4-H OFFICE
Jenny Voigt, 4-H Youth Program Advisor
1029 5th Street - Extension Building, Sturgis, SD 57785
605.347.2436
Contact Form
What is 4-H?
4-H in the United States is a youth organization administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the mission of "empowering youth to reach their full potential, by working and learning in partnership with caring adults." The name, 4-H, represents four personal development areas of focus: head, heart, hands, and health. While 4-H's roots are in farming and country living, 4-H today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, and science, engineering and technology programs. 4-H is open to ALL youth ages 8-18, and has many project areas including Aerospace and Rocketry, Robots, Computers, Shooting Sports, Sewing, Baking, Cats, Livestock, Horse, and Rodeo. 4-Hers can go to 4-H camp, Washington DC, or even international destinations. The 4-H motto is "To make the best better."
What is 4-H like in Meade County?
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-Hers in Meade County participate in fun, hands-on learning activities supported by the knowledge and research base of South Dakota State University. You can experience 4-H by becoming a member of a 4-H club, attending a 4-H camp, or joining an after-school 4-H program. 4-Hers can compete with their projects in contests at the local, state, regional or national levels as well as attend conferences and events.
Who can join 4-H? How do I join?
Anyone 8 to 18 years of age can join Meade County 4-H. Those that are 5 to 7 years of age can join Meade County 4-H as a Cloverbud. You can live on a farm, or in a city, you can like working with animals or the computer, 4-H is for everyone!
To join 4-H, visit the Forms & Documents tab for instructions or contact the Meade County 4-H office.
What do kids do in 4-H?
It’s up to you. You can go to camp, learn to shop wisely, give a demonstration, grow vegetables, hatch an egg, chat on a computer, make bread, shadow an adult at work, choose to eat healthy foods, give a speech, cure a ham, or conquer an obstacle course. You can perform in a skit, make a birdhouse, start a business, shear a sheep, take pictures, learn about electricity, judge livestock, barbecue chicken, or drive a tractor. You can decorate a room, ride a horse, rodeo, be a part of an international exchange, learn to sew, raise an animal, or protect the environment. And there’s more! In 4-H, you will be working with other young people toward common goals. In short, you can build your 4-H activities around your own talents and interests.
County Fair
How to Register (PDF)
Link to Video Instructions: Youtube
Meade County Fair and Northern Hills Ag Fest Activities
Mutton Bustin'
Little cowboys and cowgirls will get the ride of their lies on the back of a sheep during the Mutton Bustin' Contest at the Meade County Fair and Northern Hills Ag Fest! All youth ages 4-7 (weighing no more than 60 lbs.) are eligible to participate. There will be 2 qualifying classes. The first class will be made up of 4-5 year olds and the second class will be ages 6-7. Ages will be determined as of the date of the event.
Cash prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each age division with the trophy for the 1st place winners.
Registration will be the day of the event on a first-come, first serve basis from 4:30-6:00 p.m!
Please read the complete set of rules and requirements: Mutton Bustin'
Open Calf Scramble
Local youth ages 8-17 will pull a ribbon off of the tail of calves for a chance to win cash prizes! The participants will be split into 2 age divisions. The youth division will be comprised of ages 8-12 and the tee age division will be ages 13-17.
Win up to $50! Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 5 finishing contestants in each age division!
Pre-registration will be accepted or register the day of the event from 4:30-6:00p.m.
Click the link for full rules and registration form: Open Calf Scramble
Calf Scramble
Local youth will attempt to halter and lead a calf to the finish line for the chance to win money towards a breeding hiefer, gilt or ewe purchase!
Click the link for full rules and a registration form: Calf Scramble
Dress-A-Calf Contest
Come out and support local businesses and organizations as they attempt to Dress-A-Calf in pants, shirt, boots and a hat! This event is a calcutta event so come on out and vote for your favorite team!
Click the link for full rules and registration form: Dress-A-Calf Contest
Fair Locations
Meade County Fair Location
Changes in SD Cooperative Extension Service (PDF)
