4H_LogoBrown County 4-H is supported by Brown County United Way

DATES TO REMEMBER

October

26 – May 4-H Club Meeting 2:00p.m. at May Methodist Church

27 – Deadline to Sign Up for Brown County 4-H Food Show

28 – Food Challenge Practice 5:30p.m. at Extension Office

November

1 – Brown 4-H County Food Show 2:00p.m. at Extension Office

3 – Major Stock Show/Youth Fair Sign Up 5:00-7:00p.m. at Extension Office

3 – Horse Project Club Meeting 6:00p.m. at Youth Fair Barns

5 – State Heifer Validation 4:00-5:00p.m. at Bob Clarks Pens

7 – Deadline for Fort Worth Stock Show Entries

8 – County/State Swine Validation 8:00-10:00a.m. at Youth Fair Barns

10 – Brookesmith 4-H Club Meeting 6:30p.m. at Brookesmith ISD

11 – Brownwood 4-H Club Meeting 6:30p.m. at Extension Office

11 – Bangs 4-H Club Meeting 6:00p.m. at Bangs FCS Classroom

11 – Extension Office Closed for Veterans Day

4-H ENROLLMENT IS OPEN ON 4-H CONNECT!

The enrollment process for the 2014-2015 4-H year will begin August 15, 2014. All 4-H families, new and returning, are encouraged to log in and enroll in order to become an official 4-H member.

As you begin your enrollment for the year, here are some tips in using 4-H CONNECT:

  • If you already have a profile DO NOT create another one!
  • If you lost your email and password call the county office so we can reset it for you.
  • An active membership will not be granted until the $20.00 participation fee is paid on 4-H   Connect!
  • You cannot register or participate in an eventuntil your profile is ACTIVE.
  • When you are doing your re-enrollment for the 2014-2015 4-H Year please make sure you update your address, phone number, and e-mail address.
  • You can use your Fundraiser Voucher to pay your membership dues. To do this you will have to come into the extension office to enroll.
  • We are updating our e-mail database on November 1st so if you are not enrolled by then you will no longer receive newsletters updates via e-mail. Unless you notify the Extension Office prior to November 1st deadline.

Don’t wait until the last minute to enroll because after October 31st the cost increases to $25!!

4-H FOOD CHALLENGE PRACTICE

It is that time to start thinking about upcoming 4-H projects and contest. It is not too late to sign up if you are interested in participating in 4-H Food Challenge and/or 4-H Food Show.  There will be a Food Challengepractice on Tuesday October 28, 2014, 5:30p.m. at the Extension Office.  For more information contact Kim Miles at the Extension Office.

BROWN COUNTY 4-H FOOD SHOW

The 2014 Brown County 4-H Food Show is set for November 1st, 2:00p.m. at the Extension Office. If you are interested in participating please RSVP by October 27th. For more information please contact Kim Miles at 325-646-0386.

ARE YOU NEEDING A SHOW RABBIT?

If you are needing a show rabbit for the upcoming Brown County Youth Fair you can contact Patricia Becktold at 325-200-9345 by November 1st.

4-H HEIFER VALIDATION

If you are showing a heifer under Brown County 4-H we need the ORIGINAL REGISTRATION PAPERS ASAP so that we can upload them into the system before heifer validation. Heifer validation will be on November 5th, from 4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m. at Bob Clarks pens. If you have any questions contact Nick Gonzales at the Extension Office.

ASSISTANCE WITH LIVESTOCK PROJECTS

If you need assistance with your livestock project or have any questions contact Nick Gonzales at the Extension Office.

SWINE COUNTY AND STATE VALIDATION

It is that time to start getting ready for the Brown County Youth Fair and Major Stock Shows. The most important step in doing this is validating your animals. Swine validation November8th 8:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. at the Brown County Youth Fair Barns. There will not be a county validation make up day! If you are planning on participating in the Brown County Youth Fair you need to make sure your animal is present the day of validation!! If you ordered state tags and have not paid for them please come by the Extension Office ASAP!!  YOU MUST BE ENROLLED IN 4-H BEFORE THE DATE OF VALIDATION!!!

MAJOR STOCK SHOW AND YOUTH FAIR ENTRY NIGHTS

Every year we have two nights in November that we designate for families who want to enter into the major stock shows and Brown County Youth Fair. The only way you can enter into the major stock shows is if you bought state tags. The two nights we are having stock show sign up is November 3rd and 17th from 5p.m. – 7p.m..

If you are planning on entering Ft. Worth you will need to attend the night of November 3rd because the deadline to enter Ft. Worth Stock Show is November 7th.

  • The deadline to enter Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and San Angelo Stock Show is November 21st.
  • This will be your opportunity to enter the Brown County Youth Fair at this time. We are setting a deadline to enter the Youth Fair on December 1st.

BROWN COUNTY YOUTH FAIR CHECKLIST

The Brown County Youth Fair is approaching fast. Everyone should have your animals if you are planning on entering in the Livestock Division of the Youth Fair. There are a few other things that have to be done in order to participate in the Brown County Youth Fair. Below is a check list for you to go by to make sure you are covered.

– Enroll in 4-H

– Attend Validation (have your animal validated for county or state)

– Purchase a Youth Fair Membership (this is mandatory if you are entering livestock or home economics)

– Fill out an entry form for the Brown County Youth Fair (Deadline to enter is December 1st)

** If you are showing horses, you and your horse must attend one of the two mandatory practices on Dec 7th or Dec 21st 2:00 p.m. at the Youth Fair Barns Show Arena. You will also need to have the proof of ownership Papers or bill of sale, registration papers or 4-H certification form. All horses must have negative EIA test documentation.

SCHOLARSHIP TRAINING

District 7 is holding three scholarship trainings on December 2 – Tom Green County 4-H Building, December 4 – Llano County Extension Office, and December 11 – Taylor County Extension Officefor those who are interested in applying for the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Opportunity Scholarship. All trainings will be from 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m.

Below is a list of due dates and deadlines for 2015 Scholarship process.

October, 2014                         Release of 2015 Application

November – January               Scholarship Trainings (Some online)

November – December           Applicant complete FAFSA and receive report

January 12, 2015                     Application due to County Office

February 6, 2015                     Applications due to District Office

February 20, 2015                   Applications due to State 4-H Office

April 10, 2015                         Interview selection notification

May 1-3, 2015                         Interviews (Austin)
June 9,10, &/or 11,  2015        Awards Assemblies/Banquets(College Station)

If you would like more information on the trainings or scholarship please contact Nick Gonzales.

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP RETREAT 2014

Junior Leadership Retreat features Texas 4-H Council members conducting hands-on educational workshops with younger 4-H members. Don’t miss out on a weekend full of fun and exciting activities.

This year, the program will focus on increasing your knowledge and skills in five

4-H project opportunities. Projects include healthy lifestyles, photography judging, AG issues, parliamentary procedure/ Leaders 4 Life and public speaking. Make sure you bring a rock for the Texas Star Ceremony on Saturday night!

State 4-H Council members take pride in showcasing their creativity at the Saturday Night Theme Dance! The theme is “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss. Don’t miss out on this fabulous costume party. All of the State Council Members will be in costume, join them!Join us for a weekend full of fun and exciting activities.

WHO: 4-H members ages 9-14 (and Adult Chaperones)

WHAT: State level leadership development program

WHERE: Texas 4-H Conference Center, Brownwood

WHEN: Friday November 7 arrive 7:30-8:30 p.m. through Sunday,

November 9 depart by 11:00 a.m.

COST: $115for youth, $80for Adult Chaperones (includes two

nights lodging, four meals, two evening snacks and program fees)

To register go to the 4-H Center website: texas4hcenter.tamu.edu click on Register Nowlink. Registration will open September8th – November 3rd.

QUALITY COUNTS VERIFICATION

Texas has the largest number of 4-H and FFA livestock projects in the nation. Young people participate at the county, district, regional and state level. The tremendous support and dedication of livestock show officials help make this possible. With this opportunity comes a responsibility for each exhibitor to learn and demonstrate the highest standards, both in personal character and in the feeding and care of their animals. “Quality Counts” is designed to teach young people the importance of displaying good character in carrying out livestock projects, and in every aspect of their lives. “Quality Counts” helps them learn the importance of using proper livestock management practices so that food quality and safety are preserved.

*If you are planning on participating at any major livestock show you will need a Quality Counts Verification number. This number can be obtained by successfully passing the online exam. Quality Counts website can be found on the Brown County 4-H home page http://www.brown.agrilife.org. If you have taken it already then your number will still be valid. It will not be valid if you turned 14 years old before August 1st of this year; therefore, you will need to take the senior exam. If you have any questions or think you might have to take the exam again please contact Nick Gonzales.

Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating