Howard County 4-H

10/01/2026

Farm Safety Held in Howard County
Over 26 years of farm safety has been presented to grade school children in Howard County.

Tuesday, September 29 fifth graders from Notre Dame, Howard-Winn, and Riceville schools gathered for a full day of fun learning at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Cresco.

The main speaker was Trent Pisney from Lime Springs. Trent shared his recent farm accident of being buried in a grain bin. His successful rescue was handled by many local firefighters and emergency agencies.

Morning education sessions were:

Electrical safety by MiEnergy.

Animal safety by Dr Boe and dairy cow Buster.

Propane safety with Cody Fencl of Fencl Oil and LP.

Fire Safety and Smokehouse with Cresco Firemen.

To***co and va**ng education with Ashley Havenstrite.

Afternoon sessions were:

Ambulance with Regional Health.

Helicopter landing with Gunderson.

Law enforcement with Sheriff Busch.

Chemical safety with Ron Praska.

Grain bin safety with Turkey River Ag Sales.

Reaction Time with Howard County Extension.

Swine education with Reicks View Farms.

Farm safety is supported by generous donors and students receive safety information, t-shirt, ear plugs, safety glasses and a first aid kit.

Donors making this event possible were:
Carquest, Art's Mill, MiEnergy, Cresco Union Savings Bank, Farm Credit, Dale and Jeanine Schwade, Elma Locker, Howard County Farm Bureau, Adams Angus, Cresco Bank and Trust, Bob's Electric, True North Insurance, Mehmert Tiling, Christensen Agri Seeds, Upper Iowa Ag, Security State Bank, Fivestar Coop, V & V Insurance, Runde Graphics, Oak Creek Dental, Howard County Mutual Insurance, and ISU Extension and Outreach - Howard County.

09/22/2026

National Farm Safety week September 21-25, 2026. Howard County Farm safety day is Tuesday, September 29 for Howard County fifth graders. Be safe during this harvest season!

09/04/2026

Come Join Our Team!We're hiring! Howard County Extension is looking for a County Youth Outreach Educator to lead our 4-H program!

Passionate about helping with Clover Kids and community programs across Howard County — with hours in the office and out in the community (some evenings/weekends required).

Howard County Extension Office, 132 1st Avenue West, Cresco, IA 52136
Please send letter of interest, resume and ISU Application to office or email to [email protected]

Pick up job description and application at Extension Office.

08/31/2026

4H enrollment time begins September 15.
🍀 Explore Howard County 4-H!🍀
It’s time to enroll or re-enroll in Howard County 4-H! Re-enroll early to stay up to date and select your project areas.
🍀 Enroll by November 30 for the reduced fee ($5 to your club treasurer, thanks to donations, the remaining $35 is covered!). After Nov. 30, the full $40 fee applies.
🍀 New to 4-H?
Welcome to Howard County 4-H! 🎉 To join, pick up a yellow New Member Enrollment Packet from your club leader, fill it out, and return it to the Extension Office.
🍀 Returning Members
Re-enroll through the 4hOnline system and update any changes, like address or health info.

08/31/2026

Howard County 4H County Council met on August 30 for a retreat at Pinebluff Camp with Allamakee, Winneshiek and Chickasaw county members.

08/31/2026

Dairy Judging coming soon. Questions [email protected] or 563-412-8019.

07/31/2026

Summer Day Camps were happening all around Howard County in July! 🚜🌾

Our Barnyard Buddies Day Camp was held in Elma, Riceville, and Protivin, giving youth the opportunity to explore all aspects of farm life. Campers learned about livestock, farm equipment, and the journey from farm to table through hands-on activities and creative projects.

Youth enjoyed making tractor puppets, ear tag keychains, and pool noodle horses while discovering friendly farm animals, where their food comes from, and how farms play an important role in our daily lives. They also had the chance to cook delicious snack together using fresh ingredients.

07/31/2026

🌎🍽️ Howard County youth took their taste buds on an adventure during our Global Gourmet Day Camp!

Campers explored different countries and cultures through food while learning how meals from around the world reflect unique traditions and flavors. Throughout the day, youth prepared delicious recipes while discovering fun facts about each country.

Our culinary journey included:
Germany: Homemade applesauce
Mexico: Guacamole, salsa, queso, and churro bites
Italy: Manicotti and garlic knots
Greece: Tzatziki

From trying new flavors to learning about cultures beyond their own, Global Gourmet encouraged curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen. It was a fun and delicious way to explore the world without ever leaving Howard County!

07/31/2026

Howard County 4-Hers are invited to this event in Decorah! Check it out!!!

🍀 Calling all 4-H sewing enthusiasts! 🧵

Join Lorelai Kuecker for a fun and inspiring virtual workshop on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 5:45–7:15 PM at Red Roxy Quilt Co. in Decorah!

At just 17 years old, Lorelai has a passion for encouraging and supporting others. She'll showcase her unique collection of constructed pieces, share the stories behind some of her favorite creations, and answer your questions during this interactive session.

👕 Open to 4th–12th grade 4-H members
🎁 Plus, participants will have a chance to win door prizes from Red Roxy Quilt Co.!

📅 Register by September 16th at 4:30 PM by calling the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-382-2949.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow sewing enthusiasts, gain inspiration, and explore a one-of-a-kind collection! 🪡💚

06/28/2026

Lasso Your Legacy is the theme in the 4-H Building this year, and our clubs went above and beyond with their booth decorations!

We’re excited to announce the Top 3 Club Booth Contest winners:
🥇Flying Hoofs
🥈Saratoga 4-H
🥉Afton Aces

With a total of 259 static entries, this year’s fair was a true showcase of the creativity, hard work, and potential of our amazing 4-H members! 🍀