Texas 4-H Outdoor Challenge June 30-July 1

The Texas 4-H Outdoor Challenge is scheduled for June 30-July 1 at the Texas 4-H Conference Center in Brownwood.  Registration is open on 4-H Connect for all contestants and will close on June 15.  In addition to contestant registration, there will also be an option for non-contestants to reserve lodging and meals.
 
Below are a few details about the event and registration.
 
CONTEST FEE
Contest registration fee (per person) = $30  (does not include any meals nor lodging)
 
LODGING/MEALS COSTS PER PERSON (optional for contestants and non-contestants)
Option 1:  Friday/Saturday night lodging + 5 meals = $110
Option 2:  Saturday night lodging + 4 meals = $70
Option 3:  no lodging; but do need 5 meals = $60
Option 4:  no lodging; but do need 4 meals = $50
 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

June 29

Time TBA          Geo - Kayaking (free exhibition event for registered contestants and their guests)
7:30 PM            Early Check-in

 

June 30
7:30 a.m.          Breakfast
8:00 a.m.          Registration Begins
9:00 a.m.          Contest/Safety Orientation
9:30 a.m.          Events Begin (Concurrent)
Noon                 Lunch
1:00 p.m.          Continue Events (Concurrent)     
6:00 p.m.          Supper

7:00 p.m.          Continue Events (if needed)
                        Free Swim (for fun)
 
July 1
8:00 a.m.          Breakfast
9:00 a.m.          Continue Events (Concurrent)                      
Noon                 Lunch
                        Awards
                        Depart
 
* Meals noted above are for those who reserve such as part of registration. 
 
EVENTS
There are 10 events for this year's Outdoor Challenge.  Those are listed below.  Rules and resources pertaining to each of those events and how they will be scored can be found on our website at:  http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/outdoor

·         Fishing (most likely dry-land version)

·         Rifle

·         Shotgun

·         Archery

·         Kayaking (2-person)

·         Climbing

·         Knot Tying

·         Outdoor ID

·         Camping Skills

·         Orienteering

 
As a reminder, this is a contest, so all participants need to come prepared to compete in each of these 10 events.  There is no time in the schedule for training.  For the safety of everyone, it is critical that all contests have experience with safely handling, loading and shooting firearms prior to competing.

2013 Major Livestock Show Turkey Rules and Order Forms are now Posted!

The rules and order forms for turkeys for the  2013 major livestock shows are posted on  the TAMU Poultry Science website at:

http://posc.tamu.edu/extensionprograms/youth_programs/index.htm

Orders are due July 10, 2012 to the extension office.  The bird pick-up date cannot be determined at this time, but will likely be sometime in late October or first part of November, 2012.  We will be inform everyone later when the date is determined.

Texas 4-H Congress Registration Open Online!

Texas 4-H Congress registration is now open online! Texas 4-H Congress is the premiere citizenship and leadership experience for Texas 4-H members between the ages of 15 and 18. Held on the even numbers years in the Texas State Capitol, Texas 4-H Congress allows 4-H members to experience the law making process first hand by writing, submitting, and then serving as a member of the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Press, or as a Lobbyist. From these roles, the 4-H members determine the fate of each bill submitted over the four day event.

Go visit http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/txcongress .for more information and how to get started.

The TCS Paper Clover has Started!!!

The Spring 2012 Tractor Supply Co. and Del’s Paper Clover promotion is here! Spring Paper Clover launched on Wednesday, May 2 and runs through Sunday, May 13. If you haven’t already done so, reach out to our local TSC in Terrell. 

What is the 4-H Tractor Supply Company (TSC) Paper Clover Promotion?
4-H Paper Clovers are paper representations of the 4-H clover that are sold for $1 or more by Tractor Supply
Company store clerks and prominently displayed in-store. Retailers who partner with National 4-H Council and
run a Paper Clover Promotion in their stores do so because the promotion:
• Drives store traffic
• Helps them develop relationships with 4-H groups, families, and alumni
• Supports all 4-H programming at the local level
• Is a turn-key, customer-driven fundraising program
• Low cost to retailer, big impact

Do counties need to do anything to participate in this promotion?
Spread the word! This promotion is being used by TSC to gauge whether or not they want to progress to doing
larger and more frequent promotions and fundraising initiatives in all of their 44 states. They are most
interested in seeing the 4-H’ers and their families promote the event so that more funds are raised in their
stores and go back to 4-H’ers in their communities. They expect, where possible, for 4-H volunteers, staff, and
or 4-H’ers to reach out their store managers to see if there is any additional in-store events that they can attend
during the duration of the promotion to help draw more traffic to their stores. For example, a 4-H club or a
group of 4-H’ers can arrange to table at their local TSC store for a few hours on one weekend of the promotion.
Ideas such as hosting small-scale demonstrations in TSC stores will be shared in the upcoming conference calls.
The more promotion and publicity counties give the 4-H TSC Paper Clover promotion, the more funds that will
be raised for your local 4-H!
 

Tractor Supply Co. has entered into an official partnership with the National 4-H Council as your National 4-H Project Headquarters.

This means that Tractor Supply will help raise money for our county 4-H programs, as with the Paper Clover Campaign, a national in-store fundraiser that benefits state and local 4-H programming. Local clubs and 4-H members can also reap rewards from Tractor Supply with the new TSC Clover Card.

By registering for a card, you'll get special notifications from TSC and 4-H and access to special deals at TSC only available to TSC Clover Card holders. Best of all, each time you use your card, your club has a chance to win additional funding from TSC.

"Many of our stores have been involved with 4-H clubs for years. Now, Tractor Supply is proud to have an official chain wide relationship with 4-H," said Jim Wright, Tractor Supply Co. Chairman and CEO. "For us, this is an outstanding way to support our current and future customers and future team members, and it's a way to give back to the 900-plus unique communities we serve."

"TSC is excited..... and invites your club to get active with your local store if not already.

 Talk with your store manager about what activities and partnership opportunities exist in your area.

Call the extension office to see what your 4-H Club can do to promote this great opportunity and 4-H!!!  

THIS WEEKEND!!! Silver Spurs Youth Horse Show - May 19th

For the complete rules and entry packet please call the extension office at (972) 932-9069.

May 5th Smith County Youth Horse Show

Massey Lamb Clinic Opportunity

District IV Livestock Judging Contest Results

The Kaufman County 4-H Livestock Judging Team traveled to College Station, TX for the District IV 4-H Livestock Judging contest.  Competing for the honor to travel to Texas Tech for the State 4-H Roundup Livestock judging.  Representing Kaufman County for the Senior team was Jacob Long, Kaitlyn Pagel, Dakota Heathcock and Chase Raymond.  For the Junior Team it was Dylan Heathcock, Kevin Pagel, and Cammi Selby. 

The Senior team placed 1st overall and 2 in reasons with Jacob Long placed 2nd high overall and 8th in reasons. Kaitlyn Pagel placed 8th overall and 5th in reasons.  Dakota Heathcock placed 4th overall in the individual standings.

The Junior team placed 3rd overall and 2nd in reasons as a team with Cammi Selby placing 3rd overall and 6th in reasons, Kevin Pagel placed 8th overall and tied for 4th in reasons with team mate Dylan Heathcock who was 9th overall.

Congrats to the Judging teams and good luck to the senior team in Texas Tech in July!!!

Important Reminder – Horse Validations are Due May 1st

Important Reminder – Horse Validations are Due May 1st

The last day to validate horses through 4-H Connect is May 1^st.  

Please refer to the website below for instructions.

http://animalscience.tamu.edu/academics/equine/state-4h-show/index.htm

·  2012 State Horse Show Rules & Regulations

·  Horse Validation - BEFORE YOU BEGIN

·  2012 Horse Validation Instructions for Families - April 1 - May 1

·  2012 Horse Validation Instructions for County Offices

If you have questions about the rules, please contact me at the Kaufman County 4-H Office (972) 932-9069 or email cl-sharp@tamu.edu

Thank you!

4-H Tractor Supply Company (TSC) Paper Clover Promotion

The Spring 2012 Tractor Supply Co. and Del’s Paper Clover promotion is almost here! Spring Paper Clover launches next week on Wednesday, May 2 and runs through Sunday, May 13. If you haven’t already done so, reach out to your local TSC or Del’s to find out how you can work with your store to help maximize the fundraiser’s success! Be sure to visit the TSC/4-H mini-site at www.tractorsupply.com/4-h to track the progress of the promotion.

What is the 4-H Tractor Supply Company (TSC) Paper Clover Promotion?
4-H Paper Clovers are paper representations of the 4-H clover that are sold for $1 or more by Tractor Supply
Company store clerks and prominently displayed in-store. Retailers who partner with National 4-H Council and
run a Paper Clover Promotion in their stores do so because the promotion:
• Drives store traffic
• Helps them develop relationships with 4-H groups, families, and alumni
• Supports all 4-H programming at the local level
• Is a turn-key, customer-driven fundraising program
• Low cost to retailer, big impact

Do counties need to do anything to participate in this promotion?
Spread the word! This promotion is being used by TSC to gauge whether or not they want to progress to doing
larger and more frequent promotions and fundraising initiatives in all of their 44 states. They are most
interested in seeing the 4-H’ers and their families promote the event so that more funds are raised in their
stores and go back to 4-H’ers in their communities. They expect, where possible, for 4-H volunteers, staff, and
or 4-H’ers to reach out their store managers to see if there is any additional in-store events that they can attend
during the duration of the promotion to help draw more traffic to their stores. For example, a 4-H club or a
group of 4-H’ers can arrange to table at their local TSC store for a few hours on one weekend of the promotion.
Ideas such as hosting small-scale demonstrations in TSC stores will be shared in the upcoming conference calls.
The more promotion and publicity counties give the 4-H TSC Paper Clover promotion, the more funds that will
be raised for your local 4-H!

Call the extension office to see what your 4-H Club can do to promote this great opportunity and 4-H!!!  

Ft Worth Junior Livestock Show Judges Announced

2013 Junior Show Judges- Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, Fort Worth, Texas

Barrows- Bob Listen, El Reno, Oklahoma

Steers- Dr. Mark Johnson, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Lambs- Cade Wilson, Levelland, Texas

Goats- Chad Coburn, Sterling City, Texas

Beef Heifers- Ryan Cotton, Ponce Inlet, Florida- Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Polled Hereford, Red Angus, Shorthorn and Simmental

-        Lee Pritchard, Bells, Texas- Angus, Brahman and Simbrah

-        Chris Sankey, Council Grove, Kansas – Beefmaster, Brangus and Santa Gertrudis

District IV 4-H Horse Judging

The Kaufman County 4-H Horse Judging team had a great day Friday, April 13th in Sulphur Springs, TX,  competing in the District IV 4-H Horse Judging Contest.  The girls worked hard judging 7 different horse show classes and giving reasons on 2-3 different classes.

The junior team was represented by Abby and Hannah Celella of Poetry, Savannah Baugh of Seagoville, and Juliann Reese of Crandall.  The senior team was Meagan Gravelle of Crandall, Kaitlyn Pagel of Forney, and Katlin Lumpkin of Forney.

The senior team placed third earning them a trip to the state competition this year being hosted in Lubbock, TX, at the Texas Tech University.  Meagan Gravelle placed 8th high individual.

The Junior team placed first with Abby Celella placing 1st high Individual, Hannah Celella placing 3rd high individual, Juliann Reese Placing 8th high individual, and Savannah Baugh placing 10th high individual. 

Congratulations to the team members.  

Beginning with this year’s Horse Validation Program the process will now be all electronically completed using the 4-H CONNECT online management system. 

ALL 4-H members who wish to show in a district or the state 4-H Horse Show(s) will be required to validate their horse(s) on the 4-H CONNECT system.

BEFORE YOUR BEGIN YOUR VALIDATION PROCESS, YOU MUST:

• Have a family and youth member profile established on 4-H CONNECT
• Be an paid/active youth member of Texas 4-H for the 2011-2012 year.
• Have digital photos of your horse(s) from the front, left side, and right side. These photos must be
accessible for upload during the validation process.
• For registered horses, you need to have a pdf copy of your horse(s) registration papers for upload.

IMPORTANT

Horse Validation is completed for EACH HORSE and will cover all 4-H youth members in that family profile. However, when validating your horses on 4-H CONNECT, you will select ONLY ONE 4-H youth member to conduct the validation under. Once a horse is validated, validation paid, and you begin registering for district horse show, the validate horse(s) can be moved to the appropriate 4-H member(s) that will be exhibiting the horse in the show.


OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE HORSE VALIDATION PROCESS FOR 2012:
• VALIDATION WILL BE OPEN FROM APRIL 1, 2012 TO MAY 1, 2012. Any horse validated before or after this date will not be accepted as a legitimate validate animal.
• An illustrated step-by-step instruction guide for families is available for download and reference from both the Texas 4-H website and the Texas AgriLife Extension Animal Science - Horse Section website.
• Validation cost for each horse will be $10.00. Each 4-H family validating a horse(s) will need to print an invoice for each horse and provide the invoice(s) and check to the County Extension Office. The County Extension Office will prepare ONE consolidated Club/County check, and mail it to the Texas 4-H Foundation. INDIVIDUAL, PERSONAL CHECKS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE 4-H FOUNDATION OFFICE. The ONLY payment accepted at the Texas 4-H Foundation for horse validation will be a Club/County check.
• There is no limit to the number of horses that can be validated in the process.
• Ownership requirements are still the same as in the past.
• In the past there was a Grade Horse worksheet that included the need for sketching markings and colors of horses. That form is no longer required, however, it is a requirement for ALL horses that photos of the front, left side, and right side are uploaded during the validation entry process. The entire horse MUST be in the photograph. Photos should be as close as possible and markings should be clearly visible. The photo should be in jpg or gif format.
• A pdf or jpg of the registration papers will be uploaded for registered horses. If you do not have capabilities with scanning papers, contact your county Extension Office to see if they can assist or direct you in scanning the papers.

BECAUSE THIS IS A NEW SYSTEM THIS YEAR IT IS STRONGLY ADVISED THAT YOU
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE IN CASE OF ANY COMPUTER, PHOTO, UPLOAD ISSUES!

2012 Texas 4-H Photography Contest for Senior 4-H'ers

Entries for the 2012 Texas 4-H Photography Contest will be accepted between April 1st and April 15th. All SENIOR 4-H members ( 14 years old to 18 years old) will be required to upload their photos into 4-H CONNECT as they enter the event. Please refer to the 2012 Photography Rules on how to format the file names. It is extremely important that file names are correctly label to prevent disqualification and/or loss of photos.

For more information:  http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/photography_contest 

FAQ’s that may help you!

Q: What is the Storyboard?
A: The storyboard is both a test of photography and layout skills. The storyboard is ONE PHOTOGRAPH FILE where three individual photos have been placed on a created canvas along with mimumal text to tell a story. As you can imagine you will need to have three great photos to make this work and still stay within the file size. Do not submit three separarte files, nor submit a pdf file. The skill is taking a jpg and creating a jpg!

Q: What size format should the photos be entered in?
A: Photos should be able to be printed at a 300 dpi (dots per inch) at a size of 3 X 5 inches. If a 4-H members is taking their photos on a “standard” or “fine” setting on their camera their size and resolution should be good. If the photo is not clear and ‘grainy’ then it is not of the quality that should be entered!
The Internet can provided resources for adjusting the size and resolution of a photograph.

2012 Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Leadership Program

2012 Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Leadership Program

 

On June 3-7, 2012, the Statewide Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Leadership Program will be held in Gainesville, Texas at the Lone Oak Retreat, http://loneoakretreat.com .   This event has been developed in order to encourage young people in 4-H to develop leadership skills and an understanding of the equine industry.  The goal of the program is to enable these young people to develop abilities that will make them leaders in tomorrow’s horse industry.

 

Participation is open to all districts of the state.   Participation is open to 4-H youth ages 14-17 years of age with a genuine interest in the equine industry.  

 

The cost of the school will be $250.00 per participant.  This will include meals, lodging and all materials.  Students will not be allowed to stay elsewhere.  It is necessary that we have 4 chaperons, either in the form of Adult Leaders or County Extension Agents. Cost for an adult leader chaperon is $180.00 each to attend. 

 

Registration will be through an online application process on 4-H Connect from April 1 through April 20. The maximum number of 4-H Equine ambassadors will be 30.   These participants will be chosen by the Texas AgriLife Equine Ambassador Committee. Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

 

Attached  are Letters and information on Participation, Goals and Expectations, and list of questions for applicants to consider prior to registration.  This should clarify any questions that you may have about submitting applications.  A Tentative Agenda is also attached. Also Attached are the Waiver and Code of Conduct the participant will need to provide upon arrival.

 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the 4-H Office.

East Region Livestock Mentor Training-May 18-19, 2012

The East Region Livestock Mentor Training will be held May 18-19, 2012 in Athens, TX.  The training begins Friday at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude approximately 7:00 p.m. Saturday.  The majority of the training will be at the Henderson County Regional Fair Park Complex, 3356 Hwy 31 E., Athens, TX  75751 (903) 670-3324.  Website www.hendersoncountyfairpark.com.

 

Registration for mentors will be $100.00, which includes three meals, break refreshments, training materials and fees.  Registration will open April 1 and close May 1 on 4-H Connect.  An agenda will also be posted on 4-H Connect.

 

A block of rooms has been reserved for Friday, May 18th at the Holiday Inn Express in Athens, which is very close to the Fairgrounds.  The room rate is $85.00 and is being held under “LMT” code.  Phone is (903) 675-2500 and the address is 1119 E. Tyler Street, Athens, TX  75751.  Reservations should be made prior to May 1, 2012.

 

Program presenters in beef, swine and sheep & goats are tops in the industry.  Speakers include the following:

 

Dr. Chris Boleman                            Mrs. Laura Huebinger                    Mr. Chuck Real

Dr. Jason Cleere                               Dr. Stanley Kelley                             Mr. Aaron Renfroe

Dr. Frank Craddock                          Mr. Tad Knight                                  Mr. Edward Schneider

Mr. Josh Elkins                                  Mr. Stefan Marchman                   Mr. Kyle Smith

Mr. David Groschke                        Mr. Kelton Mason

 

If you are interested in representing Kaufman County and working with the 4-H Livestock Projects please contact Carrie Sharp, 972-932-9069 to see how you can help make a difference.