Upcoming 4-H Calendar of Events
Date & Event |
Location |
Info or Registration |
|---|---|---|
|
5/25 - 5/26/24 |
Fryeburg, ME
|
Opened February 1st |
|
6/2/24 Goat Tour |
Thomas Farm Sunderland, MA |
Registration coming soon in 4honline |
|
6/12, 5:00 PM EST 4-H Career Exploration Series |
Zoom |
Register Here: https://bit.ly/4-HCES6-12-24 |
|
6/13, 7:00 PM Horse Chat |
Zoom |
|
|
6/18, 6:30 -8:00 PM Records Judge Training |
Zoom |
Register: |
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6/22-6/23 Annual MA State 4-H Horse Show |
Three County Fairgrounds Northampton, Massachusetts |
Registration in 4honline |
|
6/23-6/25 Explore UMass |
UMass Amherst |
|
|
7/20/24 Hampshire County Fair |
Cummington Fairgrounds | |
|
7/22-7/28 Barnstable County Fair |
Cape Cod Fairgrounds | Barnstable County Fair Info |
|
7/26-7/28 Worcester County 4-H Fair |
Spencer Fairgrounds Spencer, MA |
Worcester County 4-H Fair Book |
|
7/27 Hampden County Fair |
Mallary Complex at the Eastern States Exposition | Hampden County Fair Info |
|
8/2-8/4/24 State 4-H Dairy Show |
Franklin County Fairgrounds Greenfield, MA |
|
|
8/17 4-H Day at the Heath Fair |
More info coming soon! | |
|
8/18, 6:30 -8:00 PM Records Judge Training |
Zoom |
Register: |
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8/23-8/25 Middlesex County 4-H Fair |
Middlesex 4-H Fair Grounds Westford, MA |
|
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9/7-9/8 Western MA Regional Horse Show |
Three County Fairgrounds Northampton, Massachusetts |
|
|
9/13-9/29 Big E |
1305 Memorial Ave West Springfield, MA 01089 |
|
|
9/18, 6:30 -8:00 PM Records Judge Training |
Zoom |
Register: |
|
10/4-10/14 Topsfield Fair |
Topsfield Fair Grounds Essex County, MA |
|
|
10/21, 6:30 -8:00 PM Records Judge Training |
Zoom |
Register: |
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10/24, 6:30 -8:00 PM Records Judge Training |
Zoom |
Register: |
Approaching Deadlines
Deadline |
Event or Opportunity |
Application or Info Link |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/25/24 | Deadline for heifer registration for the Big E | Big E Packets & Registration | |
|
6/1/24 |
Animal Verification Forms Due (Goat, Sheep, Llama, Alpaca, Swine, and Dog) |
Form Links Below |
|
|
6/1/24 |
State Horse Show Registration Deadline |
|
|
| 6/3/24 | National 4-H Teen Leadership Trip Application Deadline | https://forms.gle/cBargMZdkpPaSBzo7 | |
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| 6/26/24 | Worcester County 4-H Fair Entries Due | Worcester County 4-H Fair Book | |
Massachusetts Statewide Programming & Announcements
Important Re-Enrollment Reminder
This request is being made of all UMass 4-H youth and families: Please log into 4honline to check that your enrollment status is complete. Many families think their enrollment is up-to-date only to find that it is incomplete when they try to enroll for an upcoming program. The official enrollment deadline for youth who wish to participate in any 4-H fairs this summer is June 15th. We don’t want you or your child to be disappointed if they attempt to enter into fairs and are unable to do so. Even if you think your registration is complete in 4honline, please log on and check. If you have any questions, reach our to your regional 4-H office for assistance.
Register Now! Record Book Judge Trainings
Are you a 4-H volunteer who has judged record books in the past or would like to judge them next year?
The UMass 4-H Records Program is one of the longstanding statewide programs for 4-H youth. Maintaining record books throughout the year teaches 4-H youth how to set goals, execute plans, reflect on learning, and use tools that help develop executive functioning skills to last a lifetime!
UMass 4-H Staff will be hosting a series of record book judge training sessions between now and October so that we can gather a robust group of trained judges to provide valuable feedback to the 4-H youth across the state who have dedicated their time to completing and submitting record books in October. The time commitment for this volunteer opportunity includes a one and a half hour training between now and October, a Zoom refresher training and judge orientation in November, and one to two solid days of participation in our statewide records judging events.
This amazing program is only possible with dedicated volunteer support. This is a wonderful way to engage in a short-term volunteer opportunity that has a lasting impact on youth.
Use this link to register for a Zoom Records Judge Training on one of the following dates:
- June 18, 2024 6:30-8:00PM
- August 18, 2024 6:30-8PM
- September 18, 2024 6:30-8:00PM
- October 21, 2024 6:30-8:00PM
- October 24, 2024 6:30-8:00PM
UMass 4-H Career Exploration Series
June 12, 2024
Krista Mangiardi, Foreign Service Officer, Sierra Leone, West Africa
To register: https://bit.ly/4-HCES6-12-24
Can you imagine moving to a new country every couple of years for your job? Foreign Service Officers work for the U.S. government overseas doing everything from the finances or technology at a U.S. Embassy, to managing the relationship with another country or helping American tourists get emergency passports. Massachusetts 4-H alum, Krista Mangiardi, is a Foreign Service Officer currently focused on educational and cultural exchange programs in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Come learn not only about her personal experiences in this job, but also about the day-to-day lifestyle that is a part of this unique career!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TIME FOR THIS CES PRESENTATION IS AT 5:00 PM DUE TO THE TIME DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MASSACHUSETTS AND SIERRA LEONE, WEST AFRICA.
Explore UMass 2024
SAVE THE DATE! 
Explore UMass 2024 is back!
This program is for ages 12-16. Youth get to experience Campus Life during this 3-day, 2-overnight STEM program at UMass Amherst.
Think about what track most interests you from this year’s STEM tracks: Plant and Soil Science, Veterinary Science, Food Science, and Engineering (Cardboard Arcade project).
Registration opened March 20th in 4honline for members. Please reach out to 4-H Educator Lauren DuBois via email ldubois@umass.edu with any questions.
National Teen Leadership Trips
Are you a 4-H teen who would like to represent Massachusetts 4-H as a youth delegate at a national leadership event?
UMass 4-H is launching its new application process for 4-H teens who are interested in attending one of the three annual national 4-H leadership trips during the 2024-2025 4-H year: National 4-H Congress (in November 2024), 4-H Ignite Summit (in early 2025), and National 4-H Conference (in March or April 2025). The delegate selection process for all three trips will happen during this timeframe even though the trips are spread throughout the fall and spring of the following 4-H year.
Please direct questions to Cynthia Bushey or Kim Pond
- Applications Are Open https://forms.gle/cBargMZdkpPaSBzo7 Preview the application here: 2024-2025_National_4-H_Leadership_Trips_Application_Preview.pdf
- June 2024: Applications Due followed by Interviews for all Three Trips
- July 2024: Delegates Invited to Participate
- Late July/Early August 2024: Signed Contracts & Family Contribution Payment Due
If you missed the inforation session held over thepast few weeks and are interested in applying, click here to view the informational slide show.
Animal Science Programs & Updates
Animal Verification Forms - MAKE SURE YOUR FORMS ARE SUBMITTED TO YOUR REGIONAL 4-H OFFICE!
Now is the time to print off your Animal Verification Forms to plan for the upcoming show season. Lease Forms are also due at the same time. Animal Verification Forms are to be completed for all livestock, dogs, and horses that you plan to show at a 4-H fair, dog academies, and/or Big E 4-H Shows. Note: Lambs and kids born after June 1st are still eligible to show based on your fair’s requirements, but you will still need to file a Verification Form on them once they are born. Verification Forms are due to your county/regional 4-H office by the following dates:
- June 1st – Goat, Sheep, Llama, Alpaca and Swine, Dog
Links to Verification and Lease forms:
- Livestock Verification Form
- Livestock Lease Form
- Beef Lease Form (Youth cannot show a leased steer at the Big E)
- Horse Verification Form
- Dog Verification Form
4-H Beef Program
Don’t forget to register your heifer for the Big E! May 25, 2024 is the deadline to submit your registration. https://www.thebige.com/p/competitions/4-h/packets.
4-H Goat Program
SIGN UP NOW! Thomas Farm, Sunderland, MA and Oak Hollow Farm, Shelburne, MA will be hosting learning walks through their farms for 4-H Goat youth on June 2, 2024. Plans are being made! Registration will be available on 4honline.com. https://goattour2024.4honline.com.
Horse Project
Horse Chat 
Are you a horse lover? Our monthly horse chats are designed to connect horse lovers with experts in the equine world. Meetings are held monthly via Zoom and feature a different guest speaker each month. Mark your calendar!
Caitlin Looney, Certified Equine Massage Therapist
June 13th at 7:00 PM
Caitlin leads Extend Equine Massage which provides a variety of bodywork services to horses across the Greater Boston and Nashua areas. Growing up in 4-H, she transitioned to riding in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association during her time at Northeastern University. Caitlin showed in the Intermediate hunt seat equitation and led the team as captain for three consecutive seasons, frequently competing at both the regional and national levels. Currently, Caitlin is focused on pursuing breed level shows in the all around events with her personal horse Trace, and in hand events with her miniature mule Petunia. Riding at such diverse levels, Caitlin appreciates all aspects of competition and equestrian pursuits from the retired school pony to the leisurely trail master to the high performing equine athlete!
Horse Chat meetings are offered via Zoom using the following link: Meeting ID: 631 794 3559 Passcode: HorseChat
Reach out to Liza at dutchessl@aol.com with questions.
STATE 4-H HORSE SHOW 
The State Horse Show is being held June 22nd – 23rd at the Three County Fairgrounds in Northampton, MA.
Entries are due no later than June 1st through 4honline.
STEM Programs & Updates
STEM Interest Survey
We encourage all those interested to complete a short survey on workshops, trainings, and start of a STEM Advisory. https://forms.gle/nwwZKMX2TNTJxKgr9
Genetics 
Do you need some activities to introduce your members to genetics? Are you studying up for knowledge tests? Then you might want to check out the resources on our website at: https://ag.umass.edu/mass4h/programs/science-engineering-technology/green-genes-genetics
The Green Genes curriculum is comprised of seven hands-on activities, supplemental web modules/activities and power point presentations. The activities will cover what DNA is, the role of DNA in animal and veterinary science and introduce youth to career opportunities and the role of the media. The educational activities within each unit address scientific inquiry and processing skills and are based in the experiential learning model.
STEM and National Asian Pacific Islander Month
Ellison Onizuka was a 4-H Alumni who was the first Asian American in Space as an astronaut in the Space Shuttle Program, took the 4-H Flag in Space and helped with a 4-H Instructional Television Program titled Blue Skies Below My Feet in the 1980's.
The three programs in the series included:
- Show #1 - Mission: Gravity and Forces
- Show #2 - Mission: Fiber and Fabrics
- Show #3 - Mission: Food and Nutrition
4-H Across the State
4-H Military Partnership
Did you know?
- About 9% of the people in UMass 4-H have a military connected family member?
- The share of women veterans will increase from 11% this year to 18% in 2048.
- Today, 28% of veterans are younger than 50, compared with a projected 34% in 2048.
For more information on the changes in our veteran populations check out the PEW Research Center report https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/08/the-changing-face-of-americas-veteran-population/
Military Appreciation Month
Military Appreciation Month was introduced in 1999 by Sen. John McCain to encourage Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers, sailors, and all current and former military personnel. May culminates with a celebration of Memorial Day, which is set aside to honor military members who have passed away. Here is a list of sites to learn more about Memorial Day and other national holidays and celebrations:
- History of Memorial Day
- Learn more about the different holidays and celebrations here
Massachusetts 4-H Foundation
Shirley Kane Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament 
Save the Date for the 22nd Annual Shirley Kane Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament. The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation will hold the Shirley Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament, its largest fundraiser, on Monday, September 16th, 2024. Consider signing on as a tournament sponsor if you are part of a 4-H advisory council or own a company. You’ll get valuable publicity for your organization, plus support our future leaders. Visit our website to sponsor or play!
Give to the Foundation this Spring.
Give to the Foundation this spring ahead of 4-H horse shows, Explore UMass, and Fairs!
Donate today online or set up a recurring donation. Thank you for your support of Massachusetts 4-H!
4-H Partner Organizations
