Texas 4-H Community Service Project

National 4-H Week Photo Challenge

Are you ready for National 4-H Week October 7-13? 

There are many ways for your clubs and members to get involved in celebrating all 4-H has to offer, including our Big 5 Social Media Challenge as explained in the graphic above! 

Opportunities include: 

• Kick off event: Texas 4-H Day in Aggieland
• Big 5 Social Media Challenge 
• Spirit Day on Tuesday, October 9th
• One Day 4-H

Check out details and links to resources like radio scripts, social media messaging guides, and profile frames at https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/national-4-h-week/

Record Books 2018-2019

I am most assured by now you have heard ......

"They Changed the Record Books!!!"

No need to worry!!! We will be putting the new formats for into the new leader trainings and the new family orientations. But for Right now for ALL age levels keep recording and documenting all that you do.

The biggest change is that the JUNIORS and INTERMEDIATES are going to be using the same forms as the SENIORS.

The positive part is that the juniors can now really document per their projects (Up to 4 projects) in the main area. More detailed information will be in the trainings coming up. So .... No Worries.. This will be awesome!!!

But here is alittle help....

The Texas 4-H Record Book state site has ALL the new information and the new forms.

https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/recordbooks/

But here is a little note to get you all started and I will work on a date for a record book workshop.

Effective September 1, 2018, the Report Forms for each age division (Junior, Intermediate, and Senior) request the same content. However, the number of allowable entries and pages vary by age division. The 4-H member may include information for the current year, plus up to three previous years on the Report Form. The 4-H member will only complete ONE Report Form each year that includes up to four years of information. (NOT four Report Forms with one year per form). Previous years’ Report Forms should not be included. Please see table below for more details.

Forms are available as a fillable Word document. The Texas 4-H Report Form is the main reporting form for the 4-H Record Book. It is used to report all of the activities that a member does, along with school, church and other community groups in applicable section. Always keep in mind that 4-H teaches growth, so show as much growth as possible when filling out the report form.

What will judges look for? Record Books submitted for competition will be evaluated based on project work, leadership, community service, awards, and non-4-H activities. Please refer to the score sheet for judging criteria.

Record Books will be judged primarily on content. Emphasis will be placed on the quality of the member’s experiences, activities, leadership, service, and accomplishments. When readers look at a Record Book, they take into account the details in relation to how long the member has been in 4-H.

Clarification on learning activities that take place outside of 4-H clubs and project groups

Very often 4-H members can enhance their 4-H project learning experiences by participating in activities beyond the 4-H club/project. Example, a youth may participate in a showmanship clinic sponsored by a cattle breed association. The learning that takes place and the practice of showing transcends to their 4-H project and thus should be reported in the Report Form. However, if that same 4-H member competes in a showmanship competition sponsored by the breed association that would be reported as a non-4-H activity.

Another example may be in the Theatre and Performance Arts category where many learning experiences may take place within a community theatre or through school theatre. The knowledge, skills and practice associated can be reported as learning experiences within the Report Form. A competitive event or production, however, would be reported as a non-4-H activity.

4-H members also lead self-determined projects where they may be the only individual in their club or county with that particular interest. Learning activities that are self-directed are to be included and reported just as any other project learning activity. 

Look to the site for updated categories. A 4-H member will choose one of the categories for their Record Book entry. The category selected should be reflective of the 4-H member’s main (most active) project. 

Look for more information to come but the first thing of the 4-H year is to select your goals for each of your projects and then document them down.  

NEW!!! to 2019 Kaufman County Junior Livestock Show

The 2019 County Fair is going to be great!!!

And they have some awesome changes...

December 8th-Deadline to validate and enter at the fair grounds.

January 18th - Validation of Rabbit Meat Pens (New this year) must own meat pens by this date. You will still enter on December 8th

New to the schedule is that the Rabbit show, Breeding Sheep Show, Breeding Doe Show, Wether Doe and Wether Dam show will be held on WEDNESDAY, February 26TH this 2019 show.

More information to come.

One Day 4-H - Oct 13th

Lend a hand to your community on One Day 4-H October 13, 2018! This event allows 4-H members, parents, and volunteers help their communities through service projects. This event is flexible and can be as straightforward or intricate as you like.

How do you participate?

• 4-H members and their clubs/county programs should start now on identifying and planning a community service project.
• Work to secure all the necessary supplies/equipment/resources to get the project done.
• Advertise/market your project to locate media and others in the community so they will know the difference you, and 4-H, is making.
• Sign your project up at the one day 4-H website 
• Conduct your project and then report your successes at the one day 4-H website.
• Order One Day 4-H T-shirts at: 

One Day 4-H website for all promotional resources, planning guide, project signup and reporting, and additional information: 

https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/oneday/

District 8 Shooting Sports Leader training - Oct 27-28

We’re pleased to announce that District 8 4-H will be hosting a Shooting Sports Coach Certification Training for Archery, Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun in Stephenville on October 27-28, 2018.

See the attached flyer, website, and/or participant information letter for more details.  

This training is open to any potential coaches across the state.

• Registration will be conducted through 4‐H Connect.
• Look for 2018 D8 4-H Shooting Sports Coach Certification (Stephenville) (Open state-wide)
• Registration will be open starting September 24 and closes October 12, 2018.
• Please pay close attention to the deadline!
• Cost is $120

Participants MUST have completed and passed the Background Check PRIOR to registering for the event, so if they have not completed this, they should do so IMMEDIATELY! NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

District 9 Shooting Sport Leader training-Sept 1-2

I

Information for the Shooting Sports Coach Training that will be held September 1-2, 2018 in Kurten located in Brazos County. There is a range nearby this facility that we will be utilizing and hopefully a new partnership built from this training opportunity. Please share the information with your families. The  information is attached and can be found at the following link: https://d94-h.tamu.edu/d-9-shooting-sports-leader-coach-training/

While this is a short turnaround time of getting volunteers approved in Connect, I do appreciate your cooperation in working with the volunteers and promoting this opportunity. 

30 Days of Doing Good

"Inspire Kids to Do" 30 Days of Doing starts September 1. Enter the 30 Days of Doing Photo Contest on September 1 - 30 and you could win a $10K scholarship for your kid! Here are 30 ideas to "Do" but the sky is the limit. 

Parents and volunteers can find out more information about the contest and campaign at 

https://4-h.org/inspire-kids-to-do/.

Rabies Awareness & Prevention Poster Contest

Rabies Awareness & Prevention Poster Contest

The Texas Department of State Health Services would like to invite the kids at your school to participate in a Rabies Awareness & Prevention Poster Contest. Rabies is a viral disease that kills over 50,000 people every year around the world. Human deaths from rabies in the United States are very rare (approximately one death per year, almost exclusively due to rabies associated with bats). This is due to strict animal control laws, widespread pet vaccinations, and public health intervention in identified rabies-exposure cases. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is 100% effective when administered properly. However, the treatment is very expensive and requires multiple shots over a period of time.  

 

Skunks and bats are the most commonly affected species in Texas. Private residences and school grounds are the most common locations in Texas for exposure to rabid bats. Bat bites are not always noticeable and many people are unaware that exposure to bats poses a risk. Most of these rabies exposures are preventable through education. This is why we are encouraging school kids throughout Texas to become more aware about rabies and respecting bats and other wildlife from a distance. Students at your school can participate by entering a contest to design a poster promoting rabies awareness & prevention. There are prizes for students in Kindergarten through 12^th grade, and artwork from top-ranking posters may be used for future state sponsored public health educational projects. Prizes are provided by the Zach Jones Memorial Fund www.zachjonesmemorial.org/.

Please forward this information to the teachers in your school and encourage them to involve their students. Provided online is an information sheet for students and a teacher instruction sheet with details and an entry form www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/rabies/information/contest/. The deadline for poster submission is April 8, 2019. If you are interested and need additional information, feel free to contact Ms. Bonny Mayes directly. Thank you!   

Bonny C. Mayes, MA, Epidemiologist

Texas Department of State Health Services

Zoonosis Control Branch, MC-1956

1100 W. 49th Street

Austin, TX 78756

Phone:  (512) 776-2888

FAX (512) 776-7454

Email:  bonny.mayes@dshs.texas.gov

Web:  www.texaszoonosis.org

Hunter Safety Course - Texas 4-H Center

The Texas 4-H Center is excited to host Youth Hunter Education Camp in October. This camp is “Family Style” where each participant must be chaperoned by an adult, the family will stay in the Leadership Lodge (hotel style) for the weekend, all meals are provided and the Hunter Education Certification is included in the registration fee. All adults must be screened volunteers through 4-H Connect prior to camp.

Texas 4-H One Day 4-H

Mark your calendars, Texas 4-H! One Day 4-H is October 13, 2018. This event allows 4-H members, parents, and volunteers help their communities through service projects. This event is flexible and can be as straightforward or intricate as you like.

County Council Meeting - August 21st

Council Meeting

The next 4-H Council Meeting will be August 21, 6:30 p.m. at the Extension office. Agenda will be starting the new 4-H year and start planning the Welcome to 4-H night activities on September 8th.

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

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 2018-2019 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 2016-2017 year please make sure you update your address, phone number, and email address.

·         Don’t wait until the last minute to enroll!

IF YOU DO NOT SEE YOUR CLUB ON THE RE-ENROLLMENT LIST PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE.  SOME CLUBS DID NOT MAKE THE JULY 15^TH RE-CHARTERING DEADLINE BUT WE ARE WORKING TO GET THEM ONLINE. 

SPRING Major Show Validations for Heifers, Market Goat/Lamb, Breeding Sheep, Breeding Goats, Wether Dam, Wether Does.

SPRING Major Show Validations for Heifers, Market Goat/Lamb, Breeding Sheep, Breeding Goats, Wether Dam, Wether Does.

If you are planning to show at any of the major shows (Ft. Worth, San Antonio, etc) with your projects please fill out the order form inserted in the newsletter and return. Deadline to order your tags is August 24th. 

Reminders

o Sheep and Goat validation fee ordering process online and One order per county, submitted by the County Validation Chairperson.  DEADLINE IN AUGUST IS 24TH FOR $15 TAG ORDERS.  After that it will be $25 as I will not be in the office the 27th - 31st. 

·   Validation Fee for all Sheep and Goats. 

o $15 per head August 1 – August 31.

o $25 per head September 1 – October 25.

·   Single Validation Tag and New Validation Forms for sheep and goats.

o All Market Lambs, Market Goats, Breeding Sheep, Wether Dams, Breeding Goats, and Wether Does will use the same RFID validation tag. BUT two different forms!!!

·   Market Lamb and Goat Validation Form (one per family). 

·   Breeding Sheep and Goat Validation Form (one per exhibitor).  Breeding Sheep and Goat registration papers will be uploaded to the validation website by county validation chairman. Once again as with the heifers we WILL NOT VALIDATE ANY breeding sheep or breeding goats that do not have their papers in order at validation time.

o (Wether Dams & Wether Does are breeding animals and must be entered on the Breeding Sheep and Goat Validation Form.  They must also comply with the guidelines for breeding animals)

LAMBS AND GOATS VALIDATED FOR THE 2018 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS WILL HAVE TO BE RE-VALIDATED FOR THE 2019 SPRING/WINTER MAJOR SHOWS. STATE FAIR OF TEXAS LAMB AND GOAT VALIDATION TAGS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE SPRING/WINTER MAJOR SHOWS. 

·   OFFICIAL VALIDATION AND TAGGING DATES WILL TAKE PLACE IN KAUFMAN COUNTY: 

·   OCTOBER 23 – 26, 2018 (No Exceptions)

Texas Lamb Breeders Association (TLBA) tag numbers MUST be in the lamb’s ear and be recorded on the validation form at validation and be on the form at the time they are submitted. NO TLBA tag numbers will be added to the validation forms after the forms are submitted to the Sheep and Goat Validation of Texas program. Market lambs must have an GREEN TLBA tag to be eligible to compete in the San Angelo Stock Show or receive TLBA recognition at other major shows. Wether dams must have a BLUE TLBA ewe lamb tag to be eligible to compete in the San Angelo Wether Dam Show.

Order form is included in this newsletter. 

Club Managers/Leaders Meeting

The club managers and project leaders will meet at the county Extension office at 6:30 pm on August 14, to discuss the county 4-H event calendar for the new year.

The 4-H year is gearing up for the new year and you may have a few new faces at your club meetings. I hope that you will join me in giving a big 4-H welcome to those new folks!! As experienced members, I hope that you will help me to make new families feel welcome throughout the year.

Here are some suggestions to help new families through that confusing first year in 4-H.

☺  Explain things as they happen throughout the year.

☺ Make sure new families know that it’s alright to ask questions. 

☺  Advise new families of deadlines. Explain the major events that happen in 4-H such as county fair, record books, etc.

☺  Let new families participate at their own pace.  Involve them in activities, but allow them to participate at a level they feel comfortable.

Fall Show Entry Date DEADLINES!!!

 Entry forms and information can be found on their website or you can contact the Extension office.

West Texas Fair and Rodeo- September 6-15, 2018

www.taylorcountyexpocenter.com Entry Deadline to Extension office is August 3^rd.

State Fair of Texas – September 28-October 21, 2018

www.bigtex.com Entry deadline to Extension office is August 3^rd.

East Texas State Fair and Rodeo- September 21- September 30, 2018

www.statefairtyler.com. Entry deadline to Extension office is August 17th.

  

Heart O’ Texas – October 4- 13, 2018        

www.hotfair.com.  Entry deadline to Extension office is September 7th.

THESE DATES ARE THE DATES TO HAVE YOUR ENTRIES TO ME AT THE EXTENSION OFFICE!!!!!!!  

DUE TO A TIGHT SCHEDULE I WLL NOT BE ACCEPTING ENTRIES AFTER THESE DEADLINES.

NO MATTER WHAT THE DEADLINE DATES ARE FOR THE SHOWS.

Ranch Horse Program in conjunction with the TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course!

This year we will be hosting a

Ranch Horse Program in conjunction with the TAMU Beef Cattle Short Course! The event will take place on Sunday August 5^th from 8:00am to 2:30pm at the Thomas G Hildebrand Equine Complex.  Topics will include equine nutrition, health management, and forage management along with a session in the arena with professional horseman Jeff Williams to discuss starting and finishing the ranch horse prospect.  The cost of attendance is $50 at the door, or free for 2018 Beef Cattle Short Course participants.  We are asking attendees to please RSVP via phone, email or using the online link on the flyer so we can get an idea of how many to expect. 

Spring Major Show Validation Order Time

The 4-H/FFA Sheep and Goat Validation of Texas program is requesting that validation orders be made for Lambs, Goats, Breeding Sheep and Breeding Goats.  In preparation for the sheep and goat validation season, please note some very important reminders below.  

Reminders

• Sheep and Goat validation fee ordering process online and One order per county, submitted by the County Validation Chairperson.  DEADLINE IN AUGUST IS 24TH FOR $15 TAG ORDERS.  After that it will be $25 as I will not be in the office the 27th - 31st. 

• Validation Fee for all Sheep and Goats. 

• $15 per head August 1 – August 31.
• $25 per head September 1 – October 25.
• Single Validation Tag and New Validation Forms for sheep and goats.
  • All Market Lambs, Market Goats, Breeding Sheep, Wether Dams, Breeding Goats, and Wether Does will use the same RFID validation tag. BUT two different forms!!!
  • Market Lamb and Goat Validation Form (one per family). 
  • Breeding Sheep and Goat Validation Form (one per exhibitor).  Breeding Sheep and Goat registration papers will be uploaded to the validation website by county validation chairman. Once again as with the heifers we WILL NOT VALIDATE ANY breeding sheep or breeding goats that do not have their papers in order at validation time.
  • (Wether Dams & Wether Does are breeding animals and must be entered on the Breeding Sheep and Goat Validation Form.  They must also comply with the guidelines for breeding animals)

LAMBS AND GOATS VALIDATED FOR THE 2018 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS WILL HAVE TO BE RE-VALIDATED FOR THE 2019 SPRING/WINTER MAJOR SHOWS. STATE FAIR OF TEXAS LAMB AND GOAT VALIDATION TAGS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THE SPRING/WINTER MAJOR SHOWS. 

• OFFICIAL VALIDATION AND TAGGING DATES WILL TAKE PLACE IN KAUFMAN COUNTY: 
• OCTOBER 23 – 26, 2018 (No Exceptions)

Texas Lamb Breeders Association (TLBA) tag numbers MUST be in the lamb’s ear and be recorded on the validation form at validation and be on the form at the time they are submitted. NO TLBA tag numbers will be added to the validation forms after the forms are submitted to the Sheep and Goat Validation of Texas program. Market lambs must have an GREEN TLBA tag to be eligible to compete in the San Angelo Stock Show or receive TLBA recognition at other major shows. Wether dams must have a BLUE TLBA ewe lamb tag to be eligible to compete in the San Angelo Wether Dam Show.

Order form will be in the newsletter coming out this week. 

2019 Texas 4-H Food Challenge Guidelines Are OUT??

Some of the changes for the new year ...

2019 FOOD CHALLENGE RESOURCES

The Texas 4-H Food Challenge contest is one of the most popular contests in the 4-H program and this year it is getting a facelift! Changes have been made to the contest for several reasons:

 To reflect consistency with other state and national contests.
 To reflect comments and suggestions from agents, 4-H members, and coaches.
 To reflect easier to use resources for our youth.
 To reflect the need to continuously evaluate the success of our programs!

Attached to that web page, you will find the updated Texas 4-H Food Challenge Guide with changes reflected throughout, as well as contest resources. Please use this guide as you begin preparation for the new 4-H year. On the County 4-H Website ( https://kaufman.agrilife.org/p…/4-h-food-show-and-challenge/ ) is a summary of major changes; please see the guide for additional changes, updates, or modifications which are denoted with the bullet.

Youth Beef Cattle Short Course 2019

The BCSC youth program is a hands-on opportunity for youth to learn more about the beef cattle industry. All attending youth will have the opportunity to participate in a live cattle evaluation, beef quality demonstration, beef carcass competition, beef fabrication hands-on demonstration, sensory and preparation hands-on demonstration. Students will be fed breakfast Monday through Wednesday, lunch and dinner on Monday and Tuesday. They will also receive the 600+ page proceedings, ticket to the Famous Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner, refreshments and trade show admittance. All attending youth must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is registered and attending the BCSC. This program is limited to 45 youth so register early! Students must be between the ages of 13 and 18 to participate.

So go to https://beefcattleshortcourse.com/youth/ to get registered or find more information.