MAHASKA COUNTY ISU EXTENSION AND OUTREACH APRIL 2017 Youth Staff Amy Brainard County Youth Coordinator Codi Voss Educational Programs Coordinator Kim Kuester Youth Program Specialist Lea DeCook Office Assistant 4-H Mission 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. 4-H Vision A world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change. Animal Identification Due 5/15 Any youth (4-H & FFA) planning to exhibit the following animals at the 2017 Southern Iowa Fair (or Iowa State Fair) must complete Livestock IDs by 11:59 p.m. on May 15. NO EXCEPTIONS! No one will be allowed to submit late ID forms or online ID entries. The only paper ID forms that will be accepted will be for FFA members and those attending livestock weigh-ins. Animal species requiring ID forms: Beef Breeding & Market (Some IDs were already filled out and turned in at tattooing/weighin), Sheep Breeding & Market (Some IDs will have already been filled out and turned in at the May weigh-in), Meat Goat Breeding, Market, & Bottle Goat (Some IDs will have already been filled out and turned in at May weigh-in), Horse, Rabbit, Poultry, Dog, Bucket/Bottle Calf, Dairy Cattle, Dairy Goat, and Llama. A help sheet explaining the 4hOnline animal ID process can be accessed at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/ page/4honline-information-families-and-leaders.
FIRST LEGO League Jr. FLL Jr. teams will take part in a FLL Jr. Expo Poster Showcase during STEAMfest on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from Noon-2:00 PM in the Musco Technology Center at William Penn University. Please stop by to learn more about FLL Jr. and beginning engineering! Clover Kids Clover Kids Summer Fun Day will be held on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00-11:00 AM in the 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds. RSVP with Codi at cvoss@iastate.edu or call 641-673-5841. Bucket o Junk Contest All slots for the Bucket o Junk Contest have been filled. Pick-up for buckets will be held on Monday, April 17 at the Extension office from 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. Finished projects are due by Friday, June 16. For more information about this contest, please contact a Bucket o Junk Superintendent listed below or Amy at vermeera@iastate.edu / 673-5841 ext. 28. Bucket o Junk Superintendents: Nich Hughes 799-0015 Seth Van Zante 660-1578 4-H, FFA, & Clover Kids Dog Classes Dog Classes will begin on April 17 at 6:00 p.m. for 4-H & FFA. Dog Classes for Clover Kids will begin on May 1 at 6:00 p.m. All Dog Exhibitors are required to complete a minimum of 6 Mahaska County 4-H & FFA/Clover Kids Dog Classes to be eligible to exhibit at the county fair. All dogs must be current on their vaccinations. Dogs do not have to be purebred. Please contact a Dog Superintendent listed below if you have any questions. Dog Superintendents: Regina Hoy 660-0772 Sharis Claver 799-4085 2
STEAMfest Event April 8th STEAMfest is a FREE event that is open to the public. STEAMfest will be held on Saturday, April 8th from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM in the Musco Technology Center at William Penn University. You may come and go as you please throughout the event. We will have stage entertainment, an Exhibitor Showcase room, a FIRST LEGO League Jr. Expo, and grand prize drawings. If you re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please visit http:// www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/news/steamfest-youthfamilies-event-april-8. Don t miss out on this fun opportunity to learn more about Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math through hands-on activities! Free and open to the public! Stage Entertainment Schedule: 10:00 AM Weather Talk with Laura DeCook 10:30 AM Storytime with Iowa Corn (book giveaway) 11:00 AM Science Center of Iowa (Simply Electrifying) 12:00 PM FIRST LEGO League Jr Expo 12:30 PM Storytime with Iowa Corn (book giveaway) 1:00 PM Science Center of Iowa (Boom!) 2:00 PM FIRST LEGO League Jr High Five Ceremony 2:30 PM Storytime with Iowa Corn (book giveaway) 3:00 PM Grand Prize Drawings & Event Closing Extension Centennial Celebration Dinner Celebrate 100 Years of Extension in Mahaska County Win $100! We will be celebrating our Centennial on Monday, April 17 from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Extension office Auditorium. The event will consist of a meal, 4-H Bag o Clay Awards, Program Area Presentations, and youth & adult prize drawings. Cost to attend is $5.00 per meal ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Extension office or at the door. 3
Fair Help Me Guide Anyone new to 4-H or needing a refresher will want to check out the Mahaska County Fair Help Me Guide. This guide is being updated and will be posted to the website and available at the Extension office by April 15. 4-H & FFA Clinics & Workshops A current list of 4-H & FFA Workshops & Clinics is available on our website. Please bookmark this page: http:// www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/news/mahaska-county-4-hworkshops-clinics-classes. FSQA Training & Testing 2017 Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) Training for 4th-6th graders will be held on Tuesday, May 23 from 6:30-8:00 PM. FSQA Testing for 7th-12th graders will be offered on the same date between 3:00-5:00 PM. FSQA is required for anyone who plans to exhibit Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Beef, Dairy, Swine, & Meat Goats. FSQA is not required for Bucket/Bottle Animals, Pets, Dogs, or Horses. 4-H ers for 4-H Campaign 4-H ers investing in 4-H ers. This is the essence of the 4-H ers for 4-H Campaign, sponsored each year by the State 4-H Council. The campaign raises money to fund projects that benefit 4-H members throughout the state. This year, we have set our goal at $29,000 with a suggested $3.00 per member donation. We also want every county in Iowa to participate! Let s $trengthen 4-H! Learn more at: https://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/en/ways_to_give/4hers_for_4h/ This newsletter was prepared and written by Amy Brainard, Mahaska County Youth Coordinator. Amy can be reached by calling 641-673-5841 ext. 28 or by emailing vermeera@iastate.edu. 4
Horse Clinics & Ride Night Requirements Any 4-H or FFA member planning to exhibit horses, ponies, or mules at the 2017 Southern Iowa Fair must complete at least 2 Mahaska County Ride Nights at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds Outdoor Arena and 1 Mahaska County 4-H offered or approved clinic. This is a countywide rule set by the 4-H Youth Committee. Riding Nights will be held from 6-7 PM in the Outdoor Arena at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds. Exhibitors must bring their horses and ride to earn credit. Rain dates will be determined at a later date. Riding Night dates are listed below: May 4, 9, 18, 22, 30 June 8, 12, 26 July 6 For more information, please contact a Horse Superintendent. Jennifer Fynaardt - 402-917-0533 Kenzie Gunter - 641-295-5973 Tia Campbell - 712-438-1441 UPCOMING HORSE CLINICS The clinics listed below will count toward the clinic requirement. Tuesday, April 18 from 6:00-8:30 PM Outdoor Arena Fairgrounds 4-H & FFA Horse Speed Gaming Clinic Mary Ann Evitt is the presenter for this clinic. Cost to attend is $25.00. Call Kenzie Gunter with questions at 641-295-5973. Sunday, April 30 at 11:00 AM Outdoor Arena Fairgrounds Equine Chiropractic Clinic Dr. Lisa King will be doing chiropractic demonstrations on a provided horse. Youth may bring their own horses to be adjusted after the clinic. Dr. King is providing a $5.00 discount for 4-H & FFA exhibitors, cost will be $70/horse. RSVP is required by April 20th with Jennifer Fynaardt at 402-917-0533. Saturday, May 6 at 4:00 PM Keith Equestrian Center Ottumwa Free English Riding Clinic Youth can bring horses and ride if they d like to. RSVP by April 29 with Jennifer Fynaardt at 402-917-0533. If you have questions about the horse project area, please contact a Horse Superintendent listed above. 5
4-H & FFA Workshops & Clinics 4-H Maker Space Saturday, April 8 10:00 AM-3:00 PM Musco Technology Center Join us at STEAMfest to take part in the 4-H Exhibitor Booth Maker Space! Be creative, make and take, build and tear apart that s what we ll be doing at our Maker Space. Come & go as you d like. RSVP not required. Tall Corn Meat Goat Extravaganza Saturday, April 29 8:30 AM Poweshiek County Fairgrounds This event will feature two of the most respected breeders and judges in the country. Learn about the Boer Goat ideal goats, characteristics of potential herd sires, and hands-on evaluation of Boer Goats. For more information, contact James Shepard at 641-990-7152. 4-H & FFA Rabbit Tattooing Clinic Monday, May 1 6:30-7:30 PM Extension office 4-H Room Anyone with rabbits that need tattooed for identification purposes can attend this clinic to have their rabbits tattooed. A tattoo is required to be eligible to identify and show rabbits for the county and state fairs. Cost to attend is free. RSVP is not required. Rabbit Superintendents will only be present for one hour. Rabbits that are already tattooed are good to go. Rabbits that don't have tattoos will need to be tattooed. Youth are not required to attend this clinic, it is just an option available to families. Make-Your-Own Wearables Workshop Monday, May 1 6:00-8:00 PM Extension office Auditorium Tuesday, May 2 6:00-8:00 PM (if needed to finish) 4-H'ers are invited to attend this workshop to learn more about sewing and to make their own shorts/pants. Cost to attend is $5.00. RSVP is required by Monday, April 10 at 4:30 PM to ensure supplies arrive on time. If needed, 4-H'ers can come back on May 2 to finish their projects. If 4-H'er has limited sewing skills, we ask that an adult attend the workshop with them. Machines will be provided, but participants may need to share machines. If participants have access to a sewing machine, they are encouraged to bring one. This workshop is limited to the first 10 to register and pay. All 4-H'ers who attend are encouraged to take part in the Fashion Revue judging for the Awardrobe Clothing Event. 6
Mahaska County 4-H at Iowa Wild Mahaska County 4-H is having a night at the Iowa Wild! We still have discounted tickets for the Sunday, April 9 Iowa Wild hockey game at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. This game will begin at 5:00 p.m. with doors opening at 4:00 p.m. Purchase tickets at the Extension office in advance of the game. 4-H Awardrobe Clothing Event May 11 Anyone interested in taking part in the 4-H Clothing Event must register by Tuesday, May 2. Registration forms are at the Extension office and on our website at: http:// www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/news/4-h-clothing-event. This event includes Clothing Selection (purchased garments), Fashion Revue (hand-made/sewn garments), and $15 Challenge (purchased garments from consignment, Goodwill, garage sales, etc. for under $15 must include receipt!). Judging will take place on Thursday, May 11 between 4:00-8:00 PM at the Extension office. A set judging schedule will not be created this year. You will sign-in when you arrive and wait for your name to be called. Junior 4-H Trip to Omaha in May! A Junior 4-H Trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha on May 19-20 is being planned for Region 14 (incl. Mahaska, Marion, Jasper, & Poweshiek counties). There are only nine slots available for each county. Cost to attend this trip is $125.00. Participants will hike around the zoo, spend the night at the zoo, and spend the second day hiking and watching an IMAX movie! Register ASAP, slots will be provided on a first registered basis! Full details are at the MCEO and http:// www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/news/omaha-zoo-jr-4-htrip. 7
State 4-H Youth Conference Start Your Future Here June 27-29, 2017 ISU campus - Ames Anyone in 8th-12th grade (not just 4-H ers) is encouraged to attend the State 4-H Youth Conference in Ames. Visit http:// www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/iowa4hyouthconference to learn more and to access the registration information. Class Exhibiting Requirements The Mahaska County 4-H Youth Committee has set a policy for classes and shows for the county fair. In order to hold a show at the Southern Iowa Fair, we must have a minimum of 3 youth from 2 different families (4-H or FFA) registered to exhibit a particular species. Don t forget that animals must be registered in 4hOnline by May 15, 2017. Classes with fewer than 3 exhibitors from 2 different families will be placed on hold for the current year. Classes will be determined after all ID information has been received on May 15. If classes meet the minimum requirement by identification in May, the show(s) will be held. Exhibit Building Clean-up & Set-up We will clean the Exhibit Hall and 4-H Building on Thursday, July 13 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Clubs will work with Teen Council members to set up club booths. Booths are available on a first come, first reserved basis. We will NOT provide full booths or extra space in a booth just for decorations. The purpose of the exhibit booths is to showcase the exhibits the 4-H ers have worked on this year, not the decorations. Setting up and decorating is a team effort and we expect clubs to work as quickly as possible to place decorations on shelving units and getting them assembled so the next club can decorate and assemble their booth. Shelves must be placed in the back shelving unit before the next club can place their side wall, so please be patient with the process. Clubs will have an opportunity to decorate booths during exhibit judging on Monday, July 17 and must be complete and decorated by 8:00 AM on Tuesday. 8
Tentative Fair Schedule Monday, July 17 7:00-9:00 AM - Swine Weigh-in at scale 8:00 AM-2:00 PM - Exhibit Judging in Exhibit Hall & 4-H Building 9:00-11:00 AM - Poultry Exhibits Check-in in Poultry barn 9:00-11:00 AM - Sheep Weigh-in at scale 10:00 AM-Noon - Rabbit Check-in at cages 11:00 AM - Advanced Feeder Cattle Weigh-in & Scanning at scale and pens 1:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Llama Check-in near Pavilion 2:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Llama Show in Pavilion 1:00-2:00 PM - Bottle Lamb/Goat Check-in in barns 4:00-5:00 PM - Meat Goat Weigh-in/Check-in at scale and in barn 4:00-5:00 PM - Advanced Feeder (Lamb & Cattle) Conference in DAV Building by 6:00 PM - Dairy Check-in at Dairy stalls w/superintendents by 6:00 PM - Bucket/Bottle Calf Check-in at Stalls with Superintendents 6:00-8:00 PM - Beef Weigh-in/Check-in at scale, Breeding Beef in Pavilion Tuesday, July 18 9:00 AM - 4-H & FFA Poultry Show Sale Ring 9:00-11:00 AM & 12:00-2:00 PM - Communications: Educ Pres, Share the Fun, & Extemp Spkg Judging at Free Stage 2:00-4:00 PM - 4-H Horticulture Judging in 4-H Building 3:00-4:30 PM - 4-H & FFA Bottle Lamb & Bottle Goat Interviews in DAV 4:00-6:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Horse Check-in at barns 6:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Swine Show in Pavilion Wednesday, July 19 8:00 AM - 4-H & FFA Bottle Lamb & Goat Show in Pavilion 9:00 AM - 4-H & FFA Sheep Show in Pavilion 9:00 AM-Noon - Communications: Working Exhibit Judging at Free Stage 12:30-1:45 PM - 4-H & FFA Dairy Show in Pavilion 1:00-3:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Bucket/Bottle Calf Interviews in DAV Bldg. 2:00-4:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Meat Goat Show in Pavilion 6:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Rabbit Show in Sale Ring Thursday, July 20 9:00 AM-Noon approx. - 4-H & FFA Beef Show in Pavilion 1:00 PM - 4-H & FFA Bucket/Bottle Calf Show in Pavilion 3:00-4:00 PM - 4-H & Clover Kids Pet Show at Free Stage 5:00-6:00 PM - MCARD & Farm Bureau BBA in Pavilion 5:45 PM - Bucket o Junk Auction 7:00-9:00 PM - Ag Olympics in Pavilion Friday, July 21 8:00 AM - 4-H & FFA Horse Show at Outdoor Arena (one day show this year) Auction Animal Verification in Fair Board Office by 10:00 AM, NO EXCEPTIONS! Must have affidavit (Market Beef, Meat Goats, Market Lambs, Rabbits, & Poultry) on file at Fair Board Office for animal to be eligible for the auction. 3:00-4:00 PM - Feeder Pen Re-Weigh for Auction at Scale 4:00 PM - 4-H Non-Livestock State Fair Exhibitor Meeting in 4-H Bldg. 4:00-5:00 PM - Livestock Re-Weigh for Auction at Scale Saturday, July 22 4-H Office will be CLOSED 8:00 AM - Livestock Auction (following Buyer s Breakfast) in Sale Ring Horses Released Following Auction 9:00 PM - Livestock Released 9:00-10:00 PM - Exhibits Released (Exhibit Hall & 4-H Building) Sunday, July 23 Livestock Released - starting again at 6:00 AM Exhibits Released - 10:30 AM-1:00 PM Exhibit Hall & 4-H Building Monday, July 24 Animals Must Be Gone by 8:00 AM Exhibits Must Be Gone by Noon Exhibit Hall & 4-H Building will be open from 10:00 AM-Noon 9 This schedule is subject to change due to conflicts and weather.
4-H Club Judging Schedule for July 17 Each club is assigned a time to begin the judging process. This process is for everyone. Be prepared to spend time waiting for a judge. 4-H ers will be evaluated by a different judge for each 4-H subject matter. Prior to the fair, fill out all entry tags and goal sheets for your exhibits and attach them to your exhibit. You will also want to have your 4-H Exhibit Entry Form filled out and ready for the judges prior to the fair. These forms can be found at the Extension office and on our website at www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/4h. When you arrive, take all of your exhibits with your entry tags and goal sheets attached to the exhibits and your Exhibit Entry Form to the front check-in table and the superintendents will make sure you have everything you need to be judged. Teen Council members will be around the corner at the sign-in table, please sign in for 1-2 project areas and wait for your name to be called. After judging has been completed, return your 4-H Exhibit Entry Form to the ribbon table, attach ribbons to exhibits, give 4-H Exhibit Entry Form to the ribbon table, and return your exhibits to your club booth. If your exhibit is being considered for state fair, attach the ribbon, but leave the exhibit and goal sheet in the area the judge has placed it for holding. If you lose your 4-H Exhibit Entry Form, premiums will not be paid. Be sure to give this form to the ribbon table during exhibit judging. Ribbons for exhibits in the 4-H Building (Photography, Ag & NR, Science & Technology) will be awarded in that building, not from the ribbon table in the Exhibit Hall. 8:30 AM County Teen Council 9:00 AM Garfield Boosters 10:00 AM M&M Peppy Pals Mahaska Masters 11:00 AM Harrison Hustlers Harrison Zippers Heartland Helpers 11:30 AM Jefferson Go Getters Leighton Strivers Spring Creek Achievers 12:00 PM West Des Moines Livewires Adams Champs Cedar Livestock LUNCH staggered between judges 1:00 PM FIRST Lego League 2:00 Clover Kids (Judged at Clover Kids booth, arrive early to sign-in) 10
4-H Club & Clover Kids Monitoring Schedule Each county 4-H club will watch exhibits and assist visitors by helping find 4-Hers exhibits and answer questions. The 4-H club should have at least two people (4-Hers or parents) at all times during their shift. Your club may divide their shift into shorter segments. Club representatives will be required to sign-in outside of the 4-H office prior to working the shift. Host badges will be provided for those monitoring the buildings. Sign-in sheets and name badges will be in the drop box outside of the 4-H office in the 4-H Building. Badges will not have to be returned to the office, as they will be one time use stickers. Exhibit Hall Tuesday 9:00 AM-Noon Heartland Helpers Noon-3:00 PM Heartland Helpers 3:00-6:00 PM Adams Champs 6:00-8:00 PM Oskaloosa Clover Kids Wednesday 9:00 AM-Noon Spring Creek Achievers Noon-3:00 PM Jefferson Go-Getters 3:00-6:00 PM Adams Champs 6:00-8:00 PM Oskaloosa Christian Clover Kids Thursday 9:00 AM-Noon Leighton Strivers Noon-3:00 PM Mahaska Masters 3:00-6:00 PM Garfield Boosters 6:00-8:00 PM Harrison Hustlers Friday 9:00 AM-Noon Mahaska Masters Noon-3:00 PM Jefferson Go-Getters 3:00-6:00 PM Cedar Livestock 6:00-8:00 PM North Mahaska Clover Kids Saturday 9:00 AM-Noon Fremont Clover Kids Noon-3:00 PM Eddyville Clover Kids 3:00-6:00 PM Go-Getters Clover Kids 6:00-9:00 PM West Des Moines Livewires 4-H Building Please be sure to close and lock back & overhead doors, turn off fans, and turn off the lights at 8:00 PM. Tuesday 6:00-8:00 PM Harrison Zippers Wednesday 6:00-8:00 PM M&M Peppy Pals Thursday 6:00-8:00 PM Leighton Strivers Friday 6:00-8:00 PM 4-H Teen Council Saturday 6:00-8:00 PM Garfield Boosters 11
Mahaska County Market Broiler Contest Mahaska County Farm Bureau is once again sponsoring the Mahaska County Market Broiler Contest for the Poultry Show at the Southern Iowa Fair. They have donated enough money to cover the cost of 15 Broiler Projects. The first 15 youth to call Helena Hayes and register will be provided with FREE market broilers. Once all of the slots have been filled, market broilers can be purchased for $16.70. CHICK PICK-UP: Wednesday, May 31 TIME: 5:00-6:00 PM WHERE: Mahaska County Extension 4-H Room Please enter the NORTH door A Poultry Q&A Workshop will be held immediately following broiler pen chick pick-up. 4-H Poultry Superintendents: Helena Hayes at 641-673-0876 / helenahayes74@yahoo.com Lindsay Maxwell at 641-660-3246 / lindsaymaxwell89@msn.com County Fair Buy a Brick Campaign The Southern Iowa Fair is starting the first annual Buy a Brick campaign. A brick is the perfect way to leave a permanent legacy while supporting the restoration and beautification of the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds. The bricks will be used in a permanent display on the fairgrounds honoring individuals, families, businesses or organizations that have supported the Southern Iowa Fair throughout the years. Bricks are available for $150. Inscription allows for up to three lines using a maximum of 15 spaces per line. If interested in purchasing a brick, please contact Kelly Long at 660-0403 or Sharis Claver at 799-4085. Weigh-in/Heifer Tattooing Dates These dates have been approved by the Fair Board. Heifer Tattooing - Saturday, May 6 8:00-9:00 AM Sheep Weigh-in - Saturday, May 6 8:00-10:00 AM Meat Goat Weigh-in - Saturday, May 6 10:00-11:00 AM Weigh-ins will be held at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds. 12
Intermediate Trip to Minnesota! 4-H ers who will complete 7th-8th grade this year are encouraged to attend the Region 13 & 14 Intermediate Trip. This year s trip will be to the Black Hills of South Dakota! Trip attractions include national monuments, buffalo in Custer Park, Wall Drug, and the Corn Palace. This is a 3-day, 2-night trip on June 12-14. Full details can be found on our website. Summer Fun 4-H Camps We will hold Summer Fun 4-H Camps throughout the month of June. Registration will be open soon and space in each camp is limited. These camps will be organized and led by Megan Goemaat, Summer 4-H Youth Assistant. Grades are listed as just completed this summer. Camps are open to all youth, not just 4-H & Clover Kids members. Prices are TBA. June 5-7 Babysitting Basics 5th-8th grade 9 AM-4 PM June 8 Food & Farm Day Kdg-3rd grade 9 AM-4 PM June 12-13 Maker Space 4th-6th grade 9 AM-4 PM June 14-15 Maker Space Jr. Kdg-3rd grade 9 AM-4 PM June 19-20 Wild Critters 4th-6th grade 9 AM-4 PM June 21-22 Kitchen Basics Kdg-1st grade 9 AM-Noon June 21-22 Kids in the Kitchen 2nd-3rd grade 1-4 PM June 26-27 Jr. Robotics & Coding Kdg-3rd grade 9 AM-4 PM June 28-29 Food on the Farm 4th-6th grade 9 AM-4 PM Once we have all of the day camp information finalized and the brochure completed, we will post information to our website at www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska. This will be done in early April! Bucket/Bottle Animal Birthdates Bucket/Bottle Calves must be born between: February 1 and April 30, 2017 Bottle Lambs & Goats must be born between: January 1 and April 30, 2017 Packets for Bucket/Bottle Animals are available at the MCEO and on our website at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ mahaska/page/livestock-exhibiting-information. More details can be found in the February 2017 newsletter. 13
4-H & FFA Youth Show Sponsorship The Southern Iowa Fair is quickly approaching and our 4-H and FFA members are working very hard to complete their projects and create exhibits to be judged at the county fair. To provide a quality experience for the youth, we hire judges with experience and training in youth development for our exhibiting classes. The judges that we hire come at a price and we are in need of 4-H and FFA Fair Judge Sponsors. The average livestock judge s fee is around $300.00 and the average non-livestock judge s fee is around $100.00. Last year, the 4-H and FFA judges fees totaled just under $5,000. Another cost of the youth shows at the Southern Iowa Fair is premiums. Each 4-H and FFA member receives money for the ribbons they earn. Purple and blue ribbons are $2.00 each, red ribbons are $1.00 each, and white ribbons are $.50 each. Last year, the premium payout for 4-H and FFA youth was just under $3,000.00. The final cost of the youth shows at the Southern Iowa Fair is awards and recognition. Trophies, banners, plaques, and ribbons are awarded to those who do very well in their fair classes. These materials are purchased early and locally to save on the cost but still end up costing quite a bit. The awards and recognition items have been paid for by local sponsors in the past. We are no longer asking for specific trophy donors, but are asking for 4-H and FFA Youth Show Sponsors. Last year, we spent over $4,500.00 on trophies, plaques and ribbons. We have set up sponsorship levels for the 4-H and FFA Youth Shows Fund and the levels are as follows: Platinum - $1000.00 and above Gold - $500.00-$999.00 Silver - $250.00-$499.00 Bronze - $125.00-$249.00 Contributing - $75.00-$124.00 Each sponsor will be listed on the 4-H and FFA Youth Show Sponsors board at the Southern Iowa Fair (outside of the sale ring near the Pavilion), on posters that will be posted around the fairgrounds, on 4-H and Extension ads leading up to and following the fair, on show orders at the Southern Iowa Fair, and will be announced during the 4-H and FFA livestock shows. Recognition can be guaranteed if donation is received at the Extension office by 14 Friday, June 9, 2017.
4-H & FFA Gala THANK YOU to everyone who donated, attended, and purchased items at the 6th Annual 4-H & FFA Gala! With the addition of the pie & cheesecake live auction, we were able to raise just over $3,000 for the 4-H & FFA Youth Shows Fair Fund. That amount will cover the premiums for 4-H & FFA members in 2017. Mark your calendar for the 7th Annual 4-H & FFA Gala to be held on Friday, March 9, 2018. 4-H & FFA Rule Booklets 4-H & FFA Rule Booklets will be printed, one per family, and provided to club leaders at the Spring Leader Training in late April. The updated fair booklet will be uploaded to our website soon. Visit http://www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/page/4-h-fairaward-forms to access the rules, forms, and other important fair documents. Spring Leader Training April 26 All Mahaska County 4-H & Clover Kids Leaders must complete the required statewide 4-H Leader Training. The live training in Mahaska County will be held on Wednesday, April 26 at 6:00 PM in the Auditorium of the Extension office. RSVP is requested by calling 673-5841 or emailing Amy at vermeera@iastate.edu on or before April 24. We will provide pizza, feel free to bring a side dish or dessert to share. An online training option is also available if the face-to-face training date does not work. This annual training must be complete by July 1. Online training info can be found at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/volunteertraining. Southern Iowa Fair Contact Info If you would like to inquire about camping at the Southern Iowa Fair or if you have questions, please contact the Fair Office at 641-673-7004 or email sifair@mahaska.org. The office will be open Mondays-Wednesdays-Fridays from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM and will increase hours of operation in the summer. 15
Mahaska County 212 North I Street Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577 Helping make 4-H possible in Mahaska County. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran. Direct inquiries to Ross Wilburn, 515-294-1482, wilburn@iastate.edu. The fees for service will be used to offset direct expenses and to support the 4-H Youth Development County Extension Program. «Name» «F2» «Address» «City», «State» «Zip»