MSU Extension in Schoolcraft County

08/27/2026

🎤

🍀Once a 4-H’er, Always a 4-H’er.💚

Today, the Sevier County 4-H family remembers one of our own, Dolly Parton.

Before the world knew her name, Dolly was a young girl growing up here in the mountains of Sevier County — and a member of 4-H. From those humble beginnings, she went on to touch millions of lives through her music, generosity, kindness, and unwavering love for her East Tennessee home.

Dolly showed generations of young people that you can dream bigger than your circumstances, go farther than you ever imagined, and still never forget where you came from.

We are incredibly proud that the 4-H clover was a small part of her remarkable story. 🍀

Her legacy will live on in these mountains, in the lives she changed, and in generations of young people who will continue to dream big because she showed them they could.

Thank you, Dolly, for making Sevier County proud and for showing us all what it means to use your head, heart, hands, and health to make the best better. 💚

Once a 4-H’er, always a 4-H’er.

08/24/2026

We congratulate Delta County resident Chase P. on his market livestock project! He is a member of the Schoolcraft County Tip of the Lake 4-H Shooting Sports Club and Manistique 4-H Baseball & Softball Club. 4-H is not restricted to your county of residence - especially in the U.P., where distances across counties are vast.

08/23/2026

THANK YOU to these businesses for supporting youth entrepreneurship through 4-H market livestock projects!

🍀“There’s just something special about 4-H kids.

The way they show up early and stay late. The way they treat their animals with patience and love. The way they shake hands, look you in the eye, and go out of their way to help a stranger.

They’ve learned responsibility before many kids their age. They know hard work isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to be proud of.

They’ve been up before sunrise, worked through heat and dust and setbacks, and smiled when it was time to show, because they’ve put in the time, and they care.

They learn confidence, compassion, strength, endurance, kindness, humility, patience and so much more, way before they even learn to drive a car.

They cheer for their friends, even when they’re competing against them. They take a loss with grace and a win with humility. They don’t just learn about livestock or baking or photography, they learn about life.

And when the fair is over and the ribbons are packed away, what stays with them is the grit, the gratitude, and the lessons that 4-H helped grow, the kind that turn kids into capable, compassionate adults.

There’s something special about 4-H kids. And if you’ve raised one (or been one), you know exactly what I mean.”

-Leslie Means

08/19/2026

🍀🐖🐄 🎡 (Wish there was a beef emoji!)
Congratulations to all of the Schoolcraft County 4-H members showing livestock at the UP State Fairgrounds this week! It is hard to get a photo of everyone showing hogs. There are a lot of classes and the barn is closed to move hogs so you can’t even sneak a peek of the pen decor.

08/14/2026

Way to go, Delta County 4-H and Extension Educator Dave Radloff! You just never know when a spark will start to kindle and how long it will take to grow. 🍀 🍿

08/13/2026

🐷🎡🍀 Round 2 of highlighting Schoolcraft County 4-H youth heading to the UP State Fairgrounds next week to showcase and auction their market hogs! Please consider financially supporting these entrepreneurs with a business or family/friend-group purchase of their hogs at Saturday’s auction.

*We are happy to feature additional local youth - just send your fliers to this page.

08/12/2026

🍀🎡🐖🐄 Schoolcraft Count 4‑H youth aren’t just raising livestock — they’re building real entrepreneurial and life skills that will carry them far beyond the show ring. From budgeting feed costs to mastering daily care routines, keeping records to meeting with potential buyers, these young producers learn responsibility, confidence, and the grit it takes to run a project from start to finish.

Next week at the U.P. State Fair, you can check out the livestock they’ve worked so hard to raise and support them at the auction on Saturday (8/22). Their dedication shows in every animal. Come cheer them on and celebrate the future of agriculture in our community!

*Message this page with your flier if you would like it featured.

08/11/2026

It’s almost fair week! Our community is an amazing place and I just want to bring this to everyone forthoughts.

As the UP State Fair approaches, we'd like to take a moment to recognize the incredible dedication of the young people representing Schoolcraft County through 4-H livestock projects.

For many, the excitement of fair week is the only part they see. What often goes unnoticed are the countless hours, early mornings, late nights, and months of hard work that happen long before the fair begins. These young exhibitors have spent the last 6 to 12 months raising, feeding, caring for, and training their animals from the time they were babies. Their commitment teaches responsibility, work ethic, sportsmanship, and the value of seeing a project through from beginning to end.

This year, 15 to 20 youth from the Schoolcraft County area will proudly represent our community in the livestock shows at the U.P. State Fair. They will compete on Wednesday, showcasing the animals they have worked so hard to prepare in hopes of earning ribbons and awards.

The week concludes with one of the most important events for these exhibitors—the livestock auction on Saturday August 22nd at 10 AM.

These young people rely on the support of our community. While many people are willing to help, they can't support an event they don't know about. That's why we're asking our local businesses, organizations, and community members to consider attending the auction and bidding on one of these outstanding animals.

Purchasing an animal is more than just supporting a student—buyers also receive the processed meat, making it a meaningful investment for your family, business, or organization. Whether you keep the meat, share it with employees, donate it to a local pantry, your purchase directly rewards a young person's year of hard work and helps fund future agricultural projects.

Our community has always been known for stepping up in big ways, and we're hopeful you'll continue that tradition by supporting these deserving youth.

Please consider joining us at the U.P. State Fair livestock auction on Saturday August 22nd at 10 AM and investing in the future of our local 4-H members. Your support means more than you know, and together we can help these young exhibitors continue to grow, learn, and succeed. There are additional details in the photo.

We hope to see you at the fair!

~Mallory D., Schoolcraft County 4-H Mom

08/06/2026

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase! 🎡🎨🐄
Youth ages 5–19 from across Michigan can enter for free to showcase their projects—from livestock and showmanship to art, STEM, and more! 💡🎬 Plus, participants can apply for scholarships up to $1,000! 💰
No 4-H membership required. Submit your entries by August 7!
👉 Learn more & register: extension.msu.edu/MSF4HShowcase

08/05/2026

Applications are now open for the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council (SYLC), Michigan 4-H's highest youth leadership opportunity for young people ages 15-19!
As a SYLC member, you'll represent Michigan 4-H across the state, promote 4-H through local and statewide activities, and help shape the future of 4-H programs by sharing youth perspectives and ideas.
✅ Build skills in public speaking, advocacy, communication, and leadership
✅ Connect with 4-H youth from across Michigan
✅ Expand your knowledge beyond your county's programs
✅ Make a difference in the Michigan 4-H community
If you're passionate about leadership, service, and helping others grow through 4-H, consider applying today!
Click here for a SYLC application.
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSfa8EfVr7XsNa.../viewform
Applications are due September 4, 2026.
Click here to learn more about SYLC.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/sylc/index

SYLC Information
Apply for the 2026-2028 State Youth Leadership Council
Applications to serve on the 2026-2028 Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council are open until September 4, 2026. Please click on the following hyperlink to apply for an opportunity to serve on the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council.
https://forms.gle/vyfFXprseMGyekr2A
What is SYLC?
Established in 2015, the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council (SYLC) is a statewide leadership opportunity for 4-H youth. SYLC members serve as representatives of the Michigan 4-H program, promoting 4-H through state and local activities, and can provide youth voice and perspective on the development of 4-H programs and curricula.
Who is eligible?
Any 4-H participant, in the age range of 15-19 by January 1, 2027, can apply for a council position. They must be currently enrolled in a 4-H program, in good standing in their local 4-H club or unit and have completed at least the previous year of 4-H work.
How long is one term on SYLC?
SYLC members serve a two-year term. After the successful completion of a two-year term, SYLC members are eligible to apply for an additional year on the Council, as long as they are eligible based on their age.
When and where do they meet?
The council meets monthly through Zoom online video conferencing and holds at least two in-person meetings in conjunction with other state 4-H events.
Why would youth be interested in SYLC?
SYLC members receive training in public speaking, advocacy, communication, and leadership skills. SYLC is Michigan’s highest youth leadership opportunity and is a goal that older youth can aspire toward. SYLC members get to broaden their network and expand their knowledge of 4-H programs beyond their counties.
How do youth apply?
Interested youth should complete an electronic application to serve on the Michigan 4-H State Youth Leadership Council. Applicants must also select two unrelated adults to complete a reference on their behalf. Selected applicants will be contacted by SYLC advisors to arrange a time for an interview following the closing date of the application.
How does SYLC benefit Michigan 4-H?
Michigan 4-H believes that youth should be participants, rather than recipients in the learning process. Staff teach volunteers about strengthening youth voice and youth-adult partnerships at the club and county level. SYLC provides an outlet for youth voice at the state level.
Advisors
Frank Cox, Janelle Stewart and Roxanne Turner