Codington County 4-H Opens New Year With Enrollment, Record Books, and Recognition Event

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The new 4-H year officially began on Oct. 1 in Codington County, kicking off a busy season of enrollments, record-keeping, and national recognition.

4-H Educator Jodi Loehrer updated the Codington County Commissioners at their recent meeting, encouraging local families to complete their registrations.

"The new 4-H year began on October 1st, and 4-H youth need to now re-enroll if they were in last year, and new youth can now enroll in 4-H," Loehrer said.

Loehrer clarified the program age brackets, noting that Cloverbuds are ages five, six, and seven, while standard 4-H members are ages eight to 18. Cloverbuds activities will officially begin in November once all enrollments are processed.

The update coincided with National 4-H Week, and Loehrer highlighted the local chapter's readiness.

"Codington County 4-H youth are beyond ready, ready to lead, ready for life," Loehrer told the commission.

Local 4-H members are currently finalizing their yearly reporting. Loehrer noted that the process teaches youth valuable administrative skills.

"Youth are working on their 4-H record books and award applications. They're due to our office by Wednesday, October 7th," Loehrer said. "So they're learning a little bit about record keeping and wondering, 'Mom, why do I got to fill this out?' But they're going to love it someday."

The county's annual 4-H recognition event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Extension Office.

At the national level, Loehrer will travel to Missouri from Oct. 26 to Oct. 29 to attend the National 4-H Conference. She will be joined by 10 colleagues from South Dakota.

"I will be attending the National 4-H Conference in Missouri with 10 other colleagues from South Dakota," Loehrer said. "I will be presenting with educators from another state about ag safety and Progressive Ag Safety Day."