NEW!!! Photography Activity Pages

The Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program is pleased to release three photography activity pieces that can be used in introducing and promoting the 4-H photography project.  The activity sheets are categorized in beginning, intermediate, and advanced and are designed to engage 4-H members, and non-4-H members, to think about careers, education, and opportunities within the photography project.   In addition to being emailed out, the activity sheets are available online at the Texas 4-H Photography website (http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/project_photography).

 

2013 Texas 4-H Photography Contest Rules and Guidelines

Attached at the 2013 Texas 4-H Photography Contest Rules and Guidelines.  Please make sure to share with your 4-H members and volunteers interested in the photography project.  Some of the highlights/changes to the 2013 contest include:

• Theme category is "Holiday Season in Texas."  This theme allows 4-H member to take photos of any holiday from January 1, 2012 to time of entry.  The Holiday theme should have photographs that depict a Texas theme/flare or western heritage. Photographs can include nature, landscape, people, animals (domestic and wildlife) as long as the subject of the photo is clearly related to a holiday with a Texas/Western basis.
• Format/Size of Photograph:  We have changed the requirement of photo size to assist 4-H members in submitting entries.  Photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible. Photographs must be in a .jpeg, .jpg, or .gif formation. Files submitted may not be larger than 2,048k (2MB). Best of Show winners may be asked to submit a high-resolution file or an original negative, print, or slide. 
• Entries will be accepted for the state contest between April 1, 2013 and April 15, 2013 via 4-H CONNECT.

CLARIFICATION:   It is extremely important that 4-H members, project leaders, parents, and county Extension agents review the descriptions of each category very carefully. Please do not enter photographs into categories that are duplicates from other categories or ones that do not clearly meet the category description. Photographs that do not meet the description of the category will be disqualified. 

The 2013 Rules and Guidelines will be posted to the Texas 4-H and Youth Development website for download (http:texas4-h.tamu.edu)

4-H Show Poultry Workshop

NEW!!! District IV 4-H Sweepstakes Award

FYI - New for Participation to District Contests

Lets see if we can show some Kaufman County Spirit!!

 

District IV 4-H Sweepstakes Award
Rules & Guidelines

Section 1:
This award was established in 2012. The purpose of the District IV 4-H Sweepstakes Award is to
encourage more participation on the district level in all of the different contests and events. This award
is aimed at encouraging growth and increasing participation at all levels of the 4-H program.

Section 2:
Counties will be divided into two divisions:
Division I: Counties with two or less Extension Agent Positions
Division II: Counties with 3 or more Extension Agent Positions
The District IV 4-H Sweepstakes Award applies to all district contests and events. No state participation
will count toward points. Point accumulation will begin with district recordbooks and end at Leadership
Lab each summer, where awarding will take place.

Section 3:
The points will be counted and compiled by the District IV 4-H Extension Program Specialist. The County
who has the most points in their respective division will receive a traveling trophy for that year. Second
and third place counties will be recognized. The following year, the winning county will return the
trophy at UlTra Leadership to be re-awarded to the county who wins it. Counties are eligible to win the
trophy in consecutive years.

District IV Sweepstakes Point System
(revised September 20, 2012)

Points are awarded for only district-level awards and participation.

Leadership Lab (UlTra)
2 points will be awarded for each camper
3 points will be awarded for each member who applies and gives a speech for a council officer position
2 points for each member elected to district council
5 point bonus for the county in each division with the most campers (bonus awarded to each county if
there is a tie)

Recordbooks
4 points will be awarded for each 1st place book
3 points will be awarded for each 2nd place book
2 point will be awarded for each 3rd place book
1 point will be awarded for all other participants (per book)
5 point bonus for the county in each division with the most books (bonus awarded to each county if
there is a tie)

Gold Star
5 points will be awarded for each youth and VLAT award recipient in attendance at the Gold Star Awards
Ceremony

Fall Meeting and Lock-In
1 point per participant (youth and adult) will be awarded
5 point bonus for the county in each division with the most participants (bonus awarded to each county
if there is a tie)

Judging Contests (CDM, livestock, horse, dairy, meats, range and grass ID, wool & mohair, soil, and
entomology)
4 points for 1st place team
3 points for 2nd place team
2 points for 3rd place team
1 point for all other participating teams (per team)
3 points for 1st high individual (overall)
2 points for 2nd high individual (overall)
1 point for 3rd high individual (overall)

Quiz Bowls, Leaders 4 Life, & Food Challenge
4 points for 1st place team
3 points for 2nd place team
2 points for 3rd place team
1 point for all other participating teams (per team)

Food Show; Fashion Show; Food Challenge
4 points for 1st place
3 points for 2nd place
2 point for 3rd place
1 point for all other participants

Shooting Sports
4 points for 1st place team
3 points for 2nd place team
2 points for 3rd place team
1 point for all other participating teams (per team)
3 points for 1st high individual (overall)
2 points for 2nd high individual (overall)
1 point for 3rd high individual (overall)

Photography
4 points for 1st place
3 points for 2nd place
2 point for 3rd place
1 point for all other participants
5 point bonus for “best of show”
5 point bonus for each “best of age division”
1 point bonus for each “judge’s favorite”

Roundup (educational presentations, share the fun, and public speaking)
4 points for 1st place
3 points for 2nd place
2 point for 3rd place
1 point for all other participants

Horse Show (drill and precision counted as one entry)
4 points for 1st place
3 points for 2nd place
2 point for 3rd place
1 point for all other participants
10 bonus points for high point county
5 bonus points for each division winner
3 points for grand champion judged
2 points for reserve champion judged

IMPORTANT: Changes in Payment Types for ALL 4-H CONNECT Transactions

Effective October 5, 2012, 4-H CONNECT will no longer be accepting the e-check payment method for enrollment, event registration, or on-line giving.  This change is due to several conditions which the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program and Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation have been monitoring over the past months.  The factors which have led to this decision include an excessive amount of e-check payments which have been returned as insufficient funds, an increase in processing fees which would result in higher fees being passed on to 4-H clientele through increase fees, and timely processing of e-check payments through the 4-H CONNECT processing company and 4-H families' banks.  

While we know this change may create an inconvenience for some of our 4-H Families, however, with more and more families utilizing debt cards and credit cards linked directly to bank accounts, we feel the transition to credit card payment method will be minimal.  

 

If you have any questions, email the office or call (972) 962-9069. 

2012 It's Time Virtual Summit

IT'S TIME to sign-up for the 2012 Texas 4-H and Youth Development Virtual Summit!  This year's summit is November 6-7  anyone can enroll.  Attached is an overview of this year's summit and the schedule (which includes over 40 sessions).  Kaufman County 4-H will have the summit up and running if you want to come by and watch at the office.

To sign up go to: 

1.  http://webconference.tamus.edu/SiteRoots/main/index.jhtml?default=true&domain=/tce

2.  Login

3.  Click on ENROLLMENT

4.  Then click on top folder – 2012 Texas 4-H Virtual Summit

5.  From there, enroll in any of the sessions you wish (note there are three pages of sessions)

SIGNUP TODAY!!!

Incentives, awards, and door prizes will be provided!!!

Special thanks to the planning committee for getting us to this point: Charla Bading, Richard Parrish, Toby Lepley, Andy Hart, Courtney Dodd, Toby Lepley, Brandon Dukes, Joyce White, and Jill Hughson.

 

San Antonio International Livestock Clinic

4th Annual Leon County Jackpot show

Leadership LIVE!!

The Texas 4-H & Youth Development Program is pleased to announce a premier leadership experience, Leadership LIVE!, set to take place on December 10th from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss out on this opportunity to be motivated to LEAD! 

 

For Cattle Projects!! Texas Animal Health Commission Announces Details of New Cattle Traceability Rule

AUSTIN - A requirement for adult cattle in Texas to have an approved form of permanent identification in place at change of ownership will go into effect January 1, 2013 according to the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC). The Commission amended its rules in June of this year to enhance the effective traceability of beef cattle movements in Texas, which is the cornerstone of disease control activities. Implementation of the changes was delayed by the Commission to ensure cattle producers understand the requirements and can prepare for the changes.

 

The amended rule permanently cancels the brucellosis test requirement for adult cattle at change of ownership, which was unofficially suspended in the summer of 2011. Although testing of adult cattle is no longer required with the rule change, all sexually intact cattle, parturient or post parturient, or 18 months of age and older changing ownership must still be officially identified with Commission approved permanent identification. This change primarily affects beef cattle, as dairy cattle in Texas have had an even more stringent identification requirement in place since 2008.

 

Before August of 2011, official identification devices such as eartags were applied automatically at the time a brucellosis test was performed. The inadvertent loss of the identification devices applied to cattle when brucellosis testing stopped has threatened TAHC's ability to effectively trace cattle as part of any ongoing disease investigation.

 

The TAHC routinely performs cattle health investigations where the identification and location of exposed/infected animals is critical to success. For example, 30 Brucellosis reactors, over 300 Bovine Trichomoniasis affected bulls and 22 bovine tuberculosis cases have been investigated by the TAHC to date in 2012. The new traceability rule will help preserve the TAHC's ability to identify and trace animal movements quickly and effectively, no matter which disease is involved.

 

A complete list of acceptable identification devices/methods may be found at www.tahc.state.tx.us, but the most commonly used devices include USDA metal tags, brucellosis calfhood vaccination tags, US origin 840 series Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID), and breed registration tattoos or firebrands. Producers are encouraged to contact their veterinarian or TAHC to determine which method of tagging will be best for their operation.

 

Free USDA metal tags, and a limited number of free applicator pliers (dependent on available funding) will be provided by the TAHC to producers wishing to use them. The tags and/or pliers may be obtained by contacting local TAHC field staff and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services representatives. The TAHC is developing tag distribution partnerships with interested veterinary practitioners and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension offices. Partner contact information will be published as it becomes available. Producers may locate the closest tag distributor online at www.tahc.state.tx.us .

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q: What age/class of beef cattle must have acceptable permanent identification?

A: Sexually intact adult beef cattle 18 months and up, and Mexican origin event cattle. Nursing calves, steers, spayed heifers, bulls and heifers under 18 months are exempt (unless heifer has calved).

 

Q: Where can I find the complete listing of all Commission approved permanent identification devices?

A: Producers may access the complete list at www.tahc.state.tx.us or by contacting any TAHC office or personnel.

 

Q: Do I have to use the free eartags offered, or can I use other acceptable methods of identification?

A: No, the free metal tags are not required to be used, but they are one low cost option.

 

Q: Will ear tag pliers be provided at no cost or will I have to purchase them?

A: A limited supply of eartag pliers is available at no cost. Because of the limited supply, producers are also encouraged to consider purchasing tagging pliers from any Ag supply outlets.

 

Q: Is this rule a federal rule?

A: No, this is a Texas rule, but it will put the beef industry in compliance with the anticipated USDA Animal Disease Traceability rule for interstate movement expected to be released later this year.

 

Q: When does this Texas rule go into effect?

A: To ensure that the cattle industry has ample time to understand the changes and prepare, implementation of this rule will not take effect until January 1, 2013.

 

Q: If my animal already has a silver test tag or orange vaccination tag in its ear, will it need to have a new tag applied if sold at a livestock market?

A: No. Animals presented with approved official Id's at a market will not have to be retagged.

 

Q: Can I move my cattle directly to slaughter from my farm or ranch without an ID?

A: Yes, ranchers can move an animal directly to slaughter from their premise without an ID. Breeding cattle otherwise changing ownership by private treaty (country sales) must have acceptable identification.

 

Q: What happens if my cattle are too weak to be safely tagged at market?

A: The TAHC has proposed an amendment allowing the waiver of the rule by a TAHC inspector in consultation with market ownership or management for weak cattle presented at a sale.

 

Q: Do I need to keep records when I sell my animal(s)?

A: Record keeping is not required when animals are sold, but is strongly encouraged.

 

Q: Who is responsible for maintaining the information related to eartag distribution?

A: All official identification numbers assigned will be maintained in a TAHC-managed database. The TAHC will not track individual change of ownership transactions.

 

For additional ear tag information, including the nearest distributor of free USDA tags, contact the TAHC Traceability Team at 1-800-550-8242 ext. 733, or visit www.tahc.state.tx.us  .

 

Founded in 1893, the Texas Animal Health Commission works to protect the health of all Texas livestock, including: cattle, swine, poultry, sheep, goats, equine animals, and exotic livestock

Horse Quiz Bowl Team Practice

The Horse Quiz Bowl Team will practice every 3rd Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at Star Bucks in Terrell.

For any questions please call or text your coach Ms. Tiffany Gravelle at 469-595-1340.

4-H Poultry Workshop - December 8th

Ellis, Hill and Johnson counties will be hosting a 4-H Show Poultry Workshop on Saturday, December 8, 2012.  The workshop will be held at the Ellis County Youth Expo in Waxahachie. 

Congrats!!! to the West Texas Heifer Showers!!

West Texas Fair Junior Heifer Show

Brooke Adams was Reserve Champion Hereford and Intermediate Division Champion Angus.
Clarissa Perez was Junior Division Champion Angus Heifer.
Shelby Wheeler received 3rd place with her Limousin Heifer

County Steer and Commercial Heifer Validation

County Steer and Commercial Heifer Validation will be held at Dr. Risinger Vet Clinic in Terrell, October 30th, 2012, starting at 6:00 p.m.  If you tagged in a steer for the major shows there is a form that you can fill out using the Major Validation tag number and pay the county validation price.  You will of course if you have multiple siblings on a major steer have to assign each steer to each child.  Multiple ownership is not allowed for the county contest.  Validation forms can be emailed to you from the county extension office.

County commercial heifers have to be county bred so you will need to have proof of purchase from a county resident for their heifer also stating the date of birth if you are buying the heifer. If you raised the heifer(s) you will need the date of birth. No proof of purchase with this information – NO TAG IN.

Reminder of Spring Major Show Entry Deadlines!!!!

If you plan to show at the junior shows in you will need to get your entries into the office by the deadline.

Fort Worth you need to be signed up by October 22nd.

San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston, and Star of Texas you need to be sign up by November 13th, 2012.



****For Junior Heifer Show entries into the Houston Junior Livestock Show you will need to bring your registration papers to be scanned in.  Part of the entry process in attaching a copy of the registration papers of the heifer you are showing and ANY HEIFER YOU MIGHT SUBSTITUTE.

Spring Show Dates:

Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show - Jan. 18- Feb.9
http://fwssr.com

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo – Feb. 7-24
http://www.sarodeo.com

San Angelo Livestock Show – Feb. 9-24
http://www.sanangelorodeo.com

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Feb. 25 – March 17
http://www.hlsr.com

Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo – March 8-23
http://www.RodeoAustin.com

Junior Market Broiler Orders

Deadline for ordering birds is October 8, 2012. The rules and procedures for the 2013 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo and Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo Junior Market Broiler divisions are now available at http://posc.tamu.edu click on youth programs. If you have any questions contact the Extension office at 972/932/9069 or email cl-sharp@tamu.edu.

Council News

Council Meeting
The next 4-H Council Meeting will be held Monday, October 1st, at the Kaufman County Extension Office at 6:30 pm. The Recreation team has been doing an awesome job introducing new games and ice breakers that you can use in your meetings. They are the first thing when you walk in.
The Peanut Sales are currently being done by 4-H members and clubs.  Funds from the sales assist clubs with their activities and for the council their Leadership Scholarship.

The sales will end November 5th and the product will be delivered in time for Christmas gifts.  Call the office to make an order or talk to your local 4-H'er.

2012 Texas 4-H Golf Challenge Camp- Oct 27-28th

With the success of the Texas 4-H Golf Challenge over the past three years, Texas 4-H is excited to announce a new opportunity related to the Golf Challenge. The first ever Golf Challenge Swing Camp will be hosted October 27th and 28th in College Station . This hands on camp will begin Saturday, October 27th at 9 am and conclude Sunday, October 28th at noon. 

The camp will provide 4-Hers of all ages the opportunity to work with golf professionals on swing fundamentals (putting, chipping, pitching, iron play, trouble shots), situational golf play, and proper fitness and nutrition related to golf. Golf professionals include former Assistant Texas A&M University Women's Golf Coach, Texas A&M University Golf Course Professional, and Texas A&M PhD Graduate Student focusing on sports nutrition. The camp will be limited to the first 30 youth signed up and will focus heavily on one on one instruction. 

Registration is now open on 4-H Connect and will close October 15th. The cost of the camp will be $150 and includes professional instruction, instructional materials, access to golf facilities, and lunch on October 27th. Lodging and transportation is not included. Do not miss out on this great opportunity to work with top golf professionals!  This camp is limited to the first 30 participants.

Junior Leadership Retreat - Nov 9-11

National 4-H Week October 7th-13th

Welcome to the 2012-2013 4-H year and what a great year it is going to be for 4-H
in Texas! The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and its employees are committed to the
education and development of the youth of Texas to be the future leaders of our state, country,
and world. We are proud of more than 105 years of providing life development opportunities and
look forward to the future and the opportunities it brings for our program and our youth.

A fundamental responsible of the 4-H Program is to highlight our program’s success and especially
the youth that are involved in it. Each year, during National 4-H Week, the local and county 4-H
clubs/groups have the opportunity to showcase what they have gained from their membership
in 4-H through activities and events at the local and county level. In 2012, National 4-H Week
will be October 7th through the 13th.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2012
Sunday, October 7th starts the celebration of National 4-H Week and is a day for families and for each of us to reflect on life and how
to serve and help others. This can be done countless ways depending on one’s beliefs, traditions, and heritage.
Because each family may have different Sunday routines, this is a day designated for reflection as an individual towards your 4-H
projects, leadership, and service to others. This reflection may be done as an individual or as a family.
For those involved in community or religious activities during Sunday, you could organize the following:
• Ask your pastor to offer a special prayer for 4-H members.
• Request to present a brief presentation to the audience about 4-H and the success of its members in your religious organization.
• 4-H Clubs can host fellowship after a service, especially if the 4-H club may meet in the church.
• Host an afternoon social for 4-H families to come and share their personal experiences about 4-H.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2012
Monday is linked to the 4-H Pledge statement of “I pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking.” This day should be about demonstrating
and telling the story about how 4-H develops thinking and managing skills. As 4-H members host various events and visit with others
they should talk about how 4-H helps with the following life skills: Learning Decision Making, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking,
Service Learning, Goal Setting, Planning/Organizing, Wise Use of Resources, Keeping Records, and Resiliency.
Quote of the day: “If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it from him.” –Benjamin Franklin

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2012
Tuesday is “I pledge my HEART to greater loyalty” day. This part of the 4-H Pledge demonstrates the ability of youth to relate
and care for others. Life skills that can be talked about on Tuesday include: Communication, Cooperation, Social Skills, Conflict
Resolution, Accepting Differences, Concern for Others, Empathy, Sharing, and Nurturing Relationships.
Quote of the day: “Teach this triple to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things
which renew humanity.” –Buddha

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2012
National 4-H Youth Science Day! On October 10, 2012, millions of young people across the nation will become scientists for the day
during the fifth annual 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD). NYSD is the premier national rallying
event for year-round 4-H Science programming, bringing together youth, volunteers and educators
from the nation’s 111 land-grant colleges and universities to simultaneously complete the National
Science Experiment.
If your 4-H Club would like to participate, you can order your Experiment Kits now from the National
4-H Science Day website. The kits are through a partnership with Ohio State University. Eco Bot
Challenge kit provides turn-key materials for your NYSD event and contains enough materials for at
least ten youth to participate in the experiment. Kits should be ordered at least 2 weeks in advance
of your event. The complete Eco Bot Challenge kit is now available for pre-order on the 4-H Mall
(4-hmall.org).
Your Eco Bot Challenge Kit will include the following items:
5 vibrating pager motors
5 1.5 volt button batteries
5 toothbrushes
Double sided foam mounting tape
5 youth guides

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2012
Thursday is “My HANDS to larger service” day. In 4-H, youth learn by doing, and the most learning is done by getting involved and
using your hands. Thursday celebrates how 4-H members are using their hands to better themselves and their communities. This
day should focus on the efforts of 4-H in the community. Thursday allows the opportunity for interpreting how the 4-H Program
and its members make the world a better place. Life skills related to hands include: Community Service, Volunteering, Leadership,
Responsible Citizenship, Contributions to Group Efforts, Teamwork, Self-motivation.
Quote for the day: “I hate the giving of the hand unless the whole man accompanies it.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2012
Friday completes the work week of National 4-H Week with “My Health to a Better Living.” The strength of a community is only
as strong as the citizens that live in it. For 4-H members, they pledge their health to a better living. This includes the ability to
live a healthy life for themselves, as well as helping others in the community benefit from good health. This day can include the
interpretation of the following life skills: Self-esteem, Self-responsibility, Character, Managing Feelings, Healthy Lifestyle Choices,
Stress Management, Disease Prevention, and Personal Safety.
Quote for the day: “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold or silver.” –Mohandas Gandhi

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2012
one day 4-H is the final celebration of a great 4-H week. This day has been designated as the official Texas 4-H day of community service across the state. Every 4-H member, club, and group is challenged to identify an issue affecting their community that they can assist with and then implement a community service project. It can be something as simple as mowing the lawn for the elderly to hosting a 5K walk/run.  What ever it is, it is your day to make a difference for life.
For more information on one day 4-H and what you can do, visit the one day 4-H website at: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/oneday/

For Ideas on each day that your club could participate in contact the Extension Office.