Lubbock County 4-H News

Transcription

1 Lubbock County 4-H News Lubbock County Extension Office! (806) ! Fax (806) ! Physical Address: 916 Main, Suite 201! Lubbock, TX 79401! Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10536! Lubbock TX March - April, 2012 LUBBOCK COUNTY 4-H IS ON FACEBOOK Page 1 Lubbock County 4-H is on Facebook 4-H Awards and Recognition 4-H Project Forms Page 2 4-H Teen Council District 4-H Council Officer Applications Lubbock County 4-H T-Shirts Youth Leadership Opportunities Texas 4-H Day at the Texas Rangers 4-H Parent Leaders Association 4-H Club Manager Training 4-H Day at Fuddrucker s Judging Teams/Contests Page 3 Horse Judging Livestock Judging 4-H Soils Judging Contest Texas 4-H European Trip International Exchange Scholarships for Future Ag Leaders Texas 4-H Foundation Announces New Fundraiser Camps, Camps, Camps: Page 4 Camps continued Texas 4-H Congress National 4-H Congress Roundup Page 5 Roundup continued Page 6 4-H Recordbooks 4-H Projects: Clothing and Textiles Project 4-H Entomology Project 4-H Photography Project Page 7 Beef Project Swine, Sheep & Goat Projects 4-H Horse Project Page 8 & 9 Kay s Korner Page 10 4-H Livestock Exhibitor Update Page 11 & 12 March & April Calendars Page 13 Horse Validation Form Back Page Be sure to become a Fan of the Lubbock County 4-H Facebook page. Visiting the page will help remind you about upcoming 4-H activities and events. Our page will also inform you about meeting changes, cancellations or notices. For example, if you are signed up for recordbook training (or thinking about attending) and we have bad or iffy weather - check the facebook page to see if we are still going to have the meeting. This will hopefully save extra phone calls, missing the meeting or coming to the office and finding out the meeting was cancelled. We hope this will become a more efficient way to communicate with each of you! 4-H AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Parents and Leaders, please mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 18 th at 5:30 pm for the next Awards and Recognition Committee Meeting. We will begin plans for the County Achievement Banquet. The meeting will be held at the County Extension Office. 4-H Project Forms Just a reminder that 4-H ers need to complete at least one project form, found in your 4-H Handbook in order to receive a project and year pin at the County 4-H Achievement Banquet in August. These forms may be picked up from the Extension Office. *Once forms and projects are completed, they need to be turned in to club managers or to the County Extension Office. Let us know if you have questions about completing these forms. The forms are also at the website under 4-H publications. Educational programs of Texas 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

2 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 2 4-H TEENS Teen Council The March 4-H Teen Council Meeting will be held on Monday, March 19 at 7:00 pm (tentative) at the County Extension Office following the County Fashion Show. April s meeting will be at the County Extension Office on April 16 at 6:30 pm. Just a reminder that we will elect officers at the April meeting. All 4-H ers age 13 and older are invited to participate in Teen Council activities. If you would like more information about this group, please give Ronda a call at District 4-H Council Officer Applications Senior age 4-H ers may want to consider running for an office on the District 4-H Council. To run, you must submit an officer application to District by May 1, elections will be conducted at State 4-H Roundup. Please contact us if you are interested, applications are available from the County Extension Office. LUBBOCK COUNTY 4-H T-SHIRTS The Lubbock County 4-H Teen Council still has 4-H t-shirts for sale. They are Navy blue, with a Superman/4-H type motif, they are $10 each. You may contact the Extension Office to purchase a t-shirt. YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES There are several leadership opportunities which are available for youth to assist with. 4-H ers participating will assist Ronda at these specific activities. If you are interested, give her a call to find out exact details ( ). TEXAS 4-H DAY AT THE TEXAS RANGERS We are excited to announce the second 4-H "GREEN OUT" event with Major League Baseball's club the Texas Rangers vs. the Seattle Mariners on September 15, 2012 at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. More details will follow. 4-H PARENT LEADERS ASSOCIATION All parents and leaders are invited and encouraged to attend the Parent Leaders Meetings which are held monthly. This months meeting will be on Monday, March 19 at 7:00 pm (tentative), at the County Extension Office, following the County Fashion Show. April s meeting will be held on April 16 at the County Extension Office at 6:30 pm. If you really want to know what all is going on in the Lubbock County 4-H program or if you just want to get involved, then plan on attending these meetings. Make sure that your club is represented so your club will know what all is going on. Spring gets really busy and there are many opportunities for both youth and adults to participate in. So, don t be left out and get involved today! 4-H CLUB MANAGER TRAINING We will have a 4-H Club Manager training on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 pm at the County Extension Office. The training topic for the meeting will be on recordkeeping and the awards and recognition process. 4-H Day at Fuddrucker s Don t forget about 4-H Day at Fuddrucker s! Lubbock County 4-H and the Texas 4-H Scholarship program receive a donation from Fuddrucker s when you eat there on 4-H Day and place your receipt in the 4-H box. If you plan on eating out on the 3 rd Tuesday - we hope you will support 4-H and Fuddrucker s. Mark your calendars and tell your friends about 4-H Day at Fuddrucker s. March 20 April 17 and May 22 (4 th Tuesday) JUDGING TEAMS/CONTESTS 4-H ers are reminded that if they are interested in participating on a judging team, they need to call the Extension Office to sign up and find out about practice schedules. County teams will be determined prior to participation at the District Contest. District 4-H Judging Contest dates are: tentatively set for: Dairy - March 23 Soil - April 14- Lubbock Livestock - April 21 - Texas Tech Wool - TBA - Texas Tech Horse - April 13 - West Texas A & M at Canyon (This is a Friday contest) Other District Contests: Rifle - April 21 - Levelland Archery - April 28 - Floyd County

3 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 3 If you are interested in participating on a judging team and you have not signed up yet, you need to do so immediately. Practices are getting started and you don t want to miss out. Horse Judging Horse Judging practices are currently underway. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Ronda to find out about practice times. Livestock Judging If you would like to participate in Livestock Judging, practices are currently scheduled for Sundays at 3pm at the County Extension Office (except for March 11, 18 and April 8). 4-H Soils Judging Contest The 4-H Soils Judging Contest is one of the Texas 4-H Roundup events, and thus, includes competitive events at District and State levels. In this project, 4-H members learn about soil characteristics such as soil texture, structure, slope, drainage, and suitability for cultivation. This knowledge is helpful for people involved in: agriculture, real estate appraisal, construction, soil and water conservation, and other professions. Practice is typically on Wednesdays after school during March to mid-april. If you are interested in participating in this project, contact Mark Brown, CEA-Agriculture, at the Lubbock County Extension Office TEXAS 4-H EUROPEAN TRIP Texas 4-H members will have the opportunity to travel to Europe July 3-12, The visit will include Scotland and Ireland, cost is $3,395. Please contact Ronda for more information. INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE Texas is looking for families to host youth from Japan, Costa Rica and Greece, from mid July through mid- August. Contact Ronda for more information. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FUTURE AG LEADERS High School and college students may apply for scholarships from the CH Foundation. Applications are due by April 1 and are at TEXAS 4-H FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDRAISER The Texas 4-H Foundation Trustees are excited to announce a new fundraising opportunity. Rodeo Extravaganza ~ Texas 4-H Style. This raffle is to benefit the 4-H members in Texas through county program support grants, scholarships and statewide event sponsorship. The Prize package includes premier rodeo tickets to major Texas rodeos beginning Fall Spring 2013, free nights stay at LaQuinta, $400 gift certificate, pair of 4-H boots, western hat, trophy belt buckle, Priefert calf roping chute, calf roping dummy and ropes, and 10 pairs of Wrangler jeans. Tickets are on sale now for $5.00 each. The drawing will be held in July 2012 during the Texas 4-H Horse Show in Abilene, TX. You need not be present to win. Please contact Ronda to purchase your tickets and support Texas 4-H! Special thank you to the following sponosrs: Anderson Bean Boot Company, Cavender s, David s Western Store, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Lone Star Silversmith, McCoy s, NRS, San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Rodeo Austin and Wrangler. This fundraisinging effort will replace the I Support the Clover Silent Auction hosted by the Texas 4-H Foundation, that has been held the past two years during the Texas 4-H Roundup. The raffle is hosted by the Texas 4-H Youth Development Foundation, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. CAMPS, CAMPS, CAMPS Summer Camp Sign-Up Registration and payments must be made utilizing 4-H Connect. The following summer camp dates and costs are tentative: South Plains 4-H Leadership Camp, May Registration in April... full details not available yet Youth Ages 9-13 South Plains College, Levelland South Plains 4-H Electric Camp, June Youth Ages Info. not available

4 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 4 Prime Time #1, July $225 Youth Grades 5-8 Texas 4-H Center, Brownwood Prime Time #2, July $225 Youth Grades 2-5 Texas 4-H Center, Brownwood Horizons, July $275 Youth Grades 4-8 Texas 4-H Center, Brownwood South Plains 4-H Leadership Camp Counselor Applications Senior age 4-H ers age are invited to apply to serve as camp counselors at South Plains Leadership Camp. Counselors must be available from May 27-31, to plan and conduct camp activities. To apply, counselors must submit an application to the District 4-H Specialist. Applications are due to District by April 1 st. County 4-H Camp at Texas 4-H Center Two sessions will be offered this year for County 4-H Camp at the Texas 4-H Center. Session 1 - July 9-11, youth $175/adult $80; Session II - July 11-14, youth $225/adult $105. Registration information is available on the Texas 4-H Center Website. We must also have adults who will volunteer to serve as chaperones for this event. If you are interested in attending camp please call Ronda to find out about reserving our spot. Lamb and Goat Camp Howard College will be conducting Lamb Camp - June 10-12, and Goat Camp - June 3-5. Cost is $85 and applications are currently being accepted, until each camp is full. Registration is available on the Howard College website; just google Howard College Lamb Camp. Texas Brigades Wildlife Leadership Camp 4-H ers may submit applications to be considered to attend either of the Texas Brigades Wildlife Camps. Tuition is $400 per camp, which covers meals, lodging and supplies. Applications are due by March 15. Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade, June 16-20, near Coleman; South Texas Bobwhite Brigade, June at Campbellton; Bass Brigade, July 9-13, outside of Santa Anna; South Texas Buckskin Brigade, June 3-7, Uvalde; North Texas Buckskin Brigade, July 15-19, Albany Water Fowl Brigade, July at Tennessee Colony Application information is available at Mark you calendars for July 15-18, to attend Texas 4-H Congress in Austin. Registration opens in March through 4-H Connect; 4-H ers may apply in April to serve on the Press Corp or as a lobbyist. Youth must be at least 15 years old. Specific registration dates and costs aren t available yet - but be on the look-out if you are interested. At Texas 4-H Congress, youth learn first hand about the legislative process and have a great time! The National 4-H Congress will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, November Youth age may apply to attend. Participants must complete an on-line application; then will be selected for an interview during State 4-H Roundup. Cost to attend is approximately $1,600 plus transportation to and from the delegation s departure hotel; plus meals on November 22 nd. Congress provides an outstanding opportunity for youth to have fun, and learn through educational, recreational and networking opportunities on a nation-wide level. Applications must be completed on-line and are due by April 16 th. The Texas 4-H Clover Handbook is on-line at ship_-membership_4h_clover.pdf Check it out to learn more about 4-H. ROUNDUP County 4-H Roundup April 5 has been scheduled for County 4-H Roundup. Presentations will begin at 6:00 pm, an awards ceremony will be held following all presentations. This event will be held at the County Extension Office. All 4-H participants must sign up by March 26 th by calling the Extension Office, H ers needing a special judging time

5 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 5 on April 5, need to notify Ronda as soon as possible. Alternate judging will be held, for any 4-H ers who absolutely cannot participate on April 5, providing there is not competition in the designated category. Please remember that 4-H ers must be eligible according to school U.I.L. rules in order to participate. For competition categories please refer to the State 4-H Roundup Guide available from the County Extension Office or the State 4-H Website. District 4-H Roundup District 4-H Roundup will be held on Saturday, May 5 in Levelland. Senior contestants placing first, second or third at District will be eligible to advance to State 4-H Roundup which will be held June here in Lubbock. (Except for Fashion Show, Food Show and Share-The- Fun). How to Do An Educational Presentation Information Meeting 4-H ers and parents interested in learning more about the Public Speaking Project should plan on attending this meeting. Information provided at this meeting will assist 4-H ers and their parents in writing, presenting and preparing visuals for educational presentations, (formerly known as method demonstrations or illustrated talks); as well as covering information about the public speaking contest and share-the-fun s. Share-the-fun categories include: Celebrate 4-H, choreographed routines, poet/prose, vocal and musical/band. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 21 at 6:00 pm at the County Extension Office. This project provides youth an excellent opportunity to develop public speaking skills, even if they hate to talk in front of others. 4-H ers will present their prepared presentations at County 4-H Roundup. 1 st place winners in each category will advance to District 4-H Roundup, which will be held on May 5. PLEASE RSVP BY MARCH 20 IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE MEETING. ( ). State Roundup Invitational Contests and Workshops This year with State 4-H Roundup being here in Lubbock, there are many opportunities for both Intermediate and Senior 4-H ers to compete in a Roundup competition. The following is a list of these available opportunities: Tuesday - June 12, 2012! 4-H Has Talent - entry due April 1 st! Invitational Swine Quiz Bowl - New for 2012! Quilt Challenge Thursday - June 14, 2012! Discover Scientific Method: Science, Engineering & Technology Poster Competition! Healthy Lifestyles Invitational (District Contest also available for practice)! Invitational Livestock judging Contest and Workshop! Invitational Meats Judging and Identification Contest and Workshop - New for 2012! Invitational Poultry Contest and Workshop! Wildlife Contest and Workshop Information currently available for each of these contests is online at Groups participating in these contests will need to secure their own project leader and schedule their own practices due to limited office staff. Please let us know if you have questions or plant to participat in any of these contests. 4-H Has Talent April 1 is the deadline to enter 4-H Has Talent. If you are interested, do not miss your chance to be a star - at State 4-H Roundup. Entry information is available on the Texas 4-H website. date0112.jpg Texas 4-H Roundup Wildlife Challenge The Wildlife contest will be held during 4-H Roundup on June 14. Contestants must compete as a team. The contest consists of: species identification, decision-making, and knowledge and skills quiz. Please contact us for more information about preparing for or registering for the contest. This is an open invitation contest for Senior and Intermediate age 4-H ers. Invitational Poultry Contest and Workshop Don t miss out on the Invitational Poultry Contest and Workshop being held at the 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup. This event will give intermediate and senior aged youth the opportunity to compete and learn about different aspects of the poultry industry. For more information please visit the following website:

6 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 6 4-H RECORDBOOKS A County 4-H Recordbook Workshop for Beginners will be held on Tuesday, March 27 beginning at 6 pm, and Tuesday, April 24 th at 6 pm. The workshops will be held at the County Extension Office Conference Room. Please RSVP by March 26 at Noon if you plan to attend, or if you will be late to the meeting. There are minor changes this year for Juniors and Intermediates. For District 2; we have decided not to follow state recommendations for Junior and Intermediates this year. Please contact Ronda for specific information. Senior Recordbooks This year there have been some major changes for Recordbooks for Seniors. Please plan on attending one of the following recordbook workshops for Seniors: March 28 at 6 pm or April 26 at 6 pm; if neither date will work please contact Ronda to schedule another time to meet. Training will be held at the County Extension Office. District and State Recordbook Judging Attention all 4-H Leaders, if you would like to judge Recordbooks at State or District, please contact Ronda for application information. State applications are due by May 1 st and District are due June 1 st. This is one of the best ways to learn more about recordbooks. 4-H PROJECTS CLOTHING AND TEXTILES PROJECT ACTIVITIES County 4-H Fashion Show We will have the County 4-H Fashion Show on Monday, March 19 at the County Extension Office, in conjunction with the Parent Leaders and Teen Council meetings. Entry materials may be picked up at the County Extension Office and are due back by March 9. First place winners at County will advance to the District Contest on April 10 th in Abernathy. Please remember that 4-H ers must be eligible according to School U.I.L. rules in order to participate. Clovers, Juniors, Intermediate and Seniors may compete. Competition categories include: Buying: Specialty, Casual, Dressy, or Formal; Construction: Specialty, Casual, Dressy or Formal. No Formal categorizes for Juniors or Intermediates. Juniors and Intermediates may also enter the Embellished/Recycled Category. Judging will begin at 5:00 pm. If a specific judging time is needed, please call in ASAP. A clothing project newsletter was mailed to all families in February; more detailed information was included in that newsletter. The newsletter may also be found on the County website District 2 Fashion Show Narrator Contest 4-H ers may apply to serve as narrators for the District 2 4-H Fashion Show. Application and audio tape is due by March 16. To the Parmer County Extension Office. 4-H ENTOMOLOGY PROJECT The 4-H Entomology project will begin meeting on Wednesdays beginning on March 21 through May 2 from 5-6pm. Meetings will be held at Lubbock High, Room Park in lot West of Building, enter West door, go to ramp, turn left, second door on right. Project meetings will be conducted by Clinton Smith. Please contact Ronda at by March 20 to sign up; so that study packets can be prepared for you. 4-H PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT Complete rules and guidelines for the Senior and Junior/Intermediate Photography Contests are available from the County Extension Office; or may be obtained from the County Website under publications at: JUNIOR CONTEST INFORMATION: Entries for the County Junior 4-H Photography contest are due to the County Extension Office by Monday, March st place entries at county, will then advance to the District Junior Photography Contest. County Awards will be presented during County 4-H Roundup on April 5. Please review the categories and entry information for specific guidelines. They are located on the county website or from the County Extension Office. First Place entries will advance to District and are due by April 2. - Participants may enter only 1 photo in each category and class (for a maximum of 14 entries) - Junior Entries must be 4"x6" and may be mounted on photographic mount board or thin white foam board cut to same dimension. (Not required to be mounted for County, but must be for District.) - Photo s must be dry-mounted continued on next page...

7 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 7 - Entries must use the photography label and release form and attach it to the back of the photo entry. Labels may be picked up from the County Extension Office or downloaded from the County website. Please read the D2 photo rules and guidelines to see specific requirements for each category. Information is available on the County website under publications - 4-H. The categories and class requirements are due for both Junior/Intermediate and Senior entries. - CATEGORY: black and white; color - CLASSES: 1. People; 2. Animals-Wildlife; 3. Animals- Domestic; 4. Marine/Aquatic; 5. Elements of Design; 6. Nature & Landscape; 7. Plant/flora; 8. Details & Macro; 9. Digital Darkroom; 10. Theme - Clover; 11. Night Photography; 12. Food; 13. Dominant Color; 14. Catch-All SENIOR CONTEST INFORMATION: Entries for the County Senior 4-H Photography contest are due to the County Extension Office by Monday, March 19. County Awards will be presented at 7 pm at County 4-H Roundup on April 5. 1 st place entries at county, will then advance to the State 4-H Photography Contest. For County, any size of photo may be entered, however the 1 st place winner will have to their photo to 4hevents@ag.tamu.edu - you will be given instructions for this as needed. - Participants may enter only 1 photo in each category and class (for a maximum of 14). The photography label/release must be attached to each photo. Please refer to the State guidelines for specific category information. They are located on the county website or from the County Extension Office. BEEF PROJECT Steer Project Validation Although information has not yet been received from the State 4-H Office, ear tag orders for steer projects will be completed in May. Anyone who plans to have a steer project on feed should plan to order your Texas Validation ear tags through the Lubbock County Office in May. Tags must be paid for at the time of the order. SWINE, SHEEP & GOATS PROJECT State Fair of Texas Validation Lamb, goat and swine validation program for the 2012 State Fair of Texas will be a separate tag order from the fall statewide validation due to the difference in dates. If you plan to show sheep or goats at the State Fair, you need to order tags and pay for them prior to April 1 st ; Swine tag orders are due by May 1 st, for entry at the Dallas event. Fort Worth Stock Show Calf Scramble Photo s If you attended the Fort Worth Stockshow, be sure to visit to see if you are featured in their photos. 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course Texas Tech will host the 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course from July Cost is $100 and includes meals and lodging. Only 25 participants will be selected. Participants must be 14 or older. Applications are due by June 22, and may be obtained from the following website: Junior Beef Challenge Through this program, youth learn about the cattle feeding industry and compete for scholarships and prize money. Specific program information is available at See 4-H Livestock Exhibitor Update at the end of this newsletter. 4-H HORSE PROJECT Futurity Horse Project Nominations All 4-H Futurity nominations are due to the County Extension Office by May 1 st. These forms may be picked up from the County Extension Office. 4-H ers must be 12 years old in order to nominate a futurity project. Big 5 Horse Show 4-H ers interested in showing or competing may want to register for the Big 5 Horse Show. The registration fee is $20 prior to March 25; or $40 after the deadline. 4-H ers then sign-up for the individual shows held April 14 - Potter County, WTAMU Arena April 21 - Big 5, Range Riders Arena

8 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 8 April 28 - Swisher County, WTAMU Arena May 19 - Moore County, Damas Arena June 2 - Randall County, Range Riders Arena For information, visit their website at Horse Validation Just a reminder that 4-H ers planning on showing/ competing in the District Horse Show or the Big 5 Horse Shows must validate their horses by May 1 st. The validation process includes completing the paperwork and paying a $10 fee per horse. Horses must be validated every year. If you have questions, please contact Ronda. The New Horse Project Validation Form, $10 validation fee, and a copy of horse registration/grade horse forms are due to the County Extension Office by May 1 st. The Horse Validation form is included with this newsletter. 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl It s not too late to participate in the 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl competition. Please RSVP to Ronda at or to RAlexand@tamu.edu by Tuesday, March 20, if you are interested. Piaffe and Passage Horse Clinic This specialized horse clinic will be held April 7-8 in Lafayette, Colorado. For more information visit Parents and 4-H ers: If you have questions about the Lubbock County 4-H program, need assistance or need more information about an event, activity or project, please give us a call. We re here to serve you, but you must let us know when you need assistance or have special interest KAY S KORNER Dangers of Energy Drinks A lack of sleep can lead to the need for caffeine during the day while we are at work, school or at other activities that demand our focus and energy. Unfortunately, many individuals turn to energy drinks to keep them awake throughout the day and this can lead to a multitude of health problems. So what are the risks of drinking energy beverages on a consistent basis? What harm can it do to have extra energy or caffeine during the day? About Energy Drinks Energy drinks can provide anywhere from 75 to 400 mg of caffeine per container, which is a very high amount of caffeine for one serving. The average soda contains for mg of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has put a limit on the amount of caffeine that can be contained in a soda, which is 71 mg per 12 fluid ounces. However, energy drinks are not regulated by the USDA and can therefore contain larger amounts of caffeine. If you look at the ingredient list on the back of an energy drink, you may see some items like kola nut, cocoa, yerba mate and guarana (1). These ingredients are caffeine additives that are not calculated in with the total amount of caffeine that is written on the nutritional facts label. In other words, you may be consuming even more caffeine than you think you are getting if you drink an energy beverage. Because energy drinks are considered as a nutritional supplement, they are not regulated by the USDA which means that the nutrition label can be misleading to the consumer. Trouble with Energy Drinks In 2007 there were a total of 5,558 caffeine overdoses reported in the United States. A total of 46% of these incidence involved children under the age of 19. About 30-50% of energy drinks purchased are consumed by children, teenagers and young adults (1). It is suggested that the reasons why these individuals consume the majority of energy drinks is due to the targeting of the media on young people. Energy drinks are often found in special cooler cases in convenience stores that attract young people to them. Sometimes during final exam weeks at universities, companies will hand out cans of energy drinks for free to market their product. The energy drink cans are often designed in a rebellious sort of fashion that appeals to some teenagers and young adults. Camouflage cans, special screw-on lids, a snake eye on the front of the can, bold colors and lightning bolts are used to attract younger

9 4-H Newsletter - March/April 2012 Page 9 populations. So it is obvious that young people are at a high risk for being targeted by energy drink companies, but what are some of the reasons why these are so dangerous? Risks of High Amounts of Caffeine Found in Energy Drinks The United States has not completed a lot of research about the toxic effects of caffeine, but other countries have done so and have found alarming results. Germany, Australia and New Zealand have reported the possible adverse effects of excess caffeine consumption and how detrimental it can be to health. Some of the outcomes of excess caffeine consumption include: kidney failure, respiratory disorders, agitation, seizures, psychotic conditions, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rhabdomyolysis (destruction of skeletal muscle), cardiac dysrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat), tachycardia (abnormally fast heartbeat), liver damage, hypertension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure and death. Even though there have not been many studies over the effects of consuming energy drinks, many of the ingredients found in them can counteract medications that individuals are taking. Studies have shown that the ingredients 5-hydroxy tryptophan, vinpocetine, yohimbine, and ginseng can potentially cause adverse drug interactions in individuals on certain medications. According to a study lead by Sara M. Seifert and her colleagues found that the populations that are most at risk for adverse health effects from energy drinks include: children, teenagers, young adults with heart problems, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eating disorders and diabetes as well as those taking other medications or consuming alcohol. Researchers have also found that the high amount of caffeine in energy drinks can interfere with bone mineralization, which can lead to problems in development for young people who are still growing (1). Safe Amount of Caffeine Even though caffeine can be harmful in high amounts, it is not necessary that it be completely taken out of the diet. Many people like to drink a cup or two of coffee in the morning, a soft drink in the afternoon or perhaps a chocolate candy bar on occasion. For children, it is suggested that they should receive no more than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of weight per day. As for adolescents, it is suggested that they receive no more than 100 mg of caffeine per kilogram of weight per day. Although there is no recommended amount of caffeine for adults to consume, it is important that caffeine be consumed as little as possible. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means that you will urinate more frequently and thus become dehydrated if you do not replace the lost water (1). Too much caffeine can also cause sleep problems, which can negatively affect your health as well. If you notice that you are urinating more frequently after drinking or eating a caffeinated food, have a rapid heartbeat, cannot sleep well at night or suffer from any other caffeinerelated side effects, it is important that you decrease the amount of caffeine you consume. This may mean that you will need to switch to decaf coffee, tea, and sodas and decrease the amount of cocoa-based products you consume. Although if you suffer from headaches due to a lack of caffeine, you may need to cut down gradually on the amount you consume each day instead of stopping caffeine consumption all at once. By lowering the amount of caffeine you consume on a daily basis, the less likely you will be at risk for adverse health problems from too much caffeine consumption. 1. Medline Ronda Alexander Texas AgriLife County Extension Agent, 4-H Lubbock County Texas AgriLife Extension Service Lubbock County Staff P.O. Box 10536, Lubbock, TX Main, Suite 201, Lubbock TX (806) Fax: (806) C. Mark Brown E. Kay Davis CEA-Agriculture CEA-Family & Consumer Sciences The information given herein is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service is implied. We will seek to provide reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities for any of our meetings. We request that you contact Texas AgriLife Extension Service - (806) , as soon as possible to advise us of the auxiliary aid or service that you will require.

10 4-H Livestock Exhibitor Update Congratulations to the 4-H Livestock exhibitors who have raised and exhibited 137 projects this year at the local, county, state and national levels. Exhibitors who qualified for the Lubbock County Premium Auction at the Lubbock County Junior Livestock Show included: Tyler Endicott - Reserve Breed & 3 rd Place Barrow Nichole Keeton - 1 st Place Steer Bailey Johnson - 2 nd Place Lamb, 2 nd Place Lamb Eathan Walker - 2 nd Place Steer Jacob Keeton - 2 nd Place Steer Baylie Bowles - 2 nd & 4 th Place Barrows Hadley Chote - 2 nd Place Lamb Hailey Dye - 3 rd Place Barrow Shelby Austin - 3 rd & 4 th Place Barrows Paycos Noble - 4 th Place Barrow Alyssa Scott - 5 th Place Barrow Tyler Endicott - Junior Swine Showmanship Award Lubbock County Heifer Show Nichole Keeton - Supreme Champion Heifer Allie Henrie - 1 st Place Polled Hereford, 1 st Place Angus Jacob Keeton - 2 nd Place Limousin Travis McGougan - 4 th Place Polled Hereford Lubbock County Meat Goat Jackpot James Brady - 2 nd Place Emma Brady - 5 th Place Brady Mandrell - 3 rd Place, 4 th Place, 4 th Place State Fair of Texas Allie Henrie - Breed Champion Hereford Odessa Herford Show Allie Henrie - 1 st & 4 th Place Heifers Ft Worth Stock Show & Rodeo The following exhibitors obtained more than $20,000 in premiums from the Ft Worth Show. Ethan Walker - 10 th Place Hereford Nichole Keeton - 9 th Place European Cross Jacob Keeton - 9 th Place European Cross Tyler Endicott - 4 th Place Hampshire Barrow (Allie Henrie did Lubbock County proud at the Ft. Worth Calf Scramble, displaying outstanding sportsmanship to a fellow exhibitor.) San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Tyler Endicott - Reserve Breed Ch Spotted Gilt; 2 nd Place Black OPB Barrow Hailey Dye - 5 th Place Duroc Breeding Gilt Colton Fulton - 5 th Place White OPB Barrow Jaden Antu - 5 th Place Crossbred Barrow Jake McMillan - 2 nd Place Public Speaking Travis McGougan - Calf Scramble participant. San Antonio Stock Show Jaden Antu - 2 nd Place Duroc & 7 th Place Chester Breeding Gilts Tyler Endicott - 3 rd Place Spotted Breeding Gilt Nichole Keeton - Reserve Breed Champion Limousin Heifer Allie Henrie - 5 th Place Hereford Heifer Hadley Chote - 1 st Place Medium Wool Lamb Bailey Johnson - 4 th Place Medium Wool Lamb (Premiums forth-coming). Also, Hadley Chote and Allie Henrie both represented Lubbock County at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver. Lubbock County exhibitors have 28 entries at the Houston Livestock Show and 7 entries at the Star of Texas Livestock Show in Austin. Congratulations to all Lubbock County 4-H Livestock Exhibitors. Ethan Walker Nichole Keeton Jacob Keeton Tyler Endicott

11 P.O. Box 10536, Lubbock TX 79408; 916 Main, Suite 201, Lubbock TX Phone: (806) FAX (806) Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Texas AgriLife Extension Service Lubbock County 4-H MARCH NOTE:Not all dates are listed on this calendar. 4 3pm Livestock Judging Practice, CEO ! Co 4-H Fashion Show Entries DUE to CEO Daylight Savings Time - move clocks up Fashion Story Board Entries due to CEO 15!Tx Brigades Wildlife Leadership Camp Appl. Due 16!D2 Fashion Show Narrator Contest Appl. Due to Parmer CEO 17 Happy St. Patrick s Day! 18 19!ENTRIES DUE FOR JUNIOR & SENIOR PHOTO CONTEST, CEO! County 4-H Fashion Show, CEO! 7 pm PLA & Teen Council Meetings, CEO 20!4-H Day at Fuddrucker s!call CEO to attend How to do an Educational Presentation!RSVP for 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl 21!6:00 pm How to do an Educational Presentation, CEO!5-6 pm 4-H Entomology Project Practice, LHS, Rm 1402 thru May 2 nd 22 23!District Dairy Judging Contest pm Livestock Judging Practice, CEO 26!Registration deadline for Co 4-H Roundup, Call CEO!12 - RSVP if attending ANY Recordbook wkshp 27!6pm Beginner 4-H Recordbook Workshop, CEO 28!6pm SENIOR 4-H Recordbook Workshop, CEO Individuals with disabilities who require an auxiliary aid, service or accommodation in order to participate in Extension-sponsored meetings are encouraged to contact the County Extension Office at to determine how reasonable accommodations can be made. Extension programs of Texas 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

12 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Texas AgriLife Extension Service NOTE:Not all Lubbock County 4-H dates are listed APRIL 2012 on this calendar. 1!3pm Livestock Judging Practice, CEO!SP 4-H Leadership Camp Counselor Application Due.!4-H Has Talent entry Due !6pm County 4-H Roundup & 4-H Photo Awards, CEO 6 Good Friday, County Holiday - CEO Closed !District Horse Judging Contest, Canyon 14!District Soil Judging Contest, Lubbock!Big 5 Horse Show, Potter Co !6:30 PLA & Teen Council meetings, CEO!Nat l 4-H Congress applications due online 17!4-H Day at Fuddrucker s 18!5:30 Awards & Recognition Committee Mtg, CEO!6:30 4-H Club Manager Training, CEO !District Livestock Judging Contest, TTU!District Rifle Contest, Levelland!Big 5 Horse Show !6pm Beginner 4-H Recordbook Workshop, CEO 25 26!6pm SENIOR 4-H Recordbook Workshop, CEO 27 28!District Archery Contest, Floyd Co.!Big 5 Horse Show, Swisher Co MAY 1 Horse Validation due to CEO 22 4-H Day at Fuddrucker s 1 District 4-H Council Officer Applications Due South Plains 4-H Leadership Camp, Levelland 1 State Recordbook Judging applications Due (for District Due June 1) 1 Futurity Horse Nominations Due to CEO 5 District 4-H Roundup, Levelland 19 Big 5 Horse Show, Moore County CEO = Lubbock County Office of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, 916 Main, Suite 201, Lubbock TX

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