if that day falls on a weekend or holiday. County forms and applications are available on the 4-H Forms & Applications page at lincoln.extension.colostate.edu/4-h-formsapplications/. Forms can be mailed, emailed, or dropped through the back door slot. The extension office cannot take credit cards.

Project Assistance: If you need help with your 4-H projects, contact the office or your club leader to connect with volunteer project leaders and other resources.

4-H Project List & Manual Ordering: co4h.colostate.edu/programs-projects

  • 4-H Fun Day hosted by Council is June 7. RSVP due June 3 to wayne.miller@colostate.edu.
  • Shooting Sports shoots are June 13 and July 11. Check your email for updates.
  • Dog Project Practices: Contact Raejean (970-946-4130) for dates and location. Bring your dog, leash, and vaccination paperwork. Plan to be outdoors.
  • 4-H/FFA Hoof Trim (Beef & Dairy Cattle) is June 26 at Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services in Limon. Cost is $40/head; limited spots. RSVP due by June 17 to christine.schinzel@colostate.edu for a time-specific slot. You are responsible for paying for your slot even if you no-show, once the RSVP deadline has passed.
  • Market Poultry Nominations: Collect leg bands from the office and submit nomination information through fair entries by July 1. Bands are now available.
  • Market Rabbit Nominations: Rabbits must be tattooed, and nomination information submitted through fair entries by July 1.
  • State Fair (poultry and rabbit): Animals need a state fair nomination form from the office, due no later than July 1 for signatures. State Fair entry info for all species: coloradostatefair.com/livestock/.
  • Fair Entries: 4-H/FFA Horse, Livestock, Dog, FFA Ag Mechanics, 4-H General Projects, & Fashion Revue Narrative entries due July 1. Check the fairbook for all other deadlines. Late fees apply to all entry areas, and you must sign up for every class you wish to enter.
  • Horse Safety Test (New Requirement): All horse project members must take and pass a riding “Safety Test” once in their 4-H career. Schedule through horse council; must be completed no later than July 10.
  • Fairgrounds Pen Set-Up is July 21, 8:00–11:00am. The Sale Committee is requesting Intermediate and Senior age members to help. Any Juniors who come will be picking up trash only, for safety purposes.

Other Opportunities

Please verify details, guidelines, cancellation procedures, and registration requirements with the listed contacts for each event.

  • Facebook: Many additional events, notices, and resources are posted on the Lincoln County Colorado Extension Facebook page.
  • CSU Extension Cottage Foods Safety Trainings, held throughout the year: extension.colostate.edu/offering/cottage-food-safety-training/
  • CSU Extension Horticulture Blog: cshort.blogspot.com
  • CSU Extension Live Smart Blog (Family & Consumer): livesmartcolorado.colostate.edu
  • CSU Extension Pasture to Profit Cattle Podcast: goldenplains.extension.colostate.edu/programs/agriculture/livestock-production/
  • Lincoln County Noxious Weed Management Pocket Guide: lincoln.extension.colostate.edu/programs/agriculture-natural-resources/
  • Agrability Resources (for agriculture producers/families): agrability.colostate.edu
  • National listing of various livestock show flyers: showman.app/shows#/ or showringmaster.com
  • CSU Extension Gardening Topic Webinars, monthly on Wednesdays at noon: planttalk.colostate.edu/webinars
  • Colorado Stock Horse Association Open Shows (spring–fall): coloradostockhorse.com
  • Colorado Boer Goat Association Shows: colorado-boer-goat-association.com or their Facebook page
  • Colorado Dairy Goat Association Shows: colodga.org
  • Miniature Hereford Cattle Battle Show Series (multiple dates): miniatureherefordbreeders.org/Calendar
  • Massey Show Lamb & Goat Camps, in Colorado this June: masseyshowlambcamp.com

Upcoming Event Dates:

  • Open-County Horse Ride Nights start June 4. Contact Rebecca Christensen (719-740-1837) or Becky Thompson (719-740-0357).
  • High Altitude Livestock Showdown, June 5–7, Fairplay, CO. Register via showman app.
  • Mainstreet Mayhem (Pig, Sheep, Goat) Show, June 5–7, Estes Park, CO. Details on Facebook or showman app.
  • Weld County Shooting Sports Invitational, June 6–7. Contact Weld County Extension.
  • Colorado Wheat Field Days, June 10–12 & 16, multiple locations: csucrops.org/wfd/
  • North Park Jackpot, June 13, Walden, CO. Register via showman app.
  • Elbert County Goat Clinic, June 13, Kiowa, CO. Register with Elbert County Extension; contact Nikki Lowen, 303-856-6178, nikkilown@yahoo.com.
  • Moffat County Jackpot, June 13, Craig, CO. Details on Facebook.
  • Plainsmen Preview Livestock Show, June 13–14, New Raymer, CO. Contact Jessy Barger, 406-564-2196.
  • Colorado Dairy Youth Extravaganza, June 14–16, Greeley, CO: weld.gov/Government/Departments/CSU-Extension/Colorado-Dairy-Youth-Extravaganza
  • Jeffco 4-H United We Show Jackpot, June 20, Golden, CO. Showman app or facebook.com/unitedweshowjackpotco.
  • Kimball FFA Alumni Father’s Day Weekend Progress Show, June 20–21, Kimball, NE. Contact Byron Wilke, 308-235-8536, amber@awlaserart.com.
  • American Jersey Cattle Association Scholarship applications due July 1: usjersey.com/youth-scholarships/
  • Logan Smith Memorial Lamb & Goat Show, July 3, La Jara, CO: lsmemorialshow.com or lsmemorialshow@gmail.com
  • Briggsdale Classic Open Jackpot Show, July 10–12, Briggsdale, CO. Showman app.
A rabbit

Fair: Rabbit & Poultry Nominations

Market (Rabbits & Poultry) nominations are due July 1 through regular fair entries for both 4-H/FFA members. Animals not nominated/tattooed by the stated deadlines will not be eligible for the county fair.

  • Youth may pick up poultry leg bands from the office before July 1.
  • Rabbits need an identifying ear tattoo by July 1. Fresh tattoos at the fair will result in disqualification. A tattoo plier is available from the office — call ahead to confirm availability.

On Number Entry Information:

  • Add leg band or tattoo numbers for each entry/set (e.g., a pen of 3 rabbits needs tattoo numbers for all three: R1, R2, R3; a pen of 3 market chickens needs leg band numbers for each: 201, 202, 203). If making a second entry, add tattoo numbers for that set too. Repeat this process for all animals being nominated/tagged.
  • Pictures are not required for poultry and rabbit nominations.
  • Leg bands should not be placed on poultry until the week before fair, to ensure correct fit and avoid circulation issues.
  • Registration paperwork, bills of sale, county-specific forms, and premise ID are not required.

Members wanting to take poultry/rabbit animals to state fair must notify the office for a state fair nomination form, due no later than July 1 for signatures. State Fair entry info: coloradostatefair.com/livestock/.

  • Colorado State Fair: August 28–September 7, Pueblo, CO. Details: coloradostatefair.com
  • Aksarben Livestock Show: September 24–27, Grand Island, NE. Registration, DNA, and nomination info: aksarbenstockshow.com

Fair Information

Additional fair information will be sent out as it arises — check newsletters and emails as fair approaches.

Fair Entry Link

Refer to the email sent May 13 for complete instructions and attachments. There are different processes for 4-H-only members, members in both 4-H & FFA, and FFA-only members.

The county deadline is July 1 for Rabbit and Poultry Nominations, Livestock & General Projects (all entries), and Fashion Revue Narratives. Late fees apply to all entry types, including narratives. The fairbook will likely not be online this year due to website upgrades — refer to your manual copy. Open Class entries have separate deadlines and requirements; refer to the fairbook for the full schedule.

General Reminders:

  • Exhibition of 4-H projects at fair is not required for project completion. If you don’t intend to exhibit your livestock or general project, let the office know as soon as possible.
  • Any late entries (any part of fair) result in an automatic $50 late fee.
  • Fashion Revue Narratives must be emailed to coopext_lincoln@mail.colostate.edu.
  • Make sure you’re selecting the correct project and correct age group.
  • Entries must be approved — it’s your responsibility to confirm you received that confirmation (check spam/junk folders).
  • Read the schedule carefully for show/event dates and times, including stall set-up (some have changed). Read the fairbook for rule changes too.
  • When in doubt, call and ask questions rather than waiting until the last minute in case software is down or the office is closed.

(New) General Project Auction: Members planning to consign a general project to the auction must fill out a nomination form during fair entry (it will come up automatically) and complete it in full. If you have multiple projects, you can nominate all and decide on judging day which one to consign.

(New) Animal Vet Checks: All animals for all shows, including open class, must go through a “vet check” station before unloading at the fair this year. Refer to the fairbook for the schedule. Animals leaving and returning to the fairgrounds require another vet check. If you don’t arrive during the designated vet check period, you won’t be allowed to unload and show.

Pen Space (Combining Pens & Breeding Animals): If you have more than 2 animals of the same species per family, notify the office via email (coopext_lincoln@mail.colostate.edu) whether you’ll combine pens or need separate pens. Also notify the office if you’ll need stalls for breeding animals. This information is due no later than July 1.

Other Information:

  • Beef exhibitors must bring brand inspection certificates to fair as part of the sale consignment process.
  • General Projects: Participants must do interview judging in person. If unavailable that day, the project won’t be allowed to place higher than 2nd in its class. Read the fairbook for project-specific exhibition requirements. Exhibition at fair is not required for project completion, but general projects must participate in county fair judging to be considered for state fair qualification.
  • Download all forms and sheets before typing into them, to ensure your work saves — test the save button and save frequently.
  • 4-H green record books are available at the extension office for $3.50 (green binders are not required — any notebook works). Display boards and clothing tags are also available for $3.00. First-come basis; quantities limited.
  • Project Books/Manuals: Order directly from the supplier via co4h.colostate.edu/programs-projects/.
  • Download all animal and general project record books at co4h.colostate.edu/programs-projects/ for completion requirements; score sheets are also available there.
  • 4-H Books and Booths are due on 4-H General Project Judging day by 10:00am at the fairgrounds building.
  • Horse Levels Testing: Review the fairbook for current levels testing requirements for certain fair classes. Contact Horse Council for more info; study guides available at co4h.colostate.edu/4h-project/4-h-horse-project/.

Colorado State Fair: Multiple opportunities to participate competitively or socially — details at coloradostatefair.com. The Colorado 4-H Online Digital Photo Contest is open through July 15 (submitted via FairEntry); learn more at co4h.colostate.edu/state-fair-information/.

Activity Page

Father’s Day Activity: Popsicle Picture Frames

Father’s Day is a chance for youth to recognize the men in their life who matter to them — a father, grandfather, uncle, family friend, or mentor. Make a simple picture frame out of popsicle sticks and attach a photo of you and them.

Supplies: popsicle sticks, tape, hot glue or glue sticks, paint and/or markers, paint brushes, old newspaper/cardboard/paper towels (to protect surfaces), stickers/glitter/add-on art items, and a printed or colored picture.

Steps:

  1. Glue sticks together in your desired shape (stop sign, square, triangle, rectangle, etc.). Have an adult help with a hot glue gun.
  2. Paint or color the frame and add decorations or wording.
  3. Print a picture and trim it to fit, leaving an edge to tape on the back. Insert it so the picture faces the front, and tape it down on the back.
  4. Include a small note of appreciation about the impact they’ve had on your life.

Monthly Reader: “Chains (The Seeds of America Trilogy)” by Laurie Halse Anderson

Grab a Book! Keep your “mental skills” sharp this summer by reading a little each day — a magazine, book, newspaper, audiobook, or podcast. Try a new genre you don’t normally read, and don’t forget to check out your local library’s summer reading program.

June 2026 Calendar

  • June 1: State Fair Nomination Forms Due (Sheep, Goat, Swine)
  • June 3: Fun Day RSVP Due
  • June 7: 4-H Fun Day
  • June 13: Shooting Sports Scored Shoot 1, 7:45am @ Limon
  • June 16–18: State 4-H Conference
  • June 17: Hoof Trim RSVP Due (if slots still available)
  • June 26: Hoof Trim
  • July 1: Fair Entries Due (General, Livestock, Fashion Revue); State Fair Poultry/Rabbit Nominations Due
  • July 3: Office Closed – Holiday

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

4-H’s: Head, Heart, Hands, Health

HEAD — Summer Animal Travel-Disease Reminders Summer often means more travel for livestock or equine events, in or out of state. This is a good time to review biosecurity procedures for traveling and returning home, and to stay aware of current disease outbreaks locally and nationally. This helps everyone prepare for travel, report disease outbreaks, and meet additional health requirements at shows. Make a plan with your local veterinarian, and watch for outbreaks at ag.colorado.gov/animals.

HEART — Window Cleaning Help others, particularly elderly neighbors, freshen up their home this summer by offering to clean their windows. This task is often too difficult for elderly adults or those with physical limitations. As a family, connect with grandparents or neighbors to spend a couple of hours cleaning windows so they can enjoy the summer beauty.

HANDS — Data Genie Data Genie is a company providing cattle producers with consulting services around genomic tools and data management, including data submission for breed associations, calving-to-yearling tracking, dam enrollments, sale transfers, and mating consultation. It’s one of many companies helping producers use information to improve genetics and production, regardless of operation size — and a great career path for youth to explore in agriculture. Learn more at datageniellc.com.

HEALTH — Men’s Health Week As we celebrate Father’s Day in June, it’s a good time to reach out to the men in our lives, of all ages, and encourage annual check-ups and screenings for potential diseases, including cancer. Offer to be an accountability partner for other men and help break the stigma around asking for help and seeking medical resources. Resources: Local physician; Men’s Health Network (menshealthnetwork.org); National Alliance on Mental Health Resources (nami.org).

Colorado State University is an equal access and equal opportunity University. 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 criticism of their competitors or products. Items mentioned are strictly for educational or informational purposes.