Welcome to the Pierce County 4-H Post!
Take a look around at everything we have featured in this issue! Inside, you will find our final fair wrap-up items, including where clubs can find their herdmanship ribbons. You can also view the winners of the animal scramble, our scholarship recipients, and a look at how we honored our graduating super seniors & seniors.
We could not be prouder of the incredible work all of our youth put in at the fair this year. The photos shared here are just a few of my personal favorites. What makes these moments so special to me is seeing our youth act as mentors to younger members, watching everyone learn from one another, and witnessing the strong relationships built along the way. A personal favorite of mine is the photo of our parents and super seniors from Sunday. We are so grateful for these youth and the incredible families who support them.
Important Updates and Reminders
Office Staffing: Please keep in mind that I am currently the only full-time staff member in the office. Our intern, Maddie, is staying on through the end of the year and will only be in the office for 6 hours a week. We appreciate your patience and grace!
Upcoming Events: Be sure to check the schedule below for all upcoming events. We will update this newsletter regularly, so make sure to check back frequently for new details and adjustments.
Enroll in 4-H Now: Re-enrollment is officially open! It is crucial to get enrolled as soon as possible, so please aim to have this completed before the October 1st and November 1st deadlines hit.
Spread the Word: Encourage friends, neighbors, and new families to sign up for 4-H and join our amazing community!
All the links, event details, and enrollment guides you need are listed below. Thank you for making this fair season so memorable!
Keep your clover strong. 🍀April
April Daniels - 4-H Program Educator
april.daniels@wisc.edu | 715.293.3674
Kari Weiss - Area 5 Director
Kari.weiss@wisc.edu | 715.410.4346
Vacant - 4-H Support Associate
| 715-273-6781
Vacant - 4-H Intern
| 715-273-6781
HAVE YOU MOVED?
If you have moved, please update your mailing address in 4honline to continue receiving mail from our office. This goes for email addresses as well! If you have changed your email or mailing address, please log in to ensure your information is up to date.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state & federal law.
UW - Madison Extension Pierce County Office
432 W. Main Street
PO Box 69
Courthouse Annex
Ellsworth, WI 54011
715-273-6781
https://pierce.extension.wisc.edu/
Monday - Thursday
9:00 - 4:00
Friday Closed
Open Window Times:
TBD
****
We are often out of the office for community work, training, and meetings. To avoid unnecessary trips, please call the Office in advance to ensure someone is available to assist you. If you’re dropping something off, use the drop box.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 24, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (check-in at 8:45 AM) at the Seyforth Building on the Pierce County Fairgrounds in Ellsworth.
Discovery Day is a fantastic opportunity for current members to dive into new project areas and for non-4-H families to discover what 4-H is all about! If you know a friend, neighbor, or classmate who has been curious about joining, this is the perfect hands-on event to introduce them to our program.
Participants will attend 4 hands-on sessions during the morning. You’ll select your top 6 preferences when you fill out the registration form.
Featured Stations:
Hands-On Shooting Sports: Archery & Air Rifle
Plant Cloning 101: Houseplant Propagation
Principles of Electricity & Currents
Crafting & Hands-On Art
Lego Robotics: Engineering & Applied Robotics
Rabbits & Cavies: Intro to Small Animals
Exploring DNA Using the Scientific Method
Culinary Chemistry: Ice Cream
Cookie Decorating: Design & Culinary Art
Cost: $5 for 4-H Members | $10 for Non-4-H Members
(Payment details and instructions are provided inside the registration form.)
Spread the word and invite a friend! Advance registration is required by October 18th.
👉 Sign up today using our Registration Form
Help Pierce County 4-H Shine!
Need a car wash? Buy a Kwik Trip Car Wash Card and support Pierce County 4-H!
Proceeds go directly to the Pierce County 4-H Leaders Council, helping fund youth leadership programs, educational events, scholarships, and much more!
It’s an easy way to clean your ride & give back to our youth.
2026 Herdsmanship Results & Ribbon Pickup
A huge congratulations goes out to all of our 4-H clubs and FFA chapters who put in countless hours keeping the barns clean, well-maintained, and welcoming throughout the fair! Your hard work and dedication to excellent herdsmanship truly showed.
Ribbon Pickup Information: If your club or chapter would like to collect its award ribbon, please reach out directly to the Extension office to arrange pickup. Thank you again to all members, leaders, and families for making this year's herdsmanship competition a great success!
Starting Sept. 5, all 4-H members & volunteers need to re-enroll at www.4honline.com. Please complete re-enrollment by Oct. 31.
Youth who are not enrolled by Oct. 31 are not covered by 4-H insurance & cannot participate in 4-H activities.
Volunteers who are not enrolled & have not completed required training by Oct. 31 cannot work with youth.
Some project areas have additional deadlines. Check the tab above for those deadlines.
Re-enroll as soon as you can so you do not miss any 4-H programs.
🍀 Mark your calendars! October 4-10, 2026, is National 4-H Week! This year, we’ll recognize National 4-H Week & the Beyond Ready initiative on 2 days.
The plat book is a fundraiser for Pierce County 4-H. Proceeds support youth development programs and activities throughout the county.
The Animal Scramble is one of the most exciting events of the Pierce County Fair. The Senior Showman Champion competes in a Round Robin competition, showing all 11 species represented at the fair. It takes knowledge, adaptability and confidence to step into the ring with animals they may not normally show.
Congratulations to all 11 competitors, with Samantha Miller earning Grand Champion and Adeline Meyers earning Reserve Grand Champion. We are proud of everyone who took on the challenge!
Pierce County 4-H Silent Auction Raises Over $1,400!
A huge thank you to all the Pierce County 4-H clubs who brought their creativity and effort to this year's County Fair silent auction! Thanks to your incredible basket creations and the generosity of our community, the auction was a resounding success.
By the Numbers:
Total Raised: $1,476
Baskets & Items Donated: 18
Total Bids Placed: 94
Active Bidders: 25
With an impressive average of over $82 raised per basket, these funds will go directly toward supporting our local 4-H programs, youth leadership opportunities, and countywide events. Congratulations to everyone who participated, donated, and bid!
During the Sunday of the fair, the Pierce County 4-H Leaders Council recognized six high school seniors with $500 scholarships. Leaders Council President Jessica Hanneman presented the scholarships to Hannah F., Marshall F., Adam C., Samantha M., Addison N. and Maddey K.
Congratulations to these outstanding 4-H members! We are proud of all they have accomplished through 4-H and look forward to seeing what comes next for each of them.
WI 4-H State Agility Dog Show, Sponsored - WI State 4-H Dog Project
October 10, 2026
Overdale Canine Sports, Spring Valley
Registration Deadline: Sept. 1, 2026
Open to WI 4-H Dog Project Members.
Participants must meet county requirements for participation. Forms need to be signed by county staff or a dog project volunteer.
Click on button below for information
Questions?
Sandy Miller
Co-Chair& Reg. Chair: 715-233-3074
Barb Viner
Co-Chair & Reg. Chair: 715-309-3116
Lisa Cochart
State Dog Assoc. Pres.: 920-255-3637
🍂 Save the date and plan to join us on the Quest for Success at Fall Forum 2026, Nov. 6-8 in Stevens Point!
Open to youth in grades 7 & up & adult volunteers, we hope you will consider attending to grow your leadership skills, learn new ideas for your club & meet new people!
✉ Registration will open in September in 4-H Online.
For information on Fall Forum, click the button below.
21st Annual Kids & Cows Family Day on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Bloomer Fairgrounds in Bloomer, WI. Enjoy educational workshops, hands-on activities, Ag Olympics, showmanship, & a breed show for all ages and experience levels. Bring your own cattle or participate with one provided.
Early entry fees: $10 per youth & $10 per head of cattle (available later this year; early entry closes October 7, 2026). Day-of registration: $15 per youth &$15 per head of cattle.
Click the button below for more information or contact Lori Lyons at 715-210-0049 or lalyons4@yahoo.com.
Did you know that every time you purchase T-shirts, pins, record books, curriculum, & more through Shop 4-H, you can support WI 4-H programs & opportunities for youth?
When you shop using the link below, a portion of the proceeds benefits WI 4-H PYD.
You will also find a featured WI 4-H page under the "Other" tab on the Shop 4-H homepage. This section highlights selected curriculum, WI 4-H-specific apparel & items.
By using & sharing this link, you are helping create more opportunities for 4-H youth across Wisconsin. Thank you for supporting Wisconsin 4-H!
🍀 Mark your calendars! October 4-10, 2026, is National 4-H Week! This year, we’ll recognize National 4-H Week & the Beyond Ready initiative on 2 days.
💚 Day 1: Go Green 🗓️ Monday, October 5, 2026
On Monday of National 4-H Week, Go GREEN and show your 4-H spirit! Wear a green hat, clothing, face paint - anything green goes. Let's paint the nation GREEN!
Share your Go Green moment on social and tag National 4-H, the WI 4-H & Pierce County 4-H program, and use #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek
🫶 Day 2: Thankful Thursday 🗓️ Thursday, October 8, 2026
On Thursday of National 4-H Week, help us shine a light on all the good that 4-H does! Help recognize all the 4-H'ers who are doing good and making a positive impact.
Share your own story or celebrate someone who is making a difference - another 4-H'er, volunteer, or educator on Thursday, October 8th and use #4HBeyondReady
🍀 Explore the Go Green Map at https://4-h.org/events/4-h-week/ to locate landmarks that will be lighting up green on October 5th in support of 4-H! Visit a landmark near you and share your photos with us by using #4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek
🍀 Apply to join the Agriculture Ambassadors!
Agriculture Ambassadors will build their leadership in agriculture by engaging in agricultural opportunities, contributing ideas, and helping shape statewide events.
Youth in grades 9-12 can apply to build leadership skills in agriculture. Applications will be open October 1-November 15, 2026, in 4-H Online!
💚 Learn more about Agriculture Ambassadors on our website: 4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/wi-4-h-agriculture-ambassadors/
🍀 Apply to join the Art Ambassadors!
Do you want to make a difference in your community & develop real-world leadership experience? The WI 4-H Leadership Ambassadors program is your chance!
Leadership Ambassadors advocate for WI 4-H & build leadership skills by supporting statewide programs.
Youth in grades 9-12 can apply to gain leadership experience. Applications will be open October 1-November 15, 2026, in 4-H Online!
💚 Learn more about Leadership Ambassadors on our website: 4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/wisconsin-4-h-leadership-council/
🍀 Apply to join the Leadership Ambassadors!
🍀 Do you want to make a difference in your community and develop real-world leadership experience? The Wisconsin 4-H Leadership Ambassadors program is your chance!
Leadership Ambassadors advocate for Wisconsin 4-H and build leadership skills through supporting statewide programs.
Youth in grades 9-12 can apply to gain leadership experience. Applications will be open October 1-November 15, 2026, in 4-H Online!
💚 Learn more about Leadership Ambassadors on our website: 4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/wisconsin-4-h-leadership-council/
🍀 Heads up for National 4-H Conference 2027!
️ National 4-H Conference annually brings 4-H youth and adults from around the nation to Washington, D.C., to work towards strengthening and expanding the 4-H Youth Development program at the local, state, and national levels. National 4-H Conference is the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s premier youth development opportunity to engage youth in developing recommendations for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The National 4-H Headquarters is charged with sharing the recommendations that emerge from the conference with the Secretary of Agriculture, National Extension Program Leaders, and others who determine 4-H programs.
!! Due to the nature of this program, 2027 dates are unknown at this time, but will be sometime during the Spring season.
️ Submit an application with references to the State 4-H Office between October 15, 2026 –December 1, 2026. Between 8 and 10 youth are selected to attend this working conference.
🔗 For more information, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/national-4-h-conference/.
🍀 Apply to join the Outdoor Ambassadors!
The Outdoor Ambassadors are a new team for 2027 that will be leaders and advocates for ethical practices and safe recreation.
Youth in grades 9-12 can apply to make a positive impact in outdoor programming. Applications will be open October 1-November 15, 2026, in 4-H Online!
💚 Learn more about Outdoor Ambassadors on our website: Link coming
Register for Beyond Wisconsin!
In this new experience, youth in grades 6-8 will travel to St. Louis, Missouri, between February 11 and 15, 2027, for fun, learning, and cultural discovery. 🚌
Participants can experience:
🍀 Science museums
🍀 Art centers
🍀 Live music and performances
🍀 Local food
Registration opens October 26 and will close November 22. Learn more on the website: 4h.extension.wisc.edu/beyond-wisconsin-exploring-the-midwest/
✈️ Get ready for American Spirit 2027!
🍀 This program is for youth in grades 8-10 & will be held June 25-July 3, 2027
🏛️ The 4-H American Spirit Experience is an opportunity for youth to immerse themselves in history & heritage through a 10-day bus journey to the East Coast & Canada. This program will also focus on career readiness, leadership development & experiential learning around history & civics, with an emphasis on diversity & the challenges that different groups of people have faced.
Locations Include:
📍Nappanee, Indiana
📍Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
📍New York City, New York
📍Boston, Massachusetts
📍Lexington/Concord, Massachusetts
📍Gloucester, Massachusetts
📍Salem, Massachusetts
📍Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (A passport will be needed!)
‼️ Applications will be open in 4HOnline from November 1-30, 2026.
🔗 For more information, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/american-spirit-east/.
❄️ Get ready for Winter Academy 2027!
💻 This 100% virtual, no-cost program is a 4-week experience for youth in grades 8-10! Sessions
include:
❄️ Session 1: Charting A Path - January 13th, 2027
❄️ Session 2: Finding Your Strengths - January 20th, 2027
❄️ Session 3: Beyond Ready & Me - January 27th, 2027
❄️ Session 4: LEGO Communication - February 3rd, 2027
!! Registration will be open from November 1-30, 2026. Spots are limited and are available on a
first-come, first-served basis!
🔗 For more information, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/winter-academy/.
🪐 🚀 2027 Space Camp registration!🪐 🚀
Space Camp is an experience where you learn and experience a ton of different aspects of life as an astronaut, working at NASA, and exploring places beyond Earth! Wisconsin 4-H Space Camp participants experience the Pathfinder Program, a 3-day experience where youth participate in a variety of simulated space activities at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center!
👩🚀 Space Camp is open to youth in grades 6-8 and will be held from April 30-May 2, 2027, in Huntsville, Alabama.
🗓️ Registration will be open from November 16-December 13, 2026.
💫 For more information, visit https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/statewide-events-and-opportunities/space-camp/.
Hall of Fame - Nominations Open
💚 You are now able to submit nominations for the WI 4-H Hall of Fame!
🍀 The Hall of Fame recognizes 4-H volunteers, financial supporters, staff & pioneers who made major contributions to the 4-H movement at the local, state, & national levels.
👥 Any group or individual is eligible to submit a nomination for consideration.
‼️ All nominations must be submitted electronically either by Qualtrics form or by emailing the form to pydadminteam@extension.wisc.edu by Nov 2, 2026.
Qualtrics Form: https://uwmadison.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0CGq9lRc1TzxQ5o
MS Word Doc: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/files/2026/08/2027-Wisconsin-HOF-Nomination-Form.docx
💡 For information: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/wisconsin-4-h-hall-of-fame/
To find a club or get more information, please visit the general club page or contact Pierce County Extension Office for help .
If you would like to feature your club, follow the button below.
Have someone awesome you want to shout out who truly demonstrates what 4-H really is? Submit your shout-out through the link below.
Among Friends is a social program for people with dementia that meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays. This gives their caregivers a break while we are together—talking, exercising, listening to music, doing crafts & more.
Pass around a bag of candy and have each member pick two pieces. Before eating, they share a fun fact based on the colors they chose. For Example: Red = favorite hobby, Green = something you learned in 4-H, etc.
Do you have something to share with Pierce 4-H? Do you have an idea, complaint, a positive thing to share? Click the button below to use the form!
Copies available at the Extension Office as well.
Submissions for the next month's POST should be made via the google form by the 21st of the month before you want items in the POST.