4-H Newsletter: July/August 2026

Thank You!

Thank you to the Lincoln County 4-H
Foundation for sponsoring judging conference participants and shooting sports
county shoot prizes.

**Please take the time to write thank you notes individually or even as a club to thank volunteers, sponsors, and helpers throughout the year for support of the 4-H program.

What Do I Need To Do At Fair?

Fair is great opportunity to showcase your 4-H project to the public. The following are some reminders to do before, during, and after fair depending on your project types. Reach out and ask
questions early from the Extension office, club and project leaders, and superintendents.

In Advance of Fair:

– Print out a copy of your fair entries and classes or events signed up for. Bring along a copy of your
fairbook or schedule of events for each day.
– Print out and review recent newsletters and emails that contain important information regarding
fair and any updates or changes including information that will be coming out regarding the new
vet checks this years and general project auction.
– Read through your fair book and understand all requirements and schedules for your projects.
– Ensure your general project meets exhibit requirements and that you have completed your record
book. *Don’t wait till the last minute to complete your project.
– Ensure your livestock projects are meeting weight and are ready for show including working with
animals and exposing them to others and noises, as well as prepping them for show. *Don’t forget
to start filling out your livestock record book (Due August 31).
– Make sure to check through all the equipment you need to show and for fair week including extra
clothes and lots of fluids. Market Beef kids-don’t forget your brand paperwork!!!

At Fair:

– Read the 4-H general project schedule (email to go out end of July) for when your project will be
judged and be prepared to make your final consignment for the general project auction.
– Be aware of the vet check procedures, entrances, and times (Each day). NO late checks allowed.
– Show up to weigh-in for each species as listed and attend the Livestock meeting for all on Tuesday to get important information during the week and for sale set-up.
– Clean your pens, exercise animals, and ensure adequate feed and water each day.
– Check the board daily for species class breaks and make sure you are on time to exhibit.
– Get livestock pictures taken with the sale photographer of all market species that will be in the sale and turn in appropriate sale and floor consignments for the livestock sale per the schedule.

Post Fair:

-Make sure general projects are ready to go for state fair including record book updates and that
food and cake items have been remade (identical to the original exhibit).
-Finish your livestock record books and write thank you’ s for general project and livestock buyers
to turn in before the end of August.

4-H County Award Nomination Types: Outstanding 4-H Volunteer Outstanding 4-H Member Gwendal Leonard Hard Luck Award Partner in Sucess Award Hall of Fame Award

4-H County Award Nominations

4-H Award Nominations can be submitted until September 1st! Take some time and nominate an
outstanding member, volunteer, and/or business partner for their contributions to Lincoln County 4-H. Nomination forms are available online at extension.colostate.edu/lincoln/4h-resource/4-
h-forms-applications/ or contact the office for a nomination form. Submit to the Extension office
by: mail, email, or backdoor slot drop-off.

Beef Ultrasound Event:

Date & Time:
Friday, August 7 @ 9:00am-12:00pm over by the beef scale (Members can rotate in
and around the round robin competition).

To Participate:
1) Simply Sign up Tuesday at weigh-in on the sheet which market beef animals (tag #’s) you
would like scanned. *Breeding Beef may also get an ultrasound. (You must provide appropriate association information if you want information sent off on any breeding animals).
2) Provide Payment *Checks payable to Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services or bring small bills
on Tuesday at Weigh-IN.

What: The Livestock Sale Committee and Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services are going to be offering ultrasounds on market beef animals for interested members.

Why: *The ultrasound scan is designed to give members some data information about their animal. Data collected from the ultrasound can be used to estimate carcass retail yield and meat quality. Common traits estimated include ribeye area, backfat, intramuscular, and rump fat. *It helps
youth learn more about the commercial cattle market and how traits and carcass information impact value received from buyers and packers as well as what the industry standards are regarding consumers consumption habits. Contest results are presented at 4-H achievement in the fall.

Safety StepUP: Lightning Awareness

Lightning is one hazard that is more prevalent during the summertime, although we can get thunderstorms throughout the year. According to the National Weather Service there are roughly 300 people struck by lightning every year. A safety first mindset when outdoors can help you and others enjoy your time and help to reduce or prevent injuries from lightning related strikes.

Safety Reminders:
– Move and stay inside of a substantial building or metal-roof vehicle if you hear thunder or see
lightning. Stay inside until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder and/or a strike.
*Lightning can strike before and after storms as well or over 10 miles from the area receiving rain.
– If you are hard of hearing or deaf, look for visual signs of thunderstorms. If it’s hard for you to
see, rely more on audio sounds. For both, utilize assistive devices and/or friends and family for
additional help.
– Be prepared ahead of time by checking the weather and have a backup plan for outdoor activities and events (i.e. picnics, weddings, etc.). Where is the safety shelter at the event? Lead the charge and encourage everyone to be safe and don’t be afraid to shut down events.
– Inside->Stay off of corded electronics; avoid plumbing and fixtures including showers; avoid contact with concrete floors and walls and stay away from windows and doors.
– Outside-> Go to a substantial shelter if available, but if not avoid elevated areas; don’t shelter under trees or rock areas; avoid tall objects; spread out if in a group; stay away from metal and fences; and get out and away from water areas immediately. Do not lie flat on the ground.
– If someone is hit by lighting make sure to move them to a safer place if possible. If they stop
breathing administer CPR or utilize an (AED) if available, and call 9-1-1 immediately to get treatment. *Many injuries from a lightning strike are internal or not physically visible.

Resources:
National Weather Service @ weather.gov/safety/lightning
National Lightning Safety Council @ lightningsafetycouncil.org/
American Heart Association-CPR Resources & Classes @ cpr.heart.org/en/resources

JUST TO GET YOU THINKIN…

“In the Truest sense, freedom canot be bestowed; it much be achieved.”
— President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Q – What was the most popular dance in 1776?
A – “Indepen-dance.”

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

  • Dog Project Practices– Contact Raejean (970-946-4130) for dates and location.
  • Horse Safety Test (New Requirement)- All horse project members will be required to take and pass a riding “Safety Test” 1x in 4-H. The test may must be completed by July 10
  • Shooting Sports last county shoot is July 11. Check your email for updates. State Shoot Entries & Fees are Due by July 16. The state rule book and class type and fee information is available @ co4h.colostate.edu/4h-project/4-h-shooting-sports-project/ under “official materials”.
    Dates are (August 22-23 in Pueblo-.22 Rifle/Archery) & (September 5-6 in Colorado Springs-Shotgun). Registration is due to christine.schinzel@colostate.edu by July 16.
  • Fairgrounds Pen Set-Up will be July 21 at the fairgrounds, from 8:00-11:00 am. The Sale Committee is requesting Intermediate and Senior Age (only) members to help.*Any juniors who come will be picking up trash only, for safety purposes.
  • 4-H Clubs & Foundation Chartering documents must be submitted to the office no later than August 1 by noon. Chartering can be completed as soon as the June ending bank statement arrives.
  • State Fair General 4-H Projects must be dropped off to the Extension Office no later than Noon on Monday, August 17. No exceptions. *Verify with the Extension Office if your project qualifies and if transportation will be available for the project.
  • 4-H Club- Member in Good Standing forms are due by August 29 to the office.
  • County 4-H Award Nominations are due by September 1 to the office for: Outstanding 4-H’er, Outstanding Volunteer, Partner in Success, Hall of Fame and the Gwendal Leonard Hard Luck award. Nomination forms are available under “awards” at extension.colostate.edu/lincoln/4h-resource/4-h-forms-applications/ or from the office.

Other Opportunities

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

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 10:00 am 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/.
  • The Beef Ultrasound Opportunity will be on Friday (August 7th). Members who wish to participate will need to sign up during beef weigh-in at the fair and will need to bring payment that day
  • Round Robin will include poultry and rabbits this year.
  • Clipping chutes and stands will not be allowed in the livestock building. They may be placed anywhere on the perimeter of the building or fenceline. Plan on bringing extra extension cords. Stall dividers are permitted as long as they are not over 7’ in length. No in-stall head catches are permitted.
  • Class Premiums earned for 4-H/FFA project checks can be picked up with livestock or general project sale checks or will be mailed out if the youth doesn’t have any sale checks, after all appropriate sale “thank yous” and livestock record books are in.
  • All livestock may be released after their respective shows, except round robin (until round robin is over), market sale animals, and any buy back animals. All livestock exhibitors must check out with superintendents by 4:00pm on Friday evening. All livestock and equipment must be removed per stated deadlines in the fairbook schedule.
  • All members need to be aware of weight minimums and maximums on animals for showing purposes and regarding the livestock sale under “4-H/FFA Livestock & Sale Rules” in the fairbook. Also be aware of information regarding extra animals being sold on the floor, sale consignment deadlines, and other requirements.
  • General exhibit 4-H projects that receive a first in their class will be eligible to go to the state fair. Exhibits are due to the Extension Office by August 17 (no later than noon). Pickup will be from September 9-24 (only) from the office. Projects not picked up will be recycled. Notify the superintendent during project check-out on Saturday if you intend to send your project. *Some projects may require members to haul their own project to the State Fair depending on how fragile they may be and the size.
  • Livestock Show-Live Online Viewing will be available for shows and the sale Tuesday-Friday. This will be provided through Stormy Fairs this year (different than last year). The link to share with friends and family will be @ Lincoln County Fair – Stormy Fairs

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

Make Your Own Flag or other Paper Decorations

Supplies:
– Red, White, Blue construction paper
– Glue Sticks, tape, and/or stapler
– Colors and stencils
– Scissors

Ideas:
– Paper flag
– Patriotic paper hat (different colors)
– Paper rings (alternating colors to hang up for decorations)
– Paper napkins or place settings for your BBQ
– Paper fireworks

Steps:
Utilize the colored paper to cut our and make your own shapes for different designs for the 4th
of July. Utilize tape, staples, and or glue sticks to help hold your artwork together. Hang up
your items in your front room window for the neighbors to see, hang out in your front yard, or
consider giving to someone else to enjoy.

Black and White American Flag Outline

Monthly Reader: “My Family’s Corn Farm” – By Katie Olthoff

July/August 2026 Calendar

  • July 1: Fair Entries Due (General, Livestock, Fashion Revue) and State Fair Poultry/Rabbit Nominations Due
  • July 3: Office Closed-Holiday
  • July 11: Shooting Sports Scored; Shoot 1 – 7:45 am @ Limon Range
  • July 15: Fair-Open Class Livestock & Horse Entries Due
  • July 21: Fair Pen Set Up Day – 9:00 am @ Fairgrounds (Int./ Sr. Ages)
  • July 29: Fair-Horse Show
  • July 30: Fair-Horse Show
  • August 1: Club Charters Due; 4H Club Scrapbook/Booth Due by 10:00 am; 4-H General Project Judge Day; Fashion Revue; General Project Auction
  • August 3: Rabbit/Poultry Show; Dog Show
  • August 4: All Other Livestock Allowed on Grounds & Weigh-In; Sheep Show
  • August 5: Open Class Entries Due; Goat Show (Mrk.,Brd.,& Dairy); Pig Show
  • August 6: Dairy Cattle Show; Beef Cattle Show
  • August 7: Beef Ultrasound Contest; Livestock Sale; Livestock Checkout
  • August 8: Parade; Final Livestock Pen Clean Out; Genera; Project & Open Class Exhibit Released
  • August 17: State Fair Project Drop-Off by Noon
  • August 22: State Shoot Weekend 1 (Rifle, Archery)
  • August 23: State Shoot Weekend 1
  • August 31: Livestock Record Books Due; Member in Good Standing Club Form Due; 4-H Awards Nominations Due
  • September: State Fair Projects Available for Pickup (9-24) Only

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.