Friday, October 30, 2020

10/30/20 4-H Livestock Email Blast

 

INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER)

  • Current Livestock Show Entries (shows added this week)
  • Current Calf Scramble Updates
  • Other Opportunities

Howdy and Happy Friday, Y’all!

I wanted to pass on a few quick additions/updates to the livestock email blast from last week.  Please remember that all of our livestock and validation information is available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/livestock/.  Additionally, you can see all of the upcoming workshops and opportunities on our calendar at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/ or at https://www.judgingcard.com/Registration/Default.aspx.  With that, we’ll jump straight in:

CURRENT LIVESTOCK SHOW ENTRIES - DUE to the CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5th

  • Please remember that the deadline posted on each show website is the deadline for the County Extension Agents and Ag Teachers to collect, process, do the online entry, and catch any errors or missing information on your show entries; we ask that you follow the deadlines listed in our email blasts for each show below.
  • Note: We are working on completing a summary sheet to turn in with entries.  Right now, the San Antonio website is experiencing some technical difficulties.  We’ll send it out as soon as possible.
  • EXPECTED SOON:
  • REMINDERS FOR OPEN SHOW ENTRIES & ELIGIBILITY/EXCUSED ABSENCES:
        • We’re happy to help you get entered in the open show opportunities you want to participate in, but please remember that we are only allowed to request eligibility and excused absences for youth show entries that require the exhibitor to be a 4-H/FFA member. 
        • When we request excused absences for youth to participate in the shows, the schools do NOT have to grant them.  Please make sure that you are in communication with your teachers and principals to keep them in the loop on your 4-H activities to they understand the learning experiences associated with them and are more likely to grant the request. 

CURRENT CALF SCRAMBLE UPDATES - DUE to the CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5th

  • What is a calf scramble? A calf scramble is a competition where a group of youth and smaller calves are turned out into an arena.  The goal is for the 4-H/FFA member to catch a calf – if they do, they are awarded a certificate with a monetary value to purchase a show animal for the next show season.  Not everyone will catch a calf.
  • Rules and requirements:  Rules and requirements for calf scrambles vary from show to show.  On average, you need to be at least 12 years old to participate.  The other key detail is that if you get a calf scramble certificate, you must purchase an animal that you will show at their show the following year.  To enter the competition, you must turn in any application materials to your County Extension Agent or Ag Teacher.
  • SAN ANTONIO CALF SCRAMBLE ENTRIES – DUE to the CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5th
  • RODEO AUSTIN CALF SCRAMBLE ENTRIES - DUE to the CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5th
        • Please complete the following entry form and bring payment:

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Other Livestock related opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
  • Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That is all for now!  Please let us know if you need anything and have a safe and happy weekend!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent – 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website – https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog – www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

2020-2021 4-H Enrollment Reminders

It's a brand new 4-H year!!!!

If you would like to join 4-H as a new or returning member, enrollment will start up August 15th!  Everyone wishing to participate in any 4-H activities this fall and/or continue to receive the 4-H email blasts will need to enroll as soon as possible.  Active enrollment is required in order to turn in registration information for any 4-H activity (including livestock shows, District 4-H Activities, or other contests).

If you are a new family looking into 4-H, we invite you to check out the information available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/links/4-h/.  We have a lot of information on resources and how to join on our Projects & Resources page at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bastrop-county-4-h-welcome-projects-resources/.  The 4-H CONNECT Website is available at https://tx.4honline.com/.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu!


Monday, October 26, 2020

2020-2021 Quality Counts Reminders for Livestock Exhibitors

Hey y'all!  Are you looking for something to do to help prepare your for your livestock project for the 2020-2021 year? 

Get ready for the upcoming show year by completing your Quality Counts!  All livestock exhibitors in Bastrop County (both 4-H & FFA) will need to participate in the learning modules and pass the exam with at least an 80% to be able to exhibit their livestock projects. 

To register and get a head start, head over to https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com/qc/qcregister.aspx.  Be sure to save the registration email to be able to access the program and take the exam. 

If you have any questions, please contact your AST/CEA.  The Bastrop County 4-H Agent can be reached at 512-581-7186 or at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu. 


Friday, October 23, 2020

10/23/20 4-H Email Blast: General Reminders, Club Officer Training, & Roundup Contest Information

 

Howdy & Happy Friday!!!

I wanted to pass on a few quick additions/updates to the general 4-H email blast from last week.  Please remember that you can see all of the upcoming workshops and opportunities on our calendar at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/.

AGENT SCHEDULES:

We (Ashley, Hillary, and I) would like to let you know that our schedules are fuller than normal this year due to the nature of everything going on.  We are doing our best to return all calls and emails in a timely fashion, however, with all of the virtual programming and meetings we are putting on we are 3 times as busy as usual.  Thank you all for being patient and understanding with us, we truly appreciated it and are going to continue to ask for a little grace during this crazy year.  We will also be trying to reach out to ask for a volunteer or 2 to help us with hosting or planning a few of the virtual opportunities to try to help alleviate a little bit of that pressure.

CONTEST OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Livestock Show Contests: Once again, due to current restrictions, our livestock shows are not currently able to host the same number and variety of contests that they usually do.  They are every bit as frustrated as we are and are working constantly to try to find a way to fit those opportunities in.  We will pass along news as we heart about opportunities.
  • District 10 4-H Contests: Please make sure that you read the details about Fall Roundup in the emails below.  We are also planning for our Spring Contests to take place at this time.  So far, there are no cancellations for any of the contests, but there have been a couple of date changes to accommodate contests. 

CLUB OFFICER TRAINING REMINDER:

TEXAS 4-H FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP TRAINING – MEGAN LOGAN

  • Our District 10 4-H Specialist, Megan Logan, is hosting a virtual in-depth training on the Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarships at 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 19, 2020
  • IF you are in 10th-12th grades, we HIGHLY encourage you to attend this training to help you prepare for your applications
  • Topics Covered:
    • Timeline/Process
    • Online Application Platform
    • Preparing your application
    • What to have on hand to help you
    • And MORE!!!
  • RSVP by clicking this link by NOON on November 19th

SAVE THE DATES:

We are working on some new opportunities – please save the dates and look out for upcoming information related to the topics below:

  • Dog Project Orientation & Planning Meeting – 6:00 PM on Monday, November 16, 2020
  • New Parent Orientation – 6:30 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2020
  • Volunteer 101 Training/Orientation – 6:00 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2020

Please let us know if you have any questions and have a great weekend!!!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson
Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 


**************************************************************


 

INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER)

  • Food & Nutrition Series
  • Fashion & Interior Design Project Interest
  • Club Officer Training
  • County 4-H Council Meetings
  • County Fall Roundup Contests
  • District 10 4-H Fall Roundup Contests
  • New Resources Available on the Website
  • Other Opportunities

Good evening, y’all!

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the cooler weather!  I wanted to pass on a more general email blast that had most of the non-livestock project updates on it for y’all.  We also wanted to give you a heads up that we are setting aside some time in the near future to do some short-term and long-term planning on what our educational opportunities and schedules may look like this year.  We are noticing a lot of virtual burnout in our youth and we want to make sure that the 4-H side of things is still as fun and educational as possible.  With that, let’s jump into some fun project updates:

Food & Nutrition Series

  • Please join us on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM to participate in our Virtual Food & Nutrition Project Series!  The series will be held over Zoom and the information for each session will be emailed out 1-2 days ahead of time.  If you have any questions, please contact the Bastrop County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu.
  • To RSVP:

Fashion & Interior Design Project Interest

  • While our fabulous FCH Ambassadors are hard at work with getting ready for the Virtual Food & Nutrition Series, we would now like to start thinking about the Fashion & Interior Design Project!
  • Quick Overview:  In this project you can learn to design, construct and be a smart consumer when purchasing clothing and household items.  This project encompasses the whole concept of fashion and interior design, starting with the basics of sewing and fabric selection, principles of designing a space, clothing and textile construction, incorporating artwork (photography or other medium) into a space, etc.  – we will collect the topics that you’re interested in to design the series and maybe even work on re-designing one of the rooms in the County Extension Office!
  • If you are interested in participating in this project or learning more about it, please Complete the Google Form by Monday, November 16, 2020 – we will be using this information to get an idea of how many people we will have participating and to help with planning the project series (topics, scheduling, etc)

Club Officer Training

County 4-H Council Meetings

  • We highly encourage 4-H members to attend and participate in the Council meetings – they count towards their awards and leadership activities for recordbooks as we get further into the year.  All youth are allowed to contribute to discussions and help direct the conversations towards the best interests of the County.  Additionally, it’s a great way to get to know some of the 4-H members in the other clubs and see what’s going on in the county!
  • If you would like to join us, please RSVP by completing the virtual camp waiver (Download the Waiver Here) and emailing it to me at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu  - if you have already done so for Council meetings – you are all set for the rest of the year!  We only need 1 form per family, just be sure to list everyone’s names on the forms.
  • Upcoming Council Meeting Dates:
    • Tuesday, December 1, 2020 (6:00 PM)
    • Tuesday, February 2, 2021 (6:00 PM)
    • Tuesday, April 6, 2021 – Officer Elections for 2021-2022 (6:00 PM)

County Fall Contests/Practices:

  • Food Show
    • If you are planning on participating in the District 10 Contest – please email your District 10 4-H recipe submission to Mellanie by 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 23, 2020 (see the D10 Contest Rules below for the forms)
    • If we have more than 1 person in an age group or category we will plan to have a virtual contest on Monday, November 2nd at 5:30 PM; If we do NOT have more than 1 youth in each age group/category then we will simply make appointments to practice your presentation at your convenience
  • Public Speaking & Educational Presentation: If you are planning on participating in the District 10 Contest (or are interested in educational presentations or public speaking) please contact Mellanie to talk about your topic and arrange a practice presentation

District 10 4-H Fall Roundup Contests

  • What is this? District 10 4-H Roundup is a clustered set of contests where youth from all 21 counties in District 10 4-H compete against each other.  There is a D10 Fall Roundup and a D10 Spring Roundup.  A few of the contests have a maximum number of teams/participants that are allowed to compete – for those contests, we have a qualifying County Contest where youth must participate and/or make a certain placing to move up to the District Level.
  • Disclaimer: these dates and locations are subject to change based on local health mandates for the safety of all participants
  • Date: December 1-3, 2020 (tentatively)
    Location: Kerrville, TX (and/or virtual depending on contest)
  • Contests included:
    • Food Show (Qualifying Contest Needed: 1 entry per age division, per category can advance to District)
    • Entomology
    • Beef Quiz Bowl (team activity)
    • Horse Quiz Bowl (team activity)
    • Nutrition Quiz Bowl (team activity)
    • Public Speaking (virtual)
    • Educational Presentations (virtual)
  • Registration Available via 4-H CONNECT: October 19, 2020 to November 3, 2020
  • 2020 Fall Round-Up Guide (Posted 10/09/2020):  2020-2021 District 10 4-H Fall Round-Up Guide 
  • 2020 Food Show Junior/Intermediate Entry Form and Score Sheet: Food Show Entry Forms and Score sheets Fillable Food Show Recipe Submission Form

New Resources Available on the Website:

Other Opportunities:

  • Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
  • Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

Thank y’all and have a great weekend!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson
Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

 

10/23/20 4-H Livestock Email Blast

 

Howdy and Happy Friday, Y’all!

 

I wanted to pass on a few quick additions/updates to the livestock email blast from last week.  Please remember that all of our livestock and validation information is available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/livestock/.  Additionally, you can see all of the upcoming workshops and opportunities on our calendar at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/ or at https://www.judgingcard.com/Registration/Default.aspx.  With that, we’ll jump straight in:

 

LIVESTOCK SHOW ENTRY UPDATES:

 

 

  • Correction to Elgin Livestock Show Entry Due Date – The Elgin Livestock Show Board has updated the entry due date to December 1, 2020

 

CALF SCRAMBLE UPDATES:

 

Have a fabulous weekend and let us know if you need anything!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

 


*********************************************************************************************************************************


INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER)

  • Major Show (State) Validation Reminders
  • Rabbit Exhibitor Reminders
  • Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series
  • Local Livestock Show Updates
  • Major Livestock Show Updates
  • Calf Scramble Information
  • Other Opportunities

Good afternoon and Happy Friday, Y’all!

I hope everyone is doing well and getting a little settled into the school routine; thank you so much for your continued patience as everyone figures out how to best support our youth this year!  I wanted to send out a few reminders for upcoming events as we head into the weekend.  Please remember that all of our livestock and validation information is available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/livestock/.  Additionally, you can see all of the upcoming workshops and opportunities on our calendar at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/ or at https://www.judgingcard.com/Registration/Default.aspx.  With that, we’ll jump straight in:

Major Show (State) Validation Reminders:

  • Lamb/Goat/Heifer Validation
    • A reminder email will go out this afternoon to everyone who purchased tags – if you have NOT received the first email, please let me know as soon as possible
    • Validation will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, starting at 5:00 PM – an RSVP is REQUIRED this year to help with social distancing
    • If you have a breeding animal, please remember to email Mellanie a COLOR copy of the registration papers ahead of time to save time at validation
  • Swine Validation
    • We are placing the LAST order for swine validation tags this afternoon
    • Swine validation will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, starting at 5:00 PM – an RSVP is REQUIRED this year to help with social distancing
    • We are going to be sending out more information and the link to select a time early next week

Rabbit Exhibitor Reminders:

Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series:

  • We just finished our 101 series for each of the major livestock species, we are going to work on posting them to our YouTube channel and website so everyone will have access to them
  • To Register for one or more of the Livestock 201 programs in this virtual camp series, please complete the following steps:
    • RSVP for session(s) you would like to attend; Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s): https://rb.gy/tkft7y
    • Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu: https://rb.gy/mn34h6
  • Livestock 201 Sessions cover evaluating your project, adjusting project nutrition, and an advanced health topic and are scheduled for:
    • Thursday, October 22, at 6:00 PM: Lambs/Goats, Wayne Morse
    • Thursday, October 29, at 6:00 PM: Beef, Dusty Boullion
    • Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 PM: Poultry, Dr. Coufal
    • Thursday, November 12, at 6:00 PM: Swine, Jeff Shows
    • Thursday, November 17, at 6:00 PM: Rabbits, Jason Platt

Local Livestock Show Updates:

  • Bastrop Area Livestock Show
    • Reminder: Rules are posted and available online at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bals/
    • The next upcoming event is Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM:
      • Validation & Entry Day:  Swine, Goat, & Market Lambs
      • Entry Day Only: Rabbits
      • Contest Entry: Plant Show (extended from September!!)
  • Elgin Livestock Show
    • The show board is working on getting control of their old website; please see the updates posted in the Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/635101307136083
    • The Elgin Livestock Show Association is doing a To-Go Pork Steak Plate Fundraiser on Sunday, November 20, 2020, from approximately 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or until sold out)
      • Plates are $9.00 each and can be picked up at the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department
      • If you’d like to purchase tickets, please reach out to the Elgin Livestock Show Association or the Elgin 4-H Club members
    • Reminder: All Elgin Livestock Show and Youth Fair entries will be due to the Show Board by November 1, 2020
  • Smithville Livestock Show
    • The show is scheduled to take place on April 17, 2021
    • The updated rules and important dates have been released and published to our website:
    • The next upcoming event is Saturday, November 14, 2020, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM:
      • Validation & Entry Night: Steers, Heifers, Market Goats, Broilers, Lambs
      • Entry Night Only: Rabbits

Major Livestock Show Updates:

  • Please remember that the deadline posted on each show website is the deadline for the County Extension Agents and Ag Teachers to collect, process, do the online entry, and catch any errors or missing information on your show entries; we ask that you follow the deadlines listed in our email blasts for each show below.
  • Fort Worth Livestock Show
    • Recently announced that the 2021 Show is canceled.
    • They are working on a couple of other opportunities for youth – we’ll let you know as soon as information is confirmed
  • San Angelo Stock Show Entry Forms (click on links below): DUE to CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5, 2020
  • Texas Elite Swine Showcase (click on links below) : DUE to CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5, 2020
  • Expected Soon:
  • Reminders for Open Show Entries and Eligibility/Excused Absences:
    • We’re happy to help you get entered in the open show opportunities you want to participate in, but please remember that we are only allowed to request eligibility and excused absences for youth show entries that require the exhibitor to be a 4-H/FFA member. 
    • When we request excused absences for youth to participate in the shows, the schools do NOT have to grant them.  Please make sure that you are in communication with your teachers and principals to keep them in the loop on your 4-H activities to they understand the learning experiences associated with them and are more likely to grant the request. 

Calf Scramble Information:

  • What is a calf scramble? A calf scramble is a competition where a group of youth and smaller calves are turned out into an arena.  The goal is for the 4-H/FFA member to catch a calf – if they do, they are awarded a certificate with a monetary value to purchase a show animal for the next show season.  Not everyone will catch a calf.
  • Rules and requirements:  Rules and requirements for calf scrambles vary from show to show.  On average, you need to be at least 12 years old to participate.  The other key detail is that if you get a calf scramble certificate, you must purchase an animal that you will show at their show the following year.  To enter the competition, you must turn in any application materials to your County Extension Agent or Ag Teacher.
  • Currently Available:
  • Expected Soon:
    • Fort Worth Calf Scramble (October 15th-ish was the original date, we are waiting on updates)
    • San Antonio Calf Scramble (November 1st-ish)
    • Houston Calf Scramble (November 1st-ish)
    • Rodeo Austin Calf Scramble (November 1st-ish)

Other Opportunities:

  • Other Livestock related opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
  • Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That is all for now!  Please let us know if you need anything and have a safe and happy weekend!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

 

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Virtual Club Officer Training - Monday, 10/26/20

 Hey all! Remember, if you are a 4-H Club Officer, we are hosting a training on Monday, October 26th, to go over Parliamentary Procedure!

To sign up, follow these 2 steps:
  1. RSVP at https://rb.gy/vyvtux
  2. Download the virtual waiver at https://rb.gy/ejyltx and send it to Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu



Saturday, October 17, 2020

10/17/20 4-H Email Blast: General Reminders, Club Officer Training, & Roundup Contest Information

 

https://counties.agrilife.org/bastrop/2020/10/16/10-17-20-4-h-email-blast-general-reminders-club-officer-training-roundup-contest-information/ 


INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER)

  • Food & Nutrition Series
  • Fashion & Interior Design Project Interest
  • Club Officer Training
  • County 4-H Council Meetings
  • County Fall Roundup Contests
  • District 10 4-H Fall Roundup Contests
  • New Resources Available on the Website
  • Other Opportunities

Good evening, y’all!

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the cooler weather!  I wanted to pass on a more general email blast that had most of the non-livestock project updates on it for y’all.  We also wanted to give you a heads up that we are setting aside some time in the near future to do some short-term and long-term planning on what our educational opportunities and schedules may look like this year.  We are noticing a lot of virtual burnout in our youth and we want to make sure that the 4-H side of things is still as fun and educational as possible.  With that, let’s jump into some fun project updates:


Food & Nutrition Series

  • Please join us on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM to participate in our Virtual Food & Nutrition Project Series!  The series will be held over Zoom and the information for each session will be emailed out 1-2 days ahead of time.  If you have any questions, please contact the Bastrop County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu.
  • To RSVP:


Fashion & Interior Design Project Interest

  • While our fabulous FCH Ambassadors are hard at work with getting ready for the Virtual Food & Nutrition Series, we would now like to start thinking about the Fashion & Interior Design Project!
  • Quick Overview:  In this project you can learn to design, construct and be a smart consumer when purchasing clothing and household items.  This project encompasses the whole concept of fashion and interior design, starting with the basics of sewing and fabric selection, principles of designing a space, clothing and textile construction, incorporating artwork (photography or other medium) into a space, etc.  – we will collect the topics that you’re interested in to design the series and maybe even work on re-designing one of the rooms in the County Extension Office!
  • If you are interested in participating in this project or learning more about it, please Complete the Google Form by Monday, November 16, 2020 – we will be using this information to get an idea of how many people we will have participating and to help with planning the project series (topics, scheduling, etc)


Club Officer Training


County 4-H Council Meetings

  • We highly encourage 4-H members to attend and participate in the Council meetings – they count towards their awards and leadership activities for recordbooks as we get further into the year.  All youth are allowed to contribute to discussions and help direct the conversations towards the best interests of the County.  Additionally, it’s a great way to get to know some of the 4-H members in the other clubs and see what’s going on in the county!
  • If you would like to join us, please RSVP by completing the virtual camp waiver (Download the Waiver Here) and emailing it to me at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu  - if you have already done so for Council meetings – you are all set for the rest of the year!  We only need 1 form per family, just be sure to list everyone’s names on the forms.
  • Upcoming Council Meeting Dates:
    • Tuesday, December 1, 2020 (6:00 PM)
    • Tuesday, February 2, 2021 (6:00 PM)
    • Tuesday, April 6, 2021 – Officer Elections for 2021-2022 (6:00 PM)


County Fall Contests/Practices:

  • Food Show
    • If you are planning on participating in the District 10 Contest – please email your District 10 4-H recipe submission to Mellanie by 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 23, 2020 (see the D10 Contest Rules below for the forms)
    • If we have more than 1 person in an age group or category we will plan to have a virtual contest on Monday, November 2nd at 5:30 PM; If we do NOT have more than 1 youth in each age group/category then we will simply make appointments to practice your presentation at your convenience
  • Public Speaking & Educational Presentation: If you are planning on participating in the District 10 Contest (or are interested in educational presentations or public speaking) please contact Mellanie to talk about your topic and arrange a practice presentation


District 10 4-H Fall Roundup Contests

  • What is this? District 10 4-H Roundup is a clustered set of contests where youth from all 21 counties in District 10 4-H compete against each other.  There is a D10 Fall Roundup and a D10 Spring Roundup.  A few of the contests have a maximum number of teams/participants that are allowed to compete – for those contests, we have a qualifying County Contest where youth must participate and/or make a certain placing to move up to the District Level.   
  • Disclaimer: these dates and locations are subject to change based on local health mandates for the safety of all participants
  • Date: December 1-3, 2020 (tentatively)
    Location: Kerrville, TX (and/or virtual depending on contest)
  • Contests included:
    • Food Show (Qualifying Contest Needed: 1 entry per age division, per category can advance to District)
    • Entomology
    • Beef Quiz Bowl (team activity)
    • Horse Quiz Bowl (team activity)
    • Nutrition Quiz Bowl (team activity)
    • Public Speaking (virtual)
    • Educational Presentations (virtual)
  • Registration Available via 4-H CONNECT: October 19, 2020 to November 3, 2020
  • 2020 Fall Round-Up Guide (Posted 10/09/2020):  2020-2021 District 10 4-H Fall Round-Up Guide 
  • 2020 Food Show Junior/Intermediate Entry Form and Score Sheet: Food Show Entry Forms and Score sheets Fillable Food Show Recipe Submission Form


New Resources Available on the Website:


Other Opportunities:

  • Other opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
  • Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186


Thank y’all and have a great weekend!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson
Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org 
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

 

Friday, October 16, 2020

10/16/20 4-H Livestock Email Blast

 

https://counties.agrilife.org/bastrop/2020/10/16/10-16-20-4-h-livestock-email-blast/


INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER)

  • Major Show (State) Validation Reminders
  • Rabbit Exhibitor Reminders
  • Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series
  • Local Livestock Show Updates
  • Major Livestock Show Updates
  • Calf Scramble Information
  • Other Opportunities

Good afternoon and Happy Friday, Y’all!

I hope everyone is doing well and getting a little settled into the school routine; thank you so much for your continued patience as everyone figures out how to best support our youth this year!  I wanted to send out a few reminders for upcoming events as we head into the weekend.  Please remember that all of our livestock and validation information is available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/livestock/.  Additionally, you can see all of the upcoming workshops and opportunities on our calendar at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/ or at https://www.judgingcard.com/Registration/Default.aspx.  With that, we’ll jump straight in:


Major Show (State) Validation Reminders:

  • Lamb/Goat/Heifer Validation
    • A reminder email will go out this afternoon to everyone who purchased tags – if you have NOT received the first email, please let me know as soon as possible
    • Validation will take place on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, starting at 5:00 PM – an RSVP is REQUIRED this year to help with social distancing
    • If you have a breeding animal, please remember to email Mellanie a COLOR copy of the registration papers ahead of time to save time at validation
  • Swine Validation
    • We are placing the LAST order for swine validation tags this afternoon
    • Swine validation will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, starting at 5:00 PM – an RSVP is REQUIRED this year to help with social distancing
    • We are going to be sending out more information and the link to select a time early next week


Rabbit Exhibitor Reminders:


Virtual Livestock 101/201 Series:

  • We just finished our 101 series for each of the major livestock species, we are going to work on posting them to our YouTube channel and website so everyone will have access to them
  • To Register for one or more of the Livestock 201 programs in this virtual camp series, please complete the following steps:
    • RSVP for session(s) you would like to attend; Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s): https://rb.gy/tkft7y  
    • Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu: https://rb.gy/mn34h6
  • Livestock 201 Sessions cover evaluating your project, adjusting project nutrition, and an advanced health topic and are scheduled for:
    • Thursday, October 22, at 6:00 PM: Lambs/Goats, Wayne Morse
    • Thursday, October 29, at 6:00 PM: Beef, Dusty Boullion
    • Thursday, November 5, at 6:00 PM: Poultry, Dr. Coufal
    • Thursday, November 12, at 6:00 PM: Swine, Jeff Shows
    • Thursday, November 17, at 6:00 PM: Rabbits, Jason Platt


Local Livestock Show Updates:

  • Bastrop Area Livestock Show
    • Reminder: Rules are posted and available online at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bals/
    • The next upcoming event is Saturday, December 5, 2020, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM:
      • Validation & Entry Day:  Swine, Goat, & Market Lambs
      • Entry Day Only: Rabbits
      • Contest Entry: Plant Show (extended from September!!)
  • Elgin Livestock Show
    • The show board is working on getting control of their old website; please see the updates posted in the Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/635101307136083
    • The Elgin Livestock Show Association is doing a To-Go Pork Steak Plate Fundraiser on Sunday, November 20, 2020, from approximately 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or until sold out)
      • Plates are $9.00 each and can be picked up at the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department
      • If you’d like to purchase tickets, please reach out to the Elgin Livestock Show Association or the Elgin 4-H Club members
    • Reminder: All Elgin Livestock Show and Youth Fair entries will be due to the Show Board by November 1, 2020
  • Smithville Livestock Show
    • The show is scheduled to take place on April 17, 2021
    • The updated rules and important dates have been released and published to our website:
    • The next upcoming event is Saturday, November 14, 2020, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM:
      • Validation & Entry Night: Steers, Heifers, Market Goats, Broilers, Lambs
      • Entry Night Only: Rabbits


Major Livestock Show Updates:

  • Please remember that the deadline posted on each show website is the deadline for the County Extension Agents and Ag Teachers to collect, process, do the online entry, and catch any errors or missing information on your show entries; we ask that you follow the deadlines listed in our email blasts for each show below.
  • Fort Worth Livestock Show
    • Recently announced that the 2021 Show is canceled. 
    • They are working on a couple of other opportunities for youth – we’ll let you know as soon as information is confirmed
  • San Angelo Stock Show Entry Forms (click on links below): DUE to CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5, 2020
  • Texas Elite Swine Showcase (click on links below) : DUE to CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, November 5, 2020
  • Expected Soon:
  • Reminders for Open Show Entries and Eligibility/Excused Absences:
    • We’re happy to help you get entered in the open show opportunities you want to participate in, but please remember that we are only allowed to request eligibility and excused absences for youth show entries that require the exhibitor to be a 4-H/FFA member. 
    • When we request excused absences for youth to participate in the shows, the schools do NOT have to grant them.  Please make sure that you are in communication with your teachers and principals to keep them in the loop on your 4-H activities to they understand the learning experiences associated with them and are more likely to grant the request. 


Calf Scramble Information:

  • What is a calf scramble? A calf scramble is a competition where a group of youth and smaller calves are turned out into an arena.  The goal is for the 4-H/FFA member to catch a calf – if they do, they are awarded a certificate with a monetary value to purchase a show animal for the next show season.  Not everyone will catch a calf.
  • Rules and requirements:  Rules and requirements for calf scrambles vary from show to show.  On average, you need to be at least 12 years old to participate.  The other key detail is that if you get a calf scramble certificate, you must purchase an animal that you will show at their show the following year.  To enter the competition, you must turn in any application materials to your County Extension Agent or Ag Teacher.
  • Currently Available:
  • Expected Soon:
    • Fort Worth Calf Scramble (October 15th-ish was the original date, we are waiting on updates)
    • San Antonio Calf Scramble (November 1st-ish)
    • Houston Calf Scramble (November 1st-ish)
    • Rodeo Austin Calf Scramble (November 1st-ish)


Other Opportunities:

  • Other Livestock related opportunities can be found on the County Calendar – registration information should be included for each post.
  • Other Contest related opportunities can be found on the Judging Card Calendar – to sign up for these opportunities, please contact Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or at 512-581-7186

That is all for now!  Please let us know if you need anything and have a safe and happy weekend!

M

Mellanie L. Mickelson

Bastrop County Extension Agent - 4-H & Youth Development
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services

P.O. Box 650 | 901 Pecan Street | Bastrop, TX 78602
p: (512) 581-7186 | c: (512) 522-9174 | f: (512) 581-7187
MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu

Website - https://bastrop.agrilife.org 
Blog - www.bastrop4h.blogspot.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/BastropCounty4H

 

 

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

2020-2021 4-H Enrollment Reminders

It's a brand new 4-H year!!!!

If you would like to join 4-H as a new or returning member, enrollment will start up August 15th!  Everyone wishing to participate in any 4-H activities this fall and/or continue to receive the 4-H email blasts will need to enroll as soon as possible.  Active enrollment is required in order to turn in registration information for any 4-H activity (including livestock shows, District 4-H Activities, or other contests).

If you are a new family looking into 4-H, we invite you to check out the information available on our website at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/links/4-h/.  We have a lot of information on resources and how to join on our Projects & Resources page at https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bastrop-county-4-h-welcome-projects-resources/.  The 4-H CONNECT Website is available at https://tx.4honline.com/.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our County Extension Office at 512-581-7186 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu!