Education

Sagadahoc 4-H Bulletin Lists Key Deadlines and Programs for January

The Androscoggin and Sagadahoc 4-H office released a January bulletin outlining important deadlines, program opportunities and statewide updates for youth, volunteers and leaders in the Bath-Topsham-Brunswick area. The schedule includes imminent registration cutoffs for livestock and skills programming, new public speaking and performing arts options, and a paid Farm Skills Training opportunity targeted to local young adults.

Marcus Williams•1/10/2026•2 min read

Published 04:05 PM

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Sagadahoc 4-H Bulletin Lists Key Deadlines and Programs for January — Source: extension.umaine.edu

The county 4-H bulletin issued early this month consolidates program dates and deadlines that will shape participation in livestock, STEM, maple sugaring and leadership activities in Sagadahoc County. For families and volunteers assessing what to enroll in this winter and spring, several January deadlines have already passed while others remain active, affecting who can take part.

Key deadlines and sessions noted in the bulletin included a volunteer huddle on navigating 4-H curriculum resources held Jan. 2 and a Jan. 6 deadline for Fryeburg Fair Market Beef applications and the first information session for the new Eastern States poultry and rabbit tracks. The last day to register for the Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals 4-H SPIN Club was Jan. 9, while intent forms for 4-H Eastern States Exposition beef entries are due Jan. 15. Leaders must register clubs for Maple Sugaring 101 by Jan. 26, and two Eastern States poultry and rabbit information sessions are scheduled Jan. 6 and Jan. 22 at 6:00 PM. A volunteer connections session focused on recognizing achievement and inspiring growth is scheduled Jan. 21.

County-level program changes include public speaking updates with a Western/Central qualifying event set for March 7 and a state showcase on April 11. Performing Arts has been added as a new category for public speaking projects. The office also announced plans for a spring open house to welcome current club members and prospective families, providing another local touchpoint for outreach and recruitment.

Statewide and program news amplified opportunities beyond county lines. A virtual Farm Animal Care FUNdamentals SPIN Club for ages 9–18 was slated to begin Jan. 22, with registration links provided in the county post; a Winter STEM Virtual Workshop Series is scheduled for Feb. 17–20 with a Feb. 3 registration deadline. The bulletin highlighted 4-H Maple Sugaring 101 and a new micro-credential, 4-H Foundations of Maple Sugaring Enterprise, available for youth ages 10 and older, with registration and interest forms and staff contacts included for leaders and participants.

A notable workforce-linked opportunity is a paid, part-time Farm Skills Training program administered by the Merrymeeting Food Council and targeted to residents able to travel to the Bath/Brunswick region; applications are due Feb. 1. That program may be particularly relevant for young adults seeking training tied to local food systems and seasonal employment.

The bulletin provides registration pages and county staff contacts for volunteers, leaders and families to follow up. For Sagadahoc County residents, the consolidated calendar and program descriptions establish immediate action points for youth engagement, competitive livestock pathways and emerging skills training linked to the region’s agricultural economy.