Ongoing Reminders:

Enrollment is Open: Returning members who have yet to enroll and pay will receive a $30 late fee.

How do I Enroll?

1. Enroll (between October 1 and May 1) on Colorado 4-H Online
2. Pick a 4-H Club
3. Pick your project(s)
4. Pay your enrollment fees
5. Get Involved

Here is a LINK with more detailed instructions on how to enroll, clubs, projects and much more. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!

Record Books are uploaded on the  Colorado 4-H Website.

• More information on Record Books (including club books) can be found on our website!

Club Reports:

Flat Top | February 2026

At the Flat Top 4-H club on February 8, 2026. We did the secretary minutes and roll call. The pledges were led by Tate and Elle. The club reports were beef weigh in, Winter Carnival and LDC. Some of the announcements were Blues Break Camp and 4-H sponsorships. The t-shirt committee met and decided on red for the color. New business was Valentine's gifts, club t-shirts. Brooklyn did the Valentine demonstration we made butterfly hearts. And we plan to drop them off on Wednesday, 2/11 at the Oak Creek Senior Center. We did all of the blankets for the children’s hospital. We made tie blankets as part of our community service.

Submitted by: Henry Drew | Flat Top Reporter

Fairplay | January 2026

President, Brooke May, called the meeting to order and led the group through the agenda. She helped keep discussions on track and made sure everyone had a chance to participate. Vice President, Austin Cusenbary, assisted the president during the meeting and helped support smooth transitions between agenda items. Treasurer, Brayson Sommerfield, reported on the club's finances and provided an update on current funds and expenses. Secretary, Lloyd Warren, recorded the meeting minutes and kept accurate notes on motions, discussions, and decisions made by the club. Reporter, Dalya Edelstein, documented meeting highlights and prepared information to share about club activities and events. Council Representatives, Mae Girard and Austin Cusenbary, shared updates from the council meeting and relayed important information back to the club. Dinner was provided at the meeting and included a taco bar. Members enjoyed tacos with a variety of toppings and sides.

Submitted by: Dalya Edelstein | Fairplay Reporter

Handy Lads and Lassies | January 2026

On January 11th, before we started the meeting, we cut fleece to make blankets for the children's hospital. We met at the Ladies Aid Hall in Yampa. It was a parent required meeting, where we talked about parent agreements. We then proceeded to talk about old and new business. After the meeting was finished, we cut slits in the fleece and tied them together to make blankets. We ended up making a lot more than expected because everyone pitched in. Our next meeting will be helped on February 8th.

Submitted by: Morgan Gibson | Handy Lads and Lassies Reporter

WE NEED LEADERS -

If you or someone you know (friend, uncle, grandparent, etc.) is interested in becoming a shooting sports leader, please let Tami know.

South Routt is in desperate need for some additional leaders to keep the program going, and Steamboat can use a few more .22 Rifle and Shotgun leaders.

Leaders can start by enrolling in 4HOnline!

Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Trainings:

• March 13-15, 2026: Weld County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, and Orion) *Orion training - Please watch for information in the coming months.
• March 20-22, 2026: Pueblo County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills)
• March 27-29, 2026: Garfield County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage)

Reminder: All volunteers must be enrolled and approved before they can register for the training. 

NEW THIS YEAR! Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Recertification Training:

• April 25, 2026: Morgan County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills)

Volunteers who are in need of recertifying to keep their certificate up to date will be eligible to attend the recertification training in Morgan County on April 25, 2026. This will be a modified version of the training and will be a combination of online modules and an in-person class. More information will be available soon. 

Volunteers needing to recertify who chose to go to any of the other three trainings will be required to attend all 15 hours of the training.

Art Of Ranching

Every Ranch has a story. Every youth has a voice. Join the 4-H Art of Ranching project and interview local ranchers, hear historical stories, create a project that truly matters. This isn't just history... its YOUR community!

Learn more at https://artofranching.colostate.edu/. To sign up for the Art of Ranching Project, reach out to Tami (teggers@co.routt.co.us | 970-879-0825).

Beef Weigh-In Results - We had 33 members weigh in 50 steers. Please let Millie know of any changes that need to be made by February 16th at 5pm.

Colorado State Fair Information

• Exhibitors are responsible for insuring that all animals that might be exhibited at the Colorado State Fair are nominated - NO LATE NOMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• The Colorado State Fair will do family nominations, just make sure each exhibitor fills out a form listing all family nominated animals. Forms made out to the "Smith Family" will not be accepted.
• Submitting a nomination form and DNA is NOT an entry into the Colorado State Fair! Separate entry is required. The market entry deadline will be July 27, 2026, and must be made online - mailed entries will not be accepted!
• All market beef, goat, hog, or lamb nominations MUST submit DNA. DNA submitted on an animal not nominated will be marked as such and that animal IS NOT eligible o show in the Market Shows at the Colorado State Fair. DNA envelopes will be available to be purchased starting March 2, 2026. Details will be posted on the website. Remember, it is the exhibitor's responsibility to order and submit DNA not the Extension/FFA offices. The deadline for submitting DNA is as follows:
• Beef: April 6th (postmark)
• Goats, Hogs, Lambs: June 8th (postmark)
• The procedures will be posted on the website, just not the nomination forms as the Colorado State Fair Livestock Office will not accept nomination forms from exhibitors.
• Nomination Forms will be available to pick up during livestock weigh-ins. Forms can also be picked up from Millie at the Extension Office.
• February 1 - Beef
• May 3 - Sheep, Goat, Swine
• The tentative livestock schedule and market deadlines will be posted on the website around the first of January.

Animal Project Dates - dates are subject to change

• February 1 - Beef Weigh-In
• April 8 - Meat Quality Assurance Training
• May 1 - Add/Drop/Change Deadline
• May 1 - Horse and Dog Animal IDs Due
• May 3 - Sheep/Gpat/Swine Weigh-In
• June 1 - Market Animal IDs Due
• June 9-10 - NW Colorado 4-H Expo
• July 1 - Breeding Animal IDs Due
• July 8 - FairEntry Registration Due
• July 8 - Market Poultry & Market Rabbit Animal IDs Due
• August 5 - Fair Set-Up Day
• August 7-16 - Routt County Fair
• September 8 - Carcass Contest
• September 15 - Record Books Due

Animal Project Courtesy Posts - These are posts we are sharing for your information. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Routt County Extension.

Youth Fest (Intermediate Members) - March 27-29

Colorado State Fairgrounds, Pueblo

Registration is opens in February and closes mid-March.

Members must provide their own transportation to and from this event.

District 9 Retreat (10-18 y/o Members) - April 10-12 - Quality Inn and Suites - Craig, CO

Colorado 4-H State Conference (Senior Members) - June 16-19, Fort Collins

Taylor Grazing Act Range Improvement Funds

Applications are open for the Taylor Grazing Act Range Improvement Fund. For more information and to apply, go to https://www.co.routt.co.us/770/TGA-Range-Improvement-Funds.

Funds can be used for: noxious weed control, fence construction and repair, cattle guard replacement, and more approved expenses.

Questions? Please reach out to the Weed Program (weeds@co.routt.co.us | 970-870-5246).

Attention Colorado Producers and AgriBusiness Owners:

Show your love for Colorado Agriculture by completing Colorado State University’s annual Land Rental and Custom Rates Survey. Take just 10 minutes to complete the survey before February 14, 2025. 

BUTTON: Complete the Survey https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fPoxORn3X4tSey

What is the Custom Rates Survey?

Colorado State University Extension conducts an annual survey of land rental and custom rates charged for various crop and livestock operations and lease arrangements in Colorado in the preceding year. Data is collected from agricultural producers, landowners and managers, lenders, agricultural consultants, machine operators, and Extension agents. Results of the survey are used by producers, ag lenders, county assessors, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, land appraisers, and more. Land Rental and Custom Rates in Colorado is one of the most widely used publications available from the CSU Agriculture and Business Management Team. 

Why should I complete the survey?

• The Land Rental and Custom Rates Report will allow you to advertise custom services or locate and hire custom service operators in your area.
• More responses ensure more accurate data and a more complete list of rates for today’s practices. These determined rates influence land appraisal values, your property taxes, and more.
• Information about Land Rental and Custom Rates is used by elected officials to inform federal, state, and local policy, including crop insurance.
• Your responses are safe and anonymous.

When and where can I access the survey?

The Custom Rates Survey will be available January 1 – February 14, 2026 through Colorado State University: https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fPoxORn3X4tSey

What if I have questions about the survey?

Your CSU Extension Agriculture and Business Management Team is here to answer your questions. Learn more at https://abm.extension.colostate.edu/meet-the-team/