MU Extension in DeKalb County

People move every day for school, work, retirement and family, bringing new perspectives that shape communities. From 2020 to 2025, net migration grew the average U.S. county population by 2.5 percent.

In Missouri, counties gained an average of 2.1 percent of their population from net migration during that same period. Nonmetro counties saw larger gains, 2.8 percent compared to 1.8 percent in metro areas. Some counties, including Lincoln, Hickory, Benton and Ozark, saw especially large increases.

While all residents value community ties and health care access, newer residents place more emphasis on broadband access, arts and outdoor recreation. Understanding these differences can help communities plan for growth and better meet changing needs.

The Soybean Growth Monitoring biweekly report for 2026 is now available, offering timely updates on crop development across the state. Using crop growth models and weather data, the report helps farmers understand how conditions are impacting soybean growth and potential yield before harvest.

This season, heavy and uneven rainfall has already slowed planting and early growth in many areas. The report provides insight into how these conditions may affect emergence, nodulation and overall plant health, while also supporting in-season decisions like whether replanting is worth the risk.

With new updates released every two weeks, this resource is designed to give producers the information they need to adapt throughout the growing season.

Download the free biweekly report: https://brnw.ch/21x3y56

The success of the DeKalb County Fair, Maysville, MO would not be possible without the incredible volunteers who generously gave their time, talents, and energy to support our youth.

Whether you were a parent cheering from the sidelines, a mentor guiding a young person, a judge providing valuable feedback, or someone working behind the scenes to organize and coordinate events, please know that your efforts made a tremendous impact.

Your dedication helped create meaningful experiences that extended far beyond ribbons and awards.

Because of you, our youth had opportunities to build important life skills. This is one of the greatest gifts we can give young people is our time, and this community continues to show up in extraordinary ways.

Thank you for investing in our youth and helping create an environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Your willingness to serve helps bring the 4-H motto, "To Make the Best Better," to life every day.

💚 We are truly grateful for every volunteer who played a role in making the 2026 DeKalb County Fair a success. Your impact will be felt long after the fair is over.



Photo credit: Etsy

Support the mental well-being of youth in your community.

Attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid virtual training on June 30. This course is designed to help adults recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in young people.

You'll learn how to:
• Assess for risk of su***de or harm
• Listen without judgment
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage professional help• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

This training is ideal for parents, educators, coaches, youth program staff and anyone who works with or cares about young people.

Register and learn more: https://brnw.ch/21x3uef

We're hiring! Join the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Team!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and strengthening communities? We are excited to announce an opening for a Youth Program Associate (part-time) serving Dekalb County.

This position offers an opportunity to inspire youth, build community partnerships, and create meaningful educational experiences that help young people develop leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

In this role, you will:
• Support and deliver positive youth development programs
• Build relationships with volunteers, schools, and community partners
• Empower youth to become confident leaders and engaged citizens
• Make a lasting impact in the communities we serve

Application deadline: July 2nd or until filled.

Learn more and apply here:

https://erecruit.umsystem.edu/psc/tamext/COLUM/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&SiteId=6&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=6&JobOpeningId=60043&PostingSeq=1

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks. We look forward to welcoming someone who is passionate about investing in the future of our youth.

Congratulations to all of our 4-H members who participated in Personal Interviews at Achievement Night!

Recognized Participants, in no particular order:

Harper R
Tyne M
Bradley B
C**t E
Lane E
Daelyn M
Ty B
Dexter M
Caelynn K
Cora B

Participating in a personal interview takes courage, preparation, and confidence. While it may seem intimidating, these experiences help our youth develop lifelong skills that extend far beyond 4-H.

Through personal interviews, members learn how to:

🍀 Communicate effectively by clearly sharing their thoughts, experiences, and accomplishments.
🍀 Think on their feet by responding to questions and reflecting on their experiences.
🍀 Build self-confidence by stepping outside their comfort zone.
🍀 Develop professionalism by practicing interview etiquette and interpersonal skills.
🍀 Prepare for future opportunities such as scholarships, college admissions, internships, and job interviews.

Personal interviews are a wonderful reminder that 4-H is about much more than projects—it's about helping young people discover their strengths and preparing them to become confident, capable leaders.

We are incredibly proud of each member who chose to challenge themselves and share their story. 🍀💚

Be sure to stop by the Dekalb County Youth Building, 225 MO-6, Maysville, MO 64469 to check out the exhibits. Building will be open during the livestock shows. For a full schedule visit DeKalb County Fair, Maysville, MO

Congratulations on a job well done!

Congratulations to all of our 4-H members who participated in Demonstrations during Achievement Night!

Recognized Participants, in no particular order:

Daelyn M — Laminitis in Horses*
Chloe C — Ways to Give Livestock Shots*
Cora R — Creating a Napkin Jar *
Ty B — How to Use a Hive Tool*
Dexter M — Parts of a John Deere 4440*
Clayton B — How to Wire-Wrap a Rock
Tyne M — A Tin-Can Lantern
*indicates that the entry was selected to represent Dekalb County at Missouri State Fair

4-H demonstrations give youth the opportunity to become teachers by sharing a skill, hobby, or project they are passionate about with others. Standing in front of an audience and presenting takes preparation and courage, and we are proud of every member who stepped up to the challenge.

Through demonstrations, members build important life skills, including:

🍀 Public speaking by clearly explaining information to an audience.
🍀 Organization and preparation by planning and delivering a presentation from start to finish.
🍀 Critical thinking by teaching others how to complete a process or solve a problem.
🍀 Confidence by stepping outside their comfort zone and sharing their knowledge.
🍀 Leadership skills by serving as role models and educators for others.

These experiences prepare youth for future opportunities in school, college, careers, and community leadership. Most importantly, demonstrations embody the 4-H motto, “To Make the Best Better,” by encouraging members to continue learning and sharing their talents with others.

We are incredibly proud of each participant for their hard work, dedication, and willingness to grow.

💚 Congratulations on a job well done! Your knowledge, confidence, and leadership are helping make our 4-H program stronger every day.

Be sure to stop by the Dekalb County Youth Building, 225 MO-6, Maysville, MO 64469 to check out the exhibits. Building will be open during the livestock shows. For a full schedule visit DeKalb County Fair, Maysville, MO



Photo credit: Wayfair

These outstanding 4-H members truly set the bar high with their creativity, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Their projects stood out not only because of the quality of their work, but also because of the knowledge, effort, and growth they demonstrated throughout the project year.

2026 Best of Show Recipients

-Cake Decorating- Daelyn M, Desert Sunset
-Communication and Expressive Arts- Cora R, Snowman Quilt
-Shooting Sports- Nathaniel C, Wooden Ground Griever
-Food/Nutrition- Harper R, Chocolate Chip Muffins
-Animal Science- Clara B, The Effects of Protein on the Weight of Boiler Chickens
-Welding/Woodworking- Dexter M, Coat Tree
Best at Large
-Cora B, Floriculture box with press flower
-Briggs D, Leather Bag
-Ty B, P***o Board

Being selected as Best of Show is about much more than creating an exceptional exhibit. It reflects the many life skills these youth have developed through their 4-H experiences.

Through their projects, these members have strengthened their:

🍀 Responsibility – Taking ownership of their projects from start to finish.
🍀 Goal-setting skills – Planning, practicing, and working toward a finished product they could proudly exhibit.
🍀 Problem-solving abilities – Learning to adapt, troubleshoot, and improve along the way.
🍀 Communication skills – Sharing their project experiences and explaining what they learned during conference judging.
🍀 Perseverance and resilience – Understanding that growth comes through effort, practice, and trying new things.
🍀 Leadership and confidence – Becoming role models for younger members and inspiring others to challenge themselves.

These members embody what 4-H "Learning by Doing" is all about. Their accomplishments remind us that success isn't simply measured by ribbons, but by the confidence, character, and life skills they gain throughout the process.

💚 Congratulations to our Best of Show recipients! We are incredibly proud of your hard work and the example you are setting for future 4-H members. Keep raising the bar and making the best even better!

Be sure to stop by the Dekalb County Youth Building, 225 MO-6, Maysville, MO 64469 to check out the exhibits. Building will be open during the livestock shows. For a full schedule visit DeKalb County Fair, Maysville, MO