Vernon County 4-H – Newsletter
Transitions And New Opportunities
Welcome to spring! We have a few new announcements for you, namely, transitioning our newsletter to a website format!
Transitioning our newsletter to a website allows for our content to be accessible to folks who use screen readers (20% of total population). It will be a living website, meaning that when we find out about programming opportunities, changes, or have important information to share, you’ll get it right away. Still want to print? There is a button at the bottom of the webpage that says “Print This Page” and we will be offering small batches of it printed if absolutely necessary.
Another large transition this year is that Deb Primmer has announced that she will be stepping down as Food Stand Manager. We will be working hard to find two replacements for her, and we deeply thank her for all the hours and sacrifice she has given over the years she has served in this role. We ask for two things: patience, kindness, and support of the new managers as they take on this huge role, and if you see Deb, that you thank her!
4-H youth learn about making maple syrup from UW-EXT Crops and Soils Specialist, Sam Bibby
Upcoming Programming
Parasite Patrol + FAMACHA Training: June 2
Who: Any youth in the sheep and goat projects
Where: Gays Mills Community Center
When: 12:30 – 4:30 PM
Are you interested in making sure your goats and sheep are super healthy? Check out this workshop that talks about parasite control, worming, and more. It’s geared towards older youth and adults. There is a registration fee.
4-H Science Camp: June 24 & 25
Who: Any Youth In Grades K-2 as of Jan. 1 of 2026, Only 10 Slots Open
Where: Readstown Public Library
When: 1 To 5 PM, Both Days
The Dinosaur Science Camp involves traveling back millions of years to the days when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. We will explore fossils that were left behind, learn about paleontologists, and dig up some dinosaur bones. The cost is free, snacks and t-shirts will be provided for participants. Youth must attend both days.
Flower Craft Mail Project
Who: All Vernon County 4-H Members
Where: At your home, via the mail!
When: June & July
Sign up to receive materials in the mail to complete your very own flower craft projects. Each month, you’ll be mailed instructions (possibly some supplies) on several types of crafts centered around flowers. You will be learning how to dry, arrange, and press flowers!
Summer Social: July 19th
Who: All Vernon County 4-H Members
Where: Vernon County Fairgrounds, Building TBA
When: 4 To 6 PM
Join in on our annual Summer Social event, planned and hosted by our Youth Leadership Project. There will be fun carnival games, a dunk tank, dinner, club competitions and more!
Foods and Clothing Revue: July 25
Who: Foods Revue is Open to All Vernon County 4-H Youth, Clothing Revue is Open to any Youth Eligible to Show at the Vernon County Fair
Where: Westby Community Center
When: Foods Revue at 10 AM & Clothing Revue at 1 PM
Foods Revue is so much fun! Youth prepare fun dishes, table settings, and menus for our judge to evaluate! After everyone presents, all youth and families have a potluck consisting of the entries!
Clothing Revue is part of the Vernon County Fair. It involves sewing a garmet and wearing it, so that the judge can evaluate. Information the classes can be found under Class D, in the Department 26 – Clothing.
Note: Cloverbuds may enter the clothing revue, but will only receive a participation ribbon.
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed. Please do so 10 days before the program activity so that proper arrangements can be made.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
Updates – What You Need to Know
Tag Pickup
All youth that are planning on exhibiting beef, sheep, and swine must have a fair-issued tag in its ear. Tags were distributed on Saturday, May 2nd. If you missed pick up, call Lloyd Hardy (608)-606-1301. We will not have tags in the office. The deadline to have photos of your tags submitted to the fair committee is June 2nd.
Swine Updates
The Vernon County Meat Animal Sale Committee has announced a change in its policies.
The swine show will now no longer be a terminal show. Exhibitors are now able to take their extra pigs home if they so wish. If you have questions, please contact Lloyd Hardy (608)-606-1301
Project Enrollment Deadline: June 1
All youth must be enrolled in the projects on 4HOnline that they wish to enter in fair.
For example, if your youth wants to exhibit art at the fair, they must enroll in the art project. Please review all your youth’s projects on 4HOnline. Remember, this is NOT enrolling for fair classes. That process takes place later in the year on a completely different system. Also check with your leaders regarding your attendance and that you’re in compliance with 4-H’s 50% rule.
Dairy Project Announcements
It is already that time of year again for dairy judging! This year the 4-H Area Animal Science Days (AASD) will be on Friday June 19th in Grant County. All youth ages 8-19 are invited to be part of the Vernon County Dairy Judging Team!
Dairy Judging workouts are open to all who want to learn what dairy judging is all about and fine-tune their judging skills and oral reasons. To participate in the contest on June 19, you must be in 4-H. I would like to know who is interested in attending workouts only and who is interested/able to attend the contest June 19th.
The workout schedule is below, they last an hour.
Wednesday May 27th, 7:30 p.m. at Peterson Jerseys-Alana Peterson S3667 Peterson Lane Viroqua, WI 54665
Sunday May 31st, 1:00 p.m. at Lang-Haven Guernseys. W3411 Fennigkoh Rd West Salem, WI 54669. This is a weekend workout with La Crosse County Dairy Youth. Please attend if you are able!
Wednesday June 3rd, 7:30 p.m at Welsh-Edge Holsteins (The Petersheim Family) E5633A Sag City Rd. Viroqua, WI 54665
Wednesday Jun 10th, 7:30 p.m. at Rob and Gail Klinkner Farm. Holsteins and Jerseys. S7304A State Highway 82 Viroqua, WI 54665
Wednesday June 17th, 7:30 p.m. at Cody and Arlisa Clements Farm. Holsteins. N897 County Rd. PI Coon Valley, WI 54623. Look for the Westby Creamery Farm Sign at the end of the driveway!
Friday June 19th is the 4-H Area Animal Science Days Dairy Judging Contest in Lancaster, WI!
Summer Dog Project Announcements
Time to prepare your annual registration paperwork!
Registration night to turn in paperwork will be Tuesday, May 19th from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Hanson Arena at the fairgrounds. Families can drop in during that time – no dogs.
-Summer obedience and agility classes will start Tuesday, June 2nd at 6:00 PM.
Shooting Sports Project Announcement
The season will be hosted at the Viola Sportsman’s Club: S64565 Sportsman Road, Viola, WI 54664
Sunday, May 31 @ 4 PM: Annual Safety Meeting Required for 1st Time Youth
5 pm: Archery & Air Rifle Practice
6 pm: Shotgun & .22 Practice
Sunday, June 28 Practice
5 pm: Archery & Air Rifle
6 pm: Shotgun & .22
Sunday, July 26 @ 1 PM: 4-H Invitational Shoot Competition
Sunday, August 30: Vernon County Fair Premium Shoot
5 pm: Archery & Air Rifle
6 pm: Shotgun & .22
Food Stand Manager Positions Sought
Vernon County 4-H is looking for two seasonal positions to assist with their food stand. Interested applicants have until May 29th at 4:30 P.M. to apply with a cover letter and resume for either position. You do not need to be involved with 4-H at the time of application.
Information on each position can be found in the job description documents at the link below. Successful candidates will need to commit for a period of two years for the position. Applications need to be submitted to Miranda Wontor either in person or via email.
