Brown County 4-H News and Notes

Brown County 4-H is supported by the Brown County United Way.

DATES TO REMEMBER

October

14 – Extension Office Closed for Columbus Day

14 – May 4-H Club Meeting 6:30p.m. at May Community Building

15 – Rabbit Club Meeting 7:00p.m. at Extension Office

16 – Deadline to enter the County Food Show

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

19 – County and State Lamb Validation 8:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. at Youth Fair Barns

19 – County and State Goat Validation 11:00a.m. – 2:00p.m. at Youth Fair Barns

20 – Sheep Club Meeting 6:00p.m. at Extension Office

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

BROWN COUNTY 4-H NEWS AND UPDATES

NATIONAL 4-H WEEK OCTOBER 7TH -13TH

Welcome to the 2013-2014 4-H year and what a great year it is going to be in 4-H in Brown County!  The 4-H Program is nationwide youth development program that has more than 6.5 million youth involved in it annually. Administered in Texas by the A&M AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M System, 4-H serves youth in all 254 counties in the state through a network of 250 County Extension Offices. 4-H is managed jointly by both a professional and volunteer staff. Texas 4-H, the largest 4-H program in the country, has more than 660,000 youth participants and more than 32,800 volunteers working together to deliver the more than 95 projects, opportunities, and events offered annually through the program.

4-H is unique in that it offers experiences to the most urban young person and youth in rural areas by providing the opportunity to participate in community 4-H clubs, learning experiences in school classrooms, day and overnight camps, and other special interest opportunities. 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.

This year’s theme for National 4-H Week is “Let’s Go! Let’s Grow!” Our local clubs are encouraged to promote 4-H within our community during National 4-H Week. For resources to help with your promotion the website is http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/4hweek.

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

The enrollment process for the 2013-2014 4-H year has started. All 4-H families, new and returning, are encouraged to log in and enroll in order to become an official 4-H member. Our goal is to have 110 members enrolled in 4-H by October 31^st.

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 event until your profile is ACTIVE.
• When you are doing your re-enrollment for the 2013-2014 4-H Year please make sure you update your address, phone number, and e-mail address.
• You can use your Spaghetti Luncheon 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 AND NUTRITION PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES

BROWN COUNTY 4-H FOOD SHOW

The 2013 Brown County 4-H Food Show is set for October 26, 2013, 1:00p.m. at the Extension Office. If you are interested in participating please RSVP by October 16^th. For more information please contact Kim Miles at 325-646-0386.

FOOD & NUTRITION QUIZ BOWL

If you are interested in participating in Food & Nutrition Quiz Bowl contact Kim Miles at the Extension Office.

PAPER CLOVER CAMPAIGN AT TRACTOR SUPPLY

October 9th – October 20th

Tractor Supply stores in communities across the country have long supported 4-H Clubs, and now, Tractor Supply Co. has entered into an official partnership with the National 4-H Council as your National 4-H Project Headquarters.

This means that Tractor Supply will help raise money for county 4-H programs with the Paper Clover Campaign, a national in-store fundraiser that benefits state and local 4-H programming. 70% of funds raised will be awarded to Brown County 4-H and 30% to National 4-H Council.

The fall promo promises to be even stronger, and will be tied into National 4-H Week. Show your support for the Brown County 4-H program by just adding a $1 at checkout. Be sure to spread the word about 4-H’s Revolution of Responsibility at your local TSC during Paper Clover!!

Brown County Council will set up a booth to sell paper clovers on Sunday, October 13, from 1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. All Brown County 4-H members are encouraged to come help sell clovers. A portion of the money raised goes to Brown County 4-H to help support local clubs.

LAMB, GOAT, AND 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. Lamb validation will be October 19^th 8:00a.m.- 10:00a.m., Goat Validation October 19^th 11:00a.m. – 2:00p.m., and Swine validation November. 9^th 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!!!

Brown County 4-H Goat Showmanship Series –November 2nd, & 23rd

Make plans to attend our most popular annual showmanship series, where exhibitors can gather information and practice building showmanship skills. The first two of three workshops will be held from 10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. at the Brown County Youth Fair Barns and hosted by Brown County’s 4-H & Youth Development Extension Agent Nick Gonzales, and Goat Mentors Gayland and Garrett Miller. The series will conclude with a preshow clinic and jackpot show in Ballinger Texas on November 23^rd. Please RSVP by calling the Extension Office @ 325-646-0386

SUPPLY LIST

• November 2nd – Bring Your Goat
• $10 for anyone not registered as a Brown County 4-H member

MAJOR LIVESTOCK SHOW CALF SCRAMBLE INFORMATION

Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo – January 17 – February 8, 2014

Purchase certificate value of $500

Certificates used to purchase a breeding beef or dairy heifer

• All applicants must be 14, 15, 16, or 17 years of age as of January 1, 2014 and not beyond their junior year of high school.
• Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. After all the positions have been filled, the remaining applications will be kept on file and used on an as needed basis. Each County 4-H Program is limited to a maximum of six entries.

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo – February 6-23, 2014

• Purchase certificate value of $800
• Certificates used to purchase an animal in these Junior Breeding Departments – Beef, Dairy, Swine, Sheep, or Goat
• Must show the animal in the 2015 San Antonio Stock Show
• Contestant must have reached their 12^th, but not their 18^th birthday on January 1, 2014 and not be enrolled beyond their junior year in high school.
• Completed Entry Applications and Release and Indemnification Agreements must be returned to the Brown County Extension Office by October 15, 2013.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo – March 4 – March 23, 2014

Purchase certificate value of $1,500

• Certificates used to purchase a breeding beef heifer or market steer
• Must show the animal in the 2015 Houston Livestock Show
• Entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. After all the positions have been filled, the remaining applications will be kept on file and used on an as needed basis.

San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo – February 15, 16, 22, 23, 2013

• Limited to first 80 entries
• 20 students compete in 4 separate scrambles
• A purchase certificate will be issued to each of the top 10 contestants catching a calf in one of the four go-arounds.
• FINALS: Top 16 Contestants come back!(Top 4 in each go-round)
• Top 8  in Finals receive scholarships
• Places 9-16 receive additional $250 purchase certificate.
• Must be 13 years of age but no older than 18 by February 1, 2014

If you are interested in participating in San Antonio calf scramble please contact the Brown County Extension Agent, Nick Gonzales, as soon as possible. Deadline October 15^th.

If you are planning on participating in any of the other calf scrambles please contact the Extension Office by October 21^st!

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 4th and 18th from 5p.m. – 7p.m.

If you are planning on entering Ft. Worth you will need to attend the night of November 4^th because the deadline to enter Ft. Worth Stock Show is November 8^th.

• The deadline to enter Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and San Angelo Stock Show is November 20^th.

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 2^nd.If you have any questions please contact Nick Gonzales.

TREAT

The District 7 4-H Horse Project Development Committee is participating in the Annual TREAT(Tarleton Equine Assisted Therapy) Special Kids Rodeo at Tarleton State University on October 29^th at 9:30a.m.-2:30p.m.. This is open to any 4-H member who is interested in working with kids that have special needs, who have a love for horses. 4-Hers will assist youth as they participate in events of Stick Horse Pole Bending, Stick Horse Barrel Race, Goat Ribbon Relay, Bucking Barrel, Dummy Roping and a Farm Animal Petting Zoo. If you are interested in participating in the TREAT please RSVP with the Extension Office by October 22^nd.  If you would like more information contact Nick Gonzales at 325-646-0386.

JUNIOR LEADERSHIP RETREAT 2013

Junior Leadership Retreat features Texas 4-H Council members conducting hands-on educational workshops with younger 4-H members.

This year, the program will focus on increasing your knowledge and skills in five 4-H project opportunities. These include vet science, leadership, bullying & inclusion, “trashion show” and archery.

State 4-H Council members take pride in showcasing their creativity at the Saturday Night Theme Dance! The theme is “The Final Screening”, so come dressed as your favorite movie character. Don’t miss out on this fabulous costume party. All of the State Council members will be in costume so plan to join them!

Don’t forget to bring a rock from your county for closing ceremonies at the Texas Star on Saturday night. 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 8 arrive 7:30-8:30 p.m. through Sunday,

November 10 depart by 11:00 a.m.

COST: $115 for youth, $80 for 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 Now link. Registration will open September 2nd – 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 1^st 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, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners’ Courts of Texas Cooperating.