Howard County 4-H

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.

🎟️ Registration: $10 per participant
👕 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! 🍀

06/28/2026

Another great day at the Mighty Howard County Fair!

Our Livestock Skillathon had 8 teams compete in this year’s contest! Participants tested their beef knowledge at stations covering breeds, meat cuts, parts of the animal, careers, medication labels, and structure. Congratulations to our winning team, The Rizzlers - Reed, Chandler, Alana, and Nolan! 🎉

We also showcased our Working Exhibits. Congratulations to Neva and Alli, whose pollinator exhibit earned a trip to the Iowa State Fair! We also enjoyed Gabbie’s peanut butter bird feeder exhibit. 🌼🐝🐦‍⬛

To top it all off, youth hopped on the Blender Bike to pedal their way to delicious tropical smoothies! They powered the blender with their own energy before enjoying a well-earned treat. 🍍🚴

06/27/2026

06/27/2026

Livestock Skillathon happening now in the 4-H Building!!

06/27/2026

Skillathon today at 5pm!! Teams of 3-4, of any ages of 4-H members! In the 4-H Building. First year for this so be sure to come check it out!!

06/26/2026

Congratulations to all of our exhibitors advancing to the Iowa State Fair! 🎉🍀

Family Consumer Science Department
Clara Keller (Saratoga 4-H) - Cookie Cake
Kelsey Adams (Saratoga 4-H) - Baking my Heritage: Sandbakkelse
Clara Keller (Saratoga 4-H) - Breakfast Sandwich Comparison
Lexus Dohlman (Saratoga 4-H) - Wood Picnic Table/Basket
Campbell Reis (Flying Hoofs) - Pumpkin Table Runner
Claire Kach (Flying Hoofs) - Stagecoach Quilt
Harper Reis (Flying Hoofs) - Kids Busy Bag
Kennedy Linkenmeyer (Saratoga 4-H) - Diabetes Display

Photography
Keira Shea (Saratoga 4-H) - yellow lab in snow
Reed Johnson (Saratoga 4-H) - truck mirror
Claire Kach (Flying Hoofs) - rocks & moss
Sierra Burke (Space Age Farmers) - yellow lab close up
Livia McCabe (Space Age Farmers) - lake

Creative Arts
Alli Burns (Saratoga 4-H) - ocean resin sign
Claire Kach (Flying Hoofs) - Rooster picture
Karli Speer (Saratoga 4-H) - Sun Catcher

Animal & Ag/Natural Resources
Lexus Dohlman (Saratoga 4-H) - milk can water bath

Personal Development
Claire Kach (Flying Hoofs) - horse shadow box
Ella Dennler (Flying Hoofs) - poster
Clara Keller (Saratoga 4-H) - poster

Science, Engineering, and Technology
Taylor Reis (Flying Hoofs) - dog sculpture
Easton Reis (Flying Hoofs) - truck
Adrienne Shimek (Space Age Farmers) - pedal tractor
Harper Reis (Flying Hoofs) - spiral Christmas tree

06/25/2026

Even though Spring Fair was back in March, 4-H members are showcasing their exhibits at the County Fair!

The clothing exhibitors did a style show yesterday

Educational Presentations and Share the Fun performances will be happening in the 4-H Building today & tomorrow (check schedule below)

Working Exhibits are Saturday!