The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo

“The Original Sewing and Quilt Expo” will be in Fort Worth, TX at the Will Rogers Memorial Center .   The dates of the Expo  October 16-18^th2014.  We are very excited to be in the Fort Worth/Dallas area again!

The Original Sewing & Quilt Expo offers a variety of learning experiences for students, youth and 4-H clubs interested in Clothing and Textiles.

• Sewing’s Next Generation: Youth Fashion & Project Show where today’s young sewers (ages 9-18) can show off their projects and share the fun of sewing and quilting with a live audience.  Entry forms are available online atwww.sewingexpo.com  You can follow the link for more information and a PDF of the entry formhttp://www.sewingexpo.com/FortWorthTX/FeaturesEvents/SewingsNextGeneration.aspx
• Complementary Stage Presentations on sewing related subjects
• Make-it and Take-it Projects (minimal cost at vendors booths)
• Gallery Displays of Quilts, Apparel, and Fiber Art Projects
• Shopping – the latest sewing, quilting, embroidery, embellishment, needle art tools, machines and sewing related items
• Sewing Classes featuring teachers who are experts in their fields of sewing, quilting, beading and fiber arts ($19.00/session)
• Super Prize Drawing – fabulous prize packages and sewing machines awarded daily

The Sewing’s Next Generation: Youth Fashion & Project Show will occur on Saturday, October 18^th  at 3:45pm on the Expo Stage at the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo.  It’s a great opportunity to show off their sewing skills and experience the world of sewing. There is no cost to enter Next Generation and every participant can enjoy the Expo for the day on Saturday for free!

Please encourage any teachers, club advisors, and parents to visit our website www.sewingexpo.com  or email me directly for more information at kari.eckel@fwcommunity.com   or call my direct line 440-899-3973 .  I would love to see more children and students interested in sewing attend our event in your area.

We offer reduced rates for 4-H and youth groups – please email or call  me directly for information. Please forward this information to 4-H sewing groups or any youth interested in participating.

Kids & Cows for the Cure - Breast Cancer Awareness

2014 Bowie Co. 4-H 

Ark-La-Tex Classic

Kids & Cows for the Cure - Breast Cancer Awareness

Market Lamb, Market Goat & Beef Cattle Show

Saturday, November 15, 2014
Hosted by the Bowie County 4-H Livestock Booster Club
Four States Fairgrounds – Texarkana, Arkansas
Concessions will be available
General Rules & Regulations
 All exhibitors must be a bonafide 4–H or FFA member.
 Entry fees: $25
 Check-in - weigh-in from 8-9 a.m. Show will begin at 10 a.m. with market lambs, followed
by market goats, steers, commercial heifers and registered heifers.
 Animals must be the property of the exhibitor. Registration papers may be checked as you
check in, please have original registration papers available at time of check–in.
 Showmanship is $5 at the gate - winner take all.
 Showmanship classes will follow the breed show. Divisions will be: Junior – 9 to 14 years,
Senior – 15 to 19 years and Novice – any 1st year exhibitor. Can only enter one division.
Age as of August 31 of current year.
 Decision of the judges will be final.
Division & Classes
 Buckles will be given to the following champion heifer breeds: Angus, Beefmaster, Brangus,
Charolais, Chianina, Grey Brahman, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus, Red
Brahman, Red Brangus, Santa Gertrudis, Shorthorn, Simbrah, Simmental, ORB (other
registered breeds), Commercial and to the champion steer, lamb and goat.
 Registered Heifer Breeds will show by division – American, British & Continental .
 NO BULLS
 Commercial Heifers, Steers, Market Lambs & Market Goats will show by weight.
 No Animals older than June 1, 2012 (30 months).
 Blow and Go. NO Adhesive!
 Generators Welcome
 Health Papers (check with vet for current requirements)
Buckles for Breed Champions
Rosettes for Breed Reserve Champions
Custom Steel Trophy for Division Champions
Custom Award for Division Reserve Champions
For More Information:
Bowie County Extension Office - 903-628-6702
Mike Boswell 903-701-0364 or Jimmy Curtis 903-667-4877

2014 Fall Lamb and Goat Jackpot Show

Thrall Booster Club to attend their 2014 Fall Lamb and Goat Jackpot Show Sunday, October 19, 2014. For additional information contact Mo Hamann at mofuel@texconoil.com.

Market Steer and Show Heifer Workshop - Nov 1st, 2014

On November 1st, 2014 the Ag Coalition and the Beef Project Committee has a Market Steer & Show Heifer Workshop at the County Show Grounds.  This workshop in the AM will focus on Daily Hair Care, Hoof Care and Nutrition for Show Cattle.  Kaufman County Farm Bureau has graciously offered to sponsor the Lunch for the event.  With that you will need to RSVP by October 24th, 2014 for the lunch.

Also this day we will be Verifying Heifers for the Spring Shows (Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, San Angelo, and Austin).  You will need to have your heifers present by 1 pm to verify your heifers.  It is $10 per heifers.  More information in on the Blog and the facebook post (http://kaufman4hcouncil.blogspot.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/Kaufmancounty4h?ref=bookmarks).  If you have any questions please email or call Carrie Sharp at cl-sharp@tamu.edu or 972-932-9069.

Kaufman County 4-H STEM Club inaugural meeting - October 7th

Kaufman County 4-H STEM Club will be having its inaugural meeting on October 7th at 6:00 pm at the Kaufman County Fairgrounds. Come join us as we participate in the 4-H National Youth Science Day Rockets to the Rescue experiment.
Rockets to the Rescue is an engaging activity that gives young scientists an opportunity to let their imagination take flight and explore how aerospace engineering addresses real world problems, such as delivering food and supplies in emergency situations.
Kaufman County 4-H current member can participate for free. Non-4-H members can participate with a participation cost of $20 to help pay for supplies for the rockets.
Feel free to bring your lawn chairs and watch your young scientist take flight with our new STEM project club! If you have any questions please contact the Kaufman County 4-H Extension Office at 972-932-9069 or email Carrie Sharp at cl-sharp@tamu.edu.
Please RSVP by 5 pm on Monday so that we can have enough supplies for all of the participants.


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4-H National Youth Science Day Online Course and Digital Badge

4-H National Youth Science Day Online Course and Digital Badge
Youth can now obtain online recognition of their learning experience in the 2014 National Youth Science Day experiment! An open online course is being offered through the efforts of the For Youth, For Life Learning Network in collaboration with 4-H in Alabama and Arizona. The “course” will be open for enrollment on September 22 and will begin on October 1 for individual learners participating in the 2014 NYSD "Rockets to the Rescue" experiment. Young people may enroll in the course and upon completion of a brief survey receive a digital badge as an online recognition of learning achievement.

4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) is an exciting, interactive learning experience that engages thousands of youth across the country in conducting the National Science Experiment. The national 4-H NYSD event will take place on October 8, 2014 in Washington, D.C.

The University of Arizona developed the 2014 National Science Experiment: Rockets to the Rescue! Learn more about this exciting activity which focuses on aerospace engineering.

Science kits for the 2014 National Science Experiment are available for purchase - buy now from the 4-H Mall.


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State Fair of Texas Livestock Show update

From the State Fair of Texas. If you are showing please read!!!
=Stalling and tie-outs will be assigned upon arrival. If you want to stall with someone, please haul together or be together in line. That will help the superintendent's get the stalling together and you in the barn quicker!
=They will have an exhibitor hospitality area set up in staging and open during peak arrival times. You may pick-up parking and gate passes at this location or purchase any additional.
=Market and Prospect Steer entries are at a record number, please limit the amount of tack, feed, etc.
=We also have the second highest number of barrow entries. DON'T forget your dividers! Barrows will be stalled 3 to 4 per pen.


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County Fair Commercial Heifer and Market Steer entry Deadline

IMPORTANT NOTE!! November 4th at 6pm at the Risinger Vet Clinic in Terrell is the Deadline to pay entry fees for the market steers that were validated in June. You only paid to tag in...you will need to fill out an entry sheet and pay the extra entry fee. Also this is also tag in and entry for commercial heifers for the county fair and any market steers that you did not tag in June 

4-H Photography project online lessons

Everyone has a phone today that takes pictures and the wonders of taking pictures with a camera has been put to the side with everyone's busy schedule.  In the next few months we will visit the world of photography. There will be the opportunity to share your adventures on the blog and Facebook sites.

• Recognize photography as a useful hobby and potential profession.


• Observe and appreciate surroundings through the eye of the camera.


• Develop and apply technical and artistic skills in film-based and digital photography.


• Learn about photography as an art, a science and a communication tool.


• Record events, ideas and situations for study or reference.

The first great opportunity for all the age groups is coming this December.   Schedule to prepare for the District IV 4-H Contest

• 4-H Connect registration opens December 7, 2014


• 4-H Connect registration closes midnight, December 31, 2014


• 4-H Connect late registration opens January 1, 2015, and will close at midnight January 7, 2015


• Judging will take place between January 1 and January 31


• Results will be emailed to County Extension Offices


• Awards will be distributed to County Extension Offices

Age-Age divisions are determined by a participant’s age as of September 1 of the current 4-H year.  Age divisions for this contest are:

Junior - 8 and in the 3^rd grade, 9, or 10

Intermediate - 11, 12, or 13

Senior - 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18

4-H Projects

• Farm & Ranch


• Food


• Leading Lines


• Panorama


• Shadow


• Silhouette


• Water (any form)

Descriptions are outlined on the District IV website 

http://d44-h.tamu.edu/district-events/photography/

First challenge.  New Mexico State Extension has an awesome online tutorial at...

http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/photography/index.html

Got to this page and take the scavenger hunt challenge with your digital camera. Email me the results. And we will post the results to the pages!

http://aces.nmsu.edu/4h/photography/downloads/handouts/day1_handout.pdf

139 days to the 4H Food Showdown!!

The county food showdown will be here before we know it!!!  On February 7th, 2015 at the Kaufman County Extension office we will host the County Food show. Here is some dates of importance for the event...



November 8th, 2014 - Out of the Box day

 We will have workshops on Soap Making, Freezer Preserves, and Fall Photos.

January 17th, 2015 - Food Show Orientation & Training

January 30th, 2015 - County Food Show sign up. Call into the extension office

February 7th, 2015 - County Food Show and Food Challenge

February 15th, 2015 - Deadline for District Food Show and Food Challenge on 4H Connect

March 6th, 2015 - District IV 4-H Food Show and Food Challenge - TAMU Commerce

Food Show basics. To compete in the Food Show, a 4-H member prepares a dish in one of the four entry categories—
protein, fruit & vegetable, grains, dairy. (Refer to the district 4-H Food Show guidelines or ask the Katie Phillips, Kaufman County FCS agent) Once the recipe is selected, the 4-H member
should practice preparing the dish several times to learn the preparation steps and the importance of each step. Project
leaders can help members select recipes and practice preparing them. 

To prepare for this fun event we will have posts from leaders, teen leaders, and the extension office to help you with fun activities at your home, your club meeting or get some of your friends together to take a trip to the local grocery store.   You will have several chances to post your adventures on the blog or the 4-H Facebook page!



FIRST STEP. KNOW YOUR PLATE!


Go to the USDA site to learn how to make a great MyPlate

http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/TenTips/DGTipsheet1ChooseMyPlate.pdf



Let's have some fun!!!



MyPlate Design Challenge – create a plate showing a “MyPlate meal” with foods from each of the five food groups. We will be looking for the best picture select that portrays the MyPlate message (for example, pictures where all five food groups are depicted, where half the plate is fruits and vegetables, or where foods lower in solid fats, added sugars, and sodium are shown). Once these pictures are selected, members can be invited to vote for their favorite. The winning pictures will be printed and hung outside the 4-H office. Make sure you send with the picture your age and name so that we get the right picture to the right person!  Send pictures to cl-sharp@tamu.edu.

Robotics Online Course for CEAs, Leaders and Members Offered this Fall.

Texas Tech has graciously offered to conduct a FREE online robotics course for our Texas 4-H adults and members. Individuals will learn the basics of building and programming the Lego Mindstorm EV3 robot. Details and instructions for signing up please contact the extension office and we will forward the information.



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Location:Free online robotic course from Texas Tech

The Texas 4-H Youth Development Program is excited to announce another exciting event during National 4-H Week. This one includes an opportunity for 4-H youth and adults to visit the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas for a fun-filled day of educational experiences in the aerospace and rocketry project. The Texas 4-H Program has partnered with NASA’s Summer of Innovation and the Texas A&M University Department of Geology to select up to 30 4-H members and adults to take an educational tour of Johnson Space Center on Wednesday, October 8, 2014.

This event will coincide with the 4-H National Day of Science and the 2014 science project of “Rockets to the Rescue.” Selected participants will be led on a guided tour beginning at Space Center Houston, then toured through a variety of areas of the NASA field center. Throughout the day the participants may have the opportunity to meet with scientists and engineers working on NASA’s major projects and/or current and former astronaut crewmembers. The end of the experience will include the youth and adults coming together into teams to build their own “Rocket’s to the Rescue” rocket and launch from the grounds of NASA Johnson Space Center.

The contest is open to all 4-H members in grades 6th to 12th, adult volunteers, and County Extension Agents in Texas. To apply, applicants will complete three simple questions online at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/rocketessay. Each question is limited to 300 charters and the questions are:
The Orion Spacecraft is a new era in space travel for the United States. It is a part of NASA’s new space launch system will allow people to travel beyond any limits we have been before to such places as Mars. In your opinion, why are projects such as the Orion Project important to our country and world?
As a 4-H member/adult in Texas and having an interest in the areas of science, technology, and/or rocketry, how do you think 4-H can play a part in the Orion Project?

If you were an astronaut and selected to fly on a Orion, what type of experiment would you like to conduct in space and why would you choose that particular experiment?

Rules for the contest are:
Entries are now being accepted at: texas4-h.tamu.edu/rockets.
All entries must be submitted online.
Up to 30 youth and adults will be selected from across Texas in order to represent all geographic areas of Texas and 4-H membership.
Youth and adult selected are responsible for their own travel and expenses to and from the NASA Johnson Space Center.
Only those youth and adults selected can attend the NASA Johnson Space Center experiences. Any parents, siblings, and/or spouses can visit Space Center Houston, Galveston Island, or other local venues during the time of the event.

You may be required to provide a photo id for the JSC tour.

Contest will close on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at midnight.

Winners will be notified via email on Friday, September 26th.

This is a great opportunity for our 4-H members to become highly engaged in the area of rocketry and aerospace, as well as an opportunity to recognize and train 4-H volunteers and agents in an exciting new project for either community clubs or SPIN 4-H Clubs.



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Location:TOO COOL!! Blast Off to Johnson Space Center Contest!

Kaufman County 4-H now has Twitter!!!

Follow the news and happenings for Kaufman County 4-H by connecting with Twitter!!

Find us on Twitter at @Kaufman4H

More Tweets to follows...

KAUFMAN COUNTY 4-H DOG PROJECT WORKSHOP AND SHOW SERIES

Multi county officer training August 16

Come have some fun and get some great ideas for leading your clubs into the new 4-H year!!!!  August 16th is the date starting at 9 am in the morning at the Rockwall County Courthouse.  Look for more information soon.  Call the 4-H office at 972-932-9069 to sign up and bring $5.00 the day of the workshop for a great pizza lunch.  Email Carrie Sharp at cl-sharp@tamu.edu if you have any questions.

Re-enrollment in 4-H begins August 15th Re-Enrollment

All 4-H families, new and returning, are encouraged to log in and enroll in order to become an official 4-H member.  If you want to become an adult leader or volunteer we encourage you to enroll for the 2014-2015 year.  As you enroll in 4-H year for the year, here are some tips in using 4-H Connect:

·  If you already have a profile DO NOT re- create another one!

·  If you lost your email and password call the County Extension office we can tell you your e-mail address and reset your password!

·  To be an official 4-H member in Texas 4-H you must have an ACTIVE profile in 4-H CONNECT!

·  An active membership will not be granted until the $20.00 participation fee is paid on 4-H Connect!

·  You cannot register for an event until your profile is ACTIVE!

·  When you are doing your re-enrollment for the 2014-2015 year please make sure you update your address, phone number, and email address.

Don’t wait until the last minute to enroll!

NEW COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING TIMES FOR 2014-2015

Council
Meeting ** New Meeting Times**

The next 4-H Council Meeting will be held Tuesday, August 19^th,
at the Kaufman County Extension Office at 6:30 pm.

Officers for the 2014-2015 4-H Year

President - Katlin Lumpkin

Vice President - Hannah Celella

Secretary - Kaitlyn Pagel

Treasurer - Isaac Stecher

Reporter - Seth Maxwell

Recreation - Quentin Gravelle

District Council Rep - Kaitlyn Pagel

The purpose of the County Council is for 4-H members from
each club to come and share what they are doing in their club and get ideas
from other clubs on activities and help plan county wide activities.

AUGUST 19 – Total Council Membership

SEPTEMBER 16 – Officers Only

OCTOBER 21 – Total Council Membership

NOVEMBER 18 – Officers Only

DECEMBER 16 – Total Council Membership – Christmas Party

JANUARY 20 – Officers Only

FEBRUARY 17 - Total Council Membership

MARCH 17-Officers Only

APRIL 21 - Total Council Membership

MAY 19 - Officers Only

JUNE 16 - Total Council Membership – Elections

The Silver Spurs 4-H Horse Club will not meet in July,  the club will meet again on August 7, 2014, at  the Extension office at 6:30 p.m. 2471 N. State Hwy. 34, Kaufman, TX 75142.  Good Luck at State!!

Panhandle Showdown steer and heifer show

Steer and Heifer Show August 2nd . The show will be North West of Hereford or 3 miles south of Brian Martin Cattle Co. at the Barn Church. There will be a short clinic before the show, great prizes, and 3 sanctioned shows (2 steer, 1 heifer) buckles, and prizes for champions and breed champions.


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2014/2015 Major Stock Show Order Deadlines

2014 State Fair of Texas broiler orders due June 30. Turkey orders for 2015 Houston, San Antonio and Austin shows are due July 14. Orders must be mailed to the Poultry Extension office and post marked by the due date. All rules, information and order forms are available on the Poultry Extension website at http://posc.tamu.edu/texas-agrilife-poultry-extension-specialists/youth-programs/ .


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Heart O Texas Fair info

Entry Deadline to he Extension office: September 8, 2014

SHOW CHANGES/ADDITIONS

Pre-Junior, Junior & Open Miniature Hereford Show

* New addition for 2014 is our Miniature Hereford Show.
* See all Rules, Regulations and Classes on pages 55-58 in our Livestock Exhibitor Catalog

Heart O’ Texas Trap Shooter Extravaganza

* New for 2014.
* For complete details visit our Livestock Exhibitor Catalog, pages 74-81.

Jr. Dairy Cattle Show

* Although premiums will still be paid, no scholarships will be awarded.
* No limit on head per exhibitor.

Jr. Breeding Sheep Show

* No Breeding Sheep Show for 2014

Jr. Steer Show

* Exhibitors will be responsible for weighing their own steers. The top two (2) places in each class will be re-weighed. Any steer weighing more than 5% above its turned-in weight will be disqualified. Third (3rd) place will be reweighed if necessary

CONTESTS

Agricultural Public Speaking Contest

* Date of Contest: Saturday, October 4, 2014
* Registration on-line before: September 22, 2014
* Check-in: 7:30 a.m. – Lion's Den, 1716 N. 42nd St, Waco, TX
* Time of Contest: 8:30 a.m. – Lion’s Den
* Awards & Scholarship Presentation: Immediately following contest completion

Consumer Decision Making Contest

* Date of Contest: Saturday, October 4, 2014
* Registration: 9:00 a.m. - Lion's Den, 1716 N. 42nd St, Waco, TX
* Time of Contest: 10:00 a.m. – Lion’s Den
* Awards & Scholarship Presentation: 2:00 p.m. - Extraco Show Pavilion

Agricultural Product Identification Contest

* Date of Contest: Saturday, October 4, 2014
* Registration: 9:30 a.m. - Extraco Creative Arts Building
* Time of Contest: 10:30 a.m. - Extraco Creative Arts Building
* Awards: 2:00 p.m. – Extraco Creative Arts Building

Food Challenge

* Date of Contest: Saturday, October 4, 2014
* Registration: 11:00 a.m. - Lion's Den, 1716 N. 42nd St, Waco, TX
* Time of Contest: 12 Noon – Lion’s Den
* Awards: 2 p.m. – Extraco Show Pavilion

Livestock Judging Contest

* Date of Contest: Sunday, October 5, 2014
* Registration: 8:00 a.m. – Extraco Show Pavilion
* Time of Contest: 8:300 a.m. – Extraco Show Pavilion
* Awards & Scholarship Presentation: 1:00 p.m. – Extraco Show Pavilion
If you leave the fairgrounds between contest and Awards/Scholarship Presentation you must pay parking and gate


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NEWSLETTER CORRECTIONS!! Please take note

Council Meeting

The next 4-H Council Meeting will be held Sunday, June 2^nd  at County Extension Agent, Carrie Sharp at 5:30 pm.  Bring calendars, a chair to sit in and your favorite beverage.  We will be conducting elections, start planning the banquet, summer opportunities and finalizing the budget/bylaws.

Bring your “4-H Where Change Makes Cents” jars so that they can be transported to Texas Roundup to turn in.

District IV 4-H Horse Judging

The senior team  members traveled to Gainesville Texas to compete in the District IV 4-H Horse Judging, the NCTC Invitational Judging and the Invitational reasons contest

. 

The senior team of Abby Celella, Hannah Celella, Meagan Gravelle, and Katlin Lumpkin placed 2^nd as a team and will be heading to state competition.

In the individual placings,

Meagan Gravelle was 3^rd with a 534

Kaitlyn Pagel was 5^th with a 522

Katlin Lumpkin was 8^th with a 508

Hannah Celella was 9^th with a 502

In the NCTC Invitational the Senior Team Placed 12^th out of 68 teams.  With Meagan Gravelle and Kaitlyn Pagel placing individually in the top 20.

In the NCTC Invitational Reasons contest the senior team placed 3^rd overall with Meagan Gravelle placing 4^th, Kaitlyn Pagel placing 6^th, Katlin Lumpkin placing 8^th, and Hannah Celella placing 12^th in the invitational contest.

CALENDAR CORRECTION 

Friday, May 30

9:00am

 Outdoor Education Camp Out

Saturday, May 31

» 4:00pm

 Outdoor Education Camp Out

4:00pm

 Ruminants Unlimited 4-H Party 

Sunday, June 1                                                         .

Outdoor Education Archery Practice – 2-4 pm

Monday, June 2

5:30pm

 County Council meeting

Future Club Officer Candidates and Families of Candidates

For Future Officers and Families to consider

4-H club officers are elected annually in accordance with the club's constitution and bylaws.  Under the guidance of the 4-H community club leader and/or the officer's advisor, officers are responsible for a particular part of the 4-H club's function.  Generally, 4-H clubs have a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and sergeant at arms.  However, 4-H units may have additional officers according to their constitution and bylaws. Other activities and events may be planned by a committee.

Together, the 4-H club officer team is responsible for the administration of the 4-H club and its programs. Club officers plan and carry out community club meetings. This process engages officers by encouraging them to learn experientially. The officer advisor serves as a facilitator, counselor, resource provider, and coach to the officers.

These objectives of holding an office include increased:

• planning and organizing skills.
• teamwork, leadership, and social skills.
• communication and public speaking skills.
• self-responsibility.
• decision making skills.
• record keeping and management skills.

Responsibilities

As an officer, you will manage the planning and implementation of the club’s programs and business. You will be a guardian of the club’s legal, financial, social, and educational responsibilities. Officers are responsible for ensuring that the club is inclusive and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability.

The general duties of holding an office include:

• Learn and act upon the duties of your office.
• Be an active member of the board of officers.
• Attend officer executive board meetings.
• Attend club meetings and activities.
• Lead in planning meetings and events.
• Give your opinion on issues, but also listen to what others have to say.
• Actively and respectively represent 4-H in your community.
• Let the officer advisor know if you are unable to attend a meeting.

Club officers and officer advisors have an important responsibility to their club, to Kaufman County 4-H, Texas 4-H, and the public. As an Officer for the club or for council, your actions on and off 4-H time will be closely watched.  I am always proud when I have the public tell me when a 4-H'er has went above and beyond their expectations.  But I am also concerned when I am included in other comments that concern the 4-H Program.  Please remember this when you are considering running for an officer position.

State 4-H Golf Challenge - July 28, 2014

Location: The Campus Course at Texas A&M University – College Station, TX
Date: July 28, 2014
Time: 8:00 am shotgun start
Cost: $60
In 2014 changes are being made to the Texas 4-H Golf Challenge Program. There will be no regional events hosted this year. Instead one State event will be hosted at the brand new course located on the campus at Texas A&M University. The Campus Course atTexas A&M University is in its first year and is being rated as one of the top new golf courses in Texas. This event will be open to all age 4-Hers and split into two age divisions (Juniors 12 and under and Seniors 13 and up). This event is also open to non 4-Hers. For more information please visit http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/golf

2014 Multi County Camp - July 7-9, 2014

“The Great Outdoors” is this year’s theme.  The campers will experience 4-H projects & how they relate to the outdoors.  Camp will be held at Lakeview Baptist Encampment in Lone Star Texas on July 7-9, 2014.  We have a lot of fun activities and events planned.  A $115.00 (non-refundable) registration fee and your camp forms are due to the Kaufman County Extension Office by May 1st, 2014.

Please note – registration is due to your county Extension office.

Again, youth will need to be signed out by an adult – parent, volunteer, agent - - - we don’t want anyone to get left at camp or wonder where & who they left with.  Everyone needs to be picked up by 10 am – parents are invited to come to the closing & awards presentation.

2014 Camp Workshops

Sewing           -         Outdoor First Aid

Shooting Sports           -         Biologist Skills   -         Conoeing/Kayaking

Junior Master Gardener – Edible Plants – area Master Gardner goups

ROPES Course  - For those participants that pay by May 1st, 2014

Volunteer Virtual Conference - May 5th and 6th

State 4-H Dog Show - July 11-13

The 2014 Texas 4-H Dog Show registration is now open on 4-H CONNECT.  It will be held at the Bell County Expo in Belton, Texas on July 11-13, 2014. The deadline for registration is May 9, 2014. From May 10^th -16^th , late registration will be open for a $50 late fee.  DO NOT wait until 4:55 on the last day to enter. It will be difficult for your County Extension Office to help you if you run into problems. Registration will be a little different this year.   You may want to print the attached worksheet and work with your project leader or as a family and determine on paper which classes you are going to enter. This will save you time at the computer and hopefully save corrections down the line.

The dog(s) you certified will be listed at the top of the registration. You will select the dog you are entering and then select the events for that dog.  Once you select the event, you will be given the option to select the specific class as you scroll down the page. At the bottom of the page are three buttons.  If you have another dog to enter, click “Save and Add New Entry”. With the new entry page pulled up, select the next dog and repeat the entry process. At the end of the last dog, you will click  “Continue”.  This will take you to a payout page with a list of the dogs you have entered and the total for each one. At the end of the list, in blue, you will see “Edit Payment Information”. Please double check the payment information you have.  The most common problem is credit cards that have expired.  DO NOT click 4-H/County Check unless you have specific information from your County Extension Office to do so.

If it is your first State show, for the most part you will enter the lowest skill level class. For those who showed in Obedience, Rally or Showmanship at State last year.  The first step will be to pull your score sheets from last year or go to the State Dog Show web page and look at last year’s results to help you determine which skill level you should enter in your event this year. Obedience and Rally results have an “*” next to qualified scores which means you should move up. Showmanship, you will need to know what you placed and how many were in your class, then refer to the chart on page 15 of the rule book.  Any titles received up to time of entry will determine the class entered.  It is not necessary to advance based on titles received between entry and the show.

Once you hit submit, it will first go to the county level, where your County Extension Agent or support staff will approve them. If you have made a mistake or need to make a change, contact your County Office to kick it back for you to correct.  The charge will not go through until the entry is approved at the State level.

There is also a photography contest. Pass the word to your friends outside the project. They don’t have to own a dog to enter the photography contest.

Parents and Project Leaders can register as adults for the show.  The only selections for adults will be ordering a t-shirt and signing up to help with various tasks. Be sure to pass this information along to your project leaders.

We will have a silent auction to raise funds for judge’s. Additional information about the silent auction will be coming, but start thinking about what your county group or multi-county group could provide. 

We are still short on Obedience/Rally and Conformation/Showmanship judges. If you know of a judge you would like to nominate, please read the packet carefully and then provide the nomination form to the potential judge. At this point we are notifying judges within a day or two of receiving their nomination form. 

If you have trouble with 4-H CONNECT, contact your County Extension Office.  The 2014 Texas 4-H Dog Show Rules and Guidelines and last year’s results are available at the State Website  http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/show 

We hope you are having fun with your project and look forward to seeing you in Belton in July.

North Central Texas 4-H GEAR Robotics Contest

North Central Texas 4-H GEAR Robotics Contest

Contest Type:  GEAR Robotics

Eligibility:  Actively enrolled Texas 4-H members

Date:  May 10, 2014

Location:  Dallas Research and Extension Center, Building C

Check-in Time:  8 - 8:30 a.m.

Cost:  $60/team

Registration:  April 9 - May 2, 2014 (one youth or adult will register the whole team on 4-H Connect)

Limit:  30 team maximum

What to Bring (per team):

·         1 pre-programmed Lego robot (RCX, NXT or EV3)

·         1 power strip

·         1 laptop with Lego software

·         Items for educational presentation (if needed)

·         1 GEAR Robotics practice game mat (optional)

This same information will soon be posted on our robotics page along with other existing resources.  http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/robotics   More contests are being planned, so we will be adding those on this same page once they are confirmed.

District IV 4-H Roundup contest memo

Contest memos for Educational Presentations, Share the Fun, and Fashion Show have been posted on our website http://d44-h.tamu.edu/ under the "District Events" section. Registration for each of these is also open on Connect. Please note the location for these contests is not in the student center this year. We will be utilizing the Ferguson Social Science building's classrooms and auditorium. A map and suggested parking lot is noted in these memos. Prior to those contests, I will send out our usual room assignment charts.



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District Storyboard Contest memo online

The District Storyboard contest memo has been posted online. http://d44-h.tamu.edu/district-events/fashion-storyboarding/ Connect registration is up and running as well.

There is a link within the memo to the label that goes on the back of the boards. Please double-check to make sure that the label category matches what is selected on Connect.

Drop off locations are the District Office and the Hopkins County Extension office. Boards will be judged by TWU fashion design students and professors, and displayed at our April 5 district Roundup in Commerce.




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IMPORTANT - Horse Project Information

Please review and distribute the following three (3) attachments, as needed:
1. 2014 Horse Validation Instructions – Families
2. 2014 Horse Validation Instructions – Counties
3. 2014 State 4-H Horse Show Rules and Regulations
http://horse.tamu.edu
REMINDERS:
· These documents and others can be found by clicking on the State 4-H Horse Show link on our website:http://horse.tamu.edu .
· 2014 Horse Validation on 4-H Connect– Open March 1st – May 1st
· 2014 Horse Show Rules and Regulations – New and Important changes are in RED text
· 2014 State 4-H Horse Show Schedule – REVIEW CAREFULLY – Majorchanges from past years
· 2014 State 4-H Horse Show Entries on 4-H Connect– Open June 1st – July 1st
o Three (3) new classes ADDED – Hunt Seat Versatility, Stock Horse Horsemanship, and Cow Boxing


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Texas 4-H Livestock/Equine Ambassador programs

The Texas 4-H Livestock/Equine Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged 4-H members the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, and to become advocates for animal agriculture.

Objectives:
•Prepare youth to serve in leadership capacities in youth livestock/equine programs across Texas.
•Prepare youth for the experience of the University setting, through intensive science based instruction and experiences.
•Prepare and provide opportunities for youth to serve in advocacy roles for animal agriculture, 4-H, and youth livestock/equine programs.
•Develop a heightened awareness of career opportunities in animal agriculture and advocacy.

Program locations, dates and applications:

Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course at Texas A&M University: July 7-10, 2014
Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course at Texas Tech University: July 21-23, 2014
Application http://www.texasyouthlivestock.com/livestock-ambassadors/

Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Training in Gainesville, Texas: June 29-July 3, 201
Application available http://www.texasyouthlivestock.com/equine-ambassadors/

Thank you again for your support and consideration in recommending these programs to your best 4-H Livestock and Equine youth. Contact Billy Zanolini directly at 940-886-7129 with questions.


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2014 Texas 4-H Roundup Art Contest

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The Silver Spurs 4-H Horse Club will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, March 6th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Rockwall Equine Center. 

If your horse is needing a Coggins and shots for the upcoming Show Season you are welcome to bring your horse to the meeting.

Call Rockwall Equine Center 972-524-6616 for special price.

If you have any questions please contact the Extension office at 972-932-9069. 

Texas Brigades Natural Resource and Leadership Development Camp

It is time to recruit cadets (teens 13-17 years old) to the 2014 Summer Wildlife Brigades.   A 5-day tour of duty with a Brigades camp will leave one physically exhausted but mentally rejuvenated about our youth's role in conservation. Visit quailresearch.org to view a most recent testimonial of an urban Dallas girl who has now "seen the light" regarding conservation, see the Feb. issue of the e-Quail Newsletter under the heading of "intern diaries."

"I have been most fortunate to be an active participant and speaker at some of the Texas Brigades.  To put my experience simply, the Brigades are difference makers for young people.  Brigades are week long investment for a life-changing outcome for youth participants." - Dr. Chris Boleman

"Science in Fiction" Video Contest: CALL FOR ENTRIES!

The USA Science & Engineering Festival, in association with the Kavli Foundation, has launched the Science in Fiction video contest.
Using scenes from popular science fiction movies and TV shows, and video games, Grade 6-12 students will create :30-:90 videos that investigate how science fictional scenes could be realized using current and developing technologies. The video contest culminates in a popular awards show, hosted by Bill Nye, as part of the Festival, which returns to Washington, D.C. on April 26-27, 2014.  The contest officially opens for entries on Nov. 1, 2013 and closes Mar. 21, 2014.


First prize is $2000 cash prize and a travel stipend to travel to Washington D.C. for the Expo. The second prize is $750 and the third prize is $500. The People's Choice Award prize is $250. 

GEAR Robotics Game Kickoff

We will be releasing GEAR Robotics game information on February 17.  As part of that release, there will also be two webinars offered during the day explaining the GEAR Robotics game.  The webinars areopen to all Extension employees, volunteers, and youth, and are linked below.   The webinars will be recorded and links posted afterwards on our robotics page for those unable to join at scheduled times.  We will also post all necessary resources that teams will need to know in order to compete in any Texas 4-H/GEAR Robotics competition this calendar year. 

A couple competitions for the 2014 calendar year have been scheduled.  Details will be posted on the robotics web page.  As other competitions are created/confirmed, we will post details there as well.

2014 Texas 4-H Roundup Discount Hotel Rates

For the 2014 Texas 4-H Roundup Discount Hotel Rates there will be no on-campus housing available in 2014. 

On the attached website you will find a document that lists all hotels that Texas 4-H will have room blocks reserved for at the 2014 Texas 4-H Roundup. In order for you and families in your county to receive these discounts you must make reservations by May 17th. This is extremely important. As a result of your efforts in promoting this to families last year Texas 4-H received significant financial assistance once again this year from the Bryan/College Station Convention Bureau. The State 4-H Office asks for your assistance in passing this information on to others in your area and remind them to book early. A message will also be sent through constant contact in our first official Roundup blast. Thanks again for your help. 

This information can also be found on the Texas 4-H Roundup Website http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/roundup 

Texas 4-H Outdoor Challenge - June 27-29, 2014

The state committee is excited to provide information for the Texas 4-H Outdoor Challenge, scheduled for June 27-29, 2014.  The 2014 handbook, found on the page linked below, contains registration information, rules, a tentative schedule, and various educational resource links.   Note that the Outdoor Challenge is being held in a new location this year (in Collin County), and we have made some changes to the events being offered.

http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/outdoor

We will also be providing two sessions during the Virtual Volunteer Conference on February 25 to answer any questions you or your 4-H families might have about the Outdoor Challenge.

If you have any questions, please contact Extension Specialists Derrick Bruton or Larry Hysmith.  We hope to see your 4-H families this summer!

Check your calendars!! Next Paper Clover Dates April 23-May 4

The Spring 2014 Paper Clover Promotion dates have changed:

The Spring Paper Clover dates are now April 23-May 4.

Be sure to mark your calendar and begin planning how your club will get involved in-store at your local Tractor Supply Company during the promotion


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4-H: Where Change Makes Cents

Look for jars in your district and give back to the Texas 4-H Center! The Texas 4-H Council has initiated a year-long community service project to enhance the 4-H Center and provide resources to a facility that the entire 4-H community can enjoy! At the next council meeting each club will receive a jar to collect change to be returned at the June Council meeting. Let's help make Change!!


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Cool New Changes to the Horse Project

There are new and exciting changes to the 2014 District and State Horse shows. These changes are carefully explained on the state 4-H horse website! The link is listed below.

One of the changes to the District IV 4-H Horse is we will be showing with the youth from District V!! This will be a great opportunity to meet new youth, see new classes and also get back to the Henderson County Faorgrounds.

Some of the new additions....
1. We will see jackpot sorting class. You will enter once with your team mate and then with a draw partner.

2. The new class of boxing is added for new exhibitors. Read the rules closely.

More information about the newly named "Region IV 4-H Horse Show".

The state show schedule is also ready for viewing and can be viewed on the state horse website.


If you have questions please visit
http://animalscience.tamu.edu/academics/equine/state-4h-show/

http://animalscience.tamu.edu/files/2012/04/2014-Changes-for-Texas-State-4H-Horse-Show.pdf


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A Word From Kaitlyn-Educational Presentations

How well do you know your project? Could you tell someone everything you know in 7-12 minutes? We that's exactly what educational presentations let you accomplish! Join us for our next workshop on February 10th to improve your public speaking skills, showcasing your knowledge, and teach others something you're passionate tomorrow. Educational presentations can be given individually or as a group of 2-4 people, so if you're not comfortable speaking in front of people by your self, invite some friends with a common interest. If you want to teach someone how to ride a bike, how to make a cake, or even tell the history of a gun, your possibilities are endless as long as you have an open mind. Join us on February 10 at 6:30 at the extension office and let us help you get started on showing off your skills.


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Kaufman County Junior Livestock Show adds Quality Counts

The Kaufman County Junior Livestock Show added to the entry form the space for the Quality Counts number.

4-H and FFA have been involved in character education for more than 100 years. Quality Counts is our way of showcasing this character education and at the same time showing our commitment to producing a safe and wholesome livestock product for the consumer.

Verification of Quality Counts is a natural extension of this effort to demonstrate that 4-H and FFA youth have a base knowledge of the principles of quality assurance and good moral character.

Now and in the near future many local and major livestock shows will require that a youth exhibitor demonstrate this base knowledge by taking the online Quality Counts Verification test and obtaining a Verification Number. This can be accomplished through this web site! http://agrilife.org/qualitycounts/verification/

If you need help completing the online quiz please contact the county extension office and we can direct you to some resources. Short notice I know but it was not in the rule book and I just found it on the BACK of the entry form.

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Junior Livestock Show finally posts rule book

The Kaufman County Junior Livestock show has finally posted their rules on the website- KCJLS.com.
It is really important to read THE WHOLE RULE BOOK. There is a lot of changes and clarifications. Direct all questions to Carrie Sharp at the extension office about certain rules and I can then direct them to the correct board member.
Some of the changes is the Pee Wee showmanship for ALL SPECIES!!! That would be any child UP TO 8 YEARS OF AGE.
If you have any questions please email carrie at cl-sharp@tamu.edu .


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Hoof Trimming for steers and heifers

At the County Fair grounds. Hoof trimming for your steers and heifers Thurs. Eric will be there at 3:30


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The Christmas Party for the Horse Club, Ruminants Unlimited, and the Dog Project on December 7, 2013 has been  Canceled.   We will reschedule at a later date.

3rd Annual Cooke County 4-H Christmas Classic-Jackpot Show for Goat, Swine and Sheep

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Henderson County Dash For Cash Show

Beef project clinic, Saturday, Nov 16

Remember tomorrow is the day for the beef project clinic. Ranch manager and long time beef project leader, Les Jones, will give demonstrations on nutrition, feeding, hair prep, and training.

Clinic starts at 2:30 pm and bring your heifers or steers for the showmanship practice.

Directions are - from I20 take exit 512 and turn right on CR 2965. Then turn left on Hiram road. About 1 mile down turn right on CR 120. The gate for the ranch is down about 3/4 mile on the left. Take the drive way down to the barns..



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Location:KB Cattle Company

Friendship 4-H Jackpot

Friendship 4-H and Lillian 4-H are hosting a Jackpot Show and Livestock Judging Contest on December 7, 2013 at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Posse Arena in Cleburne.
Please forward the attached information to any 4-H families who might be interested in attending these contests.




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Location:Cleburne

McLennan County 4-H Jackpot

Just a reminder about the McLennan County 4-H Coalition Classic this weekend. We’d love to have your 4-H & FFA join us!
For those who haven’t been out to the MCC Highlander Ranch attached is a map & the address:
223A Cobbs Lane
Waco, TX 76708






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Location:Waco