Kaufman County 4-H News

Monday, May 23, 2011

Ag and Natural Resource Task Prepares for 2011

The Kaufman County 4-H Ag and Natural Resource Task Force (new name for committee : ) ) met on May 19th to discuss preparing the youth of Kaufman County for the challenges in the Livestock and Natural Resource Projects.

From the meeting 3 objectives will be focused on for the 2011-2012 4-H Year. And we will be needing some help to make them happen!!

1. Creating better educational learning points (aides) for 1st to 3rd year families in the livestock projects. How can we better serve them to help them get through their first project experience (ie - raising and caring for, entry and at the show...)
2. Researching the Needs and Wants lists for each major project area. (Dog Project - Location for summer meetings, Dairy Goats/Market Goats - first owners seminar, Beef project - opportunities past county show, etc)
3. Setting up a "Before the County Fair" experience for all of the youth from across the county to get to know each other and to build camaraderie.

The next meeting of the Ag and Natural Resource Task Force is in July. If you would like to be a part of this
committee please contact the 4-H Office.

Quality County Verification for Major Stock Show Livestock Participants

Quality Counts Verification is now active and ready to be used! Moving forward into the 2011-2012 Major Show Season, Quality Counts Verification will be a part of the process for entry in all major shows. This means youth exhibitors will need to demonstrate their knowledge of the Six Pillars of Character and the Eight Core Concepts presented in the Quality Counts Curriculum. To do this, they will need to pass an online test on the website ( http://qualitycounts.tamu.edu/ ) and acquire a Quality Counts Verification number.

Things you need to know about Verification:
* 2011 - State Fair of Texas will implement Quality Counts Verification on a voluntary basis.
* 2012 - All Major Livestock Shows in Texas will require Quality Counts Verification at the time of entry - This means youth will need to be verified prior to entry in the fall of 2011.
* A Verification number is obtained by answering 80% of the questions correctly on an online test.

The Quality Counts website ( http://qualitycounts.tamu.edu/ ) will serve as your portal to the online test, Verification Records, and educational resources related to Quality Counts. From this website, you can access all of the Quality Counts curriculum and various Powerpoint presentations for use. Leaders can use these to educate themselves prior to teaching the curriculum. It can then be used with livestock exhibitors and local support groups as well as other o organizations.

Friday, May 20, 2011

CANCELLED - Silver Spurs Open Youth Horse Show

SHOW POSTPONED - Due to recent events in the horse industry with the growing speculation of the Equine EHV-1 virus the Silver Spurs Open Youth Horse Show that was scheduled for this weekend is being rescheduled for October.
As per suggestions from the Texas Animal Health Commission, "Although mandatory cancellation of future events is not anticipated, the TAHC suggests that horse owners consider the risk of participating in upcoming events scheduled for this weekend and/or co-mingling their horses with other horses and equipment (trailers) of unknown history. Because the incubation period is usually about 4-6 days or less, even a one week voluntary stop movement may be enough to nip the cycle of transmission between horses before it grows in scope. Horse owners should contact event organizers in advance to ensure that scheduled events have not been cancelled." If you have any questions please contact the Kaufman County Extension Office call 972-932-9069.

Monday, April 25, 2011

2011 Aggie Land Goat and Lamb Camps - SPOTS FILL UP FAST!!!

What: Aggieland™ Lamb & Goat Camps - a 3-day program dedicated to teaching parents and students the fundamentals of feeding, nutrition, health, facilities, selection, and showmanship.

View ALGC Questions and Answers

When: Lamb Camp - July 15-17, 2011; Goat Camp - July 22-24, 2011

Where: College Station, TX - Pearce Pavilion

Cost: $120 per camper and $60 per adult

Hotel Information:
Campers and adults do not have to stay at this hotel, but we recommend you try. When making reservations be sure to mention you are with the camp. This is the only way to get the price.
    Lamb Camp - July 15-17, 2011
    LaQuinta Inn & Suites 607 Texas Avenue
    College Station, TX 77840
    1-866-527-1498
    Confirmation # - 0539GRPDPK
    Make Reservation by - June 24, 2011
    *Ask for Texas 4-H/FFA Discount for additional 15 % off
    Goat Camp - July 22-24, 2011
    LaQuinta Inn & Suites
    607 Texas Avenue
    College Station, TX 77840
    1-866-527-1498
    Confirmation # - 0539GRTCIW
    Make Reservation by - July 7, 2011
    *Ask for Texas 4-H/FFA Discount for additional 15 % off
Who: Anyone ages eight years-old and older
Registration: Registration now open.
Youth and adults - Click here to register online for Lamb Camp and Goat Camp.
Please print and complete the Recognition and Assumption of Risk Agreement and Physician Release Form found below. The form may be faxed in prior to camp at 979-458-3294 or you may bring it with you to camp.

Testimonials:
"I wanted to extend a great thanks on the success that attending lamb camp in July was for my son. His showmanship skills and knowledge of lambs has grown considerably."
-- Chris Stoeltje
"Goat camp is already paying off. Thanks for all the info at camp and we will see you at lamp camp next summer."
-- Stephen, Starla and Kristin Tucker
"Thank you for such a wonderful goat camp. A wonderful experience. Wyatt learned so much and didn't want to leave!"
-- Karen Koch
"Thank you all for a wonderful goat camp. It was a great experience for everybody."
-- Maria Lugo
For more information, please contact: Dr. Shawn Ramsey, Sheep & Goat Camp Program Coordinator
Phone: 979-845-7616
Fax: 979-458-3294
Katie Fritz or Kelsey Willberg at aggielandlambandgoatcamp@gmail.com
Phone: 979-845-7616
Fax: 979-458-3294

East Region 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches Certification

The East Region is hosting a 4-H shooting sports coaches certification training on May 21-22 at the AgriLife Research and Extension Center (17360 Coit Road) in Dallas. Details about the coaches training and necessary forms can be found in the document linked here ( http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/library/files/youth_ss_workshops_coach_training_information_packet_11.pdf ). The training is open to all active/YPS cleared 4-H adult volunteers, County Extension Agents, and senior 4-H members (must be accompanied by an adult).

The following certifications will be offered:

Archery

Coordinator

Muzzleloading

Pistol

Rifle

Shotgun

I know that we have many parents and leaders that have been wanting to get the Outdoor Recreation project back up and rolling. Here is one of the first resources needed. Certified 4-H Shooting Coaches. If you are interested in attended the training please contact the Kaufman County 4-H Extension Agent to start the process of re-organizing the club.

Registration is open on 4-H Connect and will close on May 6. The cost is $100 per person. A hotel listing and other meeting details will be posted on the shooting sports website soon. http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/shootingsports/index.php#Workshops

2011 Texas 4-H Volunteer Conference

Why a Volunteer Conference?

The opportunities for our youth, our volunteers, and our 4-H Program continue to grow! With this growth comes the need to prepare and provide our volunteers with the best resources and training possible. As our 4-H Program continues to expand and become more vital to the youth of Texas, it is imperative that we effectively engage and empower our volunteer network.
Our volunteers need access to the highest quality educators and resources so they are best equipped to return to their counties and work in partnership with their local County Extension Agents to further develop our youth. This has never been more important as we consider how to most effectively lead our youth.

Conference Highlights

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program will be sponsoring a state-wide leader training on July 29-31, 2011 in San Antonio to prepare the new generation of 4-H volunteers to lead and instruct our members. Highlights of the conference will include:

High energy, dynamic, and engaging conference addressing the emerging issues of youth development and the Texas 4-H Program.
A two and half day conference filled with quality educational workshops and general sessions. (Scheduled to start on Friday evening and conclude on Sunday)
Opening session featuring a dynamic motivational speaker in the field of youth development as well as an update on the state of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program.
Sessions on Saturday and Sunday focused on needs provided through agent and clientele surveys ensuring our program leaders are receiving the training they want!
It’s not a one time thing! This is on target to become a bi-annual event (off years of Texas 4-H Congress).
Conference will include web-based video streaming of some sessions for those that cannot attend in person!

Conference Schedule

Friday, July 29th - San Antonio Livestock Show Grounds
5:30 – 6:30 pm	Registration and Social
6:15 pm	Dinner Buffet
7:00 pm	Opening General Session
Saturday, July 30th - Region 20 Education Service Center
8:30 am – 4:30 pm	Educational Workshops
Sunday, July 31st - Region 20 Education Service Center
8:30 am – 12:00 pm	Educational Workshops
7:00 pm	Opening General Session
For a more detailed conference schedule, click here.

Registration Information

Volunteers can register for the conference on 4-H CONNECT. Registration will be open until Monday, June 20th. The conference registration fee is $120 per person and includes the educational program, two meals, as well as three refreshment breaks.

Let's get a crew and go have fun!!!

2011 Texas 4-H Roundup "I Support the Clover" Silent Auction

The Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation will be again hosting a multiple day silent auction fundraiser event during the 2011 Texas 4-H Roundup. The 2010 event was a huge success raising just over $14,000. The "I Support the Clover" Silent Auction proceeds will benefit the Texas 4-H Youth and Development Program through Roundup support and state-wide 4-H program support grants.

The 4-H Foundation would like to encourage the county 4-H programs to become involved in the silent auction this year and has issued a CHALLENGE. The Foundation is challenging each county and/or 4-H club to submit something(s) for the 2nd Annual I Support the Clover Silent Auction. The county/club item that raises the most funds will receive 95% of the total funds raised on that item (this takes into consideration the 5% administrative fee assessed on all donations except scholarships by the Texas 4-H Foundation). The county/club with the 2nd highest selling item will receive 70% of the total funds raised on that item, and the county/club with the 3rd highest selling item will receive 45% of the total funds raised on that item. Items may be submitted either as an overall county submission or 4-H club within a county. This will give an individual club the opportunity to raise funds direct for their club if they so chose. When submitting item(s), please note whether funds are to be for county or 4-H club, should that item raise enough funds that it is awarded one of the top three places.

You can visit the Texas 4-H Foundation's website http://texas4hfoundation.org/texas-4-h-roundup-silent-auction/to download a donation form and see what items have currently been donated this year. The Foundation noted that items that received the most funds last year including a pheasant hunt, HLSR rodeo suite/ticket package, signed memorabilia, artwork, and jewelry.

Please notify the Foundation office as soon as possible with details regarding the item(s) your county/club will be donating. They will then post the item(s) to their website. This is a multi-day auction. All the county/club donated items will be given equal time during the auction. Items of great value ($250 and up) will be placed on auction multi-days. So keep that in mind when submitting your items. Lower valued items will be on the daily auction.

You can bring the items with you to Roundup, however, note that the Silent Auction will open Tuesday afternoon in conjunction with the Trade Show, therefore if you will not be here until later in the week, I would recommend shipping your item(s) so you will have ample time on display. Some items may even be placed on auction during the scholarship assembly on Monday.

If you have any questions, please contact Jana Barrett at 979-845-1213 or jcbarrett@ag.tamu.edu

Monday, April 18, 2011

Multi County 4-H Camp - LIFE...In It to Win It!!

Come join us for 4-H Multi-County Camp. Life . . . in it to win it! is this year’s theme. We will be doing team building activities & games. The youth will also experience some of the 4-H project areas. Camp will be held at Lakeview Baptist Encampment in Lone Star Texas on July 11-13, 2011. We have a lot of fun activities and events planned. A $100.00 (non-refundable) registration fee and your camp forms are due to the Kaufman County Extension Office by May 18^th, 2011 .

Please note – registration is due to the Kaufman 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 11am – parents are invited to come to the closing & awards presentation.

2011 Camp Workshops

Shooting Sports – rifle (BB)

Cooking – fun with food

Safety in Action! – basic first aid & safety awareness

Junior Master Gardener – surprise! – The Piney Woods Master Gardeners

ROPES Course – zip line & triangle traverse – trained camp employees

If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the camp or would like the registration forms call the Kaufman County Extension Office for 4-H 972-932-9069.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

2011 Junior 4-H Golf Challenge

Texas 4-H is proud to announce the second year of the Texas 4-H Golf Challenge. After a successful pilot year in the North Region (Lubbock), we have decided to expand the event to the South Region as well. This year events will be held in College Station on June 20-21 and in Lubbock July 6th. Registration for the College Station event opened on 4-H Connect April 1st and close June 1st. Registration for the event taking place in Lubbock will open April 10th on 4-H Connect.

This event is for 4-Hers and Non 4-Hers who are considered intermediate and senior aged youth. Intermediates and seniors may be paired together and individuals on teams do not have to be from the same county. In order to participate, teams of three must register. No individuals will be accepted. Also, teams may compete in Lubbock and College Station. Youth are not restricted to their regions.

In the next few weeks a draft manual for the event will be published online. This will serve as a resource for youth as they prepare for the event. Fliers for both events are found on the Texas 4-H Golf Challenge website. http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/youth/golf_challenge/index_youth_golf.php

New!! Fashion Design Camps

Held in North Texas on the beautiful Texas Woman's University Denton campus, the Fashion Design Camp will feature design professors, graduate students, and industry professionals presenting topics that will be fun and educational for the young fashion enthusiast. Fashion Design Camp is perfect for your teen, preteen, girls and boys! Activities will include:

Fashion show production
Jewelry production
Hat making, model training
Beginning sewing
Beginning sketching
Screen printing
Denim deconstruction (both groups)
Draping (older group)

There will also be classes on the basic principles and elements of design, fashion design, fashion shows, modeling, sketching, and color.

For more dates, details, and registration material, visit the following TWU website: http://www.twu.edu/fashion/fashion-camp.asp

Please share this information with your Clothing & Textiles project members and leaders.

County/ 4-H Club Silent Auction Challenge

The next round of program support grant applications are due May 1st and the application can be downloaded at http://texas4hfriends.org/resources/program-support-grants/) through the Texas 4-H Friends & Alumni Association.

You can visit the Texas 4-H Foundation's website to download a donation form and see what items have currently been donated this year. The Foundation noted that items that received the most funds last year including a pheasant hunt, HLSR rodeo suite/ticket package, signed memorabilia, artwork, and jewelry.

If you have any questions, please contact Jana Barrett at 979-845-1213 or jcbarrett@ag.tamu.edu

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Dog Project to start again!!! Wednesday the 13th at 6:30 pm

Thanks to Stephanie Bazik, the 4-H Dog Project is ready to start again at the Pet County Spa in Terrell. Dr. Sanders has welcomed the 4-H Project members to come learn about basic training and Obedience.

Date/Time: Wednesday, 13th at 6:30 pm

What to bring:

good collar that fits your dog

6 foot leather leash

Water for you and your dog

Maybe some snacks

Bring a friend to introduce to the fun!!!! You will need to keep your dog on leash at all times while at Pet Country. This is going to be fun adventure for you and your dog.

Thursday, April 07, 2011

4-H Horse Validation Deadline May 1st

May 1 is the deadline for a 4-H‘er to validate a horse to show in the 4-H Horse Shows in Texas. This deadline for 4-Hers to validate a horse, which certifies that the project is owned by the 4-H‘er or their sibling, parent, grandparent or legal guardian. The process validates that the horse is owned and not leased or borrowed. Horses not validated on or before May 1 are ineligible for District and State 4-H Horse Shows. Each 4-H horse project validated by a 4-H‘er must be accompanied by a $10 fee. A form must be filled out by the 4-Her for each horse being validated.

To get a form please call or email the extension office.

Texas 4-H Golf Challenge

2011 Jr. Fed Beef Career & Leadership Camp

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association, in conjunction with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and West Texas A&M University, will host the 2011 Junior Fed Beef Career and Leadership Program, or Feedyard Camp as we like to call it, this summer, June 27 - 29 in Canyon. This program will be open to any incoming high school juniors and seniors who have an interest in pursuing a career path in feedyard operations and management and the fed beef industry. The Career and Leadership Program will give students a chance to learn about many areas of feedyard operations and other aspects of the fed cattle industry.

This program will be a great opportunity to bring students in that have the desire and potential to be future feedyard employees and managers and show them the many career opportunities there are in feedyard operations and cattle feeding.

The Junior Fed Beef Career & Leadership Program is being made possible through sponsorships by feedyards in the TCFA area and TCFA’s Allied Industry Sponsor companies.

Participants in the program will only be required to pay for their transportation to and from Canyon.

Interested students must fill out the application and return it to the TCFA office by May 1, 2011. The selection committee will select 15 - 20 students to participate in the program and selected students will be notified by May 15.

Please see the enclosed informational brochure for more information and a program outline. You can also log on to www.tcfa.org/jfbc/FeedyardCamp for full program information and an application to participate in the program. Please make this information available to your students who might have an interest in the program.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Sharing the Fun at County Roundup

Do you have a talent? Can you sing, play an instrument, dance, or do you like to act? If you answered YES to any of these talents, then Share the Fun is for YOU! Kaufman County 4-Her's showed off their talents at the County Roundup Competition for the Share the Fun competition.

Youth from the County Liners 4-H Club did a great Celebrate 4-H skit featuring "4-H Man" with their skit on what is 4-H. Skit members included Isaac Stecher, Reuben Stecher, Sean Baird, Alicia Baird, Conner Baird, and Asher Baird. In addition, Clark Eastridge performed a poem for the crowd.

4-H'ers compete in the County Roundup

Have you ever watched a movie where the people are all dressed in business suits, sitting around a table, and someone is giving a presentation? Some of the presenters may have been using posters or a media presentation, and some may have been using models or props, while others may only be delivering words to relay their point. If you have seen this, then you know what an educational presentation is!
A 4-H educational presentation is a demonstration of the knowledge and skills in a certain project area. This presentation is done in a way that is most comfortable to you. It can be accomplished using props (method demonstration), posters or media presentations (illustrated talk), or it can be you just speaking and convincing, or simply educating, with words alone (public speaking).

A brave group of 4-H'ers competed this last weekend in the Kaufman County 4-H Roundup in the Educational Presentation contest to qualify for District Competition. Presentations on Fire Safety to Showing Market Hogs was demonstrated.
Junior Division -
Reuben Stecher - "Raising Chickens" - First Place Poultry Class
Curtis Joles - "Fire Safety in the Home" - First Place Safety Class
Intermediate Division -
Isaac Stecher - "How to Graft Trees" - First Place Horticulture Class
Abby and Hannah Celella - "Selecting a Pattern" - First Place Clothing and Textiles Class
Dakota Jones - "Preparing Your Market Hog for County Fair" - First Place Swine Class
Senior Division -

Clark Eastridge - "Energy Conservation in the Home" - First Place Energy Class
Katlin Lumpkin - "Preparing Reasons for Horse Judging" - First Place Horse Class
Kaitlyn Pagel - "Picking Your Showmanship Rabbit" - First Place Rabbit Class
Catlyn Wold - "Refining Your Pictures" - First Place Photography Class
Good luck to all qualifying for District !!!!

Saturday, March 12, 2011

New Resources for Club Officer Handbook

There had been requests to update the Club Officer Handbook and take the large blocks of black off of the pages so that they were less costly to print in the county! Ag Comm has re-done the publication and honored this request and I think you will find the new and improved document to your liking!

No content has been changed...Only the design. So if you still have copies of the Handbook in your office, please use those before you print new ones! The supply of printed copies of the Club Officer Handbook in the bookstore have been exhausted. From this point forward, only the PDF's will be provided.

The Club Officer Handbook has been posted at the following websites:

Texas AgriLife Bookstore -- http://agrilifebookstore.org -- The entire document and each section individually is posted.
Texas 4-H Website, Publications Page, Club Management Section -- http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/publications/clubmanagement/index.php The entire document and each section individually is posted.
Leaders 4 Life Website -- http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/leaders4life/index.php The entire document only is posted and is a resource for the L4L Skill-A-Thon Quiz Bowl Portion

New Resource for Leaders 4 Life

The Texas 4-H Youth Leadership Task Force partnered with Specialists from the Minnesota Center for Youth Development to create leadership lessons called "Launching Life Long Leadership." The lessons focus on 7 core competencies of leadership and the target age is 6-8 grade, however, I believe you will be able to use many of these activities for high school and some may even be appropriate for younger youth! The core competencies addressed include:

Defining Leadership
Understanding Self
Communication
Organization
Group Dynamics
Decision Making
Respect

This packet of materials is the first installment and includes 20 lessons, some of which were written by members of the Youth Leadership Task Force! Minnesota is still working on more lessons and as they are completed, more will be added to our website!

The packet is posted on the Leaders 4 Life website at http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/leaders4life/index.php

2011 Junior Beef Career Leadership Program

The 2011 Junior Fed Beef Career and Leadership Program will be June 27 - 29 in Canyon. This program will be open to any incoming high school juniors and seniors who have an interest in pursuing a career path in feedyard operations and management and the fed beef industry.

You can also log on to www.tcfa.org/jfbc/FeedyardCamp.html for full program information and an application to participate in the program.