Wells County
The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the nation's largest providers of scientific research-based information and education. It's a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service program areas are:
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Health and Human Sciences
Community Development
4-H Youth Development
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What We Do
We improve lives and livelihoods by delivering tested and trusted educational resources. The Cooperative Extension Service is one of the nation's largest providers of scientific research-based information and education. It's a network of colleges, universities, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serving communities and counties across America. The Purdue Extension focuses on: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Human and Health Sciences, Economic and Community Development and 4-H Youth.
Contact Us
Purdue Wells County Extension
horan@purdue.edu
1240 4-H Park Road
Bluffton, IN 46714
(260) 824-6412
Office Hours: M-F, 8 AM-4:30 PM
Wells County Happenings
2026 Wells County Fair Shirt Order Forms Order deadline is Monday June 8, 2026
2026 Wells County Mini 4-H Night Registration Form
2026 10-Year Member Recognition All forms and photographs are due May 31, 2026!
2026 Caley Award Application
Enrollment for the 2025-26 4-H Program year begins October 1st!
2026 Wells County 4-H Rule Book
Check out the 2026 Wells County 4-H Rule Book for updated information about your 4-H projects.
2026 Wells County 4-H Rule BookServSafe Classes Offered
For more information and a list of available training's and exams in our area visit the Purdue ServSafe link below.
Learn More HereWells County Newsletters
Check out Health and Human Science Newsletters with helpful articles on health, nutrition, family and finances.
The May/June 2026 edition includes the following articles:
protect against air pollution
You can’t see most air pollution. You can’t smell much of it, either. But polluted air—both outdoors and indoors—can still affect your health.
“Nearly everyone on the planet is exposed to unhealthy air at least some of the time,” says Dr. Stavros
Garantziotis, a lung doctor and researcher at NIH. Breathing polluted air doesn’t just affect the lungs. Because the lungs connect directly to the bloodstream, pollutants can travel through the body. Once there, they can cause inflammation, which raises the risk of many health problems. These include
asthma, heart disease, stroke, brain disorders, and some cancers.
“The same air pollution exposure doesn’t affect everyone the same way,” says Garantziotis. This is especially true for people with asthma.
Asthma is a disease that makes breathing hard. It can be worsened by polluted air. Children, older adults, and people with heart disease or diabetes can also be affected more seriously.
After a high-pollution day, asthma attacks increase in children. Hospital visits for heart attacks and strokes in older adults also go up. Some pollutants may even increase the risk of cancer.
Air pollution today looks different than it did decades ago. Regulations have helped reduce some harmful emissions. Lead pollution decreased after it was removed from gasoline. Levels of sulfur dioxide have fallen because of cleaner power plants. But other sources of pollution remain.
Particulate matter is a major component of air pollution. These are tiny particles in the air that can get deep into the lungs. These particles come from vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes.
Another problem pollutant is ozone. Ozone is a gas that can irritate and damage the airways. It forms when sunlight reacts with certain pollutants.
Wildfire smoke is also a growing concern. Wildfires are happening more often and burning more intensely. They release tiny particles, metals, and chemicals that can travel hundreds of miles.
“Smoke doesn’t stay where the fire is,” Garantziotis explains. “It goes wherever the wind takes it.”
Outdoor pollution doesn’t stop at your front door. It seeps inside your home. Indoor air can also be polluted by everyday sources, such as gas stoves, fireplaces, cigarette smoke, mold, dust, pet dander, and pests.
“Indoor air quality is often overlooked, but it’s something people can actually do something about,” Garantziotis says. As a lung doctor, he tells his patients to take simple steps to reduce exposure.
Garantziotis and his research team are studying how lung cells heal after exposures. They found that air pollution can break apart supportive material around lung cells. The loose material irritates the lung cells and makes it harder to breathe. His work suggests that giving a healthy form of this material, called hyaluronan, may help restore lung health.
Scientists are also studying why some people are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution. Understanding why could help doctors prevent and treat related illnesses.
Source: News In Health, a monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health (newsinhealth.nih.gov)
upcoming events
save the date!
dial gauge pressure canner testing
Dial gauge pressure canner testing is available at the Wells County Extension Office. Drop off your dial gauge pressure canner at the Extension Office M-F, 8 AM-4:30 PM. We will call you to pick it up once it has been tested. Canners can be dropped off at the Wells County Community Center, 1240 4-H Park Road, Bluffton. Cost of inspection is $5.00.
mastering home food preservation workshop
Purdue Extension Randolph County, 1885 US 27, Winchester, IN 47394
Training Dates: May 26-29, 2026. 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM EST.
Online Registration: https://cvent.me/3eLKY7
Cost: $325.00, Notebook included
Valuable Resources, In-Depth Lectures, Interactive Discussions, Hands-on Practice, Take Home Products. USDA Home Food Preservation recommended procedures are taught. Instructors will provide instructional course work and preservation labs.
Topics Covered: Food Safety, Boiling Water Canning, Pressure Canning, Pickling & Fermenting, Freezing & Dehydrating, Jams and Jellies
Event Contact: Janel Franks, HHS Educator Purdue Extension. franksjs@purdue.edu. 765-348-3213.
Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity / Equal Access University. If you are in need of accomodations to attend this program or an interpreter / translator please contact franksjs@purdue.edu by May 12, 2026.
dining with diabetes
Do you have diabetes? Want to make the best choices for your health? We can help...
Dates, Times: Wednesdays - JUNE 3, 10, 17, & 24th from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. This is a progression series, therefore attendance to each session is encouraged.
Location: Waynedale United Methodist, 2501 Church Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46800
Cost: FREE* with support of IDOH & CDC
Nutrition and physical activity are keys to managing your type 2 diabetes. But where do you start? The Dining with Diabetes program can help! Dining with Diabetes consists of four sessions and a reunion. Adults with type 2 diabetes (or who are at risk) are invited to participate. Family members, caregivers, and support persons, too.
The schedule:
Week 1 – What is diabetes? / Snacks & appetizers
Week 2 – Carbs & sweeteners / Desserts
Week 3 – Fats & sodium / Main dishes
Week 4 – Putting it all together! / Side dishes
Reigstration is limited to 20 participants, and the deadline is March 31st. If you require special accommodations to attend this event or have questions, email: creigh@purdue.edu or call: 260-636-2111. *This project is supported by IDOH with funding from CDC. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.
News Notes to Parents is a newsletter geared towards parents with children ages 8 and under. You will find articles about parenting, early childhood education, nutrition and much more.
In the May 2026 issue of News Notes for Parents, you will find the following articles:
kids in the garden: a nutritious and fun experience
Research shows that when children help grow fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to eat more
produce and try new foods. Gardening offers benefits beyond nutrition—it encourages curiosity, builds confidence, teaches responsibility, and provides a fun way for families to spend time outdoors being physically active.
Getting kids involved in the entire gardening process is key. Younger children often enjoy hands on activities like digging, planting seeds, and watering, while older kids may be interested in how plants grow and learning from seed packets. Let children help choose what to plant and assign them
simple tasks like watering, weeding, or harvesting. This involvement increases their excitement and willingness to taste what they’ve grown.
Gardening also creates natural opportunities for taste testing. Encourage kids to try fruits and vegetables straight from the garden after rinsing them. You can also connect gardening to cooking by using homegrown produce in simple recipes like salsa, soups, or sauces, helping children see the full journey from garden to table.
Starting with easy-to-grow plants can help build confidence and maintain interest. Herbs such as basil, parsley, and rosemary are great beginner options because they grow quickly and abundantly. Extra herbs can be preserved by drying or freezing for later use. Fast-growing vegetables like green beans, cucumbers, and grape tomatoes are also rewarding for kids, as they can quickly see the results of their efforts. Sunflowers are another fun choice, offering both visual appeal and edible seeds.
Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and beets add an element of surprise and excitement, as harvesting them can feel like a treasure hunt. Their bright colors and familiar flavors may also encourage children to try new foods.
Gardening doesn’t require a large yard. Many plants, including tomatoes, greens, cucumbers, and herbs,
can be grown in containers on patios, porches, or even indoors on windowsills. This makes gardening
accessible for families in small spaces. To keep kids engaged, consider growing plants that are visually interesting, such as tiny cherry tomatoes or large pumpkins and squash. Watching plants grow in unusual sizes can spark curiosity and excitement.
Gardening can also be a year-round activity. During colder months, families can plan future gardens by exploring seed catalogs or start indoor plants with grow lights. This keeps children involved and interested even when outdoor gardening isn’t possible.
Overall, gardening is a fun, educational activity that promotes healthy eating, hands-on learning, and
quality family time.
Contributors: Maria, Moore, MBA, RDN, LD. Reviewers: Academy Staff RDN's. Published: April 14, 2022, Reviewed: April 22, 2024. Summarized by Chat GPT. Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/planning/food-security-and-sustainability/kids-in-the-garden-nutritious-and-fun. Photo Credit: Canva
lighten up your cooking
At this point, we are well into spring but we’ve been fortunate to have mild temperatures long before the
start. Has anyone started cooking more outdoors? Is there anyone reading that never stopped cooking
outdoors through the winter months? Often as the weather gets colder, the tendency is to cook warm, very rich, comfort foods. Think about it… creamy casseroles, hearty soups, and warm baked goods top the charts of cold-weather favorites. While all are delicious, eating these items for months on end may provide us with excess calories, high amounts of fat and carbohydrates, and not enough produce.
As it continues to warm up, cooking outside becomes much more appealing. This could be grilling, cooking over a fire, or using a flattop griddle. There are a variety of ways to cook outdoors and many of these cooking methods help to lighten up meals. Grilling allows grease cooking out of the meat to drain off and away from the finished product. Don’t forget to trim, or cut, excess fat off your protein before cooking or prior to eating. It is possible to better control grease when cooking indoors as well. Drain grease after browning meat and don’t add more grease to cook an already higher fat cut of meat. For example, I recently read a recipe that called for 2 tsp. butter in a skillet, prior to cooking bacon! There is enough fat in bacon that slices are practically swimming in it when frying them in a skillet. There is no need to add butter to this cooking process.
When you are using lower-fat cuts of meat, choose oils higher in unsaturated fats for your cooking process, and be mindful of the portions used. This can be great to use when making a stir-fry blend using chicken breast or shrimp and multiple vegetables. If your goal is to make lean meals go even further, try using spray oil in place of bottled. Coating the pan with a layer of spray may help to more evenly distribute the cooking oil without saturating the ingredients. This method can be used inside or outside on a larger flat top surface.
Incorporating beans and lentils into your proteins is another way to lighten up meals. These proteins mix especially well with ground meats whether you’re making sloppy joe, soup, taco meat, or hamburgers. Not only are beans and lentils a fiber-rich protein, they are also inexpensive and help your protein dollars stretch farther. Green lentils may be pressed into burger patties, red lentils could easily be mixed into soups, and black beans stir well into ground taco meat. This list is not exhaustive, find a bean or color of lentil that you like best and begin experimenting! As they say, “Don’t knock it before you try it!"
Article Credit: Jessiva Riffle. Photo Credit: Canva
Molly Hoag, Health & Human Sciences Educator www.extension.purdue.edu/wells. News Notes To Parents is a product of Purdue Extension—Wells County. If you have comments or need information, call (260) 824-6412. The office is located at 1240 4-H Park Road, Bluffton, IN 46714. Tell someone about us!
Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.
Wells County 4-H Newsletter
March/April
A letter from the educator...
The weather is getting (slightly) warmer, and with that comes a full 4-H Calendar and lots of excitement
at the Wells County 4-H Park. In this issue of our newsletter, you’ll find many opportunities to get
involved in some of the great things we’ve got coming up.
Spring is a great time for new beginnings, and we’re excited to see what new things are in store for the
Wells County 4-H program. This spring season, take some time to enjoy something in the 4-H program
that you haven’t before! Enroll in a new project, volunteer for something you haven’t before, attend a club
meeting if you haven’t in a while.
If you get stuck at any point along the way, the Purdue Extension Office is happy to assist. Feel free to
contact us with any questions - 260-824-6412, or Anya at aaulbach@purdue.edu, McKenzie at
mksteele@purdue.edu, or Megan at schwa350@purdue.edu.
Sincerely,
Anya
2026 Wells County 4-H Fair
The 2026 Fair Theme is “Planting the Seeds to Success”, which helps recognize how 4-H “plants seeds” to help 4-H members succeed.
The 2026 Wells County Fair is July 11-16!
!! 4-H GARDEN EXHIBITORS - NEW IN 2026 !!
This past fall, the 4-H Council and 4-H Expo Hall Committee decided to help garden exhibitors ensure their projects were being judged at their freshest, Garden Judging would be held at the same time as Foods Judging - Monday July 6. Garden Project Check-In will be from 3 - 5:30 PM and Open Judging will begin at 5:30 PM.
Calendar of Events
March
3/1/26 Llama & Alpaca Meeting @ 4PM
3/1/26 Horse & Pony Meeting @ 6PM
3/5/26 Mini 4-H @ 5:30PM
3/5/26 Junior Leaders @ 6:15PM
3/5/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
3/7/26 Beef & Dairy Beef ID Day @ 8AM
3/8/26 Park Clean-Up Day @ 2PM
3/8/26 Hurryin’ Harrisons @6:30PM
3/10/26 BB & Rifle @ 6:30PM
3/12/26 Robotics @ 6:30PM
3/12/26 Dog Club
3/14/26 Liberty Happy-Go-Lucky @ 9AM
3/16/26 QLC @ 5:30PM
3/16/26 4-H Association @ 7PM
3/17/26 BB & Rifle @ 6:30PM
3/19/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
3/21/26 Nottingham Nobles @ 4PM
3/23/26 QLC @ 10AM & 2PM
3/24/26 BB & Rifle @ 6:30PM
3/26/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
3/27/26 QLC @ 11AM
3/29/26 Llama & Alpaca @ 4PM
3/30/26 4-H Camping Opens @ 12PM
3/30/26 4-H Council @ 7PM
3/31/26 BB & Rifle @ 6:30PM
4/2/26 Mini 4-H @ 5:30PM
4/2/26 Robotics @ 6:30PM
4/2/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
4/7/26 Jefferson Knightriders @ 6PM
4/7/26 BB & Rifle @ 6:30PM
4/9/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
4/11/26 Dairy Feeder ID Day @ 8AM
4/11/26 4-H Park Clean-Up Day @ 2PM
4/12/26 Hurryin’ Harrisons @ 6:30PM
4/13/26 Community Club Leaders @ 6:30PM
4/15/26 Dairy Goat Project Meeting @ 6PM
4/16/26 Archery @ 6:30PM
4/16/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
4/16/26 Robotics @ 6:30PM
4/18/26 Shotgun @ 9AM
4/18/26 Archery @ 10AM
4/18/26 Liberty Happy-Go-Lucky @ 3PM
4/18/26 Nottingham Nobles @ 4PM
4/19/26 Llama & Alpaca @ 4PM
4/20/26 QLC @ 5:30PM
4/20/26 4-H Association @ 7PM
4/23/26 Archery @ 6:30PM
4/23/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
4/25/26 Shotgun @ 9AM
4/25/26 Archery @ 10AM
4/30/26 Archery @ 6:30PM
4/30/26 Dog Club @ 6:30PM
4/30/26 Robotics @ 6:30PM
Upcoming Newsletters:
May 2026 Issue
June 2026 Issue
July 2026 Issue
August/September 2026 Issue
October 2026 Issue
November/December 2026 Issue
January / February 2027 Issue
Club Reminders
Remind Hub
Wells County 4-H is now using Remind services! Contact your club leader for your club’s code and check it out! Our goal is to release information through this platform.
Club Leaders
If you have not yet sent your meeting dates for 2026 to the Extension Office, please do so ASAP!
COUNTY-WIDE CLUBS
Mini 4-H
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN) from 5:30 - 6:15 PM.
▪March 5 – Forestry ▪April 2 – Foods ▪May 7 – Crafts ▪June 11 – Bugs
Robotics Club
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN) from 6:30 - 8:00 PM.
▪March 12 ▪April 2 ▪April 16 ▪April 30
Junior Leaders
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN)
▪March 5 @ 5:30 PM - Expo Hall ▪April 2 @ 5:30 PM - Expo Hall ▪May 7 @ 5:30 PM - Expo Hall ▪May 19 @ 6:00 PM - Backpack Packing – Junior Leader Booth ▪June 11 @ 5:30 PM - Expo Hall ▪June 25 @ 3:30 PM - Booth Workday & Mini 4-H Night ▪July 28 @ 6:00 PM - End of Year Banquet & Officer Elections - Expo Hall ▪September 10 @ 5:30 PM - Officer Training - Meeting Rooms
COMMUNITY CLUB MEETINGS
Hurryin’ Harrisons:
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN) and will take place from 6:30 - 7:30 PM.
▪March 8 @ Meeting Rooms ▪April 12 @ Meeting Rooms ▪May 3 @ Expo Hall ▪June 7 @ Expo Hall ▪June 28 @ Meeting Rooms
Nottingham Nobles
All meetings will be held at the Petroleum Community Church (3625 2 St, Petroleum, IN) and will take place from 4:00 - 5:30PM.
▪March 21 ▪April 18 ▪May 16 ▪June 27
Liberty Happy-Go-Lucky
March 14 @ Liberty Center Park (Clean-Up) - 9 AM
April 18 @ Liberty Center Community Church - 3 - 4:30 PM
May 9 *Tentative Card Delivery Date @ 4 PM
May 16 @ Liberty Center Community Church - 3 PM
Jefferson Knightriders
April 7 @ Archbold & Wilson Park Pavilion (Ossian) - 6 PM
May 8 - Fundraiser @4:30 - 6:30PM - more details coming soon!
June 4 @ Archbold & Wilson Park Pavilion (Ossian) - 6 PM
July 8 - Pre-Fair Potluck @ 4-H Park Cookshack - 6 PM
SHOOTING SPORTS MEETINGS
Archery Club
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN). Thursday meetings will be from 6:30 - 8:00PM, Saturday meetings from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
Thursday:
▪April 16 ▪April 23 ▪April 30 ▪May 7 ▪May 14 ▪May 21 ▪May 28 ▪June 4
Saturday:
▪April 18 ▪April 25 ▪May 2 ▪May 9 ▪May 16 ▪May 23 ▪May 30 ▪June 6
Archery banquet will be June 10 @ 6:00 PM
BB & Rifle Club
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN) from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.
▪March 10 ▪March 17 ▪March 24 ▪March 31 ▪April 7 - Awards Night
Shotgun Club
Hold your calendars for Saturdays from 9 - 11 AM from April 18 - June 6. More information to come!
2026 Rule Book
The 2026 Edition of the Wells County 4-H Rule Book is now available! Rulebooks are available for purchase at the Extension Office ($7 for full binder / $3 for 2026 insert) or for free online: chromeextension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://extension.purdue.edu/county/wells/wells-4h/_docs/2026-4-hrule-book.pdf
Project Manual Request Form
While record sheets and completed project books are not a requirement to exhibit at the Wells County 4-H Fair, they still contain a fair bit of value to the 4-H experience! We continue to encourage you to follow along in your project manuals and record sheets.
If you do not plan to exhibit a project at the Wells County 4-H Fair but still would like to "complete" the project for this year, project record sheets/manuals do need to be completed and turned in to the Purdue Extension Wells County Office by July 1. Please utilize our project manual request form so we can ensure that everyone gets the manual(s) they need! Form: https://forms.gle/aS4G9n8FT4XpdaWD9
!! May 15 !!
Mark your calendars for May 15 - this is the most important date in the 4-H Calendar! May 15 is the add/drop deadline for projects. ALL animals that are required to be identified in 4-H Online must be entered into 4-H Online by May 15. There will be no opportunity to exhibit animals not identified properly in 4-H Online at the Wells County Fair or State Fair. DNA samples for State Fair bound livestock must also be submitted to the Extension Office by May 15th.
2026 Rule Book Please check your rulebook and call the office with any questions!
ANIMAL PROJECT CLUB MEETINGS
Llama & Alpaca Club
All meetings will be at 4PM.
▪March 1 - Meeting Rooms ▪March 29 - Meeting Rooms ▪April 19 - Meeting Rooms (Required Safety Meeting) ▪May 2 - (Required Shearing Meeting) ▪May 3 - (Required Shearing Meeting) ▪May 10 - Outdoor Meeting ▪May 17 - Outdoor Meeting ▪May 24 - Outdoor Meeting ▪May 31 - Outdoor Meeting ▪June 7 - Outdoor Meeting ▪June 14 - Outdoor Meeting ▪June 21 - Outdoor Meeting ▪June 28 - Outdoor Meeting ▪July 5 - Outdoor Meeting
Dairy Goat
Dairy Goat exhibitors and families are encouraged to attend the following:
Project Meeting - April 15 @ Wells Co. 4-H Park Meeting Room - 6:00-8:00 PM
Showmanship Clinic - May 9 @ Wells Co. 4-H Park Show Arena - 10:30 - 1:00 PM
Project Leaders:
If you are hosting a workshop or meeting, please share those dates with the Extension Office. To book the 4-H Park, please contact Allie at aalma@purdue.edu or 260-824-1689).
Horse & Pony Club
All events will be at the Horse & Pony arena at Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN)
▪May 2 @ 9AM Vaccine Clinic ▪May 4 @ 6PM ▪May 5 @ 6PM ▪May 11 @ 6PM ▪May 12 @ 6PM ▪May 18 @ 6PM ▪May 19 @ 6PM ▪May 25 @ 6PM
Dog Club
All meetings will be at Perfect Pet, Bluffton IN and will start @ 6:30PM.
▪April 16 ▪April 23 ▪April 30 ▪May 7 ▪May 14 ▪May 21 ▪May 28 ▪June 4 ▪June 11 ▪June 18 ▪June 25 ▪July 2 ▪July 9
ID Days
All ID Days will take place at the Wells County 4-H Park - 1240 4-H Park RD, Bluffton, IN
Dairy Beef & Beef: Saturday, March 7 @ 8AM - 11AM; SW Side of H-Barn
Dairy Feeders: Saturday, April 11 @ 8AM - 11AM; SW Side of H-Barn
Meat Goats & Sheep: Sunday, May 10 @ 5PM - 7PM; NE Side of H-Barn
Keep an eye out for additional details!
Quality livestock care
Quality Livestock Care Training is required for any 4-H youth who is exhibiting cattle, goats, poultry, rabbits, sheep, and swine. Members must attend ONE of the trainings, or complete online YQCA (completion certificates must be submitted to Extension Office). QLC Training will take place in the Expo Hall at the 4-H Park on the following dates:
March 16 @ 5:30PM March 23 @ 10:00AM & 2:00PM March 27 @ 11:00AM April 20 @ 5:30PM May 14 @ 4:00PM & 6:00PM May 18 @ 5:30PM June 8 @ 10:00AM & 2:00PM
Classes are $3 per participant. Payment made at class arrival - cash or check only. Register online at: https://wellscoQLC2026.4honline.com
LIVESTOCK REQUIREMENTS:
4-H Online Animal ID:
With the exception of dogs, cats, and poultry, all animals you may exhibit at the Wells County 4-H Fair or Indiana State Fair must be identified in 4-H Online by May 15th. Animals not identified in 4-H Online by May 15th with NOT be eligible to show at the Wells County or State Fairs. All livestock exhibitors should have a premise ID - these can be obtained through the Indiana Board of Animal Health.
All beef cattle, dairy beef, dairy feeder, dairy cattle, sheep, meat goats, and swine you may possibly want to exhibit at the Indiana State Fair must turn in DNA hair samples for each of those animals. DNA envelopes are available at the Wells County Extension Office. Due to the Wells County Extension Office no later than 4:30PM on May 15th.
QLC/YQCA
Exhibitors enrolled in the beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, poultry and rabbit project must complete either QLC or YQCA by July 1st. More information to the right.
Animal Possession Agreement:
The Animal Possession Agreement form should be filled out by all 4-H members whose animal projects do not reside on their property. This form should be completed and turned in to the Purdue Extension - Wells County Office by May 15th. Please note that this is a change from last year! If your animals reside on your property, or you filled out the animal leasing form, you do NOT need to fill out the Animal Possession Agreement form.
4-H Association
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN) @ 7PM. Meetings are open to the public but only 4-H Association Directors may vote.
▪March 16 ▪April 20 ▪May 18 ▪June 15 ▪August 24 ▪September 14 ▪October 12 ▪November 16
4-H Council
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN) @ 7PM. Meetings are open to the public but only 4-H Council Representatives may vote.
▪March 30 ▪June 15 ▪August 24
Community Club Leaders
All meetings will be held at the Wells County 4-H Park (1240 4-H Park Rd, Bluffton, IN) @ 6:30 PM.
▪April 13 ▪June/July – TBD ▪October 5 ▪November 2
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A 4-H VOLUNTEER?
Contact Anya Aulbach at aaulbach@purdue.edu for more details!
HELP WANTED!
The Wells County 4-H Association has two Park Clean-Up days scheduled for March 8 from 2-4 PM and April 11 from 2-4 PM. There are many projects that we need assistance with! Contact Brandon Gephart at 765-499-7042 for more details!
Volunteer Appreciation Week
Wells County 4-H would not be possible without the hard work of our wonderful volunteers! Currently there are 90 approved adult volunteers involved in the Wells County 4-H program, and we need YOUR help to recognize them for their wonderful service!
Please utilize this form: (https://forms.gle/eJpMFUXUH4xxSe9t6) to recognize a volunteer who has made an impact on you/your family’s 4-H experience. We will share shout-outs on our social media and our website!
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK is April 19 - 25! Wells County 4-H Volunteers are invited to stop by the office for a sweet treat throughout the week.
If there is a volunteer who you feel has made an impact on you, please feel free to stop by that week and write a Thank You card - our office will ensure they are delivered!
Volunteer Opportunities
We are seeking volunteers to assist in the following roles:
Junior Leaders Co-Advisor: Seeking 1-2 Adult Volunteers to assist the 4-H Educator with meetings and management of the Junior Leader
Booth This group meets monthly from October - June.
Mini 4-H Co-Leader: Seeking 1-2 Adult Volunteers to assist the 4-H Educator with Mini 4-H meetings and activities. This group meets monthly from March - June. Contact Anya at aaulbach@purdue.edu if interested!
10-Year Members
Congratulations on a DECADE of 4-H! We want to help recognize your tremendous accomplishments - please help us do so by filling out the information form and uploading your photos by May 31! Either fill out the online form using this link: https://forms.gle/z9YpAfAQkXNbUwWQ9 or get a paper form from the office.
Photos should be uploaded to the online form or emailed to aaulbach@purdue.edu. Please reach out to the Extension Office with any questions!
4-H Ambassadors
7-12 Graders with an interest in representing the Wells County 4-H Program as a 4-H Ambassador are encouraged to apply. Applications will be available in May!
Caley Award
The Wells County 4-H Caley Award recognizes outstanding 4-H involvement to two 4-Hers annually. Applications will be available for this award in May!
Summer Internships
Purdue Extension Wells County is NOW HIRING for our summer internship positions! These positions are ideal for a college student studying in the areas of agriculture, education, youth development, health and human sciences, or community services. The internship runs from mid-May to mid-August. Applicants should not be active Wells County 4-Hers. Interns will work in the Extension Office, assist with Extension Programming, and help manage the Junior Leader Booth at the 4-H Fair. Applications can be picked up in the office. Applications are due at the Extension Office by March 31!
Indiana Farm Bureau Tenure Award Change
The Indiana Farm Bureau Tenure Award historically has been awarded to two 4-Hers with the most involvement in 4-H. Starting in 2026, this award is changing to the 4-H Legacy Award. This award will only be awarded to ONE 4-H member per county. In order to better meet the selection criteria of this change, we are asking individual interested in pursuing this award to submit an application by April 15 to the Extension Office. Applications are available here
Animal Science Day Camp
Join us this summer for an exciting day camp filled with hands-on learning and discovery. Explore the world of animal science through interactive sessions on meat science, biosecurity, animal science technology, nutrition, food safety, and more! June 17, 2026 - 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM Register on 4-H Online: https://animalscience2026.4honline.com by June 10! $25 for 4-H Members, $30 for Non 4-H Participants!
NORTHEAST INDIANA 4-H CAMP
Registration for Northeast Indiana 4-H Camp is NOW OPEN! 4-H Camp is an opportunity for youth in 3-6 grade to spend a few nights away from home and reconnect with the outdoors. At 4-H Camp, campers will take classes in STEM, Animal Science, Creative Arts, Outdoor Sports, Food Science, and more! Campers will also have the opportunity to play at the Air Park, go on the giant swing, and spend some time at the beach!
Northeast Indiana 4-H Camp is at Epworth Forest in North Webster, IN, which is about an hour and a half northwest of Bluffton. Youth from Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, St. Joseph, Steuben, Wabash, and Wells Counties are invited to participate. Campers will be led by a great team of camp counselors representing their counties!
The Wells County 4-H Association has generously decided to sponsor 50% of youth’s registration fee for camp this year, so Wells County 4-Hers are able to attend camp for just $90.00! When registering, please use the coupon code OBWJQJ to ensure this discount is applied. Registration is through 4-H Online - https://2026NEINCamp.4honline.com. Registration closes on May 1, but spots are limited, so secure your place today! Registration is not complete until payment is made. Checks or Cash can be turned in to the Extension Office. Checks should be made payable to the Wells County 4-H Association.
INDIANA 4-H SUMMER EXPERIENCE
New in 2026 - 4-H Round-Up and 4-H Academy will be held concurrently at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.
These remain two separate events, but both will take place June 10-12.
There will be no State 4-H Band & Chorus this year, but both 4-H Academy and 4-H Round-Up are planning to offer music related programs.
4-H Round-Up is for youth in 7-8 grade and is an opportunity to explore many different careers.
4-H Academy takes a deeper dive into those career paths and is geared toward 9-12 graders.
Registration for both events opens March 15. Contact the Extension Office for more details or visit the Indiana 4-H website: https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/state-programs/index.html for more information!
JUNIOR LEADERS
In January, Wells County 4-Hers heard from former Wells County 4-H Youth Development Educator Roger Scherer and took the Real Colors® Training to help them better understand their leadership style and how they best work with others.
In February, the group made plans for their fair Food Booth, Mini 4-H Activities, Community Service projects, and learned more about Parliamentary Procedure and how it improves the effectiveness of meetings.
JEFFERSON KNIGHTRIDERS
In February, the Jefferson Knightriders 4-H Club served the Wells County Community by packing food packs as a part of the Feeding Tomorrow’s Future Today Weekend Backpack Program! The group packed 191 food packs that were distributed to local youth.
CAMP COUNSELORS
In February, the Northeast Indiana 4-H Camp Team selected three Wells County 4-Hers to serve as Camp Counselors in 2026. Congratulations to Emily Hansen, Abby Ramseyer, and Kaitlyn Stafford! We are so excited to have you representing Wells County!
4-H ASSOCIATION
The 4-H Association is a group of adult volunteers who manage the 4-H Park and financially support the Wells County 4-H Program. In February, they voted to sponsor 50% of registration fees for 4-H Camp for Wells County 4-Hers. They also voted to sponsor 50% of the fees for rulebooks for brand new 4-H families! Help us thank them for their continued support of the 4-H Program!
FAIR CAMPING
Fair Camping Applications open on Monday, March 30 at 12PM (Noon). Camping Applications are to be turned in at the Extension Office. Spots are first come, first serve.
Camping Spots are $225. Camping Forms will be available at the Extension Office starting March 20th. Contact Allie at aalma@purdue.edu or 260-824-1689 with any questions!
2026 JUDGING SCHEDULE
Monday, July 6: Foods, Food Preservation, and Garden – Check in from 3-5:30PM, Judging @ 5:30PM.
Tuesday, July 7: Expo Hall Set-Up @ 6:30PM Wednesday, July 8: Expo Project Check-In (Except for Foods, Food Pres., and Garden) from 3-8PM; Livestock Barn & Facilities Set-Up @ 6PM
Thursday, July 9: Expo Project Judging @ 9AM; Fashion Revue Judging @ 1PM; Horse & Pony Check-In from 5-9PM.
Friday, July 10: Livestock Check-In from 5-8PM.
2026 4-H EVENTS @ FAIR
Saturday, July 11: Parade @ 10AM; Expo Hall Open @ 11:30AM; Dairy Goat Olympics @12:30PM; 4-H Awards @12:30PM; Fashion Revue @ 4PM; 4-H Spirit Night @ 8PM
Sunday, July 12: Rabbit Hopping @ 5PM
Monday, July 13: Sheep & Meat Goat Breakfast @ 7AM; 4-H Champ. Photos @2PM; Sheep & Meat Goat Corn on the Cobb Fundraiser @ 5PM
Wednesday, July 15: Grand Champion Awards @ 6PM; Horse & Pony Fun Show @6PM, Champion Photos @ 6:30PM; Robotics Club Demo @ 6:30PM; Non-Auction Livestock Exhibit Release (10PM -12AM)
Thursday, July 16: Non-Auction LivestockExhibit Release (6AM - 12PM); PremierAuction @ 2PM; Livestock Auction @3:30PM; Expo Project Release (3:30-6PM)
2026 SHOW SCHEDULE
Friday, July 10: Horse & Pony Versatility @ 9AM
Saturday, July 11: Horse & Pony English Performance, Jumping & Trail @ 1PM; Cat Show @ 1:30PM
Sunday, July 12: Llama & Alpaca Show @ 9AM; Horse & Pony Western Performance, Riding, Reining, and Trail @ 9AM; Mini 4-H Rabbit Show @ 1PM; Rabbit Ambassador @ 2PM; Sheep Show @ 4PM; Mini 4-H Horse & Pony Show @ 6PM; Dairy Cattle Show @ 6:30PM
Monday, July 13: Swine Show @ 9AM; Dairy Goat Show @5PM
Tuesday, July 14: Rabbit Show @ 8AM; Meat Goat Show @9AM; Dairy Steer Show @ 4PM; Horse & Pony Contesting @6PM
Wednesday, July 15: Poultry Show @ 9AM; Beef Show @10AM; Royal Showmanship @ 7PM
Thursday, July 16: Dog Show @ 9AM
This publication is an educational service of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service -- Wells County. Additional copies are available from the Wells County office located at 1240 4-H Park Road, Bluffton, IN within the Wells Co, 4-H Park.
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