4-H Events and Activities

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Achievement Banquet Qualifications are up on the website

 

2025 KAUFMAN COUNTY 4-H AWARDS AND RECOGNITION GUIDELINES

NOTICE: All 4-H members applying for awards (Gold, Silver or Bronze Star; Rookie, Honor Roll, All- Star Letterman; Danforth or Outstanding Community Service, must submit the appropriate paperwork and applications on or before June 20, 2025! Award Interviews will be on July 14-18, 2025 at the Kaufman County Extension Office. Record books for county competition will be due May 23, 2025. If you do not complete your record book by the deadline, you will forfeit your award (only for awards requiring a recordbook). Awards based on 4-H Grade. Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night: TBA

 

RECORDBOOK PINS:

To recognize 4-H members for completion of project work and 4-H participation. 4-H members must complete an awards program record book during the current year. Must meet program objectives of project area and record book must be signed by the current club manager. This is open to all 4-H ages: clover, junior, intermediate, and senior. Participants record books that score at least a red ribbon quality or better on the county level will receive a $10.00 membership scholarship to the next years membership. Participants record books that qualify for district competition will receive a $20.00 membership scholarship to the next years membership.

PROJECT COMPLETION CERTIFICATE:

To recognize 4-H members for completion of project work and 4-H participation. 4-H members must complete an awards program record book during the current year. Must meet program objectives of project area and record book must be signed by the current club manager. This is open to all 4-H ages: clover, junior, intermediate, and senior. Below is the expectations for each age group.

Clover Kids Project Record

Project Pages for Junior, Intermediate and Senior Division.

2025-Generic-Project-Record-Form Fillable
2025-Kaufman-County-4-H-Breeding-Animal-Project fillable
2025-Kaufman-County-4-H-Market-Animal-Project fillable

PARTICIPATION RECOGNITION: To celebrate 4-H members that participated in county, district and state 4-H events.  Project participation - Ribbon Activity Form

JUNIOR AWARDS

(Grades 3-5) - Award Application with All Award Forms

ROOKIE AWARD: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

To recognize outstanding first and second year 4-H members. 4-H members may receive this award only one time. The 4-H member must meet the requirements in the Rookie Application. All candidates will be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process. Rookie Award winners will receive a green clover recognition pin presented at the Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night.

ALL STAR AWARD: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

To recognize 4-H members third to fifth grade. 4-H members may receive this award only one time. A 4-H Honor Roll Award checklist must be turned in. All requirements of the Honor Roll Award Checklist may be completed in one year or within the time that a member is a Junior. Honor roll award winners will receive a bronze clover recognition pin presented at the Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night.

OUSTANDING JUNIOR 4-H’er (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

To recognize outstanding achievements by 4-H members who are in the third grade to fifth grade. The member must have been in 4-H for at least one year. A 4-H member may receive the award only once. The Outstanding Junior Star Award will be presented to the most deserving young people. The 4-H member must complete an application and submit a record book. All candidates will be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process. The number of awards will be determined by the awards and recognition judges, with the number of awards given to the most deserving individuals.

HELPING HANDS (No interview required)

This award will be presented at the 4-H Achievement Banquet to 4-Hers who have performed services for the benefit of the public. One award per age category may be given each year.  Community service is defined as “providing assistance that benefits someone outside of the 4-H family.”  Applications must be completed and returned to the extension office by June 20, 2025.  A 4-Hers may receive the award only on time in each category.  No interview is required.  Applications will be judged by a panel of judges.

INTERMEDIATE AWARDS

(Grades 6-8) - Award Application with All Award Forms

ROOKIE AWARD: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

To recognize outstanding first and second year 4-H members. 4-H members may receive this award only one time. Applicants may be of any age. The 4-H member must meet the requirements of and turn in a Rookie Application. Rookie Award winners will receive a green clover recognition pin presented at the Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night.

ALL STAR AWARD: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

When 4-H members become intermediate 4-H members, he/she may begin work on the All Star Award. 4-H members may receive this award only one time. Requirements may be completed in one year or may be accumulated over the years as an Intermediate. All 4-H members grades 6-8 are eligible to receive this award one time. A 4-H All Star Award Application must be turned in. All Star Award winners will receive a gold clover recognition pin presented at the Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night.

OUTSTANDING INTERMEDIATE 4-H’er: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

To recognize outstanding achievements by 4-H members grades 6-8. Any 4-H member may receive the award only once. The Silver Star Award will be presented to the most deserving young person. The member must have completed at least two years in 4-H including the current year. The 4-H member must complete an application and submit a record book. All candidates will be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process. The number of Silver Stars to be awarded will be determined by the awards and recognition judges, with the number of awards given to the most deserving individuals.

HELPING HANDS (No interview required)

This award will be presented at the 4-H Achievement Banquet to 4-Hers who have performed services for the benefit of the public. One award per age category may be given each year.  Community service is defined as “providing assistance that benefits someone outside of the 4-H family.”  Applications must be completed and returned to the extension office by June 20, 2025.  A 4-Hers may receive the award only on time in each category.  No interview is required.  Applications will be judged by a panel of judges.

SENIOR AWARDS -

(Grades 9-12) - Award Application with All Award Forms

ROOKIE AWARD: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

To recognize outstanding first and second year 4-H members. 4-H members may receive this award only one time. Applicants may be of any age. The 4-H member must meet the requirements of and turn in a Rookie

Application. All candidates will be required to provide an interview as part of the selection process. Rookie Award winners will receive a green clover recognition pin presented at the Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night.

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD:

4-H members in grades 9-12 may apply for this award. A 4-H member may receive this award only one time. Members must submit a typed essay of 1,200 words maximum, double spaced in a font no smaller than 12 explaining their community service campaign. There is no record book requirement for this award. Essays will be judged by county officials directly connected with 4-H that do not have children involved in 4-H. The Outstanding Community Service Award winner will receive a plaque. Applications are due at the same time as 4-H Award Applications.

LETTERMAN AWARD: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

4-H members in grades 9-12 are eligible for this award and may receive the Jacket award only one time. BUT 4-H members may receive the Clover Letter or service bar pin each year they qualify. The first year qualified they will receive the Clover letter and future years they will receive the service bar pin. Requirements may be completed in one year or over a period of several years. Members may count requirements completed after grade 9. A 4-H Letterman Award Application must be turned in. All candidates will be required to participate in an interview as part of the selection process. The top 2 (two) Letterman Award winners will receive a jacket presented at the Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night.

SENIOR AWARD: (Record Book required & Fundraiser Participation required)

Graduating seniors for the 2025 year, who are members of 4-H, may apply to receive a Senior Award, to be presented at the Kaufman County 4-H Awards Night. Seniors who missed their junior year to apply may go ahead and apply for this award if they have not received it before. Seniors must have been active and meet the requirements listed on the application. 4-H members may receive this award only one time.

NATIONAL DANFORTH “I DARE YOU” AWARD: (record book required)

To award 4-H members in 9th grade or older for outstanding character. 4-H members may receive this award only one time. The requirements are the same as for the Gold Star Award and winners will receive an “I Dare You” book and certificate. The 4-H member must submit an awards program record book in the year he or she is to be considered for the award. All candidates will be required to participate in an in-person interview as part of the selection process. The number of Danforth Awards to be awarded will be determined by the Awards and Recognition Judges.

GOLD STAR: (record book required)

To recognize senior 4-H members for outstanding achievement. The Gold Star Award is the highest achievement award at the county level. Counties have award quotas based on the number of senior 4-H members. The award will be presented to the most deserving young people without regard to sex.

Qualifications:

  1. The member must be at least 15 years of age as of September 1st of the current year and must have completed at least three years in 4-H including the current
  2. The 4-H member must submit a high quality record book in the year he/she is to be considered for the
  3. The 4-H member must have completed projects in three different project areas including submission of appropriate record forms and have participated in at least three of the following areas: method demonstrations/4-H presentation; contests; projects; project exhibits; camps; Leadership Lab; citizenship activities; public relations (demonstrations, radio, V., speeches, poster displays, newspapers, etc.); other (includes Exchange Program; fund raisers, State and National Congress).

NOTE: It is not expected that the above requirements for projects and activities all be completed in the current year. They may have been accomplished over the entire period of time the 4-H’er has been in the program. During his or her years in 4-H, the member must have exhibited leadership skills, be serving as a 4-H officer or committee chairman (club, county, district or state); and/or as a junior or teen leader in an activity or project with or under the supervision of an adult volunteer leader. The 4-H member must have participated in one or more community service activities.

  1. In addition to the record book, the 4-H member must submit an application signed by his or her current club manager and participate in an interview. All candidates will be required to participate in an in-person interview as part of the selection process.
  2. The 4-H member(s) receiving the Gold Star Award will receive a certificate and pin at the District Gold Star luncheon. Applicants will need to choose an award option for Kaufman County 4-H Awards

NOTE: The number of Gold Star awards to be awarded in any one year are limited and determined by the State 4-H Program and that information are sent to the 4-H Program Coordinator.

ADULT LEADER AWARDS

NOTE: County Extension Agents cannot be selected for the Outstanding Leader Award and Friend of 4-H Award.

Each year the Kaufman County 4-H Council recognizes leaders, parents and people that have helped through assistance or support to the 4-H Program. Here is the opportunity for you to nominate a leader, parent, local businessman, or volunteer for one of the areas. Below is listed the four awards that the 4-H Council presents.

MOST SUPPORTIVE PARENT

is presented to the parent that have given their time and support to the County 4-H Council.

LEADER ON THE TOWN

is presented to a leader that have provided help and assistance to their individual clubs.

OUTSTANDING LEADER AWARDS:

Two individuals will be selected and recognized at the Annual 4-H Night for “Distinguished Service.” One will be chosen by the MAB and one chosen by 4-H members. 4-H volunteer leaders who are chosen for this award include outstanding club managers, leaders, project leaders, workshop leaders and volunteer leaders who go above and beyond their leader capabilities. The Outstanding Leader Award chosen from the 4-H member requires an essay no longer than 1 page. The ESSAYS ARE DUE June 20, 2025! The essay should include the following:

1. Name of Person Making Nomination Leader Nominated Date

2.Why do you think this leader is an outstanding leader?

3.What does this leader do that is outstanding? Examples: Teaches others new projects, takes 4-Her’s on tours, leads club, etc.

4.How has this leader helped you? How has this leader helped others?

FRIEND OF 4-H AWARD:

This award goes to an individual or business that has greatly supported the Kaufman County 4-H program. The recipient is selected by the Membership Advisory Board and the award is presented at the County 4-H Awards Night. Recipients chosen for this award are outstanding volunteers who do not have 4-H members participating in the 4-H program in the current year.

Monday, February 10, 2025

2025 Texas 2-Day Cattle Grad Program -March 29th

 Saturday, March 29

2025 Texas 2-Day Cattle Grad Program

Stock Show University's two-day hands-on Grad Programs are FREE educational opportunities to learn from the industry's best!

Date and time

Saturday, March 29 · 9am - 6pm CDT

Location

4001 S Washington St

4001 South Washington Street Kaufman, TX 75142

About this event

  • Event lasts 9 hours

Our program is a two-day fun filled FREE event where students can bring their animals and work one on one with the industry's best and most talented. Topics covered include: daily care, clipping, fitting, proper breakdown, showmanship, nutrition, and show road prep. Students will walk away motivated and prepared for success!

SPONSORED BY SULLIVAN SUPPLY, PURINA, ANDIS


Stock Show University Graduate Program Schedule – *SUBJECT TO CHANGE


Saturday, March 29, 2025

8:30am—Registration + Have animals fed and put away in pens or designated area

9:00am—Welcome; Bleachers

9:15am—Daily Care Demo—Followed by Professors One on Ones

11:30am—Lunch, sponsored by Sullivan Supply®

12:45pm—Clipping Demo—Followed by Professor One on Ones

4:30pm— Livestock Loot Stories

5:00pm— Fun Activity with Professors

6:00pm— Dinner, sponsored by Sullivan Supply®


Sunday, March 30, 2025

8:30am—Have animals washed, dried, and ready for the day

9:00am—Welcome; Bleachers

9:15am—Fitting Demo—Followed by Professors One on Ones

12:00pm—Lunch, sponsored by Sullivan Supply®

1:00pm—Showmanship Demo—Followed by Professor One on Ones

3:00pm— Closing Finale


STOCK SHOW UNIVERSITY® GRAD PROGRAM – SUPPLY LIST

· Bedding

· Wheelbarrow and shovel (for clean-up)

· Feed and feeding supplies

· Chute/Stand

· Fitting mats

· Washing supplies – hose, foamer, shampoo, scrub brush

· Blower

· Combs and brushes (plastic, metal, and roto brush w/ cordless drill)

· Conditioners

· Adhesives

· Adhesive removers

· Clippers

· Blades

· Show halter

· Showstick

*suggested list, there will be supplies available for purchase on site

Tickets

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Fort Bend Photo Contest

You don’t have to be a fort bend county resident to enter or win. Top prizes are belt buckles. Ends 2/10. 

https://www.gogophotocontest.com/fortbend4-h

Monday, January 13, 2025

NEW!!! 2025 KCJLS Junior Livestock Fitting Contests

 NEW to the County Fair!!!

The Showboard has been working hard to make some great changes and additions to the county fair!! and here is one of them.  I will be posting more as they share.

Youth Fitting Contest

We are so excited to be adding an additional contest to the 2025 KCJLS County Fair!  We hope that your Exhibitors will enjoy the added competition - And growth opportunity.

So - Without any further delay.....

Introducing the Kaufman County Fair and Livestock Show - FITTING CONTEST!

Below you will find the guidelines for Cattle, Lamb and Goat Teams.  As well as the link to add your Exhibitor Team Entries.  

Feel free to share the link with any of your students (entries do not have to be completed by Advisors/Agents).

Contest Date/Times:

Wednesday, February 26

***Lamb/Goat Contest will be held in Pig Ring 

***Cattle Contest will be held in Cattle Ring

  • Lambs - 6:00pm
  • Goats - 7:00pm
  • Cattle - 7:00pm

Award Presentation:

Champion and Reserve Champion Teams will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 1st at 1:30pm

Entry Link:

***All entries are due by EOD on Monday, February 24th

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5H09v1j6d6mW8gB4OobUKnxfsuSQ88eT9eX6-lRaQknQT1A/viewform?usp=header

Further details can be found in the attached Guidelines.  If you have any additional questions, please reach out. 

Cattle Fitting Guidelines/Rules                               Sheep/Goat Fitting Guidelines/Rules

 


January Newsletter 2025

 January 4H News.

Attached to this broadcast is the

  • January 4H Newsletter
  • County Fair Talent Rule Book and Entry Form
  • Fort Worth Livestock Exhibitor schedule
  • San Angelo Livestock Exhibitor schedule


Please Make sure you download the newsletter and read the new activities for the County, District and State 4-H Program.


Enclosed in the January Newsletter - 

  • 4-H Day at the Capital
  • International Camp Program
  • Farm Bureau Engage Leadership Program for students entering the 10th and 11th grade in 2025 August
  • Texas 4-H Night at NASA
  • Souper Bowl of Caring Community Service Program
  • 4-H Refashion Retreat
  • County/District/State Roundup Information
  • Virtual Vet Academy Program
  • Livestock Project Information
  • Adult Leader/Club Manager Meeting January 21st
  • Record book Hints and Tips pages


New Social Media Contacts

Due to FaceBook shutting down our page twice this year we are moving to three platforms. The Blog will now be our main contact for information along with the Kaufman County 4-H Web page. All links are below.


Kaufman County 4-H Blog - https://kaufman4hcouncil.blogspot.com/ If you subscribe you will be an update every morning as to what was posted the day before. Plus the County 4-H Calendar is posted there.


Kaufman County 4-H Web Page https://kaufman.agrilife.org/kaufmanco4h/


"X" app - @KaufmanCo4H ( I will be taking lessons from my young group at Fort Worth to get better at using this app. SSOO be patient. lol


As of right now the FaceBook and Instagram are not working.


Thursday, January 09, 2025

Wednesday, January 08, 2025

Winter Prep Strategy for 4H Livestock Projects

As the winter storm watch is heading our way the next 3 days, make sure you are keeping 4-H projects healthy. Most animals are well adapted to living outside, so for them the cold doesn’t feel the same as to you or me. However, cold temperatures do require additional animal monitoring.

Follow these few steps to make sure your 4-H projects are healthy this winter.

1. Make sure animals have plenty of fresh air. Although it seems natural to close all the barn doors in the winter, similar to how you seal your house up tight, remember animals are different. To help keep them healthy and prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses, make sure you have adequate ventilation.

2. Water, water, water! Whether providing water in a bucket, tank or automated system, it is important to check the water each day. If you are like many farms, you have probably experienced a frozen water tank or two. That is why it’s important to check the water supply every day: realizing the issue and reacting to it are essential in keeping animals healthy and on track for market or reproduction. No matter what the temperature, make sure the water you are providing your animals is clean and easily available in adequate amounts.

3. Know what is in your feed! Knowing the contents and the quality of the feed you are offering to animals is essential in making sure they have adequate nutrition to meet their energy requirements. Researchers at Oregon State University mention the “lowest critical environmental temperatures for livestock vary according to species and researchers, but 20 or 32 degrees Fahrenheit are often used as the lowest temperature dry livestock can tolerate without additional energy demands to support normal body temperature.” Paying attention to the amount of feed consumed as well as the temperature is important in keeping your animal on track!

4. Pay special attention to young and new animals. Younger animals and especially newborn animals are more susceptible to the cold weather. When new animals are born, make sure they are dried off in a reasonable amount of time. Additionally, remember how crucial it is for animals to receive their first milk, colostrum. If transporting new animals to your farm, make sure you minimize the amount of stress they will encounter as well as provide adequate dry, minimal dust bedding to help reduce the effect of winter chill.

5. Check daily under those blankets or covers on your sheep and goats. Not looking at them for many days could result in skin health issues if you are not checking. (Ie- ringworm, lice, mites, etc)

Be Very Cautious with Heat Lamps

Some people like to utilize a heat lamp to help keep their projects warm on really cold nights. If you do this, remember to safely and properly use the heat lamp for your projects. It is extremely important that you keep the heat lamp a safe distance away from bedding and coats to prevent a fire or burning the skin. You also need to place the heat lamp so that your projects can’t reach it and chew on the electric wire or the lamp itself. Please be very careful when using these lamps!

Temperature and Comfort Zone

Understanding what temperature ranges pigs find comfortable can help keep your animal comfortable this Winter.

• Lower Critical Temperature (LTC) is the temperature below which a pig expends extra energy to try to stay warm.

• Upper Critical Temperature (UTC) is the temperature that pigs start having heat stress.

• The Thermo-neutral zone, or Comfort Zone, is the temperature range in between LTC and UTC.

• Thermal environment is created by the temperature, moisture, and airflow/wind interaction. Wind/draft, moisture, and age of animal influences the comfort zone.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Clay Shooting Competition to support D4 4H

Upcoming District Events

District IV Horsemanship Camp-June 10-12

District IV Spring Roundup

All District Roundup Contest Memos can be found on the District IV 4-H Website https://d44-h.tamu.edu/
Contact your local Extension Office for more details.

Fisheries and Wildlife Project Wrokshop

Join us for a Texas 4-H Wildlife and Fisheries Project Workshop. Learn about: wildlife species ecology, wildlife habitat features, wildlife habitat management, and 4-H wildlife contests strategies. Register through 4-H Online by January 5th!

Summer Ambassador Programs

!!Christmas came early!! Our 2025 Program Dates are here! Applications will open mid-February. Check out our website for more information at www.texasyouthlivestock.com!!!Christmas came early!! Our 2025 Program Dates are here! Applications will open mid-February. Check out our website for more information at www.texasyouthlivestock.com!