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The month of September has been nothing short of spectacular!

I had the opportunity to serve on a panel during the recently held National 4-H Council Board of Trustees Retreat in Nashville, Tennessee. We discussed the challenges faced by 4-H Programs across the nation as we apply strategies to bring more resources to 4-H communities and expand our reach to new audiences.

One of our goals is to build partnerships to connect 4-H members with professionals in STEM and related disciplines. Through an engineering conference in Dallas, Texas, I made connections with organizations and companies such as NASA, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Adobe, Inc. and several others with sites in California.

Later in September, Dr. Glenda Humiston hosted a quarterly meeting of her UC ANR Vice President’s Council with the addition of several Deans of Agriculture from University of California and California State University campuses, as well as a representative from the Community College System. This was a beautiful opportunity to build even more partnerships and explore areas of synergy among the many campuses and UC ANR units for the benefit of youth, students and communities statewide.

Dr. Erin Marnocha, Vice Provost for Research and Program Integration, hosted a convening of all UC ANR Statewide Program and Institute Directors. We gained a stronger understanding of the strengths of each UC ANR program and discussed boosting collaboration.

Ironstone Concours d’Elegance

In the last weekend of September, there was another whirlwind of events, starting with the Ironstone Concours d’Elegance, a longstanding car show and fundraising event that supports regional 4-H clubs and the statewide 4-H Program. Generous support from the Ironstone Foundation has helped the statewide 4-H Program with expenses associated with the annual 4-H Horse Classic and the 4-H State Leadership Conference.

Special thanks to Mrs. Gail Kautz, 
4-H alumna and long time 4-H supporter!

One of the highlights of the Ironstone event for me was the opportunity to engage with members from the Live Oak 4-H Club of San Joaquin County. Who doesn’t love kids and goats?

I enjoyed getting to know 4-H State Ambassadors Marianna and Samantha.

The Live Oak 4-H youth delivered impromptu presentations that were truly impactful. Shout outs go to winners in each category of competition and to the three senior 4-H members for demonstrating great skill and ability. Their names are Abigail F., Paislie G., and Brayden T.

Salute to Ag Event

The same day as the Ironstone event, Dr. Erica Pettey, 4-H Animal Science Community Education Specialist, and Dr. Casey Felton, 4-H Data Systems Analyst, represented the California 4-H statewide program at the UC Davis Salute to Ag Football game.

Harvest Festival

Turning the corner into the first week of October, I had the pleasure of meeting the Esparto Capay Valley 4-H Club during a Harvest Festival hosted by Full Belly Farm in Guinda, CA. The 4-H members were kind enough to bring their goats, ducks, and rabbits to show at the event. I was delighted to spend time with them and their families.

Esparto Capay Valley 4-H Club

Long-time volunteer project leader from Esparto Capay Valley 4-H.

Esparto Capay Valley 4-H member and the club's awesome project display board!

We were also fortunate to spend time with two 4-H professionals who participated in the festival: Ms. Brenda Brinkhous-Hatch, 4-H Community Education Specialist for Yolo County, and Ms. Ally Lemmer, 4-H Healthy Living Academic Coordinator in the state office. The weather was sunny and hot, which led to the miraculous occurrence of me voluntarily drinking unsweetened tea – ONLY in California!! (Shocking, I know!!) 

October holds great promise as we follow-up with the many new collaborators and partners. Stay tuned!

New additions to the 4-H Statewide Team

• Simone Bellanger-Lopez, CES, Kern County
• Stephany Brundage, CES, Mendocino County
• Amanda Delgado, CES, Tulare County

Welcome aboard!

In Community and with Steadfast, Unmovable Hope…

Volunteer Spotlights

We are delighted to highlight volunteers this month who are each leaving a legacy of service to the 4-H community.

Ms. Heather Ratterman

Solano County

Ms. Heather Ratterman has truly stepped up as an exceptional volunteer for Solano County 4-H. She serves as the Financial Manager for our VMO, a club and project leader for the Elmira 4-H Club, and played a key role in guiding our VMO through the transition of developing county-specific Operating Procedures. Ms. Heather also led the effort to transition our bank account to a more effective institution that better meets our county’s needs.

In addition, Ms. Heather partners in leading the Incentives and Recognition team, helping coordinate interviews for our local scholarship program. She has also been instrumental in planning and supporting local events such as Presentation Day and other county activities.

Beyond her many leadership roles, Ms. Heather consistently brings kindness, encouragement, and a positive attitude to everything she does. Her willingness to take on responsibilities, support youth and volunteers, and strengthen our program makes a meaningful impact on our 4-H community. We are incredibly grateful for Ms. Heather’s dedication and service.

Mr. Pat Karinen

Marin County

Mr. Pat Karinen has served as a volunteer with Marin County Shooting Sports for 34 years. He accepted the call to lead an archery program at 4-H camp approximately 15 years ago and now also serves on the 4-H Statewide Shooting Sports Committee.

Mr. Karinen shared that the most rewarding part of volunteering is watching young members grow up in the program. He often runs into former members who are now adults, and he loves seeing how they put their skills to use in meaningful ways. Many 4-H alumni have built careers on what they learned in 4-H, including roles in law enforcement, construction trades, and engineering. One of his former youth members now serves on the crew of a nuclear submarine in the U.S. Navy. Other alumni are leading in agriculture as farmers, ranchers, and dairy producers. He is especially proud of each of them! Three more are competing in collegiate shooting sports, two of whom are on shooting sports scholarships. 

Mr. Karinen's legacy of leadership continues through his family. One of his sons now serves as an adult volunteer with the club. Since 2018, the group Mr. K. serves has competed at the 4-H National Shooting Sports Championship five times. His entire family has contributed to the 4-H program in many other ways, and their leadership has shaped generations of youth. We are grateful to each of them for sharing their talents so generously.

California 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging

California 4-H Makes History at National Dairy Cattle Judging Contest!

The California 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Team made history on September 26, 2026, by winning the World Dairy Expo National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in Madison, Wisconsin, for the first time in the contest’s history!

This historic achievement is even more exciting because it marks the first time in more than a decade that a complete four-member team from California 4-H has competed in the national contest. Representing three California counties, the talented team included Lauren S. (Madera County 4-H), Karley R. (Merced County 4-H), Kestin M. (Tulare County 4-H), and Kherington A. (Merced County 4-H).

With the guidance and support of coaches Terianne Silveira, Madera County 4-H adult volunteer, and Daniel Martin of Tulare County, the team’s hard work, dedication, and determination paid off on the national stage. All four youth delivered outstanding performances, ranking in the top 10 across nearly all contest categories.

Congratulations to these outstanding 4-H members and their coaches on this remarkable accomplishment! Their success showcases the impact of hands-on animal science education, teamwork, and the dedication of California 4-H youth and volunteers. Way to represent California 4-H! Special thanks also to Laurie Fringer, 4-H Community Education Specialist for Tulare County, whose support for the coaches and team significantly contributed to the group's success.

California 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Team. Pictured from left to right: Coach Terianne Silveira, Lauren S., Karley R., Kestin M., Kherington A., and Coach Daniel Martin. 

Join the Healthy Living Advisory & Program Committee to Learn About Artificial Intelligence (AI)!

November Topic: Wonder-Bots: Exploring the World of AI

Explore the benefits and impacts of using AI as it connects to healthy living. Discuss healthy parameters of using AI as a tool, as well as its limitations. Learn what 4-H members are saying about AI and what the future holds for 4-H programs in California.

Who: 4-H youth, volunteers and staff

*This is a great opportunity for Healthy Living Club Officers!

When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Where: Zoom — please register for this first webinar and future ones.

Upcoming Months & Topics: 

• December 1, 2026: Food Waste
• January 5, 2027: Financial Literacy: Budget Your Wallet
• February 2, 2027: Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being
• March 2, 2027: Nature to Improve Your Mood
• April 6, 2027: Food Preservation
• May 4, 2027: Squad Goals: Building a Better Community

4-H Healthy Living

Plate Power: Fuel Your Brain & Body

Fuel your brain and body this season by eating the rainbow with a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Exploring colorful foods is one way to not only nourish your body with essential nutrients (fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals) but also allows you to be creative in the kitchen!

• Fruits & Veggies: Fill ½ your plate with fruits and vegetables. Fruits can be eaten fresh or blended in a smoothie whereas vegetables can be eaten fresh, roasted, or baked. A harvest salad with spinach, pomegranate seeds, and persimmons is a great fall side dish!
• Whole Grains: Increase your fiber and energy by filling about ¼ of your plate with whole grains; whole wheat bread, quinoa, oats, farro, and brown rice are some examples. Match brown rice with roasted carrots or asparagus as a dinner side dish.
• Protein: Fill about ¼ of your plate with different protein options from lean meat and fish to beans, eggs, nuts, lentils or tofu. Limit red meat intake and focus on a variety of protein options to help with muscle repair. Hard-boiled eggs for breakfast, trail mix for snack, or baked chicken for dinner are easy ways to increase protein intake.
• Healthy Oils: Use oils, in moderation, for dressings and cooking. Healthy oils are a great way to add fat to your diet. Some healthy oils include olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, among others. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper for an easy salad dressing.

Limit treats and sugar-sweetened beverages that are processed or have added sugar. It’s okay to have an occasional treat while still prioritizing a well-balanced meal.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about the Kids Healthy Eating Plate by Harvard’s Nutrition Source.
• Try a new recipe from EatFresh!
• Want to try new healthy eating activities in your club or project? Join this year’s 4th H for Health Challenge to record your healthy eating, movement and social emotional activities.

You’re Invited to the California 4-H Curricula Workshop! 

Join the California 4-H State Office in Davis, CA for a free curricula workshop. Receive direct guidance on 4-H approved curricula, learn about teens as teachers, and collaborate with 4-H professionals and volunteers across the state!

Who: 4-H professionals, volunteers, teens as teachers, external partners

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Time: 10 am - 4 pm

Curricula Offerings: Youth Experiences in Science (YES), Cooking Academy, Grub Club, EggSellent, & Jr. Master Gardener

Ready to Register?

Sign up for 4-H Curricula Workshop

*RSVP by Monday, November 2, 2026

Please note that travel to and from Davis is the responsibility of each participant. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided by the California 4-H State Office.

Questions? Email Grace Belt, kbelt@ucanr.edu and Ally Lemmer, alemmer@ucanr.edu.  

4th H for Health Challenge

Practice Healthy Living with the 2026-27 4th H for Health Challenge!

Last year, 166 California 4-H youth participated in the 4th H for Health Challenge to practice healthy eating, movement, and social emotional activities individually and in groups. We invite you join in this year to learn and expand on these activities in your 4-H club, program or at home.

• Who: 4-H Youth
• Where: Your local 4-H club, program or at home
• When: September 15, 2026 - June 30, 2027
• What: Complete the Challenge to earn a new 4th H for Health pin and certificate!
• Where to Start: Download the Challenge and supplemental materials on the 4th H for Health page on the Resource Center.
• Who to Contact: Ally Lemmer, Healthy Living Academic Coordinator at alemmer@ucanr.edu.  

4th H for Health Highlight of the Month: Fairmont 4-H in Fresno County 

In the first month of the 4th H for Health Challenge, Fairmont 4-H shared how their Outdoor Adventure project combined physical activity with civic engagement in their community. It's not too late for you to sign up and join in the Challenge too!

Inspire others with what you're doing in the 4th H for Health Challenge! Send a photo and story to Ally Lemmer, alemmer@ucanr.edu. Please include captions for your photos too! Selected stories will be shared in the California 4-H State Monthly Newsletter.

Members and volunteers from Fairmont 4-H’s Outdoor Adventure project dedicated one weekend in September to celebrate National Public Lands Day at King River Wildlife Area. 

4-H Volunteer Sara shares: 

“We worked with the others in the community to clean up the park, install interpretive signs and build a disc golf course. As you can tell from the picture our group was on clean-up duty and a few of the dads helped dig the holes for the interpretive signs to be placed in. Overall it was a very rewarding experience for the families that participated. The event ended with a picnic lunch where we got to know our new project family. 

Thank you for this AWESOME Challenge. I love how it goes right along with the new Sparks Program and is encouraging our 4-H'ers to get out and serve our community!”

Reimagine Wool Poster Contest

Do you or someone you know have an innovative idea for a new wool product, a fresh take on an existing use, or a creative processing solution? We want to see it!

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and Wool Council are excited to announce the return of the Reimagine Wool Digital Poster Contest! The contest seeks viable, marketable uses for underutilized American wool greater than 25 microns while highlighting wool’s unique properties and creating value for sheep producers.

This year features two divisions: Academic ($1,000 prize) for students and researchers, and Open ($500 prize) for anyone with a creative idea. The People's Choice winner will also receive $500. 

The contest is open September 1 through November 15, 2026. Learn more about rules and submissions at sheepusa.org/reimagine-wool-digital-poster-contest. If you're a teacher or industry leader, please be sure to share this with others.

California Make it With Wool Contest

California 4-H was well-represented at the California Make It With Wool contest held October 3 in Dixon. The contest highlights wool fabrics and yarn projects made by both youth and adults. Out of the 14 youth participants, 11 were from California 4-H! This contest is a qualifier for the national competition. All California contestants received a length of wool fabric, with top winners receiving additional sewing or knitting related prizes.

Congratulations to 4-H'er Hailee L. from Siskiyou County, the State Winner in the Junior Division (age 13-16). She will be representing California at the National Make it With Wool Contest. The contest will be held January 14–17, 2027 at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, South Carolina, in conjunction with the American Sheep Industry Association Annual Convention.

Other 4-H winners in the Pre-teen division (age 9-12) (not eligible for National)

• State Winner: Addi N., Fresno County
• 2^nd place: Ava D., Sonoma County
• 3^rd place: Avery N., Fresno County
• Honorable Mention: Lyra Z., Siskiyou County

While they were not competing, 4-H Primary Members ages 8 and younger could participate and receive a blue ribbon. What a great way to introduce them to working with natural fibers!

• Tinley T., Siskiyou County
• Nancy B., Siskiyou County
• Cynthia, Q., Siskiyou County
• Kendrix L., Siskiyou County
• Jolene L., Siskiyou County
• Kaisley C., Siskiyou County

Make It With Wool entries can also be entered in the State Fashion Revue at State Field Day, May 29, 2027. Learn more about the categories on the Resource Center.

Thank you to Jacki Zediker, 4-H Regional Program Coordinator, for sending us the photo and contest results.

State 4-H Fashion Revue

State 4-H Interview Contest

2027 Job Descriptions now Available

The State 4-H Interview Contest will be held at State Field Day on May 29, 2027 on the UC Davis campus. This popular event gives 4-H members an opportunity to practice the real-life skills needed to apply for a job. Participants prepare a resumé and cover letter for a job they choose from the Interview Contest job descriptions listed on the Resource Center. Evaluators evaluate their performance during a mock interview and give constructive feedback using a standard evaluation rubric.

Interview Contest participants must do the following:

1. Choose a job: Choose from one of the three jobs listed below in your age category.
2. Develop a resumé: Include real-life experiences (education, work, activities, etc.) that demonstrate your qualifications for the job selected.
3. Write a cover letter: Your cover letter should explain why you should be considered for the job you select.
4. Dress appropriately: Appropriate dress includes 4-H uniform or attire appropriate for a job interview as outlined in the California State 4-H Interview Contest Manual.

We encourage you to review the tips, interview questions, judging rubrics, and supporting materials provided on the Interview Contest page on the Resource Center.

2027 Interview Contest Jobs

See the full Interview Contest job descriptions listed on the Resource Center.



Junior Category (ages 9 and 10)

• Pet Feeder
• Leaf Remover
• Flag Monitor
• Snack Stand Helper

Intermediate Category (ages 11 to 13)

• Pet Attendant
• Plant Shop Assistant
• Ice Cream Parlor Helper
• Media Set-Up Assistant

Senior Category (ages 14 to 19)

• Retirement Home Assistant
• Park Ranger Assistant
• Produce Stand Attendant
• Afterschool Coding Instructor

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