Brown County 4-H is supported by Brown County United Way
DATES TO REMEMBER
February
23 – Shooting Sports Practice 2:00p.m. at 4-H Center
25 – Consumer Decision Making Practice 5:00p.m. at Extension Office
27 – Photography Workshop 5:00p.m. at Extension Office
March
3 – Photography Workshop 5:00p.m. at Extension Office
11 – Brownwood 4-H Club Meeting 6:30p.m. at Extension Office
11 – Early 4-H Club Meeting 6:30p.m. at Extension Office
17 – Photography Workshop 5:00p.m. at Extension Office
BROWN COUNTY FAIR CHECKS
The checks for the Brown County Youth Fair will be available for you to pick up at the Brown County Extension Office. A thank you letter should be written to each buyer who contributed towards your project. Make sure that it is stamped and addressed and turned in to the Extension Office! You will not receive your check until we receive your thank you letters. Hand written “thank you” letters are best but, depending on your personality and penmanship a typed letter can also be appropriate. Thank each person individually, don’t try and thank a group of people in one letter.
MAJOR STOCK SHOW PASSES FOR 4-H PARTICIPANTS
The San Angelo, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio Stock Show passes have arrived. Participants may pick up their passes at the Extension Office. If you have signed up for any of these shows and are NOT going to be participating or have any other questions please contact Nick Gonzales.
HEALTH PAPERS FOR MAJOR STOCK SHOWS
All major stock shows including, San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin only require breeding animals to have health papers.If you have any questions contact Nick Gonzales.
ZILMAX IN MARKET STEERS AT HOUSTON STOCK SHOW
In August 2013, Merck Animal Health made the decision to temporarily suspend sales of Zilmax® in the United States and Canada to allow sufficient time for the development and implementation of five-step plan initiatives. At this time, it is too early to speculate about the return of Zilmax® to the market. AS A RESULT OF THIS SUSPENSION, THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW WILL NOT TOLERATE THE PRESENCE OF ZILPATEROL HYDROCHLORIDE (Zilmax®) IN THE URINE OF MARKET STEERS OR ANY OTHER ANIMAL ENTRIES AT THE 2014 SHOW. The use of this compound will be governed by the Junior Show Rules published in the 2014 Exhibitor Handbook.
Ractopamine Hydrochloride (Optaflexx™, Paylean®, Topmax™)
The Houston Livestock Show will not be testing for the presence of ractopamine hydrochloride in steers (Optaflexx™), market barrows (Paylean®), or market turkeys (Topmax™). Exhibitors who choose to use these products are expected to follow all label directions. The Show will not tolerate the presence of ractopamine hydrochloride in species or classes within species for which they are not FDA approved.
The use of all other drugs in junior market animals, both unapproved and FDA approved, will be governed by the Junior Show Rules published in the 2014 Exhibitor Handbook.
BREEDING ANIMALS
The Houston Livestock Show will not be testing for the presence of antibiotics/antibacterials that have been FDA approved for the species and class of breeding animal in which they are administered. The use of all other drugs in junior breeding animals, both unapproved and FDA approved will be governed by the Junior Show Rules published in the 2014 Exhibitor Handbook.
PREVENTING SWINE SICKNESS
What is PED Virus?
Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus is a disease occurring only in pigs, caused by a coronavirus that produces acute and severe outbreaks of diarrhea that rapidly transmits among all ages of pigs.
• Up to 100% mortality in pigs < 3 weeks of age
• It is not a zoonotic disease so it does not affect people or other species
• This does not pose any risk to food safety
How can the virus be spread?
• Fecal-oral is clearly the predominant means of spread among pigs
• High concentration of the virus is shed in feces
• Profound stability of the virus in the environment
That means anything that manure and the virus contacts can be a source of infection; clothing, footwear, trucks and equipment serve as easy carriers. You do not have to come in contact with hogs to transfer the virus. Walking into a contaminated barn can increase risk for disease spread. Knowing the PEDv status of an area, herd or market, lets you take precautions so you don’t spread the virus or bring it back home. Do not be responsible for transferring this disease.
What can I do to prevent the spread of PED Virus? Proper Biosecurity!
Biosecurity is a collection of management practices designed to minimize the risk of disease introduction and spread.
At the Show
• Assess your pig’s health on a daily basis
• Keep your area clean and free of manure contamination
• Do not share equipment with other exhibitors
• Do not bring your pets (cats or dogs) to the show
When Returning Home from the Show
• Best practice is to place pigs in isolation; a designated area away from other pigs
• Have dedicated boots and clothing for isolation only
• Designate tack/equipment for use only at isolation
• Cleaning and Disinfection is a MUST
Proper Cleaning & Disinfection Protocol
All vehicles, trailers, and equipment, including feeders, buckets, sort-boards,etc. need to be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and dried.
• Power-wash clean and free of any visible manure or shavings
• Completely cover with an appropriate disinfectant, such as Roccal-D Plus, Nolvasan, etc.
• Allow to dry completely in sunlight
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
Do you have an interest in taking photos? If so we have a contest just for you! The photography project encourages self-expression and teaches proper use of photographic equipment and developing processes. There is going to be a series of workshops available for youth that are interested. The next workshop is set for February 27th , 5:00p.m. at the Extension Office.
BROWNWOOD AREA COMMUNITY GARDEN LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Brownwood Area Community Garden is offering garden leadership training beginning March 10, 2014. The training will be 2 hours weekly for 12 weeks and will certify you as a community garden. The age groups are as follows:
Apprentice (ages 10-13)
Intern (ages 14-17)
Volunteer (ages 18 and up)
This FREE training will cover all aspects of garden operations, including planting and harvesting produce, irrigation, composting, plant and insect identification, organic practices, community development, and more.
The deadline to register is March 3, 2014. You can pick up an application at the Brown County Extension Office.
4-H HORSE VALIDATION – MARCH 1st TO MAY 1st
Validation is required for showing at district or state horse shows, and its
purpose is to certify that ownership requirements have been met. The horse MUST be owned solely by the 4-H member, his/her parents (biological or stepparents), brother, sister, grandparents, or legal guardian. Horses under lease to, but not owned by any of the named persons, do NOT qualify. Horses owned in partnership or jointly with any person other than those previously listed do NOT meet ownership requirements. The horse validation process will be completed electronically using the 4-H Connect online management system.
All 4-H members who wish to show at their District Show or the State 4-H Horse Show will be REQUIRED to validate their horse(s) on the 4-H Connect system. Horse validation is completed for EACH HORSE and will cover all 4-H youth members in that family profile. When validating your horse(s) on 4-H Connect, you will select ONLY ONE 4-H youth member to conduct the validation under. Once a horse is validated, validation paid, and you beginregistering for the District Horse Show, the validated horse(s) can be moved to the appropriate 4-H member(s) that will be exhibiting the horse in the show.
Validation will be open from March 1st to MAY 1st. Any horse validated before or after this date will NOT be accepted. An illustrated step-by-step instruction guide for families is available for download and reference on both the Texas 4-H website (http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/) and the Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science – Equine Science website (http://animalscience.tamu.edu/academics/equine/state-4h-show/). Validation cost for each horse is $10.00 from March 1st – April 15th. From April 16th – May 1st validation cost for each horse is $20.00. Credit Card will be the only acceptable form of payment. If you have any questions please contact Nick Gonzales at the Extension Office.
4-H CONFERENCE CENTER SUMMER STAFF OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Do you want a summer job where you can play with kids, swim, dance, and have fun while gaining valuable leadership experience? Consider applying for a Texas 4-H Center Summer Staff position. The 4-H Conference Center provides an opportunity for you to work in an atmosphere where you will not only impact the lives of young people, but also learn a lot about yourself and make life-long friends. Each position provides valuable leadership training, work experience, fun and profit for individuals who truly desire to be part of a positive summer experience for over 2,500 youth.
Requirements of applicants:
Successful completion of one year of college or other work by June 1, 2014
Be enthusiastic, creative, hardworking and dependable
Be able to get along with others and work as a team
Be available* May 20— August 2nd.
If are interested in being a part of the summer staff at the 4-H Center, please visit our website at: http://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu to fill out an application.
4-H HAS TALENT
Do you have what it takes to be a star? Have you always pictured yourself performing on the Big Stage? Then 2014 Texas 4-H Roundup 4-H Has Talent Competition is for you! So sing a song, do a dance, tell a joke, or just do something unusual! Get the chance to show your skills on stage in front of nearly 4,000 fellow 4-Hers, parents/volunteers, and 4-H faculty.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Submission must be uploaded to YouTube (all links made public).
Submissions must be appropriate for 4-H Youth.
A 4-H member may only participate on one team/entry.
Intermediate and Senior aged 4-H members are allowed to participate in this activity.
Teams maybe one age category or a combination of both intermediates and seniors.
An individual and/or team (max 7 members) may only submit one video.
5 finalists will be selected by a expert panel of judges.
Those 5 finalists will then have the opportunity to perform on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at the Tuesday night assembly at Reed Arena at Texas A&M University.
After all finalists are finished performing, the audience will have the opportunity to vote via text messaging to select their winner.
Top two entries selected at Roundup will win cash awards.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Videos must be uploaded to YouTube
Maximum length: 5 minutes
Links must be submitted via e-mail to Kyle Merten at kjmerten@ag.tamu.edu
Please include in your email the following:
Name of group/act
Names of each participate and age
County representing
Contact person
Following information for contact
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
If you are interested in participating in 4-H Has Talent and want more information please contact Nick Gonzales.
HOWARD COLLEGE GOAT AND LAMB CAMP
The 2013 Howard College Goat Showmanship Camp is set for June 15, 16, &17, 2014 and the Lamb Showmanship Camp is set for June 8, 9, & 10, 2014. The charge for the camp is $85.00 per person which includes four meals and a camp tee shirt or cap. Add $20 per goat or lamb provided by Howard College. If possible bring your own goat or lamb for demonstration purposes. Participants must be at least 9 years old or entering the 3rd grade. If you want more information on these camps please contact the Extension Office
Texas Brigades Wildlife Camps
The Texas Brigades offers five types of outdoor camps for our youth. Each camp not only teaches the cadets about wildlife conservation, but also about how to become a leader in today’s society. Cadets will learn about plant ID, shooting and angling skills, radio telemetry, public speaking, and even television and radio interview skills.
What Are The Qualifications?
All students with an interest in biology, wildlife, fisheries, conservation, or the outdoors are encouraged to apply. You must be 13-17 years of age and you should also be willing to commit to conducting a minimum of three educational programs when you return home.
How Many Cadets Are At The Camp?
Each camp is a little different because of facilities. There will be 20-30 cadets at each.
Where Will The Camps Be Held?
- Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade – Centennial Lodge, Coleman, TX
- South Texas Buckskin Brigade – Southern Star Ranch, Uvalde, TX
- South Texas Bobwhite Brigade – Buck Horn Creek Ranch, Pleasanton, TX
- Bass Brigade – Warren Ranch, Santa Anna, TX
- North Texas Buckskin Brigade – El Escondrijo, San Angelo, TX
- Ranch Brigade – Warren Ranch, Santa Anna, TX
- Waterfowl Brigade – BigWoods on the Trinity, Tennessee Colony, TX
How Do I Apply?
Applications may be submitted online or printed from this website and submitted). Or, you may obtain an application by contacting HelenHoldsworth or KassiScheffer. Phone: 855-TXBRIGS
E-mail: hholdsworth@texas-wildlife.org or kscheffer@texas-wildlife.org
Or Snail Mail:
Texas Brigades
3660 Thousand Oaks Drive, Suite 126
San Antonio, TX, 78247
Applications are due March, 15, 2014.
Is There A Fee?
Yes. The fee is $400, which covers meals, lodging, and supplies. We encourage you to solicit all or part of your fee from your local Soil and Water Conservation District, bank, civic group, or conservation organization. TheBrigades will help you locate a sponsor if requested. Don’t let money stop you from applying! We will help you find financial assistance.
4-H ENROLLMENT IS OPEN ON 4-H CONNECT!
The enrollment process for the 2013-2014 4-H yearhas started. 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 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!!
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
