THE CLOVER GAZETTE
4-H NEWSLETTER
4-H NEWSLETTER
Our Youth Council Meetings are not just gatherings but opportunities for collaboration, sharing ideas, and making a meaningful impact on our 4-H community. This is your chance to be the voice for your club and contribute to the exciting developments in Boulder County 4-H.
We encourage each club to send a representative to the meeting. Your insights, energy, and passion make our community vibrant and thriving. By joining the Youth Council, you'll be a part of shaping the future of Boulder County 4-H.
Every 4-H member is invited to attend!
Next meeting: April 2 —6:00 PM
Click HERE for more information on Youth Council.
We welcome new members all year! The role of the council is to:
Help mentor new leaders
Provide overall guidance and ideas for the Boulder County 4-H
Learn how adults can be involved in the 4-H program.
This is a great resource if you are a new or seasoned leader. Parents/guardians of youth as well as leaders are welcome. Hope to see you all there! Our next meeting is April 2 – at 6:15 PM (Hybrid) at the Clover Club Room
Click HERE for more information on this group.
Boulder County Horse Leader Council is open to:
All organizational, project, activity, and resource leaders
Interested parents.
Membership consists of all leaders enrolled in the Boulder County 4-H program. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, at 6:30 pm
Currently virtual meetings - contact Brenda Kwang for Zoom link - bkwang@bouldercounty.org
ENROLLMENT AND ADD/DROP DEADLINE
To be eligible to participate in the Boulder County Fair, all 4-H members must be fully approved in 4HOnline by Thursday, April 24. This means the following must be completed:
Enrollment submitted in 4HOnline
Payment made and received at the Extension Office
Club paperwork submitted by your club leader to the Extension Office
Club leaders—please check 4HOnline to ensure all your members are fully approved. If a member is not approved by the deadline, they will not be eligible to participate in the fair.
If you have any questions, please contact Jeannie. We want to make sure every member who wants to participate has the opportunity!
STAY CONNECTED WITH 4-H: CHECK YOUR EMAIL!
Missing Emails? Let’s Get You Connected!
We’ve been sending out important 4-H information, and we want to make sure you’re receiving it! If you haven’t seen any emails from us, please check that your Family Email is correct in 4HOnline.
Need help or have questions? Reach out to Jeannie—she’s happy to assist! We don’t want you to miss out on anything.
4-H SCHOLARSHIPS
Don’t forget to check out our Scholarship Opportunities page on the Boulder County 4-H website. There are some fantastic scholarships available for our members—don’t miss your chance to apply! Whether you're planning for college or furthering your education, these opportunities can help support your future.
Visit the page today and see what’s available: https://boulder.extension.colostate.edu/4h/4-h-scholarships/
Deadlines come up fast, so don’t wait!
UPDATED 4-H CURRICULUM NOW AVAILABLE
Some of our 4-H project materials have been updated on the State 4-H Website! Here’s what’s new:
2025 State Fair 4-H Exhibit Requirements – Cake Decorating, Unit 7, was updated to allow royal icing.
The Leathercraft Leader Guide is completely revised and improved to match the new unit structure.
Food Preservation Unit 2 – Drying Judging Sheet was updated to include a criteria for freeze dried fruits or vegetables.
All Entomology Judging Sheets have been updated to match the new unit structure. (The Entomology Workbook is being revised.)
The 2025 Addendum to the State 4-H Horse Show Rule Book is now posted. Please review it for the most current rule updates.
SUMMER INTERN NEEDED
The Boulder County 4-H Internship will allow the intern to develop program development skills, volunteer coordination experience, event planning/management skills, etc. The intern will have the opportunity to create, deliver, and evaluate youth educational programs. Programming may also include day camps, outreach events, and other 4-H programs. The intern will assist in supporting the entire 4-H Youth Development Program in Boulder County and the County Fair and all 4-H events.
As a member of the 4-H team, this individual will be assisting the 4-H County Specialists and 4-H Program Assistant with the 4-H club program.
This individual works under the supervision of the other Boulder County 4-H staff members, including the 4-H County Specialist– livestock, the 4-H County Specialist- Outreach, the 4-H program assistant, and a 4-H support staff. The position will be posted soon and will have a quick turnaround.
Contact Brenda with questions
FRONT RANGE REGIONAL SPEECH CONTEST
Step Up to the Mic at the Front Range Regional Speech Contest!
Ready to shine in the spotlight and show off your public speaking skills? The Front Range Regional Speech Contest is the perfect chance for 4-H members of all ages to share their knowledge, get creative, and build confidence in front of an audience! Whether you love teaching how to do something cool or sharing fascinating facts with visuals and props, this contest has something for you.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Waymire Building, Adams County Fairgrounds (9755 Henderson Road, Brighton)
Cost: $6 per participant
Register by: April 13 (Sign Up Here)
There are categories for all age groups, from Cloverbuds to Seniors, and top participants may even earn a spot at the Colorado State Fair in August. So grab your props, posters, and creativity—it’s time to step up, speak up, and stand out.
CAKE DECORATING
LEADER TRAININGS- 4-H SHOOTING SPORTS
Calling all new and re-certifying Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leaders! Get ready to enhance your skills and gain certification in various disciplines. Training will be held across four counties in March 2025 and you must register early:
March 7-9: Morgan County – Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, and Archery (Open for registration in 4HOnline)
March 14-16: Weld County – Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, and Archery (Open for registration in 4HOnline)
March 21-23: Pueblo County – Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills
March 28-30: Garfield County – Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills
Please note: You must be an approved Boulder County 4-H Leader before registering for the Shooting Sports Leader Training. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and lead—don’t miss out!
PRACTICE SCHEDULE
LIVESTOCK FAIRBOOK RULES UPDATE
The Boulder County Fair Superintendents and staff have worked to adjust the rules to make our program and shows the best they can be. We hope these changes increase understanding and participation in our program to the fullest of our members and their animals. Please read the fair book for the most recent rules for showing at the Boulder County Fair with your 4-H Projects. Some key things to take note of some updates for your project planning:
Horse- updated schedule and requirements for classes with the new horse levels program
Livestock- New Early Release of Animals Sunday morning.
Goats- New Rule on kid goat ownership deadlines extended. Members do not need to own the dam of goats born after April 24th. However, they must have identified other goats as project animals before April 24th. Members will have until July 7th to identify kid goats born after April 24th. Members may purchase new kid goats(born after April 24th) until July 7th.
Breeding Beef- Aged Heifer class added for older heifers.
Market Beef- Minimum Rate of gain is now 1.0lbs/day
Dairy Cattle- Freemartin heifers now allowed in the Market dairy program.
Dog- State update on rules about primary care and ownership of your project dog.
Dog Agility- Jump heights will be lower for our county dog contest, however if a member plans to show at state fair agility, they can choose to do one of their three runs at the higher height to qualify.
Dairy Goats- New limitation on entries: No more than 3 entries per exhibitor in each class (note some classes have other limits). Added classes and age breakdown for show.
Breeding Goats- Added classes for further breakdown of ages and types. Best Goat Herd class adjustment: Must include 3 goats owned by the exhibitor, with at least 1 of the goats being an offspring bred, kidded, and owned by the exhibitor.
Breeding Goats and Market goats: Muzzles are allowed if the animal can drink. Breeding and Market goats may be shown with or without horns, but recommended tipped or taped for safety.
Market and Breeding Goats: A junior doe under 12 months may also be shown as a market goat.
Utility Goats- Obstacle Course- no more than 3 entries per exhibitor
Poultry: Market Chickens and Turkeys have “recommended” weights instead of required weights.
Rabbits- Two day show this year, so animals will need to say overnight. Members must handle their own animals. Entries adjusted to 10 market rabbits allowed (2 entries per class). Fur classes adjusted.
Cavy- Silkie, White Crested added as classes to fair.
Swine- Swine sponsorship program and classes added.
If you have any questions or need help clarifying something, feel free to contact Brenda or the superintendents.
CAT PROJECT
ANIMAL CARE AND MEAT QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING
All first-year members or first-year Senior(14yrs or older) participants in a livestock project (including all market, breeding, dairy, poultry, rabbit) (excluding dog, cat, cavy, and horse) are required to attend an MQA training to be eligible to show or sell at the Boulder County Fair and Colorado State Fair. This year Boulder County will be hosting an in-person opportunity for members to complete this requirement.
There will be other trainings across the state, as well. Other shows may have requirements to take the training more frequently or to take a YQCA national training. It is the youth’s responsibility to know what the shows require. To compete at the Boulder County Fair, youth need to take the MQA training once as a first-year member, and once as a 14-year-old member or older. Please plan to attend our local training and RSVP ahead of time.
GOAT PROJECT
Where: Boulder County Fairgrounds, Barn C
When: Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM (Time spots reserved—see signup below)
Sign Up: https://tinyurl.com/sheepgoattag2025
We will be using a drive-through process in Barn C, with traffic flowing east to west. Please be prepared before arrival.
Requirements:
Male market animals must be castrated or banded
All animals must have scrapie tags (Sale Committee Rule)
Market goats must be dehorned or have horns “tipped” before exhibiting
Premises ID must be provided
Paperwork must be completed before arriving at the fairgrounds
$5 per tag – cash or check only
Reminder: Take a photo of your paperwork before turning it in. It is your responsibility to ensure your animals are identified, tagged, and all forms are completed correctly.
Questions? Contact us. See you at tagging!
ANIMAL ID
It is that time of year to identify your animals for your 4-H Projects! Deadline to do so is Thursday, April 24th this year, please do not wait until the last minute.
4-H Online Animal Identification – NOW OPEN!!! – Deadline 4/24
For Non-Market Animals:
In order to declare your project animals in 4-H, all non-market animals (Dairy Cattle, Breeding Beef, Dog, Horse, Dairy Goats, Breeding Goats, Utility Goats, Breeding Sheep, Cavy, Cats and Rabbits) must be identified by the last Thursday in April of the current year uploaded on 4-HOnline enrollment. By submitting this Identification, the member is declaring they have ownership of the animal and are providing primary care of their 4-H project. NOTE- Poultry projects are excluded from 4HOnline animal identification procedures. Market animals do not need to be done by the 4-H member online. The 4-H Office Staff will input your information for your market animal projects once they have attended the required in-person animal ID events. Breeding swine will be due by May 8th.
Directions for your animal ID process can be found here: (https://boulder.extension.colostate.edu/4h/animalid/) Check out the Links for the “County Use Forms” specific for dairy cattle and also check the directions for each species/project listed.
In general you will need the following information:
County use form for dairy cattle only (https://boulder.extension.colostate.edu/4h/animalid/)
Photos to identify your animal (read the directions for each animal to see what specific photos you will need)
Animal identification information/names/tags/etc.
Premise ID: See below
Scrapie tags for sheep/goats:
vaccination proof from vet- for some species, rabies certificate
Breed registration forms
Brand inspections- beef
Etc.
Go to www.v2.4honline.com
Please work on this information quickly to see if you have any questions. Contact Lisa Wallace lwallace@bouldercounty.org if you have questions.
Premise ID Information: 4-H members with livestock projects (beef, dairy, goat, horse, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbit) should obtain a Premises ID. It is also required for other livestock shows. If you don’t have a Premises ID, you can obtain one by calling the Colorado Animal ID coordinator at 303-869-9130 or go online to Colorado Location Identification (LID) Registration Form.
Scrapie Tags: Sheep and goat members- Request your Scrapie tags and tagger, just call 866-USDA-TAG 866-873-2824. If you are planning on exhibiting/selling any female sheep/goats; OR own any sheep/goats older than 18 months old in Colorado you will need tags. It is recommended to have tags in place by Market Nomination day so you know you are good for fair and required to be eligible to show/sell goats or sheep at the Boulder County Fair.
Watch your email for the steps to ID your Market and Breeding Swine animals for this year.
Pickup Tags/Taggers from Office starting April 2nd - $5 per tag
Tag your pigs.
Print the nomination forms and complete the two pages
Draw your ear notches
Take Photos (Right side, Left side, Right ear notches, Left ear notches, Front face on view)
Upload photos and forms into 4HOnline by May 2nd, 2025
We will be tagging and identifying market beef and market dairy projects on Sunday, March 9th, 2025, at the Boulder County Fairgrounds- Barn C. Animals must be halter broken and have a halter on to smoothly go through the identification process. Please sign up for a time spot on the Signup Genius.
Please review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Please select one slot per trailer up to 3 head of cattle. If you have more than three heads, you must select another adjacent time spot. Example: 6 steers in one trailer = 30 minutes reserved together. Sign up with your full name and the number of animals. Please be on time for your chosen time slot. Members who are late will be accommodated as possible (you may have to wait.)
Sign up for a time for tag day
REQUIRED: Obtain a brand inspection of your animals IN THE 4-H MEMBER’S NAME. Even if the animal was born on your property, you need to have a brand inspector write a brand paper for you in your 4-H member’s name (not a parent’s name)
Download and print the “State Fair Nomination Form” that we use for ALL BOULDER COUNTY Market Beef- complete this form. Or the dairy market animal form.
Get a Colorado Premise Identification number (LID#) where your animal lives. Each member must have a Premise Identification Number or Colorado Location Identification Number to participate in the Boulder County Fair. This is the location where your animal is housed. Obtain a premise ID or call 303-869-9130.
If you have miniature beef cattle, have the miniature breed verification form completed by your breeder and bring it with you.
Bring $5 cash per animal tag.
DOG PROJECT
REMINDER- Dog Vaccination Requirements
Dog training starts March 5th and for safety reasons, ALL dogs participating in the 4-H Dog Project MUST be current on their vaccinations for Rabies, Parvo and Distemper. Bordatella is an optional vaccine but is strongly encouraged. In order to participate in group dog training, members are REQUIRED to provide proof of current vaccination for each project dog PRIOR to attending class. Please send a copy of your dog’s shot record to ajanicki@comcast.net or bring a copy with you to the first class. DOGS WITHOUT PROOF OF VACCINATION WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS.
Don’t Forget to Complete Your Dog ID – Last Chance!! All 4-H members participating in the Dog Project are REQUIRED to complete the Dog ID form in 4-H Online by April 24th in order to participate in 4-H Fun Matches, County Fair and State Fair. THE DEADLINE IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING!! Not sure what you need to do to complete the form? Check out the detailed instructions at
https://boulder.extension.colostate.edu/4h/animalid/
You will need to upload two digital photos of your pup along with proof of vaccination for Distemper and Parvo and a copy of your pup’s Rabies Certificate. Any dogs entered in the system by the deadline will NOT be able to show at County or State Fair!
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Wallace in the 4-H office. “Don’t miss out on all the FUN – gotta git your Dog ID DONE!”
Register through 4HOnline today! You must be enrolled to register for this event, but it is FREE!
*Please see the time change: Now 1:00 -4:00 pm.
Responsible Dog Ownership Workshop
Calling all 4-H Dog Project Members! Come learn how to care for your dog in this interactive workshop! Learn about dog anatomy, grooming, healthcare, behavior, breeds, nutrition, and how to be a responsible dog owner!! Learn how to clean your pup’s ears and listen to his heartbeat. Find out what foods your dog CANNOT have, and which diseases and parasites might be bothering your pup!
Saturday, April 19th, 1-4 pm, Boulder County Fairgrounds, Barn A – No dogs at this event please.
Admission is FREE, but please join us in a 4-H Service Project by bringing one of the following items to donate to the Longmont Humane Society!
Plain (no colors) Milkbone dog biscuits, small or medium size only
Creamy peanut butter for dog treats
Save the Date!
It is Fun Match time! Get ready to show off the skills you have learned this year by participating in a Fun Match! A Fun Match is a mini dog show with judges, ribbons and prizes!
The first show of the year will be hosted by Arapahoe County 4-H on May 10th. This is a small, well-run show that is GREAT for first year members! See attached flyer for registration information, and watch the newsletter for information on MORE Fun Matches this year. Hope to see a good turnout from Boulder County!
RABBIT PROJECT
All market rabbits (Stewers, Roasters, and Meat Pens) must attend a Rabbit ID & Tattoo Day to meet the requirements for the Boulder County Fair Market Show and Junior Livestock Auction. This includes:
Receiving an official BCF tattoo
Collecting DNA samples
Completing the nomination process
April 19 & July 9 (Choose one)
Market Stewers/Roasters: 3:00-4:00 PM at the 4-H Office
Meat Pen Rabbits: 9:00-11:00 AM at Barn A
Cost: $2 per tattoo
All breeding and show rabbits must have a legible tattoo in their left ear before the fair. Families can get their own tattoos or bring their rabbits to one of these scheduled events.
If you are showing a market rabbit (Stewer, Roaster, or Meat Pen) at the Boulder County Fair, you must bring your rabbit to one of these dates.
If you have a breeding or show rabbit, you do not have to attend but must make sure your rabbit has the required ear tattoo.
POULTRY PROJECT
CAVY PROJECT
SHEEP PROJECT
Suffolk Sheep Association – Ewe Grant Program
Hey 4-H youth with an interest in Sheep. United Suffolk Sheep Association Ewe Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance for a young person in purchasing a registered Suffolk ewe, for youth starting a Suffolk flock. Applications are due March 1, 2025. For more information visit the grant application.
DAIRY CATTLE PROJECT
HORSE PROJECT
HORSE JUDGING TEAM
The Boulder County 4-H Horse Judging Team is gearing up for another exciting season! With weekly practices and competitions starting in May, this is your chance to develop your skills, compete at the state level, and be part of a winning team. Limited spots are available—contact bouldercountyhorsejudging@gmail.com to learn more!
Also, save the date for this Benefit Horse Show. We hope to see you there!
OTHER COUNTY/STATE NEWS
BOULDER COUNTY FAIR ITEMS
Do you know a family that goes above and beyond in their dedication to 4-H and the Boulder County Fair? Since 1956, the Fair Family of the Year award has honored families for their service, stewardship, leadership, and involvement in our community. Nominations are now open for 2025! Submit your nomination by April 30, 2025. Find the form and more details here: Fair Family Nomination.
Planning ahead for the Boulder County Fair? The high-level fair schedule is now posted! Get a sneak peek at key dates and events to start preparing for an exciting 2025 fair season. Check it out here: Fair Schedule.
BOULDER COUNTY 4-H EVENT CALENDAR
OUR TeamUp Calendar IS UPDATED OFTEN AND IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND OUR MOST UP TO DATE INFORMATION (https://teamup.com/kstehhrw3yyee6xjph)
DATES TO REMEMBER THIS MONTH
04/01- DEADLINE: Beef - Colorado State Fair Nominations- DNA ONLY
04/05- Rabbit Workshop
04/07- 04/09 4-H Staff Out of the office
04/07- Scholarship Submission Deadline
04/12- Cavy Workshop
04/13- Registration Deadline for the Regional Speech Contest
04/18- Dairy Cattle Workshop
04/19- Rabbit Tattoo Day
04/19- Responsible Dog Ownership Workshop
04/21- AC & MQA
04/24- Add/Drop Day AND Animal ID Deadline
04/26- Regional Speech Contest
04/28- Cat Project Workshop
SHARE YOUR CLUB NEWS
The Clover Gazette 4-H Newsletter is published 11 times a year. News articles are welcomed by members, leaders and clubs! Please email your articles/entries to Jeannie on or before the 20th of the preceding month.
Do you have photos you'd like to share? Please send them to Jeannie.
Fair warning: They will probably be posted on social media and used on our marketing materials.
4-H Youth Development/ Outreach County Specialist
4-H Youth Development/ Livestock & Animals County Specialist
4-H Project Assistant
4-H Program Secretary
Boulder County Extensions Office
9595 Nelson Rd, Box B
Longmont, Colorado 80501
(303) 678-6238
Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider.
Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations.
CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.
Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables.
Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es elinglés. Col.st/ll0t3