Attention 4-H Livestock Exhibitors

 

Farmer's Day - February 16, 2026

 

Haylett Show Goat Clinic

 Sunday, March 1st will be the Goat Clinic hosted by the Haylett 4-H Family.  Give the MSU Extension a call to sign up today and set aside Sunday, March 1st from 1-5 pm.

Pizza Party and Award Forms

 A workshop is planned for Award Form instruction on March 6th at the MSU Extension Office.  It will be from 6-8 pm and Pizza will be served to the participants.  Let's fill up on this yummy pizza while learning about filling out the 4-H Award Form.  Give the office a call to sign up today!  This is for all 4-H youth ages 8 - 19.

4-H Newsletter is up for February

 Check out the February 2026 4-H Newsletter.

2026 4-H Calendar

Here is the 2026 4-H Calendar.  The calendar holds all the current events, meetings and activities for our 4-H families.  An updated version of summer events will be sent out early spring.  

Fillable Award Forms

We have completed the update for the 4-H Award Forms and they are FILLABLE!!

• Award Form - 8-13 Year Old
• Award From - 14-16 Year Old
• Award Form - 17 & Up
• County Project Medals - 11-13 Year Olds
• Fair Still Project Trophy 

All forms are due May 15th with your club leaders signature.

MI Ag Ideas to Grow With

 MSU Extension invites you to attend the 2022 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With conference, held virtually, February 28 - March 31, 2022.

This unique event was created in 2021 to provide an opportunity for education in lieu of three MSU Events, Ag Action Day, Branch Count Farmers' Day and Southwest Michigan Horticulture Days. Check out the website for the various session tracks offering educational opportunities for farmers, homeowners, gardeners and others interested in food production and those considering agricultural endeavors.

February 4-H Newsletter

The 4-H world in Branch County is on the move for 2022.  Here is a ONE MONTH newsletter for February.  Usually we do bi-monthly, but a lot is rolling and we want to stay on top of the activities.  Click on the link and update yourself on the 4-H opportunities available!  February 2022 4-H Newsletter 

Begin Sewing Workshop

Saturday, February 19, 2022

10 am - 2 p.m. at Cathy Marvin's House.

Call the office to sign up at 279-4311 x 0.  Cathy will call you with directions to her home along with asking which item you are making... an apron, pocket purse, microwave cozies, potholders or potato zappers.  She will then explain what other supplies you will need to bring.  Lunch is included.

Livestock Certification Available

Showing livestock this year?  Want to complete your required training on a day you will be off of school, and it's FREE!!??   It's happening on Monday, February 21st!!

The Branch County Jr. Livestock Association will be offering youth Animal Health training that will satisfy the requirement of YQCA training to youth who show livestock at the Branch County Fair.  It will be held at the BRANCH AREA CAREERS CENTER.  Two time slots are offered with specific specie topics.

9:00 a.m. -  10:00 a.m.   Pigs, Sheep, Starter Calves and Rabbits

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Dairy, Goats, Beef & Dairy Steers, and Poultry

A Google registration is available at this link:  Animal Health Training February 21, 2022.  Help Jr. Livestock get prepared for these classes and sign up today!

Unable to attend? Take your training at the official YQCA site.   Remember to sign in with your 4-H Online sign-in details as your YQCA certificate of completion will be attached to your actual 4-H enrollment this year.  Then when we transfer information over with Fair Entry to prepare for the Branch County Fair, that certificate information is included!  There is a cost to this on-line certification.

If you have any questions, email:  branchcountyjuniorlivestock@gmail.com

2022 Project Day Details

Branch County 4-H Leaders' Council is hosting the 2022 4-H Project Day.

Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the 4-H Cabin.

Pre-Registration is required.  Fill out the form, select your class choices (1st and 2nd choice, classes limited seating), and lunch is included.  Cost is $5 per child.  Return by mail or drop off at office. Checks payable to Branch County 4-H Leaders' Council or exact cash.    

 

4-H Newsletter

It's March 1st and we have the March-April 4-H Newsletter available for your viewing!   

4-H Virtual Showcase Results

Berrien, Branch and Calhoun County 4-H want to congratulate the participants who exhibited in the very first ever... Tri-County 4-H Virtual Showcase!  We have the results available for you all to share! Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this happen for our youth!  

4-H Newsletter for August

It's here, the August 2020 4-H newsletter for Branch County.  Many new changes this year with Covid-19, so please take a moment to refresh yourself on the 4-H activities available for our youth!

Updating your Background Checks

Attention all volunteers in Branch County 4-H program. 

You may recall that we update volunteers' files periodically. Since your last enrollment, we have added a new component to this process. A national background check, performed by backgroundcheck.com to help streamline our processes at MSU Extension.

Exististing volunteers' records will be updated over the next 24 months. If you have a date of birth in the months of January - July, your record is due for an update.  Please complete your national background check by visiting https://business2.backgroundchecks.com/invitation/welcome/MrDl

This secure link will allow you to complete the process. There is no charge to you as a volunteer for these background checks. You will be asked to complete this simple process every three years as long as you remain a volunteer.


If you have any questions regarding this process or re-enrolling you may contact Connie at the office at 517-279-4311 x 1. We appreciate all of your help in getting this process completed and keeping our young people safe!

Rabbit Fitting & Showing Member Guide

MSU 4-H has just released the new and updated 4-H Rabbit Fitting and Showing Member Guide.  Print your copy today!!

Shooting Sports Meeting

The Shooting Sports organizational meeting is set for Wednesday, October 24th at 7:00 p.m. at the MSUE Conference Room.  New and re-enrolled interested youth and parents need to attend this informative meeting.  Your discipline leaders will be present to discuss supply needs, days and locations for practices and many other details regarding their discipline area.   Guidelines for Shooting Sports will be given out that evening.

Award Night Results

The Branch County 4-H Recognition Night results were revealed last night.  Award Form winners, state 4-H participants and 4-H youth representatives were honored.  Check out the two pages of honorees by clicking on the link.  Food was great, silent auction was VERY successful and many 4-H families visited with great conversation.  Congratulations to all the youth and to the 4-H Leaders honored this year. 

Leaders' Council awarded 3 Meritorious Awards last night, one to Country Cove, Gene and Marianne Sickels and to our favorite 4-H educator.... Connie Lange!  We surprised her on that one! Very well deserved to each and everyone of them!

Rabbit & Cavy Show

Saturday, January 6, 2018 is the Ingham County 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Show in Mason, Michigan.  Doors open at 6:00 a.m.  entries must be in by 8:00 a.m. with the show starting at 9:00 am.  Showmanship Junior 9-11 years old, Intermediate 12-14 years old and Senior is 15-19 years old.  Ages as of January 1st, 2018.  They will do Showmanship Breed Classes, Cloverbud Breed Judging, Photography Class, Educational Exhibit and Cavy Class.

For more information, contact Penny Sween 517-202-1618 or email at jezuitrabbitry@yahoo.com.  Or call the office for a flyer.