KL 4-H Newsletter—June 2025
Send articles to cynthia.rogers@maine.edu
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
June 8 4-H Sheep and Goat Clinic, Cumberland County Fairgrounds
June 12 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association Meeting, 6 pm, Union Fairgrounds, in person and Zoom
June 21 – 27 Citizenship Washington Focus, Washington, D.C. (ages 14 – 18)
June 30 4-H Animal Approval and Lease forms due (some commodity exceptions; refer to 4-H Animal Science Resources)—Find tips on filling out these forms in an article below.
June 30 Last day to complete the National 4-H Annual Index Survey (ages 12 – 18)
July 1 Apply for Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors insurance to show at Maine fairs
July 1 Union Fair 4-H Livestock Show entry forms due at the Extension office
July 1 Union Fair 4-H Individual Exhibition Yurt entry forms due at the Extension office
July 15 4-H Union Fair Prep Party, Union Fairgrounds, 3 – 6:30 pm
July 15 Deadline to sign up for Cloverbud Demonstrations at Union Fair
July 15 Deadline to sign up for Club Exhibit space at Union Fair
July 15 Clubs: Let us know what your raffle basket theme will be at Union Fair
July 20 Rabbit Showmanship Workshop with the Jolly Farmers 4-H Club, 2:30 pm, Eastern Star Grange, Washington
July 28 and 29 Individual and Club Exhibits accepted at 4-H Exhibition Yurt, 4 – 6 pm, Union Fairgrounds
July 30 – August 3 UNION FAIR
August 3 Individual and Club Exhibits must be removed from 4-H Exhibition Yurt, 2 – 6 pm, Union Fairgrounds
June Birthdays
Happy Birthday to Zoe B., Lucy C., and Helen G.!
Congratulations Graduates!
Two Knox-Lincoln 4-H youth will graduate high school in the next few weeks! Our best wishes go out to Anthony D. and Anna P.!
Anthony has been a member of the Jolly Juniors and Jolly Farmers for thirteen years. He has been active in many project areas, including rabbits, poultry, crafts, photography, and public speaking. He has traveled with 4-H for Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Conference, and 4-H National Congress. He has also attended Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, MA, with the 4-H Communication Science Team several times.
Anna started 4-H eleven years ago as a member of the Jolly Farmers, and has been an independent member for several years. Anna has completed projects in poultry, science, crafts, and photography. Since 2020, she has been a member of the statewide 4-H Aquaculture Club and manages six freshwater aquariums at home. She has traveled with 4-H two times to Ignite by 4-H and is a member of the Maine State Youth Council.
Graduates Also Scholarship Recipients!
Congratulations again to Anthony D. and Anna P., recipients of post-secondary scholarships awarded at the Maine 4-H Foundation Annual Meeting in May! Anthony received the Oxton Trust Scholarship, sponsored by the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Leaders Association. He has already begun studying Plumbing and Heating at Kennebec Community College. Anna received the Gladys E. Conant Memorial Farm Credit East Scholarship. Anna will be studying Animal Science. We are proud of both of you!
Jolly Farmers Rabbit Workshop
Are you interested in showing rabbits? Even if you don’t have a rabbit, here is a chance to give it a try! The Jolly Farmers 4-H Club will be hosting a Rabbit Showmanship Workshop on July 20 at 2:30 pm at Evening Star Grange in Washington. Learn the basics of caring for and showing rabbits. If you have a rabbit, bring them along as well. If not, the club has a loaner bunny program for anyone that is interested in showing. Contact Carrie Burridge for more information: carrie_burridge@yahoo.com.
Beef Clinic Was Hosted by Aldermere Farm
Get Ready for Union Fair!
Don’t miss any deadlines for participating in Union Fair July 30 – August 3, 2024. Download the 2025 4-H Union Fair Information Booklet, or request it be emailed to you. Paper copies are available at the Extension office upon request.
- June 30 4-H Animal Approval and Lease Forms for most commodities are due.
- By July 1 Apply for Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors (MALE) —Be sure to apply for the 2025 – 2026 membership year.
- July 1 Entry forms for 4-H Livestock Shows (Rabbit and Cavy, Small Domestic Pet, Working Steer) and the 4-H Exhibition Yurt are due.
- July 15 4-H Union Fair Prep Party—help get the 4-H areas of the fairgrounds ready for the fair! 3 – 6:30 pm
- July 15 Members 4-H age 5 – 8: sign up for 4-H Cloverbud Demonstrations.
- July 15 Clubs: Sign up for 4-H Club Exhibit space; tell us what your Gift Basket theme will be.
Tips for Filling Out the 4-H Animal Approval Form
Any 4-H youth age 9 – 18 who plans to participate in 4-H livestock shows* in 2025 must complete and submit an Approval Form for 4-H Animal Shows. If a member is leasing an animal to show, a Maine 4-H Contract for Rental/Lease of All Animals is also required. Animal Approval forms are NOT required for showing rabbits, cavies, poultry, or small domestic pets (except dogs, which DO require the Animal Approval form). Both of these forms are due June 30 for MOST commodities. Please refer to the 4-H Animal Science Resources for information specific to your commodity.
When filling out your Animal Approval Form, please keep the following in mind:
- When downloading, be sure to select “shrink to fit page” so that information is not cut off the edges.
- Print form 2-sided.
- Your club leader (or advisor for independent member) must sign on the line immediately after last entry in the list of animals. Be sure to leave time for this before the due date.
- 2-sided, signed ORIGINAL forms must be received at your county Extension office no later than the due date. 4-H staff will keep original for office records and return an official, embossed photocopy to you. This embossed copy is what you will need to have with you each time you participate in a 4-H livestock show. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your club leader or 4-H staff.
Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors Membership Requirement
Anyone showing livestock at Maine fairs who cannot show proof of a farm insurance policy (with the exhibitor’s name on the certificate) with a coverage level the same as or better than that offered by MALE is required to prove current membership in MALE. Apply for Maine Association of Livestock Exhibitors Membership, making sure that you are applying for the for 2025-2026 season. Apply by July 1 so you will receive your membership card in time for Union Fair. The cost of this membership is $30 for an individual aged 18+, $60 for a family (required for youth aged 17 and younger).
Plan Your 4-H Club Exhibit—Independents, too!
4-H Club Exhibits at Union Fair may be submitted by 4-H clubs and pairs or groups of independent members enrolled in Knox or Lincoln Counties. Any club or sub-group within a Knox-Lincoln club can enter a club exhibit. Independent members can work together with other independents on one exhibit. Rules are in the 2025 4-H Union Fair Information Booklet. To reserve exhibit space, please contact Cindy Rogers at 207.832.0343 or cynthia.rogers@maine.edu by July 15.
Gift Basket Fundraiser for KLLA at Union Fair
We are bringing back the gift basket raffle at Union Fair! The raffle, which benefits Knox-Lincoln 4-H, will once again feature themed gift baskets filled with quality items donated or made by KL 4-H clubs. Each club is asked to come up with a theme for the club basket and notify Cindy Rogers (207.832.0343, cynthia.rogers@maine.edu) of the theme by July 15. Then the club should fill a large basket or other container with items relating to the theme as a prize for the raffle. We ask that these items be new and high-quality or handmade by 4-H club members, with a total basket value of at least $50.
Ideas for a basket might be a pet care basket, a jams and jellies basket, a movie night basket, a family games basket, a Made in Maine basket…etc. Remember that the basket should appeal to a broad public audience, not necessarily matching your club’s focus. Think about what will sell lots of tickets!
Independent members and volunteers: consider contributing a gift card from Hannaford or Tractor Supply Co. ($10 – $20) to add to other baskets already located at the Knox-Lincoln UMaine Extension office.
Plan to Enter the 2025 Knox-Lincoln 4-H Photo Contest
Keep taking photos for the Knox-Lincoln 4-H Photography Contest 2025! The top photos per age category will be exhibited in the 4-H Gallery at the Knox-Lincoln Extension office.
This contest is open to any Knox-Lincoln 4-H member age 9 and up. Entries will be accepted through September 30, 2025. Members can enter up to four photos taken between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. Use the online 4-H Photo Contest Entry form to enter and upload your photos. Keep snapping those great pics! Contact Cindy Rogers at 207.832.0343 or cynthia.rogers@maine.edu if you have questions.
Union Fair Volunteer Opportunities
As always, there will be many opportunities at Union Fair 2025 to help your 4-H program. In addition to livestock show days that you may already be participating in, entry passes will be provided as needed for days that you sign up to help. 2-hour shifts are available during the fair, and adults and youth can help out. (Read about the 4-H Union Fair Prep Party below for one way to volunteer!)
Two places where we need the most people to take shifts during the fair are at 4-H Farm-to-Fair and at the 4-H Exhibition Yurt. Sign up as an individual, a family, or a club! You DO NOT need leader certification to volunteer in these positions and youth can sign up as well. Invite your friends and family! Contact cynthia.rogers@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.
Come to the 4-H Union Fair Prep Party
Help get the 4-H areas of Union Fairgrounds ready for Union Fair 2025! Join the 4-H Union Fair Prep Party at the fairgrounds on Tuesday, July 15, 3 – 6:30 pm. Come for part of it or all of it. If you can, bring rakes, shovels, and cleaning supplies, although some will be available. Dinner and water will be provided. Sign up to help by contacting Cindy: cynthia.rogers@maine.edu, 207.832.0343.
Skip the Stress—Get Into College with 4-H Direct Admissions!
Great news for Maine 4-H high school juniors and seniors: applying to college just got a whole lot easier. With 4-H Direct Admissions, you can be automatically considered for admission to all seven of Maine’s Public Universities—no Common App, no test scores, no essays, no recommendations, and no application fees required!
If you’re enrolled in any 4-H program in Maine, you’re eligible. Just click to opt in, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Click here to opt in for 4-H Direct Admissions
Click here to learn more about 4-H Direct Admissions
This is your future—made simple. #BeyondReady
4-H Summer Learning Series – Register Now!
Maine 4-H is back with another exciting year of hands-on virtual programming with the 4-H Summer Learning Series! There are workshops for all age ranges!
Cloverbuds can check out barnyard animals or animals under the sea! Go from the garden to the kitchen to learning about the weather!
Youth ages 9 – 11 have lots of fun opportunities too! From a day at the spa to designing a flood-resistant community, or go from embroidering a design to dissecting a squid or an owl pellet! There are so many diverse options!
Ages 12 and up have plenty to do as well! Adulting 101 is back for another year of building relationships and learning life skills! You could also learn to paint Ukrainian eggs, or boost your babysitting skills. Registration is first-come, first-serve—so sign up soon!
Adulting 101 is Back!
This summer we’re going to start packing our bags to hit the road to adulthood. Join teens from across the state in this virtual series designed to introduce real world skills necessary for #adulting. Registration is open on the Summer Learning Series to all Maine youth ages 13 to 18, and closes June 10. For more information or to request reasonable accommodation, contact 207.324.2814; erin.mcdonald1@maine.edu.
Important Announcement: Maine 4-H Days Update
We want to let you know that Maine 4-H Days will not be held in 2025. While we know this event is a cherished tradition for many, we’re taking this time to restructure and reinvent the experience to better serve our 4-H community in the future.
Our goal is to create an event that is more engaging, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving needs and interests of Maine youth and families. We appreciate your patience and continued support as we work behind the scenes to re-imagine what Maine 4-H Days can be.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to share your ideas—we’re excited for what’s ahead!
Make Your Voice Heard – 4-H Annual Index Survey Now Open!
We’re inviting youth ages 12 – 18 to take part in the National 4-H Annual Index Survey—a brief, 8-minute survey that helps measure the impact of 4-H across the country. By participating, your child’s voice will help shape the future of 4-H in Maine and beyond. Survey Deadline: June 30, 2025
By submitting the survey, you’re giving permission for your child to participate. Youth can choose to stop the survey at any time. Let’s make sure Maine youth are represented—thank you for supporting this important effort!
2025 ESE Working Steer Information
The 2025 4-H Eastern States Exposition Working Steer Tryout information and updated team information can be found online. New this year are ESE Working Steer Intent forms, updated tryout requirements, team apprentice guidelines, and volunteer interest forms. If you have any questions, please contact Hillary Arsenault, ESE coordinator, at maineworkingsteer@gmail.com; 207.592.3320, or Sadee Mehuren at sadee.mehuren@maine.edu; 207.342.5971.
Save the Date: Maine 4-H State Dairy Show July 18 – 20
The Maine State 4-H Dairy Show will be held on July 18 – 20 at the Windsor Fairgrounds. All 4-H dairy project members are invited to attend. There will be a grilled cheese cookoff, a milkshake making contest, and a fitting contest on Saturday followed by a show on Sunday. Visit the Extension website for more information on the Maine State 4-H Dairy Show, or contact Sadee Mehuren at 207.342.5971; sadee.mehuren@maine.edu.
Smithsonian 4-History Project and 4-H Youth Have A Voice!
We currently have openings for the Smithsonian 4-History Project as part of the 4-H program Youth Have A Voice. In this project, 4-H’ers will conduct research and interviews to learn more about their community and share their findings through a video project with support from 4-H leaders and the Smithsonian team. The project will last from August 2025 to March 2026.
Additionally, we have openings in the “traditional” 4-H Youth Have a Voice program for Maine teens (14 – 19 years old or entering high school in the fall) who are interested in taking a more active role in serving their local communities, the state, or the country. Participants will learn leadership skills and ways to take part in civic action by completing a service project in a topic of their interest. Topics can range from agriculture, aquaculture, STEM education, animal care, renewable energies, disaster preparation, environmental conservation, food security, and more.
Interested teens should be ready to work both independently and with groups of peers and adults. High school teens can register for the program by completing a non-competitive application found on the 4-H Youth Have a Voice page. A three credit Early College course at UMaine in leadership development may also be available for interested students.
If you have any questions, please free to contact Andrew Hudacs, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, 207.581.8204, andrew.hudacs@maine.edu.
Fast, Affordable, and Impactful: Financial Literacy Training for Mainers
The Maine Business School and University of Maine Cooperative Extension have launched Finances in a Flash, a self-paced online course designed to boost financial literacy in under two hours. Priced at just $24.99, the course covers key financial management topics such as budgeting, cash flow, emergency fund planning, and interpreting financial statements. It’s ideal for small business owners, new agricultural producers, aspiring entrepreneurs, freelancers, professionals, and students entering the workforce.
Participants who complete the course earn a Finances in a Flash micro-badge, a digital credential that signifies proficiency in the basics of financial literacy and business finance. These micro-badges support stackable, skill-based learning and align with the University of Maine System’s commitment to accessible, career-relevant education. Take a proactive step toward financial confidence—register now or contact Laura Wilson at laura.wilson@maine.eduor 207.581.2971 for more information.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).