Wells County
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Wells County Happenings
Enrollment for the 2025-26 4-H Program year begins October 1st!
Summer Intern Applications now open! Applications are also available in the Purdue Extension...
Join us for 5 Essentials to Healthy Living in this spring's Senior Snippets program!
Discover new skills at Gardening 101, part of this spring's Senior Snippets!
Don't miss this award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels!
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 BookPurdue Extension Wells County Summer Intern Application
Looking for a unique and hands-on summer internship? Consider joining our team! Download our application or stop by our office - applications are due March 31! This position is ideal for college students with an interest in education, agriculture and natural resources, youth development, and/or health and human sciences!
Apply Today!ServSafe 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 March/April 2026 edition includes the following articles:
can diet help with inflammation?
Did you know there may be a link between inflammation and increased risk for chronic diseases? Some studies have found an association between chronic inflammation and conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Inflammation Is a Normal Body Response to Promote Healing
Typically, we think of signs of inflammation as redness, swelling and pain. However, inflammation can be
both a sign that the body is fighting infection or trying to heal from injury. Signs of inflammation may not always be obvious, like with a respiratory condition. Other signs might be easy to see, like a wound on the skin. Whatever the cause, long-term chronic inflammation may damage the body’s DNA, increasing the risk for other chronic conditions.
Foods and Inflammation
While various anti-inflammatory diets are promoted online, researchers are still exploring how the foods we eat may affect inflammation. However, eating a variety of nutritious foods may help manage inflammation in the body by providing nutrients that help keep your immune system working well:
Fruits and vegetables contain natural components called phytonutrients that may help protect against inflammation. Healthy fats that help boost brain and heart health, such as monounsaturated fats and
omega-3 fatty acids, may help reduce inflammation. Foods high in saturated fats may increase inflammation. Plus, highly processed foods and other foods with trans fat also may be inflammatory.
Are There "Anti-inflammatory Foods”?
Dark chocolate (more than 70% cocoa), red wine, green tea, turmeric and ginger are thought to help reduce inflammation. But, much of the research on anti-inflammatory effects of these foods comes from studies done with lab animals. We cannot form conclusions about how these foods impact inflammation in people at this time. And, it is not yet known how much and how often “anti-inflammatory” foods must be eaten to combat inflammation. For now, the best advice is to adopt a healthy eating style.
Five Dietary Approaches That May Help Reduce Inflammation
Step 1: Make Fruits and Vegetables Half Your Plate
Aim to include vegetables and fruits with every meal. Eat a variety of brightly colored vegetables and fruits. All forms count — including fresh, frozen, canned and dried. Just be sure to look for products with no added sugars and lower amounts of sodium. Focus on vegetables from each subgroup weekly. Include dark green, red and orange vegetables, as well as beans and peas.
Step 2: Be Smart about Protein
Five to six ounce-equivalents per day is appropriate for most people who are moderately active. An ounce-equivalent is equal to about 1 ounce of cooked animal-based protein like beef, poultry or fish; 1 egg; ¼ cup of cooked beans; 1 tablespoon of nut butter; or ½ ounce of nuts or seeds. Enjoy meatless meals with tofu, tempeh, beans, peas and lentils. Choose leaner protein foods, such as skinless chicken or turkey or lean cuts of beef and pork. Include low-fat or fat-free dairy products, like skim milk and yogurt, which are lower in saturated fat. Minimize highly processed foods such as deli meat, bacon and sausage.
Step 3: Choose Healthy Fats
Use monounsaturated fats, including olive, safflower, sunflower, canola, peanut and avocado oils. Eat omega-3 rich foods. Enjoy salmon or another fatty fish two to three times per week. Snack on nuts, such as walnuts. Toss ground flaxseed, chia seeds and hemp seeds into salads and other dishes. Minimize highly processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils and high amounts of saturated fat.
Step 4: Select Whole Grains
Choose whole-grain flours and cereals more often, rather than those made with refined flour. Include a variety of whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, millet and wheat berries.
Step 5: Experiment with Fresh Herbs and Spices
Infuse flavor into your dishes by adding fresh herbs. Spice up your recipes by experimenting with spices.
Other Lifestyle Factors
While what you eat is important, it's not the only factor that impacts chronic inflammation. Some healthy habits to include in your lifestyle: Get adequate sleep — both quality and duration of sleep impact inflammation. Be active — regular physical activity has anti-inflammatory effects. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day on most days of the week. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight — excess body fat may contribute to increased inflammation.
Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org)
calendar of events
March 2026start walking for exercise
There are many benefits to leading an active lifestyle. Participation in regular physical activity decreases the risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and breast, colon, bladder, kidney, and lung cancer. In addition, an active lifestyle can improve your cholesterol, lower your blood pressure, improve your sleep, and increase your energy. But you don’t have to join a gym or buy expensive equipment to get these benefits. Walking is a great way to increase your physical activity.
Why walking?
Walking is one of the best types of physical activities because it is accessible to almost everyone, doesn’t require specific skills or equipment, is inexpensive, can be done in a variety of settings (in your neighborhood, at the mall, around a track), and can be performed at any chosen intensity.
How much walking and physical activity do I need?
The current U.S. Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) each week of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking. This activity should be spread throughout the week.
How to get started
• Start slow and easy. If you haven’t gone for a walk in a while, walk 10 minutes to start.
• Do some gentle stretching before, during, and after your walk.
• Pay attention to your posture. Walk with your head lifted, eyes forward, and tummy pulled in.
• Focus on breathing. If you can’t talk during your walks, you are trying to do too much. Slow down and take a few deep breaths. If you can sing, you are doing too little. Pick up your pace a bit.
• Bring water and wear a hat on sunny days.
• In the cold, wear layers, a hat, and gloves. Your base layer should fit snugly to keep you warm and wick away moisture. Your outer layer shouldblock the wind.
• Wear a comfortable pair of gym shoes. If your shoes are new, break them in before starting your walk.
• Slowly increase the pace, distance, and/or frequency of your walks.
Set goals
• Set short-term and long-term goals. If you currently don’t have a walking routine, try setting a short-term
goal of 10–15 minutes of walking 4–5 times a week. After you have met this goal for a few weeks, gradually increase the time and frequency of your walks.
• Set a long-term goal of walking 30-60 minutes, 5-7 days a week.
• Track your progress by recording how long and how far you walked each time and how you felt during
your walks. This could be done with paper and pen or by using a smartphone app such as MapMyWalk or Walkmeter. Over time, you will see how your walks add up, and the next day’s walk won’t seem as intimidating when you see how much you’ve already done.
• Add your walks into your calendar or to-do list. This helps make your walks part of your daily routine instead of an extracurricular activity.
Tips to add walking into every day
• Park farther away from your place of work, the grocery store, the mall entrance, etc.
• Walk during your lunch break.
• Instead of having coffee with friends, take a walk with them.
• While at work, instead of emailing a colleague, walk to that person’s desk.
• Whenever you are on your cellphone, stand up and walk around.
Note: Doing a moderate amount of activity, such as brisk walking, is generally safe for most people. However, if you have any health concerns or medical conditions, be sure to check with your health-care provider for advice on starting your walking program.
Source: Purdue Extension - Health & Human Sciences (extension.purdue.edu/hhs)
upcoming events
preserve smart: a 5-session virtual food preservation series
The series will be offered on Mondays in March LIVE from 6:00 PM-7:00 PM EST, all sessions to be recorded. Visit our Events page for more information. Register here.
senior snippets: 5 essentials to healthy living
All Programs Held At: Washington Park Indoor Pavilion, 710 S. Mulberry St. Bluffton, IN, 46714. To register, please contact Bluffton Parks Department, 260-824-6069 or e-mail events@blufftonindiana.gov. Visit our Events page for more information.
Hydration for Health - April 14, 2026, 2:00 PM
Sleep for Health - April 21, 2026, 2:00 PM
Eating for Health - April 28, 2026, 2:00 PM
Nature for Health - May 5, 2026, 2:00 PM
Physical Activity for Health - May 12, 2026, 2:00 PM
wells county extension homemaker's events
Volunteer Community Work Day - April 20th, 2026
1:30-3:30 at Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton. Open to all! Please bring fabric scissors.
Annual Extension Homemaker's Festival - May 14th, 2026
Wells County Community Center, 4-H Park, Bluffton. Registration information to come.
purdue day of giving
All donations stay in Wells County and benefit Purdue Extension programming. Watch for more information on our Facebook page: Purdue Extension Wells County.
dial gauge pressure canner testing
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.
News Notes for 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 March 2026 issue of News Notes for Parents, you will find the following articles:
green, green, the more you eat...
March is the month I begin to think about green again after going through winter without. March is the start of Spring, the month of St. Patrick’s Day, and when some folks begin thinking about planting seeds for their gardens. Speaking of green and gardening, leafy greens are generally a cool season crop with short growing periods. They can be planted in late spring and again in early fall because they thrive in more mild temperatures.
There are many varieties of leafy greens offering assorted flavors and textures. Using a few different types of greens can help make a salad much more interesting and enjoyable. More than that, leafy greens can be incorporated into eggs at breakfast, casseroles, pastas, soups, and stews towards the end of their cooking process.
Creating a mix of colors, textures, and shapes can help turn the vegetable dish into something to get more excited about. Romaine lettuce provides a crisp texture and is often used when making Caesar type salads. Arugula is actually a part of the mustard family and gives a distinct peppery flavor that can be a nice addition to a sandwich. Mizuna is recognized for its fringed leaves and tangy flavor that is sometime incorporated into salad mixtures. Spinach is one of the more well known, dark green varieties. Spinach has a fairly mild flavor that becomes increasingly savory as the leaves turn more wrinkled and curlier. Red leaf lettuce gives the salad more color making it more aesthetically pleasing and nutrient dense. Red offers different nutrients than its green counterparts.
The more colorful our plates and the richer those colors are, the more nutrients we gain. The darker the green, the richer in nutrients. This concept makes spinach a great choice. The flavors are mild and it’s pretty versatile in its uses. Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked. Cooking methods include sautéing, cooking in the microwave, and steaming on a stovetop. Remove any large, tough stems from the leaves. For best cleaning practices, soak leaves in a bowl of lukewarm water and leave them for several minutes to remove dirt. Drain the water and rinse the leaves again under a light stream of cool water. Allow spinach leaves to dry almost completely on a paper towel prior to storage. Store in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Spinach can be frozen for up to 5 months.
Tip: Salad dressing is great! Vinegar and oil, regular, or reduced fat are all ok! Dressing can actually be beneficial when used in portions of 1-2 tablespoons at a time. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are all fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamins A and K are often found in lettuce and greens and will be better absorbed in our bodies when we add a little fat to the mix. Other sources of fat that can be added to a salad are avocados, shredded cheese, egg, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
Credit: Jessica Riffle, HHS Educator Purdue Extension–Fulton County. Photo Credit: Canva.
fix it and forget it: basic tips for crock pot success
To test a crock pot’s accuracy, heat two quarts of water on Low for eight hours and check the temperature immediately after removing the lid. It should be between 180°F and 200°F. Temperatures above 200°F may overcook food, while temperatures below 180°F are unsafe and indicate the crock pot should be replaced.
Low cooking temperatures range from 180–200°F and High is about 300°F. One hour on High equals two to two and a half hours on Low. Crock pots should be filled halfway to three-quarters full, with vegetables placed on the bottom and meat on top. Do not remove the lid during the first quarter of cooking. Cooked food should not be stored in the crock pot.
For easier cleanup, use a liner or spray the crock pot. Juices can be thickened by cooking uncovered on High at the end or by stirring in a cornstarch and cold-water mixture. Food must reach 140°F within four hours for safety. Frozen food should not be cooked or reheated in a crock pot; reheat by other methods first, then keep warm on Low. In the event of a power outage, discard food if you are not home, or finish cooking immediately by another method if you are home. Store leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate within two hours, reheating by other means before holding warm in the crock pot.
Credit: Linda Souchon - Purdue Extension-Johnson County Office
slow cooker salsa chicken
Ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 (16-oz.) containers medium salsa
8 cups hot cooked rice
Directions:
1. Place chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker; sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Add salsa.
2. Cover and cook on HIGH until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thighs registers 165°F, about 2 hours. Turn off slow cooker. Transfer chicken to a large heatproof bowl and let cool 10 minutes.
3. Shred meat into bite-size pieces. Add liquid in slow cooker to chicken; toss to coat. Serve over hot rice.
Credit: Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe
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!
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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 found online at https://extension.purdue.edu/county/wells/_docs/202 6-summer-intern-application.pdf or 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: https://cascade.it.purdue.edu/renderfile/d5dc8eedac1e8ce102a7964b2a325160/county/wells/wells-4h/_docs/infb-legacy-award.pdf
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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