January 2026 4-H Newsletter | Currently active 4-H Adult Volunteers and 4-H Members are subscribed to the California 4-H State newsletter. If you unsubscribe you will stop receiving ALL emails from the California 4-H state office. Please click UPDATE PROFILE below if you want to remove yourself from this list but still remain on other California 4-H mailing lists. View as Webpage | | Discover with the Director | | |
The New Year is ushering in new opportunities for partnership that are popping faster than corn kernels in an air popper! We can’t help but be super excited as we look forward to another incredible year in the UC 4-H Program. We have been very fortunate to continue our hiring efforts in key roles across the state. We also continue to add new 4-H clubs and grant-funded programs across the state. Moreover, our reach continues to expand due to the work of outstanding 4-H professionals and volunteers, such as the ones recognized below.
We are happy to introduce four new hires here:
Ms. Shelley Magaña is the new and first ever 4-H Regional Program Coordinator for Region 10, which includes Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Kern, Inyo, and Mono Counties. We are also delighted to welcome Mr. Ryner Hernandez as the new CES in Stanislaus County, Mr. Jared Wood as the new CES in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and Ms. Mary Manning as the new CES in Calaveras County. Congratulations to all four team members and welcome aboard!!
In Community and with Steadfast, Unmovable Hope…
| | We are delighted to highlight volunteers this month who are each leaving a legacy of service to the 4-H community. | | |
Ms. Andie Escobar and Ms. Denise Keefe - San Luis Obispo County
Both Ms. Andie and Ms. Denise have played key roles in supporting major county events, including Presentation Day, Regional Presentation Day, and Achievement Night, among many others.
Whether assisting with event coordination, supporting youth participants, helping behind the scenes, or ensuring events run smoothly, they consistently reflect the heart of the 4-H Program. Their presence helps create welcoming and meaningful experiences for 4-H members and families alike.
Beyond county events, they also both serve as 4-H Project Leaders for Creston 4-H in the Leadership Project. Their reliability and teamwork make them invaluable partners to staff, fellow volunteers, and community members. Their service, enthusiasm, and dedication embody the true spirit of 4-H. We are incredibly grateful for all they do to support our program and our youth.
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Mr. Mark and Mrs. Claire Duguid - Alameda County
Mr. Mark and Mrs. Claire Duguid are retiring this year after a long and illustrious volunteer career in the Alameda County 4-H Program. Mr. Mark has served the program for an incredible 50 years in addition to being a 4-H alumnus. Mrs. Claire has served for an amazing 40 years. They have led numerous projects and supported countless youth members in the county.
What makes them particularly invaluable to the Alameda County 4-H program is they have been responsible for fundraising in support of the operating budget of the program. For decades, they organized, coordinated and ran the Alameda County 4-H Cake Booth that operates during three and half weeks of the county fair. They used their personal vacation time every year to do this. Of course, their work is not confined to fair time. Many months before the fair are spent coordinating with the Leaders’ Council, the Fair, the health department, clubs and volunteers.
The Cake Booth is a decades-old County Fair tradition. Long-time residents look forward to their stop at the booth when visiting the fair. Mr. Mark baked a remarkable 600-700 cakes and over 1,000 cookies, typically before dawn, that were sold at the Cake Booth throughout the fair season. Mrs. Claire coordinated shifts of volunteers, finances, supplies, and supervision of the booth. Their energy and countless hours of work have kept the Cake Booth running for decades.
The terrific 4-H program in Alameda County and all the educational and leadership
opportunities it provides to 4-H members would not exist without Mr. Mark and Mrs. Claire Duguid, fondly known as Mr. and Mrs. Cake!! We salute you and are extremely grateful for your service!
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Youth in Action Applications Now Open
The 4‑H Youth in Action (YIA) program celebrates young people who are creating real change in their communities. This national program amplifies the stories and leadership of 4‑H youth, showcasing how 4‑H has shaped their lives and equipped them to impact others.
All YIA program applicants receive media, interview and storytelling training. They are also added to the national 4-H story database, providing national opportunities to share their 4-H story.
Four award winners will receive a $5,000 scholarship for higher education or other advanced learning opportunities. They also receive a year of personal professional and media development, with national opportunities as a spokesperson and thought leader.
Learn more about the Youth in Action Program and how to apply!
Applications are open until April 13, 2026.
| | | | Healthy Living Speaker Series | |
Monthly Healthy Living Topic
Join the Healthy Living Advisory Committee for discussion and guest speakers on different health topics each month!
Coming up:
February 5, 2026 6-7 p.m. Emotional Well-Being
March 5, 2026 6-7 p.m. Outdoor Exploration
April 2, 2026 6-7 p.m. Food Waste & Resource Management
Register for any session at https://bit.ly/HealthyLiving25
Download full schedule
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4-H Policy Resource Update
The 2025-2026 4-H Youth Code of Conduct, the Parent, Legal Guardian, Adult Participant Code of Conduct and the 4-H Adult Volunteer Code of Conduct have been revised. The documents have been revised to expand expectations for respectful conduct, conflict resolution, to align to University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Principles of Community, and further clarify prohibited behaviors in the program for the safety of all while participating in California 4-H. The revised documents are to be used going forward during the 2025-2026 4-H program year.
| | 4-H State Qualifier Contests | | |
The following are state qualifying contests to represent California 4-H in national competitions. If you have any questions about these contests, please contact Erica Pettey at eapettey@ucanr.edu
State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest
This state qualifying contest is held as part of the UC Davis CA&ES Field Day
Date: Saturday, March 7
Location: Dixon May Fair (approximately 9 miles from UC Davis)
More information: UC Davis Field Day 2026
Registration Deadline: February 13
Divisions:
● Junior 4-H Division: youth aged 9-13 years old
● Senior 4-H Division: youth aged 14-18 years old*
*Teams competing in the Senior 4-H division will be eligible to qualify for a national 4-H competition.
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Also, during the UC Davis Field Day…….4-H Divisions are offered in the following contests: Vet Science, Poultry Judging, and Light Horse Judging
These are NOT state qualifier contests but 4-H youth aged 9-18 years old are welcome to enter.
UC Davis Field Day Registration Information: Registration of 4-H teams and individual entries must be managed by your county office. Accounts have been created for this purpose. Your county staff must contact JudgingCard.com to activate these accounts. Please have them email info@judgingcard.com to gain access to the account.
Registrations cannot be made through the JudgingCard system by parents, coaches or youth members. JudgingCard accounts are meant to be accessed at the county level.
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State 4-H Avian Bowl Contest
Date: Saturday, February 21
Location: Big Fresno Fairgrounds
Contest Information: Avian Bowl Contest - 2026 Study Sections and Rules
Registration information: Avian Science Notes – January 2026
Registration Deadline: February 9
Youth may enter the CA 4-H Avian Bowl as a team in the following age categories:
● 4-H Junior Avian Bowl TEAM: 9- 13 years old
● 4-H Senior Avian Bowl TEAM: 14-18 years old*
*Eligible to qualify for the National 4-H Avian Bowl contest
| | National Family and Consumer Science Championship | | |
The 2026 Family and Consumer Science National Championship & Conference was held from January 14 to 16 in San Antonio, Texas. We are happy to announce that California 4-H Delegates competed in several events. In the the Consumer Decision Making Contest, for example, they evaluated luggage, sunscreen, toothbrushes, wearable technology and much more.
Great job by all California 4-Hcompetitors in the National FCS Competition and Conference.
| | Team is Hailee L., Miranda M., Jina K. and Nicole C.-F. | | California Consumer Decision Making Team earns fifth place team awards for Group Think and In Placing Classes. | | |
Clare C. represented California in the Skillathon Competition.
Miranda M. earned a fourth place overall award in Purchased category, Fashion Revue.
| | Shooting Sports Leader Training | |
National Level 2 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Training
✅NRA Whittington Center
Raton, New Mexico
📅 Save the Date - May 4-7, 2026.
- Registration Open/Close: 1/26/2026-3/27/2026
- $575 - $600 per person, includes meals and lodging at the training.
- All participants must be verified by the State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator.
- MUST already be certified as a level 1 or 1.5 in the selected discipline to attend.
- Roundtrip vehicle based group transportation may be available at no cost!
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Additional information
- This training is intended to provide the attendees with the skills and knowledge to return to their state to become active members of the discipline instruction team for at least the next 3 years.
- This workshop and training experience is NOT intended to improve your individual coaching skills with youth participants.
- Have two years of teaching experience as a Level 1 instructor in the discipline.
- Have a strong understanding of 4-H and positive youth development.
- Endorse the train-the-trainer concept in basic shooting skills.
- Must have previous experience teaching youth and/or adults in their state.
- Have current 4-H Volunteer status or Extension Faculty status in their state.
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Have thorough knowledge of the 4-H Shooting Sports Discipline manual in which they are seeking certification.
- Be well versed in the four Primers found in the shooting sports manuals which include: “Module 1 – What is 4-H”, “Module 2 – Introduction to 4-H Shooting Sports”, “Module 3 – Creating and Implementing a High-Quality Program”, “Module 4 – Risk Management: Covering your Assets”.
If you have questions about this event, please contact Russell Hill at rdhill@ucanr.edu or Nate Caeton at nwcaeton@ucanr.edu.
| | 2026-2027 State Ambassadors | |
Now Open: 2026–2027 State Ambassador Applications!
Are you ready to take your 4-H experience to the next level? Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 State Ambassador team! This prestigious leadership role offers teens the opportunity to grow their public speaking and leadership skills, represent 4-H at the state level, and make a meaningful impact on youth across California.
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State Ambassadors serve as role models and advocates for 4-H while building lifelong skills and connections. Interested youth are encouraged to apply and take the next step in their leadership journey. Visit the State Ambassador webpage for eligibility details, application materials. The application deadline is February 13, 2026, at 8:00am.
CA 4-H Resource Center - State Ambassador
For questions about the State Ambassador Program, or if you have any difficulty with submission of an application, please contact Jenna Colburn, State Ambassador Coordinator in the State 4-H Office using jcolburn@ucanr.edu or 530-750-1336.
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Harvey L. & Maud C. Sorensen Foundation
Duncan C. McCormack III Memorial Scholarship
For Undergraduate Study in Livestock Management
The Harvey L. & Maud C. Sorensen Foundation is proud to honor the legacy of Duncan C. McCormack III through an annual scholarship for students pursuing degrees in livestock management. This opportunity is open to graduating high school seniors and current college students. To view the full list of eligibility requirements and the application, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OJXAjyBgHMmeKuMbLYOXQluOkkgA1BF1/view
| | Young Alumni Advisory Committee | |
Young Alumni Advisory Committee Nominations Are Open
National 4‑H Council needs your help to identify and nominate dynamic, proven leaders to serve on the Young Alumni Advisory Committee (YAAC). The YAAC brings together young 4‑H alumni to help shape the future of youth programming and strengthen connections between alumni and the 4‑H system.
This group serves as a bridge to the young alum community, informing Council's Board of Trustees and working closely with associates to provide counsel and serve as 4‑H ambassadors by elevating youth voice, engaging partners, and representing 4‑H at events and through digital and media channels.
Applicants must be nominated by a 4‑H professional or volunteer by February 5.
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