4-H Focus
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Celebrate National 4-H Week:
October 5th-11th!
Every year, National 4-H Week sees millions of youth, parents, volunteers and alumni come together to celebrate the many positive youth development opportunities offered by 4-H.
The theme for this year’s National 4-H Week, is in celebration of all the amazing 4-H’ers who are stepping up as confident leaders and are getting ready to take on the future! We’re also excited to introduce our new initiative: Beyond Ready—because at 4-H, we’re all about preparing the next generation to tackle whatever comes their way.
Please join us in celebrating National 4-H Week!
How did 4-H make YOU Beyond Ready? Tag us in your ‘4-H for Good’ story and ‘Go Green Moments’ on social media with the hashtag #4HBeyondReady and #National4HWeek. Then follow along this week as we highlight inspiring 4-H’ers! Learn more on the Washington State 4-H website.
October 4-H Challenge
Have you picked out your Halloween costume this year? From witches to ghosts or even spooky spiders, Yakima County Extension Office is offering prizes to 4-H’ers who send in costume pictures by Thursday, October 30th, 2025. Not much into costumes? Show off your pumpkin carving skills for a chance to win a prize in your age decision! All photo entries are to be emailed to Yakima.4h@wsu.edu by Thursday, October 30th, 2025 for a chance to win!
Club, Volunteer, & Program News
Opportunities for 4-H clubs, activity highlights, program updates, and volunteer needs
Welcome to the 2025-2026 Washington State 4-H Program Year!
4-H Online is now accepting enrollments for new and returning 4-H members & volunteers. Enroll today by going to our online enrollment site. If you need help with enrollment, please reach out to your club leader or county staff at 509-574-1600.
As you get geared up for this program year, this is a great time to refresh your understanding of the Washington State 4-H Policies and Procedures.
Here are a few to particularly review:
Animal Science
- Ownership deadlines on various livestock (8.6).
- Policies on animal care and treatment (8.1, 8.2).
- Encourage members to engage in “Youth for the Quality Care of Animals” (8.6).
Safety
- What to do if you are faced with an immediate threat (9.1).
- Use of safety equipment (9.2 through 9.4, 9.6).
- Specific safety procedures for risky projects (9.6 through 9.10).
- Adult and youth ratio (12.3.3).
- Reporting/suspecting child abuse (12.2.1).
- Traveling with youth (12.3).
Financial Management
- Methods of maintaining financial records (10).
- Appropriate use of 4-H funds (10.4.1, 10.4.2).
Volunteers
- Enrollment (7.5).
- Fees for services, product endorsement (7.7, 7.8).
- Reporting volunteer hours (7.10).
- When engaging in political activity or legal proceedings, you may identify yourself as a 4-H volunteer but may not speak on behalf of your club, program, or organization. (Any statements on behalf of 4-H must be approved by the State 4-H Program Director.)
4-H Website Update – New Year, New Look!
The Washington State 4-H Youth Development website has launched with a brand new look! Users should notice faster load times, as well as more accessibility features. The site is currently under construction, so check back for updates!
The URL for the main page remains the same, but some pages will have new URLs. If you have bookmarks, they may need to be updated with the new links.
4-H Club Spotlight
Harrah Humdingers Fall Festival 2025
The Harrah Humdingers 4-H Club joined together for a fun day at the annual Harrah Fall Festival. There was a great turn out from the community with delicious baked goods, entertainment, a parade, and tons of fun for the kids to enjoy. Thank you to the Harrah Humdingers 4-H Club for all you do for the community and congratulations to some of our members for becoming this years Harrah Royalty! We are proud to have such a good group of youth to represent 4-H in the Town of Harrah.
National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest – World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI
We are proud to share that one of our Green Valley 4-H members, Andrew, had the opportunity to attend the National 4-H Dairy Judging contest held at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI this past week.
Andrew was 1 of 4 individuals on the Washington state team with Jason S. as the coach. They spent the past year practicing at various farms across the state to prepare for this contest — and their practice paid off! Out of 84 youth competing, Andrew took 39th overall, placing 39th in judging and 42nd in reasons.
With a total of 24 teams competing, Andrew and Jasons team took 11th place overall, placing 11th in judging and 13th in reasons.
Andrew also attended the National 4-H Dairy Conference (3 day conference) where he was able to attend workshops, visit farms in the industry and came back with a wealth of knowledge. He even went through an interview process while he was there, in hopes to be chosen to help with the planning committee for next year. Great job Andrew!
Naches Valley 4-H Pumpkin Sale Fundraiser
Looking for some pumpkins to carve this holiday season? Consider making a purchase of pumpkins from the Naches Valley 4-H Club. There are many different sizes and varieties of pumpkins all grown and harvested by our 4-H kids!
This event will be held this Saturday, October 4th from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in Town of Naches at the Cot’s Peak Fall Outdoor Market, located at 22 E Second Street, Naches, WA. 98937.
4-H Club News Wanted!
Want to see your club news featured in next months 4-H Focus Newsletter or even our social media? Request your 4-H club reporter to send in pictures and a small blurb from a recent meeting or event your club attended, by the 25th of the month to yakima.4h@wsu.edu. We would love to share your club news!
4-H Record Book Medal of Honor & Completion Judging
Don’t forget to finish up your Record Books and turn them into the Extension office by Friday, October 17th, 2025! In order to be considered for Medal of Honor and Completion Judging, club leaders must complete the form to nominate members for this award. Forms are available in the Extension office and on the Yakima County 4-H website.
Helpers & Volunteers are Needed!
If you are a 4-H volunteer who is interested in helping in the scoring of record books, we would greatly appreciate the extra support! We kindly ask that interested volunteers please reach out to the Yakima 4-H Program Manager, Autumn Britt for more information on how to get involved, by emailing Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or by calling 509-574-1578.
Yakima County 4-H Auction Sale
The Yakima County 4-H auction sale was a success! Thank you to all who participated in the bidding process. These beautiful pre-owned Courbette & Campbell english hunt saddles are up for auction benefiting Yakima County 4-H. Funds raised from this auction will be used to benefit local 4-H youth programs. All proceeds from the saddle auction will go to the Yakima County 4-H Council and will directly support Yakima County 4-H youth members. Thank you for your support!
Save the Date! 2025 Yakima County 4-H Recognition & Awards Dinner
Mark your calendars for the 2025 4-H Recognition & Awards Dinner on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025 at 5:00 pm! This event will be held in the Fruitvale Grange located at 2908 Castlevale Rd, Yakima, WA.
Please join us in honor of the incredible achievements made by our 4-H leaders, volunteers, members, and supporters for their outstanding work in Yakima County during the past year. We hope to see many of you there to celebrate 4-H and the achievements of our incredible 4-H community.
Please RSVP for this event by Monday, October 20th, 2025 completing the online registration form or by contacting the Extension at Yakima.4h@wsu.edu or calling 509-574-1600.
Yakima 4-H Recognition Awards
Show your gratitude to a specific 4-H member or volunteer by nominating them for one of the following awards:
- Outstanding First Year Club Award
- New Honorary Leader
- Lew Evans Memorial Award
- Inez Walter Award
- Toppenish Rotary Awards – Agriculture & Home Economics
- Certificate of Appreciation Nomination
If you would like to nominate a deserving individual, you can find the applications at the links above or on our 4-H Policies and Forms page. Please be sure to submit your nominations by Monday, October 13th, 2025.
Certificates Of Appreciation
It’s time to say “Thank you” to all the individuals and businesses who’ve helped, donated time, or sponsored your club and/or event. Please send your list to Yakima.4h@wsu.edu, so these individuals may be invited to the Leader Luncheon and receive a Certificate of Appreciation for their support of 4-H. Due in Extension office Monday, October 13th, 2025.
Volunteer Updates
Opportunities for volunteers, activity highlights and volunteer needs
New Leader Orientation Session 1 – October 5th
Do you know someone that would make a great 4-H volunteer? Are you a certified volunteer, but feel like you could use a refresher? Join us for New 4-H Volunteer Orientation Part 1!
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 2:00 PM via Zoom
Watch your email for the sign-up form in September or contact our office. We hope to see you there!
NEW! Yakima 4-H Open Office Hours – October 20th
This year the Extension office is providing additional assistance to all volunteers & youth members to ask any questions they may have about our program or utilizing our platforms. The Yakima County 4-H Extension Office is excited to announce that we will be providing additional assistance to all volunteers & youth members each month, called Yakima 4-H Open Office Hours. These meeting will be offered virtually through Zoom for volunteers & youth members to ask any questions about the 4-H program or the platforms we use; including, 4-H Online, GivePulse, Online Training Modules and more. Please join us for our first meeting of the year on the topic of “Enrolling & Checking Registrations through 4-H Online”, on Monday, October 20th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Following October, all Yakima 4-H Online Office Hours scheduled for the second Monday of each month from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. — Please note, this meeting is NOT mandatory and is intended to provide additional support to community as needed. If you are interested in attending the Yakima 4-H Open Office Hours, please reference the Zoom invite below.
- Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, or Android through Zoom
- Meeting ID: 962 3340 6928
- Passcode: 426704
- Date & Time: Monday, October 20th, 2025 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Mandatory Volunteer Meeting with Yakima County Council – October 27th
Save the Date for the next Yakima County Council Meeting on Monday, October 27th, 2025. This will be a mandatory meeting for all 4-H leaders and volunteers, and as always youth members and families are invited to attend as well. Your input is greatly needed to make decisions on up coming events. Please consider joining us on Monday, October 27th at 6:30 pm in the Yakima County Resource Center – Large Conference Room, 2403 S. 18th Street, Union Gap, WA.
Yakima County Council Documents Available on Google Drive
In efforts to keep our 4-H community actively involved with decision making process, the Yakima County Council Board members and Extension Office have teamed up in making our documents transparent to all through Google Drive. All meeting agenda, minutes & budgets can be found accessed by the public at all times through Google Drive. If you have anything that you would like to add to the next meeting agenda you may contact the 4-H Program Manager, Autumn at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or 509-574-1578.
Annual 4-H Club Packets
Attention Club Leaders!! Club packets will be sent out this month! Please be sure to keep a look out for these within your mail. If you have any questions, concerns, with any of the forms within this packet please call Autumn or Katlyn at the Extension office at 509-574-1600.
Club Financial Reporting – Due December 1st
The standard state requirement of submitting an Annual Financial Summary, Peer-Audit Report, and Property
Inventory applies to all clubs. Clubs that handled more than $1000 and/or received more than $500 in donations
in the last 4-H year are required to turn in their Treasurer’s Binder and Secretary’s Book. Any club, regardless of
funds handled is still subject to audit and if selected will be asked to provide the previous year’s Treasurer’s Binder and Secretary’s Book. Information and forms will be mailed to club leaders on this month and are due to the Extension Office by Monday, December 1st, 2025.
Updated Safety Policy Training for Volunteers – Deadline was June 1st, 2025
We want to inform you about updated safety policy (WSU Protection and Safety of Minors), which is now being implemented across all WSU programs, including Washington 4-H. Since it was written primarily for WSU campus employees, some parts may feel less relevant to 4-H, so we created a 15-minute training to guide you through what matters! All 4-H Volunteers in Washington were asked to complete the training by June 1st, 2025. The online training linked below is the quickest training option and doesn’t require any logins. If you would rather complete this training in-person or via Zoom with local staff please reach out to Autumn Britt, our local Program Manager, at Autumn.Britt@wsu.edu or 509-588-7817 (work cell, text/call).
The quick training is available online and covers the key points of select topics within EP-14, including:
- Conduct Requirements for Staff and Certified Volunteers
- Adequate Supervision of Youth
- Specific Requirements for Transportation Involving Youth
- Specific Requirements for Overnight Activities Involving Youth
- Disability Accommodations
- Youth Program Registration
- Reporting Requirements
The whole policy document can be found on the WSU policies website. We appreciate your time and dedication to keeping 4-H a safe, welcoming space for youth. If you have any questions, reach out to your local 4-H office.
Washington State 4-H Volunteer Recognition Dinner – Cancelled
Washington State 4-H has announced that this years Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner is cancelled and will no longer be held on Saturday, October 25th, 2025. More information on next years events will be announced as it approaches.
Teen Opportunities
Events, conferences, and scholarships just for teens
Save the Date – “The Great Race” Teen Rallies 2025
Our teen rallies are for 4-H teens 13 -18 and are a great opportunity to make new 4-H friends, have fun, and learn about leadership!
This year, the East and Westside Teen Rallies will kick off “The Great Race” — teens across the state will begin the race to become our new cohort of State Ambassadors. Be there for the starting gun!
- West Side, October 31 – November 2, Coupeville, WA
- East Side, November 8 -9, Richland, WA
Be on the lookout for registration information to be released soon!
Are You Interested in the Know Your Government Conference?
Are you a 4-H teen interested in the Know Your Government project? Contact the Yakima County 4-H Program Manager, Autumn Britt to express your interest. More information on the conference & pre-conference meetings can be found on the Washington State 4-H website.
Fair News
Important updates for families participating in our fairs
Washington State 4-H Fair in Puyallup – Recap
Yakima County 4-H was proud to have multiple members attend this years Washington State 4-H Fair in Puyallup. These youth did a wonderful job at representing our county and demonstrating their skills within public presentations, the livestock judging contest, and equine performance. We’re so proud of you all and your accomplishments!
Livestock Judging Contest
| Division | Name | Ribbon |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Peyton V. | 5th – Blue |
| Intermediate | Grace M. | 2nd – Blue |
| Intermediate | Emmaline G. | Red |
Public Presentations
| Division | Name | Ribbon |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Andrew S. | Blue |
| Intermediate | Annelise S. | Blue |
Senior Performance/Dressage – Senior Jake B.
| Class – Lot | Ribbon |
|---|---|
| Bareback Equitation | 1st – Blue |
| English Dressage, Second Level | 1st – Blue |
| Stock Seat Equitation | 2nd – Blue |
| English Dressage Seat Equitation | 3rd – Blue |
| Fitting & Showmanship | 5th – Blue |
| Herdsmanship | Blue |
| Reining | Blue |
Central Washington State Fair – Recap
A tremendous 4-H Thank You to all the kids, volunteers and parents at Central Washington State Fair! We made quite an impression this year within our community by showing more than 1700 school tour kids and over 300 chaperones and chaperones how “4- H Grows Here” in Yakima County. Throughout the week you all demonstrated the amazing people & projects within 4-H, talking to them about your animals and projects, and showcasing the many creative arts on display; from baked goods, legos, posters, sewing projects and more. Thank you again to Central Washington State Fair for making this all possible, and The Yakima Valley Dairy Women at The Milk Shed for giving us ice cream coupons! We hope to see you all again next year!
Equine News
Updates and opportunities for horse project members
Yakima County 4-H Horse Council Meeting
Interested in volunteering within the 4-H horse program? Please join us Wednesday, October 8th at 6:00 pm in the Extension Office Small Conference Room for the Yakima County 4-H Horse Council Meeting.
Equine Participants at Puyallup State Fair
Seniors returned home from Puyallup Fair. Faith is State Champion in Western Dressage Seat Equitation. Jake is State Champion in both Level 1 Western Dressage & English Disciplined Rail. Great job to you all! Be sure check out some of these awesome photos from fair.
Senior Performance/Dressage – Senior Jake B.
| Class – Lot | Ribbon |
|---|---|
| Bareback Equitation | 1st – Blue |
| English Dressage, Second Level | 1st – Blue |
| Stock Seat Equitation | 2nd – Blue |
| English Dressage Seat Equitation | 3rd – Blue |
| Fitting & Showmanship | 5th – Blue |
| Herdsmanship | Blue |
| Reining | Blue |
Upcoming Horse Events
Kittitas County 4-H Invites Yakima 4-H Horse Members to Events!
Kittitas County 4-H has generously invited members from Yakima County 4-H to participate at some of their equine events!
Equine event schedule:
- Sunday, October 5th, 2025 – Fall Leader’s Show – Bloom
- Saturday, November 1st, 2025 – Tack Sale
If you have any questions, please contact the Kittitas County 4-H Office at 509-962-7507.
Tack & More Sale – November 1st, 2025
Kittitas County 4-H Horse Leaders will be holding a tack sale Saturday, November 1st in the Armory Hall at the
Fairgrounds. Interested in a booth ($40 per table)? Have tack to donate? Contact (509) 962-7565 or amy.alder@wsu.edu.
News You Can Use
Local events and opportunities through WSU Extension and our community partners
Yakima County 4-H Benefactor Program
You’re invited to join our community of benefactors! We seek individuals, families, and businesses that believe in the benefits of 4-H’s high quality youth development opportunities and want to show their support by making an annual donation to ensure this program’s success.
A local challenge is, not every youth who wants to join 4-H has the means to do so. Directly because of donors like you, youth in our community have access to 4-H club membership, educational workshops, programs, and leadership development events. Youth are able to engage with their peers at the local and state level to learn how make positive change in their clubs, communities, countries, and their world.
Generous donations are used in funding 4-H enrollment fee sponsorship, attendance at national summits, 4-H conference registration fees, livestock judging, basic programming supplies, postage, and other necessary materials to support the large network of dedicated volunteers who give their time and talents to mentor, lead, and support 4-H youth. Your donation ensures that all youth may be provided quality programming opportunities, that encourage the lasting development of self-esteem, self- reliance, personal responsibility, civic responsibility, and leadership ability.
Find more information on how to become a Benefactor for Yakima County 4-H and support the development of leadership, citizenship, and responsibility among Yakima County’s youth by visiting our webpage.
The Art of Range Podcast
The Art of Range podcast provides education through conversation with some of the brightest minds in rangeland management and livestock production. Washington State University rangelands and livestock specialist Tip Hudson interviews researchers, ranchers, and resource professionals to bring you extended discussion on topics that are of interest to anyone in rangelands work. A new episode releases every two weeks. This project is funded by a grant from the Western Center for Risk Management Education. Tune in to an episode by going to the Art of Range website.
Fall Events in Union Gap
Looking for fun fall events to do this season? Get some ideas by looking through the list of family fun activities happening in Union Gap this fall, or by visiting the ‘Visit Union Gap’ website Halloween events page.
North American Detection of Sunflower Broomrape Confirmed in Yakima
Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana) is a highly invasive, parasitic weed of the sunflower (Asteracea) family. It is unable to photosynthesize and relies entirely on the host plant. Sunflower broomrape causes significant declines in the health and productivity of plants in the sunflower family and could be devastating to sunflower production. The plants also produce hundreds of thousands of seeds which remain viable in the soil for decades.
Find more information on what to look for and who to contact if you see sunflower broomrape, by navigating to the Washington State Department of Agriculture website.
4-H Resources & Important Links
Quick links, references, and other useful information for 4-H clubs and families
“WSU Yakima County Extension empowers our families, communities, and local partners through a network of educators and volunteers to provide research-based outreach and creative solutions to enhance agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and quality of life.”
Alison White – Regional Specialist
4-H Youth Development
alison.white@wsu.edu
Autumn Britt – 4-H Program Manager
4-H Youth Development
autumn.britt@wsu.edu
Katlyn Shockey – 4-H Program Specialist
4-H Youth Development
yakima.4h@wsu.edu
katlyn.shockey@co.yakima.wa.us