Ohio State University Extension and Richland County 4-H

09/15/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Duane Rader.

Duane was deeply dedicated to the 4-H Youth Development program and served with the Richland County Extension Office, where he rounded out his professional career. He was passionate about teaching youth new things while continuing to grow and learn throughout his own life.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, effort, knowledge, and dedication Duane gave to our Extension programs and the young people he served. His impact on our program and community will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.

Please keep Duane’s family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. 💚

His obituary can be found here: https://www.herlihyfh.com/obituaries/Duane-Ellwood-Rader?obId=49596349&source=fb1&fbclid=IwY2xjawUWeRxwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4YNAUCa67bHZQZ53EXw5eM7ncOnVDjFxouRMPdovRMgvdgCHMJhInq0zEe7A_aem_BS6EZchC_JWJ8HP5KYL-xQ

View Duane Ellwood Rader's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

09/15/2026

📬🍀 AWARD THANK YOU NOTES ARE DUE TODAY! 🍀📬

A friendly reminder that Award and Buyer Thank You Notes are due TODAY, September 15! ✉️

Since Trudi is back in school, thank-you notes can be dropped off at the Extension Office.

📌 Please remember:
• Notes should be in unsealed envelopes
• Envelopes should be addressed and stamped
• Be sure to include your Award and Buyer Thank You Notes

📧Add-On information has been emailed out! If you haven't received it, please let us know.

❓ Have questions? Give the Extension Office a call at 419-747-8755. We’re happy to help!

💚🍀 Thank you for taking the time to show appreciation to those who supported you during the fair!

09/14/2026

🎣🌲 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT! 🌲🎣

This week, our random wheel has landed on a project for those who love spending time outdoors!

🎯 Project: Outdoor Adventurer: Intermediate Fishing

🏆 State Fair Eligible: YES!
📅 State Fair Day: Natural Resources Day

Learn more about the outdoor sport you love with activities that explore how to find fish and how to get them to bite! 🎣

Youth will also learn how to properly clean a fish and gain skills to become a more confident angler.

🐟 Project Tip: Completing Outdoor Adventurer: Beginning Fishing first is highly recommended!

✅ To Complete the Project:
• Complete all 11 activities
• Complete 2 learning experiences
• Complete 2 leadership/citizenship activities
• Complete the Project Review

If you love fishing, being outdoors, and learning new skills, this could be the project for you! 🎣🍀

🎡 What project will our random wheel choose next?

09/13/2026

🍀 Congratulations to our Livestock Judging Team! 🍀
A big shoutout to these youth for stepping outside their comfort zones, trying something new, improving their skills, and putting in the hard work! We are proud of the time and dedication they have invested in learning and growing. 👏🐄🐑🐖
A special thank-you to Brianna Smith for serving as our Livestock Judging Coach and helping our youth develop these valuable skills!
Interested in joining the Livestock Judging Team? We would love to have you! Send us a message or reach out to the Extension Office to learn more. 🍀

Results are in! Our team won third overall junior team at the Wayne County Fair.
A special shoutout to Hagen S. for winning third overall individual junior as well! Congrats to Hagen, Hayes, Tyson and Brynn, we are proud of your hard work!

09/13/2026

🌼💚 Happy Grandparents Day! 💚🌼

Today, we’re celebrating the grandparents who cheer from the sidelines, lend a helping hand, share their wisdom, and encourage the next generation to try new things and grow. 🌱

Grandparents play such a special role in the lives of our 4-H youth—from helping with projects and livestock to attending shows, events, and everything in between. 🐄🐖🐑🎨📚

Thank you to all the grandparents who support, encourage, and believe in our 4-H members. Your love and support help make their 4-H journey so special! 🍀

09/11/2026

🌎✈️ GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH 4-H! 🍀

Did you know 4-H can take you beyond Ohio and even beyond the United States? 🌍 This year, Ohio 4-H is offering several exciting Immersion Trip opportunities:

📍Greece
📍Austria
📍Washington, D.C.
📍Puerto Rico

👀 Interested in going? Don’t wait!

Some of these trips require youth to be nominated by Kristen, so if you’re interested in an opportunity, please let Kristen know ASAP!

👥 Who can participate?
Ohio 4-H teens ages 15–18 who are enrolled in high school at the time of the trip.
⭐ 2027 high school graduates are eligible for the Austria trip!

Selection Criteria
🌾 Interested in exploring global agriculture and 4-H youth Extension systems
🌎 Open to experiencing and embracing cultures beyond their own
🎤 Willing to teach leadership and teambuilding educational sessions to elementary school students
🍀 Strong representatives of their local 4-H program
📣 Willing to share their experiences through presentations, newsletters, or other outreach at the local and state levels

These trips are an incredible opportunity to learn, lead, explore, and represent Richland County 4-H on a global stage! 🌎🍀

Interested? Talk to Kristen ASAP!

09/10/2026

🥒🍅 Preserve Your Garden’s Harvest! 🫛🌱

Backyard gardens are overflowing with produce this time of year — cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, and so much more!

If you’re looking for resources and information on how to safely preserve your summer harvest, check out OSU Extension’s Food Preservation Webinar Series. These recorded webinars provide helpful, research-based information on canning, freezing, and other food preservation methods.

Whether you’re a seasoned canner or trying food preservation for the first time, there are resources to help you make the most of your garden’s bounty!

👉 f you're looking for resources and information related to preserving summer's harvest, be sure to check out the recorded webinars that are shared here: https://fcs.osu.edu/programs/healthy-people/food-preservation/food-preservation-webinar-series?utm_campaign=faes_marketing-activity_fy27&utm_content=1786380000&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawUD_NZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWxFN0dNbDJUWGZMSjQ1TnVzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeeR_qz14tjiSfc2A-fFlw-kQEnyPuI8rb3AHW2zi0UOH_EhapmSYNlGk7N5k_aem_5OTH5xtcWSnJDFDx-QbU0Q

09/09/2026

🍀✨ NEW THIS YEAR — Ohio 4-H Clover Awards! ✨🍀

We’re excited to introduce the Ohio 4-H Clover Awards! This new program recognizes youth who are well-rounded 4-H members and have demonstrated growth and progression throughout their 4-H career. 🌱

The Clover Awards program includes five levels of achievement, giving youth opportunities to set goals, work toward accomplishments, and continue progressing throughout their 4-H journey. ⭐

Research shows that when youth are engaged in programs and can see their growth and progression, they are more likely to stay involved. The Clover Awards are designed to help youth recognize their accomplishments, set new goals, and stay engaged in 4-H! 💚

📅 Applications are due to the Richland County Extension Office by September 30!

🔗 Learn more about the Ohio 4-H Clover Awards: www.go.osu.edu/cloverawards

🍀 Set a goal. Make a plan. Grow through 4-H! 🍀

09/08/2026

🚜🌾 Farm Science Review Tickets Are on Sale Now! 🌾🚜

🎟️ Save by purchasing in advance! Tickets are just $10 when purchased at the Richland County Extension Office or online.

💲 Tickets will be $15 at the gate, so grab yours early and save!

📅 Farm Science Review: September 22–24, 2026
🎟️ Last day to purchase advance tickets: September 21

👧👦 Children 5 and under are FREE!

Don’t miss three days of the latest in agriculture, equipment, research, education, and innovation.

📍 We hope to see you at Farm Science Review this September!

Learn more or purchase tickets online at fsr.osu.edu.

🚜🌾 Mark your calendar and get your tickets before September 21!