Switzerland County Winter Newsletter 2026

Winter Newsletter 2026

Hailey Dornbusch, Kyle Weaver, & Tanya Pike
January 28, 2026

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Published By Kyle Weaver

Pasture Lease Workshop

Join us for an informative workshop designed to help landowners and livestock
producers navigate the complexities of pasture leasing. This session will cover key
topics such as:

Understanding Lease Agreements:Essential components, legal considerations, and common pitfalls.
Setting Fair Rental Rates:Factors influencing pasture value and tools for calculating rates.
Roles and Responsibilities:Clarifying obligations for both landowners and tenants.
Best Practices for Communication:Building strong, long-term leasing relationships.

Event Details

Date: February 16 - 9:00AM; February 23 - 7:00PM

Location: Virtual Program Offered Twice - Pick Which Time Works For You

Cost: FREE

Pasture Lease

Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any
member of the University community on the basis of race,
religion,color,sex,age,national originor ancestry,genetic
information,marital status,parental status,sexual
orientation,gender identity and expression,disability,or
status as a veteran.If you are in need of accommodations to
attend this program,please contact Kyle Weaver prior to the
meeting at 812-427-3152 or keweaver@purdue.edu by
February14th,2026.If you need an interpreter or translator,
please contact Kyle Weaver prior to the meeting at
812-427-3152 or keweaver@purdue.edu by February14th,
2026.

Health & Human Sciences

Food, Family, Finances, & Health

Heart Health

February is right around the corner and it's sure to be full of Valentine's cards and candies. But February isn't just known for its Valentine's hearts.

Recognized as American Heart month, February brings much needed awareness of prevalent heart and cardiovascular health concerns to Americans. The American Heart Association is a renowned resource of heart health information and advocacy; subsequently, breaking down heart health into comprehensible categories in the face of a potentially overwhelming topic. They divide their Healthy Living information into Healthy Eating, Healthy Lifestyle, and Fitness.

To spread Heart Health Awareness during American Heart Month, Switzerland County Health & Human Sciences is covering one topic in each of these categories for our Winter Newsletter 2026. We hope that the information provided will lead to guidance on your health or the health of your friends, neighbors, and loved ones. Take the time to read the information and spread the word by sharing this newsletter with others to help the American Heart Health initiative!

Published By

Hailey Dornbusch

HHS/4-H Youth Development Extension Educator
Purdue Extension-Switzerland County

Help the Heart Health Initiative!

Take the time to read the information and spread the word by sharing this newsletter with others to help the American Heart Health initiative!

Join the Conversation

Heart Healthy Living

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is a great way to start improving your heart health. It is also a proven way to prevent and treat various chronic illnesses!

Late last year, we taught a class called "Food Is Medicine" which showcased delicious, nutritious meals that are built for a healthy lifestyle. Participants of the class learned the basics of nutrition education, ways to make their favorite meals healthier, and how nutrition can affect their wellbeing.

You can find recipes and health tips and tricks from the class on our Food page.

Food Is Medicine

Healthy Lifestyle

Habit Stacking is a healthy lifestyle method that the American Heart Association encourages readers to utilize. That said, many people are already using it! It is a trend amongst health influencers online that advocate for a slower, well-rounded lifestyle.

Why, might you ask, would a slow lifestyle influencer encourage their followers to multitask then? Well, the AHA says, "Habit stacking can help you build a healthier lifestyle by gradually adding positive habits to your daily routine." Meaning, you continue doing what you normally do while adding small, manageable habits to your daily life.

For example, when you turn the news on in the morning, do 10 toe touches as you listen. Or after you get in the car and put your seatbelt on, take several slow, deep breaths before you start your car. These are just a couple of small ways you can implement habit stacking into your daily routine. With an easy way to build healthy habits, you're sure to succeed in your heart health goals!

Habit Stacking

Fitness

As stated by the AHA, "Research has shown that walking can have a significant impact on your health by lowering your chances of heart disease."

The CDC recommends that all adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week. That can be broken down into 30 minutes of brisk walking per day 5 times a week. That may seem like a lot, but when you break it into bite-sized pieces it can feel much more manageable.

You can start you morning with a 10-15 minute walk in the sun before work. Then, if you have time during your lunch break, you can take another short walk for 10-15 minutes. And in the evening after dinner, if you haven't walked your full thirty minutes yet, you can walk for 10 short minutes before ending your day. It's easy to get your shoes on and go. You just have to get up and try!

Fit in Walking

4-H Youth Development

4-H Camp, Project Updates, Important Dates, & More

Congratulations! 2026 4-H Camp Junior Staff

Plans are currently underway for the 2026 4-H Camp!!! Congratulations to the following 4-Hers who will be Counselors in Training, Counselors or Jr. Directors, at the 2026 4-H camp! Switzerland County will be well represented at camp again this year! Camper applications will be available in March. Kayaking 4-H Camp

Counselors in Training

Abigail Alford
Kenna Griffin
Gabe Lieland

Counselors

Dawson Baker
Maisley Bunger
Blaine Fields
Trinity Hall
Ethan Harbert
Casen Haskell
Xavier Jackson
Taylor Kappes
Isabella Lieland
Ty Richards
Payton Stow
Maizen Wainscott
Jonah Webb

Junior Directors

Luke James
Sydney Louden
Peyton Richards

2026 4-H Project & Rule Changes

Animal Project Changes

Cat
Goat
Poultry
Rabbit

Exhibit Hall Project Changes

Computer
Number of exhibits you can take per project
Electric kits will no longer be available at the Extension Office. They can be purchased here:

Electric Kits

4-H Handbook Now Fully Digital

The 4‑H Handbook is now available in a fully digital format, making it easier for families to access the most current program information throughout the year. If you prefer a printed handbook, the Extension Office still provides paper copies upon request.

4-H Handbook 2026

Livestock & Exhibit Hall Dates, Deadlines, & Requirements

Beef—Saturday, February 28, 7-9 am
Goat, Sheep, Swine—Saturday, April 25, 7-9 am
Poultry/Rabbit—Friday, June 26, 6-8 pm

v2.4honline.com
Beef and Dairy Beef Steers, Beef Heifers, Beef/Dairy Feeder Calves, Dairy Cattle, Goats, Horses, Sheep, and Swine by May 15.

Instructions for entering livestock information in 4honline will be given to 4-H’er at the county tagging day.

This site is where you will enter your projects in specific classes. Exhibit hall judging books and livestock show bills are generated from this site. All Exhibit Hall & Livestock projects by June 26.

For Example:

Photography: Color Prints or Color Salon Print.
Beef: Crossbred market steer. Etc.

Fair Entry

In order to participate in Livestock Exhibition, 4-H members must attend at least one Quality Livestock Care (QLC) meeting. Registration in the event section of your 4honline account is required for attendance at this meeting.