JANUARY 2017 1 Montgomery County 4 H Chief Sheet Please remember that the Montgomery County Fair has a rule that members must attend at least 3 monthly business meetings for their primary club in order to participate at the fair. If your members are depending on the January and February meetings in order to meet this requirement, please make sure that you contact them and let them know. Also, entries will be done online again this year. The entry system is set to be open on January 16 th February 24 th at www.mcfa.org. You must have a valid Quality Counts number in order to enter. Please do not wait until the last minute to take care of these we are able to help you out with any problems you are having if you allow us enough time. There will be an Online Entries Help Session/Q&A meeting at the Fair Office on Wednesday, February 1 st from 6pm 8pm. This was scheduled to take place after the entry system has opened, so that people may ask questions about things they have come across that are confusing or difficult. Country Store Announcement 4 H Clubs may enter a group project to sell at the country store and will receive 80% payback on the items that sell. If your club wanted to build a wooden bench, bake a million cookies or crochet potholders to sell.as long as it is entered under your club (and not an individual) you can enter it to be sold at the Country Store. All entries must fall into the categories accepted in the store and should comply with all rules of the country store. Contact the Fair office for more details! PHONE: 936-539-7823 Ext. 3 FAX: 936-538-8199 ON THE WEB County 4-H agrilife.org/montgomery4h Facebook: @4HMontgomeryCounty Twitter: @MontgomeryCo4H Instagram: @Montcotx4H County Extension Service montgomery.agrilife.org District d94-h.tamu.edu State texas4-h.tamu.edu Office Hours 8:00am - 12:00pm 1:00pm - 5:00pm Please be aware that County Roundup is on February 28 th this year! M. Michelle Mihalek County Extension Agent 4-H Youth Development The Extension office will be closed the following days: January 2, 2017 New Year s Day January 16, 201 Martin Luther King Day February 20, 2017 President s Day Caroline M. Cruz County Extension Agent Urban Youth Development MANAGERS: IF YOU HAVE NOT YET FILED YOUR E POSTCARD, PLEASE DO SO IMMEDIATELY! INSTRUCTIONS WERE EMAILED SEVERAL TIMES TO MANAGERS AND ASSISTANT MANAGERS. THE DEADLINE FOR A SUCCESSFUL FILING IS JANUARY 15, 2017. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT THE 4 H OFFICE IF YOU EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY. * If your club s tax year is listed as ending December 31st instead of August 31st, please file after January 1st. We are working with Texas 4 H and the IRS to get these corrected for next year. Eligibility Forms (No Pass, No Play) are the member s responsibility to complete for any competitive 4 H event regardless of the day of competition. Even if you are not missing school, you still need to turn in an eligibility form.
Special Interest Projects County Food Challenge & Duds to Dazzle Workshop February 11th from 8:30am 12:30pm at the Montgomery County Extension Office. This workshop will be for any ages interested in Food Challenge or Duds to Dazzle contests. Please bring your supply kits refer to the D 9 4 H website for each contest supply list. Please RSVP by February 3rd by visiting http://agrilife.org/ montgomery4h/event sign up/ or call the office at 936 539 7823 Ext. 3. Dog Project In the dog project, participants learn about dog care and training. Beginners work on obedience and showmanship/conformation, while advanced members work on agility and drill or rally. Not all members take their dogs to shows, but they train and practice like they are going to. Dogs may be purebred or mixed and age is not a factor. All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations. A list of required vaccinations is available. After approval of shot records, new dogs / handlers will schedule an evaluation before being integrated into the main group. Members wishing to start after the course are able to train on their own and test afterwards. To get on the Dog Project interest list, please sign up online at http://agrilife.org/montgomery4h/ event sign up/dog project interest list/ or call the 4 H Office at 936 539 7823 Ext. 3.for more information. Photography 2017 District 9 4 H Photography Contest This contest is for all 4 H members in District 9. It does not qualify a member for the state contest they are two separate events. The entry fee is $5 per photo. Entries take place on 4 H Connect by March 26, 2017. For details, visit http://d94 h.tamu.edu/eventsandcontests/ bigtime/photography/ 2017 Texas 4 H Photography Contest For seniors who are in grades 9 12. Entry Period: April 1, 2017 to April 15, 2017 through 4 H CONNECT, HOWEVER there can only be one entry per category from each county. This means that before members enter their photos on 4 H Connect, they need to email them to the 4 H office first. If there is more than one entry per category in our county, we will have a local photographer judge them to determine which one will advance to state. Photos need to be emailed to Alicia at Alicia.bergeron@ag.tamu.edu by March 28, 2017. Theme: For 2017 the theme is Reflections. These are photos shot off any natural or artificial reflective surface. A wellexecuted shot will be able to show perfect symmetry or a slightly distorted shot. Examples of photographs in the theme would be, but not limited to, photos from lakes, a window pane, a mirror, or a polished/wax car. 4 H members are encouraged to be creative when thinking about reflections in everyday life and where they are seen. Changes to rules for 2017. Photos must be 8X10 in size with a quality resolution. Over the past two years the majority of disqualification in the contest have occurred when the photography is too small to be viewed by the judge when downloaded from 4 H CONNECT. Additionally, please remember that all photos must be the original work of the 4 H member submitting the photograph. No photograph can be submitted which has been taken by other 4 H members, a family member, or any printed/digital source. All photos will be scanned through a reverse image search. Rules can be found online http://texas4 h.tamu.edu/wp content/uploads/texas4h_photo_rules.pdf 2
Vet Science Project The 4 H Veterinary Science Project is a 5 year curriculum based project with a set number of lessons and activities, that gives youth interested in veterinary medicine a chance to work in the field and see if they would like to pursue it as a career. After a member has completed the program, they may apply to take a test to become a Certified Veterinary Assistant. 4 H members may begin the project at any age, but have to be 16 years old in order to apply to take the test. To learn more about the program, visit http://aevm.tamu.edu/4 h veterinary science/curriculum/ Two vet science project groups meet monthly in Magnolia. One group will be meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Wildwood Methodist Church 8911 FM 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354. This project group is set to take only 2.5 years to complete the required curriculum. For more details, contact Carolyn Wilkins at tcbaw4@sbcglobal.net or 936 537 9110. The second group will be meeting on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm at Lyons Elementary with Project Leaders Andrew & Jennifer Ross. For more information regarding this group, please contact the Jennifer Ross at jenniferdross@gmail.com or 832 878 6986 or Julie Vaughn at jlvpiano@gmail.com or 281 797 7098. The New Caney group will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at EMC Rodeo Arena Pavilion 21675 B McCleskey Rd. in New Caney. This project group is set to take only 2.5 years to complete the required curriculum. For details, contact Natasha Rose at natasharose26@gmail.com or 281 961 1082. Calling all Tour Guide Volunteers! Montgomery County Fair Kids Days April 3 and 4, 2017 Kids Day Tour Guides will lead pre school and elementary aged children around the Fair grounds to see the various educational exhibits and activities. You will receive six hours of volunteer time for this event. All you have to do is register and then show up on April 3rd and/or April 4th at 8:00 am at the Fair office. You must be between 13 18 years of age and an active member in 4 H or FFA! It is your responsibility to get your 4 H academic eligibility forms turned in to the Extension office for these days. Visit the following link to register to volunteer as a Tour Guide for Kids Day. In order to register you will be asked to create a Sign Up Genius account. http://www.mcfa.org/events/2017/kids day. If you have specific questions about Kids Days, please contact the Montgomery County Fair Office at 936 760 3631. Livestock Projects VETERINARY FEED DIRECTIVE (VFD): Beginning January 1, 2017 purchasing feed containing antibiotics or purchasing antibiotics for administration through water will require livestock exhibitors have a working relationship (VCPR) with their veterinarian. A Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR) is similar to the relationship one would have with their family doctor. The livestock exhibitor, should initiate the VCPR prior to the beginning of the feeding period. The current VFD has been in place since 1996, however January 1st changes impacting livestock exhibitors will become effective. Antibiotics used in feed or water require veterinary oversight. For example Liconmycin in swine feed. The changes will also affect antibiotics administered through water, which require a veterinarian s prescription. For example this will affect those exhibitors treating poultry with Tetracyline. It is critical that exhibitors establish a VCPR with their veterinarian and locate a source to purchase antibiotics prior to delivery of poultry. We suggest the following: be proactive, schedule a visit with your veterinarian to discuss your project plans in order to establish a VCPR as appropriate. Visit http://animalscience.tamu.edu/2015/10/29/the veterinary feed directive vfd and related information forlivestock producers/ for more information on VFD. 3
MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAIR: The Montgomery County Fair (MCF) will be held March 31 April 9. If you plan to exhibit livestock or non livestock items at the fair, be sure to read the rules at www.mcfa.org. (To show at the fair, members must attend at least 50% of regular monthly club meetings, from September through February. You will do entries online again this year If your animal loses a tag, please call the fair office and plan to be at one of the following re tag dates at 9am in front of the fair office: January 28, February 25, and March 18. Progress show flyers can be found on our website by visiting http://agrilife.org/montgomery4h/category/ statewideevents/ BEEF MCF Calf Scramble Applications are available on our website at http://agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/montgomery4h/ files/2016/11/mcf Calf Scramble App 2016 2017.pdf and are due back to the 4 H Office by February 14, 2017. HORSE To qualify for the County 4 H Horse Show, you must participate in at least 2 county 4 H practice shows and one other event, either another Montgomery County 4 H Practice Show, or a Montgomery County 4 H Horsemanship Clinic. Negative Coggins is required. Upcoming Shows & Clinics: February 5, 2017 at Willis Ag Arena Showmanship Clinic 12:30PM; Judged events 1:30PM Horse Judging: Horse Judging provides an opportunity for youth to learn to make decisions and organize their thoughts. The presentation of oral reasons helps judgers improve their memory skills and speak effectively. These benefits are available whether they own a horse or not. If they are a rider it can help them become a better exhibitor as they learn the current show standards and criteria used by actual judges to evaluate each class. The following practices will be held at 6:30pm at the County Extension Office: January 2nd and 16th POULTRY MCF Chicks Delivered Thursday, February 23rd from 1pm 3pm at the MCF Horseshoe Club. RABBIT MCF Rabbit Tag In Thursday, March 9th from 5pm 7pm at the Horseshoe Club at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Exhibitor should be present; parent/guardian must be present. SWINE MCF Market Barrow Tag In Tuesday, January 3rd from 2pm 7pm at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Must bring pictures of the exhibitor with the animal, as well as ear notch and tag in cards. Exhibitor should be present; parent/guardian must be present. BEEKEEPING ESSAY CONTEST The 2016 Beekeeping Essay Contest theme has been announced. This year s topic is How can MP3 (Managed Pollinator Protection Plan) more effectively protect honey bees from pesticide exposure? The deadline for submission to the Texas 4 H office is Friday, January 27, 2017. Submit electronically via Texas 4 H Connect: Event: State 2017 Beekeeping Essay Contest Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners from Texas 4 H: 1st Place: $300.00 2nd Place: $200.00 3rd Place: $100.00 The first place essay will advance to the national contest representing Texas 4 H. Complete rules and guidelines are available online under the Entomology Project section of the Texas 4 H website http://texas4 h.tamu.edu March 5, 2017 at Magnolia Arena Stake Race Clinic 12:30PM; Speed events 1:30PM 4
5 County Council County Council meets the 4th Monday of every month at 7pm at the Extension Office, unless noted otherwise. The January meeting will be held on January 23rd. The highlight clubs for the month of January are Covenant Christian School 4 H, Willis 4 H, Montgomery Dobbin 4 H, and Winners Edge 4 H. The invited speaker for this meeting is a firefighter. The February meeting will be held on February 27th. The highlighted clubs for the month of February are Montgomery County 4 H Shooting Sports, Trail s End 4 H, Lone Star Tradition 4 H, and Montgomery County 4 H Dog Club. The county council s February service project will be volunteering to help special needs competitors participate in a variety of modified rodeo events at the Special Angels Rodeo on February 12th. 4-H Record Book Training Why do a record book? Record keeping is a skill you will need for the rest of your life. Our memories fade with time. We need to write it down so we remember what we did. You need to know what you did to be able to improve on it the next year. Job applications, scholarship applications, college applications etc. ask about knowledge and skills, extra curricular activities, leadership and community service. All the same things required in your 4 H Record Book. Annual competition allows you to see where you stand among your peers so you know what you need to improve. Record Book Trainings will be held at the County Extension Office in Conroe. 4 H ers attending the County Council Christmas party prepare for the gift exchange. April 27, 2017 6:30 PM: Beginner Record Book Training For anyone who has not done ~ record book before to learn how to put the information together. May 2, 2017 6:30 PM: Advanced Record Book Training For members who have previously completed a record book and just need help with the fine tuning. June 10, 2017 8:00 AM 12 PM Book a palooza Anyone wanting help putting their record book together or having questions about wording and formatting. Come and go event. Record Books can be turned in at this time if you want. June 12, 20217 4:30 PM: Deadline to submit 4 H Record Book for County judging. June 15, 2017 9:00 AM: County Record Book Judging Parents this is the BEST way to learn about Record Books in a hurry. Texas A&M AgriLife - Montgomery County Scholarship The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Montgomery County scholarship application packet is now available. This application is for several different scholarships, ranging from $500 to $1000 each. Applications (and all corresponding items) are due to the 4 H Office by March 9, 2017. Application can be obtained by visiting http:// agrilifecdn.tamu.edu/montgomery4h/files/2016/12/mont Co Ext Scholarship 16 17.pdf
6 This year, District 9 4 H Roundup, otherwise known as Big Time in D 9 will be held in Montgomery County, at Lone Star College on 242. If you have always wondered what Roundup was about, but didn t want to drive very far, this is your chance to get involved. Check out the District 9 4 H website at http://d94 h.tamu.edu/ periodically to see the updates on contests and activities. Texas 4 H Roundup 2017 will be held at Texas A&M University June 5 8. Texas 4 H Roundup is an event with both qualifying and invitational contests for youth between 6 12th grade. County and District Roundups are open to all ages of 4 H members. Texas 4 H Roundup includes approximately 50 different contests that test 4 H members on life skills in such attributes as decision making, public speaking, organization, and working with others. These contests include Fashion Show, Food Show, Share The Fun, various Quiz Bowls, Discover Scientific Method Poster Contest, an assortment of judging contests, and educational presentations. Visit the state 4 H web site often for State Roundup information and a full listing of contests and other opportunities. Here is a sampling of just a few of the contests included in Roundup: Educational presentations are planned by individuals or teams of up to 4 4 H members that teach information related to a project or activity through illustrated talk, method demonstration or speech, using props and visual aides. These may last up to 12 minutes. Share the Fun is a performance, similar to a talent show. The categories include Poetry/prose, Vocal, Musical, Solo/ Band, Choreographed Routine and Celebrate 4 H for individuals or teams of up to 9 members. Your imagination is the limit. Public Speaking is a 5 7 minute talk suitable as a platform speech or radio broadcast. Props and visual aides are not permitted. Topics are open to anything such as the meaning of the 4 H pledge, Gun Control and Prayer in Schools. Topics should be age appropriate. Beef Bowl, Horse Bowl, Swine Bowl and Food & Nutrition are quiz bowl contests at the district and state levels, covering information within the subject area. Teams of 4 compete against each other in a two round contest with buzzers. First round is individual questions for each member. Second round is toss up questions and any of the eight contestants can try to be the quickest on the buzzer with the correct answer. Discover Scientific Method, S.E.T. Poster Competition The Discover Scientific Method Research Poster Contest is an avenue for 4 H members to learn about the scientific method and exhibit their work on the research of a question. The daily 4 H project work can be used to inspire independent discovery on a topic of interest to the member. Invitational Contests These non qualifying contests for intermediate and senior aged 4 H ers take place at State 4 H Round Up. Contests include Healthy Lifestyles, Poultry, Vet Science Skillathon and Livestock Judging. Important contest information for State 4 H Roundup can be found here: http://texas4 h.tamu.edu/events/roundup/ County Roundup February 28 Extension Office, Conroe RSVP by February 21 at http://agrilife.org/montgomery4h/event sign up/ District Roundup May 11 13 Lone Star College Reg. on 4 H Connect by April 14 State Roundup June 5 8 Texas A&M University, College Station Reg. on 4 H Connect by May 18
7 IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS If you have special needs for any of the programs offered at the County or District level, please give us at least five days notice. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your needs. JANUARY January 2 Office Closed January 2 Horse Judging Practice January 3 MCF Barrow Tag In January 7 Willis 4 H Progress Show January 7 4 H Dog Workshop January 8 CCHS Progress Show January 9 District 4 H Archery Contest Summary due to 4 H office January 10 San Antonio Chick Pick Up January 10 Dog Validation Due January 14 Shooting Sports Safety Training January 14 Porter FFA Progress Show January 14 Dist. 4 H Council Mtg. January 14 D9 Quiz Bowl Contest January 15 Dist. 4 H Archery Contest Reg. Due January 15 Oak Ridge FFA Progress Show January 16 Office Closed MLK January 16 Horse Judging Practice January 19 Opportunity Scholarship Application deadline January 21 College Park FFA Progress Show January 22 New Caney FFA Progress Show January 23 County Council Mtg. January 27 28 Dist. 4 H Archery Contest January 28 Montgomery Dobbin Progress Show January 28 MCF Re Tag January 31 HLSR/Austin Chick Pick Up FEBRUARY February 1 MCF Online Entries Help Session/Q&A February 4 Montgomery Co. 4 H Dog Show February 5 4 H Practice Horse Show February 11 County Food Challenge & Duds to Dazzle Workshop February 12 Special Angels Rodeo February 20 Office Closed February 21 County 4 H Roundup Entry Deadline February 23 MCF Chicks Delivered February 24 MCF Entries Due ONLINE February 25 MCF Re Tag February 27 County Council February 28 County 4 H Roundup Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides equal opportunities in its programs and employment to all persons, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
8 Let s see how many Montgomery County 4 H Teams we can get! This is the perfect opportunity to try out quiz bowls before county & district Roundup.