Howard County 4-H

09/04/2026

Come Join Our Team!We're hiring! Howard County Extension is looking for a County Youth Outreach Educator to lead our 4-H program!

Passionate about helping with Clover Kids and community programs across Howard County — with hours in the office and out in the community (some evenings/weekends required).

Howard County Extension Office, 132 1st Avenue West, Cresco, IA 52136
Please send letter of interest, resume and ISU Application to office or email to [email protected]

Pick up job description and application at Extension Office.

08/31/2026

4H enrollment time begins September 15.
🍀 Explore Howard County 4-H!🍀
It’s time to enroll or re-enroll in Howard County 4-H! Re-enroll early to stay up to date and select your project areas.
🍀 Enroll by November 30 for the reduced fee ($5 to your club treasurer, thanks to donations, the remaining $35 is covered!). After Nov. 30, the full $40 fee applies.
🍀 New to 4-H?
Welcome to Howard County 4-H! 🎉 To join, pick up a yellow New Member Enrollment Packet from your club leader, fill it out, and return it to the Extension Office.
🍀 Returning Members
Re-enroll through the 4hOnline system and update any changes, like address or health info.

08/31/2026

Howard County 4H County Council met on August 30 for a retreat at Pinebluff Camp with Allamakee, Winneshiek and Chickasaw county members.

08/31/2026

Dairy Judging coming soon. Questions [email protected] or 563-412-8019.

07/31/2026

Summer Day Camps were happening all around Howard County in July! 🚜🌾

Our Barnyard Buddies Day Camp was held in Elma, Riceville, and Protivin, giving youth the opportunity to explore all aspects of farm life. Campers learned about livestock, farm equipment, and the journey from farm to table through hands-on activities and creative projects.

Youth enjoyed making tractor puppets, ear tag keychains, and pool noodle horses while discovering friendly farm animals, where their food comes from, and how farms play an important role in our daily lives. They also had the chance to cook delicious snack together using fresh ingredients.

07/31/2026

🌎🍽️ Howard County youth took their taste buds on an adventure during our Global Gourmet Day Camp!

Campers explored different countries and cultures through food while learning how meals from around the world reflect unique traditions and flavors. Throughout the day, youth prepared delicious recipes while discovering fun facts about each country.

Our culinary journey included:
Germany: Homemade applesauce
Mexico: Guacamole, salsa, queso, and churro bites
Italy: Manicotti and garlic knots
Greece: Tzatziki

From trying new flavors to learning about cultures beyond their own, Global Gourmet encouraged curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the kitchen. It was a fun and delicious way to explore the world without ever leaving Howard County!

07/31/2026

Howard County 4-Hers are invited to this event in Decorah! Check it out!!!

🍀 Calling all 4-H sewing enthusiasts! 🧵

Join Lorelai Kuecker for a fun and inspiring virtual workshop on Wednesday, September 23rd, from 5:45–7:15 PM at Red Roxy Quilt Co. in Decorah!

At just 17 years old, Lorelai has a passion for encouraging and supporting others. She'll showcase her unique collection of constructed pieces, share the stories behind some of her favorite creations, and answer your questions during this interactive session.

👕 Open to 4th–12th grade 4-H members
🎁 Plus, participants will have a chance to win door prizes from Red Roxy Quilt Co.!

📅 Register by September 16th at 4:30 PM by calling the Winneshiek County Extension Office at 563-382-2949.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow sewing enthusiasts, gain inspiration, and explore a one-of-a-kind collection! 🪡💚

06/28/2026

Lasso Your Legacy is the theme in the 4-H Building this year, and our clubs went above and beyond with their booth decorations!

We’re excited to announce the Top 3 Club Booth Contest winners:
🥇Flying Hoofs
🥈Saratoga 4-H
🥉Afton Aces

With a total of 259 static entries, this year’s fair was a true showcase of the creativity, hard work, and potential of our amazing 4-H members! 🍀

06/28/2026

Another great day at the Mighty Howard County Fair!

Our Livestock Skillathon had 8 teams compete in this year’s contest! Participants tested their beef knowledge at stations covering breeds, meat cuts, parts of the animal, careers, medication labels, and structure. Congratulations to our winning team, The Rizzlers - Reed, Chandler, Alana, and Nolan! 🎉

We also showcased our Working Exhibits. Congratulations to Neva and Alli, whose pollinator exhibit earned a trip to the Iowa State Fair! We also enjoyed Gabbie’s peanut butter bird feeder exhibit. 🌼🐝🐦‍⬛

To top it all off, youth hopped on the Blender Bike to pedal their way to delicious tropical smoothies! They powered the blender with their own energy before enjoying a well-earned treat. 🍍🚴

06/27/2026