June 2026 Edition

Address

212 N Weigle Ave

Watonga, OK 73772

Phone

(580) 623-5195

Hagen Puentes

hagen.puentes@okstate.edu

Ally Fuqua

ally.fuqua@okstate.edu

Social Media

Facebook:

Blaine County OSU Extension

Blaine County 4-H Youth

Compete in 2026 Food Showdown

On April 30th, 4‑H members from across Blaine County came together in teams of 2–3 for a fierce and fun Food Showdown competition! From safe food handling and preparation to clean‑up and presentations, every team truly brought their A‑game!

It was amazing to watch each group take the secret ingredients and turn them into creative, tasty dishes; the smells alone had everyone in the room wishing for a bite!

A HUGE thank‑you to our incredible 4‑H volunteers and members for going above and beyond with clean‑up and helping everything run smoothly. Your hard work does not go unnoticed!

We can’t wait to see what our 4‑H’ers will accomplish next!

Youth seated at tables in a classroom setting, working on papers and writing in notebooks while two adults stand nearby, providing instruction or assistance.

Group of youth standing outdoors in a parking lot beside a metal building, listening as an adult speaks and demonstrates equipment on a small green tractor during a hands-on learning activity.

Youth seated at round tables in a classroom, listening to a presenter standing at the front next to a projected slide about agricultural safety that lists hazards such as machinery, chemicals, and livestock.

Group of youth and adults standing outside a metal building on a sunny day, gathered around a small green tractor as one person demonstrates or explains its use in a parking lot.

From Classroom to Cab: Youth Explore Tractor Training

Agriculture and 4-H Educator Hagen Puentes traveled to Alfalfa County to assist in teaching a Tractor Certification course for youth ages 14 and older. This certification is required for youth who plan to operate heavy machinery under employment for anyone other than their parents, making it an important step for those entering the agricultural workforce.

A total of 14 students participated in the training. Throughout the course, they received instruction on essential tractor safety practices, proper operation, and the responsibilities that come with handling large equipment. Emphasis was placed on real-world scenarios to ensure participants understand both the risks and best practices associated with tractor use.

To complete the course, each student was required to pass both a written exam and a hands-on skills assessment. These evaluations ensured that participants not only understood the material but could also safely and effectively apply what they learned in a practical setting.

This training helps equip local youth with the knowledge and certification needed to work safely and confidently in agricultural operations, supporting both workforce readiness and farm safety in our communities.

Mental Health Moment

Asking for help

May was Mental Health Awareness Month and we're spotlighting one of the most powerful coping skills out there: asking for help.

At some point, every single one of us will need to ask for help and get support. The real skill is noticing when — whether that's feeling constantly down, pulling away from people you love, or carrying something that feels too heavy to hold alone. Reaching out isn't a weakness. It's one of the bravest things you can do, and it's a sign that you believe you deserve better- because you do.

Oklahoma State 4-H Council Applications

have a new look!

Oklahoma State 4-H Council Applications are taking a new look. Youth who are at least 15 years of age by July 22nd, 2026 are eligible to run for State Council positions. Information about specifics are available on the information sheet. Youth, parents, and educators need to review the information on the Information Sheet. Applications are on Microsoft Forms and there is a certification and commitment form that will need to be signed and emailed to Gail Taylor at the State 4-H Office. Applicants will have to complete the required training through Clover Academy on ZSuite as well. Applications, Certification and Commitment Forms, and Training all have to be completed by June 15th.

For more information you may visit the Blaine County Extension Center and speak with one of our

4-H Educators. You can also find links to application, certification and commitment forms, and training by clicking the link below:

For More Information, Click Here

A closeup image of the heads of a golden wheat crop against a bright blue sky with sun and clouds.

State 4-H Wheat Show

It is too late for youth to plant wheat for this year’s State Wheat Show. However, if you live in a wheat-growing county and are not familiar with the State Wheat Show, this is an excellent opportunity for young people to learn about variety selection and the management, harvesting, and marketing of a wheat crop.

The Oklahoma Wheat Commission offers substantial scholarship awards for winners, along with a very nice awards banquet recognizing the top 25 entries each year. This program is a great way for youth to apply real-world agricultural skills while building toward future educational opportunities.

I have attached the current Wheat Show rules for your review and to share with interested families. I do not anticipate many, if any, changes to these rules for the 2027 Wheat Show.

For more information, click here.

Poster for 4-H Discovery Days on July 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Woodward County Event Center. Registration is $10 and due June 15. The event includes an Adult Track focused on Record Books and the Nature Navigators program. Further information and registration are available via a QR code and a provided link.

Join the West District 4-H for Discovery Day and Volunteer Conference, July 1st from 9:00am-3:00pm.

Come see exciting opportunities 4-H has to offer. Youth will be exposed to activities ranging from livestock branding to making homemade salsa with LOTS of other exciting hands-on opportunities.

Parents and Volunteers are encouraged to participate in the Adult Track for the Volunteer Conference. It is a great opportunity to grow, connect, and bring fresh energy back to their clubs. Participants will leave with practical materials they can use right away.

Discovery Day registration and fee:

Registration is open in ZSuite and ready for sign up. Information can be found under 2026 West District 4-H Discovery Day, by using the QR Code in the attached flyer or by using: https://4h.zsuite.org/event-registrations/49100

Discovery Day Registration Support

Discovery Day County Registration Form

Discovery Day Volunteer Agenda

Discovery Day Agenda

Food, Fun,

4-H Takes Flight

Click For More Information

Food, Fun, 4-H Takes Flight returns this summer for Oklahoma 4-H families. The program will be offered in June, July and August at no cost and focuses on building confidence in the kitchen, learning food safety and nutrition, exploring foods from around the world and creating meaningful family connections.

Each month, families can choose a day to cook, learn and connect at their own pace using monthly program packets delivered directly by email. The program can be completed as a family, with extended family members or as a club activity. Registration will open on June 1 through ZSuite.

REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 1

Through Your Lens Photo Winner - May 2026

A picture of a rowboat on the shore of a small lake in the backyard of a Blaine County resident in Canton, OK.

"Our Backyard"

Showcasing our May 2026 winner of the monthly Blaine County "Through Your Lens" photo contest. Photo by Shawnie Martin of Canton, OK.

Dates

to Remember

June 9: Oklahoma 4-H Record Book Interviews

June 10: Watonga 4-H Club Meeting

June 11: 4-H Camp Counselor Training

June 15: West District Discovery Days Registration Due

June 16: Okeene 4-H Club Meeting

June 19: Juneteenth - Blaine County Courthouse and Extension Office Closed

June 21: Father’s Day

June 26 to June 27: Oklahoma Extension Conference on Volunteerism

July 1: West District Discovery Days

July 2: Blaine County Livestock Skillathon

July 3: 4th of July (observed) - Blaine County Courthouse and

Extension Office Closed

July 8: Watonga 4-H Club Meeting

July 8-10: 4-H Camp-Canyon Camp in Hinton, OK

July 14-16: Big Three

July 21: Okeene 4-H Club Meeting

July 21-24: 4-H State Roundup

August 12: Watonga 4-H Club Meeting

August 16: Blaine County 4-H Achievement Banquet *Corrected Date*

August 18: Okeene 4-H Club Meeting

August 22: Blaine County 4-H Open House

August 27-29: Blaine County Free Fair

Legal Disclosures

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication or program information or reasonable accommodation need to contact Hagen Puentes at (580) 623-5195 or hagen.puentes@okstate.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.

OSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity, E-Verify Employer.