May 2026 4-H Newsletter
Hey 4-H Families!
We are in it now.
May is when things really start moving—animals are growing, projects are taking shape, and fair season suddenly doesn’t feel that far away. It’s an exciting time… and a busy one.
This is also the season where small efforts start to matter: daily feeding, consistent handling, showing up to meetings, asking questions. It all adds up.
Let’s keep going.
Important Reminders: This Weekend
Showmanship Clinic – May 2
- Starts at 10:00 AM
- Order: Beef → Lambs → Goats → Swine
- Do NOT bring hogs (bring a whip to practice)
Lamb, Goat + Swine Weigh-In – May 3
Schedule:
- 10:00 AM – 4 Stars
- 10:30 AM – The Yards
- 10:45 AM – Lone Cone
- 11:15 AM – West End
MQA (Meat Quality Assurance) – May 3
Please head over to the Extension Office once you have completed weigh-ins. MQA is required for the following livestock exhibitors this year:
| Emma Apanel |
| Trenadi Carver |
| Hudson David |
| Annabelle Donnellon |
| Baxter Goddard |
| Hunter Johnson |
| Sawyer Quigley |
| Rynn Reams |
| Chloe Sherman |
| Maddison Smuin |
| Hadley Snyder |
| Lexi Thompson |
| Kira Tomlinson |
| Lacie Weitzel |
Animal Opportunities Padlet
This time of year brings a flood of jackpots, clinics, sales, and workshops. To keep things organized and accessible, we encourage families to use the Animal Opportunities Padlet — easy to download on phones or tablets for quick reference.
San Miguel Basin Fair
July 11–18, 2026
Be sure to review the 2026 Fair Rule Book
Reminder:
Any non-market class must have at least three entries to award a Grand Champion buckle.
4-H Cloverbud Camp
- Youth ages 5-7
- June 1-5, 2026
- San Miguel County Fairgrounds, Norwood
We Need Camp Counselors
High schoolers:
- Earn community service hours
- Build your resume
- Be a leader for younger 4-H’ers
Reach out if interested!
State 4-H Conference
A statewide experience for leadership, workshops, and connection.
June 16–19, 2026
- $175 per participant
- Registration: April 1 – May 15
Horse Art Contest
Submit your black & white horse artwork for a chance to be featured on the next Horse Project Manual or Rule Book cover.
- Prize: Free registration to a state 4-H event
- Deadline: May 7
Submit your artwork to Jonathan Vrabec.
Swine EID Tags (FREE)
Funding available for free 840 EID tags for exhibition swine.
Contact: Kurt Ashmore (CDA) – (303) 524-5625
Youth Job Opportunity: Community Food Systems Intern – Fresh Foundation
Norwood
$18/hr | Up to 40 hrs/week
June–October
Apply by May 22
Hands-on experience in:
- Farming
- Farmers markets
- Food systems + community work
Host an International Delegate (IFYE Program)
We’re looking for 4–5 host families this summer (June–August) to welcome a young adult from another country.
- Stay: 2–3 weeks
- Delegates bring their own spending money
- Fully insured
Countries may include: Chile, Germany, Kenya, Thailand, and more.
Explore our 4-H Page for more info on our local programming.
—
Annika Kristiansen
Director, San Miguel Basin Extension
Colorado State University Extension
Serving San Miguel and West Montrose Counties with research-based education and community support