NDSU Extension - Steele County

08/20/2026

The 2025-2026 4-H year is coming to a close, 4-H online will be shutdown from August 24-August31, 2026 for 4-H Families, Volunteers and County Staff to make the annual updates and prepare for the new 4-H year.

Enrollment for the 2026-2027 4-H year will open once the system reopens on September 1, 2026 for 4-H'ers and Volunteers to enroll! We can't wait to see what the new year brings and to continue "To Make the Best Better"🍀

Mark that calendar and set a notification! North Dakota 4-H enrollment opens September 1. 🍀

We are excited to welcome past members and new members to another exciting 4-H year!

Learn about North Dakota 4-H >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/extension-topics/north-dakota-4-h-youth-development

08/20/2026

Please continue to submit local drought impacts weekly. There were a record number of submissions last week. These reports are critical to showing map authors what is happening in your area.
Submit a report https://go.unl.edu/cmor

This week's Drought Monitor includes the addition of D3 along the eastern border and expansion in the west. D1 and D2 areas continue to expand across the state https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/disasters/drought

Please continue to submit local drought impacts weekly. These reports are critical to showing map authors what is happening in your area.

Submit a report https://go.unl.edu/cmor

08/19/2026

A new threat to North Dakota's conifers has been confirmed this week: pine wilt disease. This discovery will have a great impact on our state's windbreaks and community forest resources, as non-native species of pine (like Scotch pine) are a commonly used tree in these settings.

While investigating mortality in Scotch pine trees, our Forest Health staff tentatively identified pine wilt disease in Ransom County at Sheyenne River State Forest and in Sargent County near Forman, ND. The finding was confirmed on August 11, 2026, by the South Dakota State University plant pathology lab.

To learn more about this disease and how it could affect your trees, visit https://bit.ly/NDPineWilt

08/18/2026

We couldn't do what we do in 4-H without our wonderful volunteers! Here are some great opportunities for trainings

SAVE THE DATES! The 4-H Volunteer Project Trainings return in November.

🧩We’re excited to bring 4-H volunteers together for learning, connection and preparation for another great year! Every volunteer brings something valuable to the 4-H experience. Together, every piece matters in helping young people become Beyond Ready for life and work.

Learn more >>> https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/events/2026-4-h-volunteer-project-trainings

08/17/2026

What's the latest in the ag economy across our region?

The latest issue of Agriculture by the Numbers is out now
https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/ag-topics/farm-management/agriculture-numbers

Stay informed with the latest economic insights and analysis from our experts. Subscribe to receive it monthly.

08/17/2026

Our online Parent Café events offer a chance to connect, reflect, and listen to other parents and caregivers. Participants in Parent Cafés report feeling inspired, supported, and energized by the experience. As an added benefit, Cafés are eligible for parent education credit hours. Certificates are sent to participants after each event.

Please join us for our August Parent Café on Wednesday, August 26th, from 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST. Learn strategies for a smooth back-to-school transition and discuss. Register at https://forms.gle/FPHjDS5WBarCXcoF6 or by scanning QR code.

We hope to see you at our August Café!

NDSU Extension - Steele County
NDSU Extension - Traill County
NDSU Extension - Ransom County
NDSU Extension-Sargent County
NDSU Extension - Richland County

08/14/2026

Mark your Calendars for the 2027 Steele County 4-H Achievement Days on July 29-30, 2027 at the Hope American Legion and 4-H Barn. 🍀📆

08/13/2026

Ready to work on your archery skills and soak in the end of summer? Join us on August 22 for our 3-D Youth Shoot!

Register by Aug 21 at 8am: ndsu.ag/3darchery

08/13/2026

As drought intensifies, many farmers are deciding to harvest drought-stressed crops for livestock forage. In some areas of the state, farmers have already harvested small grains as hay.

While these crops can be a valuable resource for livestock producers short of forage, North Dakota State University Extension specialists warn that there is an increased risk of nitrate poisoning with many drought-stressed forages. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/news/newsreleases/2026/august/drought-brings-increased-risk-of-livestock-nitrate-poisoning

08/10/2026

As we wrap up the 4-H year don't forget to fill out your Steele County 4-H Member Record Books for the 2025-2026 4-H year. Here are some reminders of what needs to be completed in order to receive an award of excellence for our 2025-2026 4-H Recognition. 🍀

On another note, the 4-H Online site will be SHUT DOWN from August 24 - August 31 for the rollover period.
🔒 During this system shutdown time, families and county managers won’t be able to access the system as we prepare for the new 4-H year. But don’t worry, we’ll be back and better than ever on September 1 for everyone to start enrolling❗