2020 Texas 4-H Livestock and Equine Ambassador Applications - DUE 5/1/20

The Texas 4-H Livestock and Equine Ambassador Programs are coming off another stellar year. In 2019, we were excited to host a Livestock Ambassador Short Course in partnership with Texas A&M Kingsville. The program was an unquestioned success and we are going back in 2020! 

The Equine Ambassador Program also plowed new ground by moving the short course to Texas A&M University – a move that was very well received. In late July, 25 Ambassadors boarded a plane in Dallas headed for the west coast. We traveled to Oregon and California on an domestic agricultural experience. With visits to family farms, historic ranches, feedlot tours and various production facilities, Ambassadors were able to immerse themselves in the intense agricultural production systems of California. Ambassadors left the experience with a better understanding of dynamic agricultural production in a unique regulatory environment. As rewarding as it was for our Ambassadors to be recognized nationally, the program is successful only because of outstanding work you lead locally.

We hope you will consider applying for the Texas 4-H Livestock and Equine Ambassador program(s). Our hope is when they return from the short course, you will find them to be eager to assist us with educational programs. You will find a Texas 4-H Livestock and Equine Ambassador promotional document (CLICK HERE) that explains the program in more detail.

2020 Short Course Offering:

1. Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Short Course, West Texas A&M – June 14-17, 2020
2. Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course, Texas A&M Kingsville – June 22-25, 2020
3. Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course, Texas Tech/ West Texas A&M – July 13-16, 2020
4. Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course, Texas A&M – July 20-23, 2020

Selection Criteria:

• Senior age (14-18) 4-H youth that have exhibited a superior level of ambition regarding his/her livestock/equine projects
• Students with a profound interest in animal/equine science, animal production and advocacy
• Students have shown advanced leadership qualities and a willingness to help others
• Top 25% class rank

Application Process:

1. Applicant goes to: 
1. Livestock https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b9knd7h0VXkbNKB
2. Equine https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVUuz6NEngnkqsB
2. Student will complete the application and enter the contact information of supervising County Extension Agent
3. CEA will be automatically emailed a recommendation survey
4. A selection committee will review the applications and accept up to 25 participants per short course
5. Applications are due May 1, 2020

REMINDER: 2020 Bastrop Area Livestock Show - March 6-7, 2020

Be sure to come join us to support our 4-H & FFA kids at the Bastrop Area Livestock Show scheduled for March 6-7, 2020!

2020 LEAD Academy - Topics Survey & Opportunity!

2020 LEAD Academy is right around the corner! We want to make sure workshops are about topics that YOU want to hear! We are looking for ideas for both YOUTH and ADULT workshops. The adult track will be new this year.  Feel free to send in multiple submissions with as many ideas as you can think of! Both youth and adults may submit ideas. 

Link to survey:  https://tinyurl.com/2020LEADideas

Link to Texas 4-H Roundup blog where details will be posted as more information comes along: https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/events/lead/

LEAD Academy is a Texas 4-H conference being held June 8-11, 2020 in College Station for 4-H members currently in high school and our 4-H adult volunteers and parents!

Youth attendees will have an opportunity to learn about college opportunities and what it takes to get there, serve their community, and gain valuable life skills in a true college setting. Our goal of this activity will be to provide the opportunity for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, their country and their world. The event will be designed to engage youth in hands-on educational activities in which they explore, practice and master existing and newly developed skills/knowledge in civic engagement, civic education and personal development. The objective is to provide youth a broad-based learning experience in which they will acquire practical knowledge and skills to reinforce the attitudes and motivation that will give them a heightened sense of responsibility and capacity to connect as active members of their communities, nation and world. From this experience, we hope the youth attending will apply what was learned in their real world experiences in which they develop leadership skills using their voices, work, ideas and/or behavior to make a difference in their community, country and world.

Adult attendees will have the chance to connect with other volunteers and parents.  Our goal is to provide useful information for 4-H volunteers and parents so they may learn how to improve their skills as a 4-H leader in their community.  The event is designed to provide workshops that are practical and helpful to adults involved with the 4-H program.  From this experience, we hope our 4-H volunteers will be able to apply what they learn to continue to help our members grow into productive members of society that make a positive impact in their lives and communities.

For more information or questions,  please contact Jana Barrett at jcbarrett@ag.tamu.edu. 

If you have ideas and want to lead a session on that topic, don’t forget to submit you workshop proposal by Monday, March 2, 2020

https://tinyurl.com/2020LEADWorkshopProposal

2020 YALL Experience - July 19-24, 2020

The Youth Agricultural Lifetime Leadership opportunity is a 6 day exploration for youth in Texas to experience South Texas agricultural production. This year the 2020 Y.A.L.L. Experience is excited to be headed to South Texas! In past years participants have learned the value of technology in livestock and crop production on large scale commercial operations. Youth have learned about the regulations regarding the millions of pounds of agricultural products that come into the United States at our Ports of Entry as well as toured a redfish hatchery in Corpus Christi. While networking with industry leaders and exploring the various career opportunities in the agriculture industry.  

4-H members that have a strong interest in production agriculture who are outgoing high school freshmen through outgoing seniors invited to apply and 30 youth will be selected. The application will be made available online on January 6^th and close on April 1st. The tour will depart from the Kerr County Extension office in Kerrville on July 19th and return to the Kerr County Extension office on July 24th. The cost to the participants for the 6 days is $200. Youth will submit their $200 with their application, if youth are not selected into the program their payment will be refunded. 4-H members that have a strong interest in production agriculture who are outgoing high school freshmen through outgoing seniors are invited to apply and 40 youth will be selected. Applicants will be notified of their selection in to the program by May 1^st.

• When: July 19 – 24, 2020
• Where: Depart from Kerr County Extension Office and travel across South Texas!
• Cost: $200
• Who: Current 9^th – 12^th Graders 

2020-2021 Texas 4-H Council - Delegate At Large Applications - DUE 4/1/20

As we are looking toward the 2020-2021 4-H year, we wanted to make you aware of some new things that will be happening! The applications for the Texas 4-H Council Delegate At Large are currently open and are DUE April 1, 2020 in 4-H CONNECT.  

The Texas 4-H Council is a team of 4-H members elected by their peers from across the state of Texas representing the twelve AgriLife Extension districts. Serving as ambassadors for the Texas 4-H program, members represent the organization statewide while collaborating with Extension faculty to plan, coordinate, and facilitate activities and events.

Important Documents & Information:

• 2020-2021 Texas 4-H Council Information
• 2020-2021 Texas 4-H Council Membership Requirements
• 2020-2021 Texas 4-H Council At-Large Application Packet
• 2020-2021 Texas 4-H Council At-Large Application Nomination Form – Word

The Texas 4-H Council At-Large Delegate application is up and ready to accept applications.  The Texas 4-H Council membership information and the At-Large Delegate election process along with the requirements and other application instructions can be found at the Texas 4-H webpage - https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/ambassadors/ under Texas 4-H Council.  The information, requirements, and application instructions are listed in the documents above.  The application will actually be completed on 4-H Connect.  Applications must be complete on 4-H Connect with appropriate uploads by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.  

2020 Entomology Collection Contest Updates - Texas 4-H Roundup

Below you will find the Guidelines for the State 4-H Entomology Collection Contest.

*NEW* this year, the contest is separate from Texas 4-H Roundup Registration. Registration will be through 4-H CONNECT on May 1 – May 22, 2020. Cost is $10. Collections will need to be physically brought to College Station on Tuesday, June 9^th and turned in at the HEEP Center, Room 411 by 10 am. Awards will be announced during the Entomology Identification Awards ceremony the afternoon of Wednesday, June 10^th. 4-H members do not need to be present, but must make arrangements to have their collections delivered/picked up for the contest. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 4 entries per age division.

The contest is open to Junior, Intermediates and Seniors. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 4 entries per age division. Additional awards may be provided if sponsorship is available.

For more information, you can visit https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/entomology/

Texas 4-H Roundup Opportunity - National Anthem Auditions - DUE 4/1/20

Calling all 4-H alumni, current 4-H members and Clover Kids! Help us Embrace the Past, Empower the Present and Envision the Future at the 2020 Texas 4-H Roundup.

This year Texas 4-H Council would like to highlight 4-H from past to present. On Tuesday, that are looking for a 4-H Alumni to sing the National Anthem. Then on Wednesday a current Intermediate or Senior age 4-H member would perform. They would like to close the week featuring a Junior 4-H member or Clover kid.

See attached graphic to share and promote this opportunity.

To apply, visit the FormSite link at https://fs4.formsite.com/state4h/2020NationalAnthem/index.html

DEADLINE is Wednesday, April 1

Information for the applicant is below.

• All submissions MUST BE POSTED to YouTube. You may set your video as unlisted (not private) to ensure privacy of your video which will allow only those with the link to view the upload. 
• Entries may be submitted on an individual basis or as a group.
• Groups cannot be made up of more than five (5) members. 

• Individuals/teams selected will be announced the week of April 27th
• Open to 4-H Alumni, Clover kids and current 4-H members.
• 4-H member does not have to be a contest participant of Texas 4-H Roundup.
• Singing must be in a cappella style (no music).
• If selected to sing during Texas 4-H Roundup, performance will be done a cappella.
• Videos will be evaluated by a panel of judges.
• If selected to sing participants must be registered on 4-H CONNECT for the event.
• Tuesday night will feature a 4-H Alumni. Wednesday night will feature an Intermediate or Senior age 4-H member. Thursday night will feature a Clover kid or Junior 4-H member.

2020 Texas 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer Nomination & Recognition - DUE 3/16/20

This email is sent blind copy to all CEAs, County offices, DEAs, CEDs, RPLs, 4-H Faculty and 4-H Foundation Staff.  If this does not apply to you, please accept my apologies and simply delete. 

The 2020 4-H Volunteer Recognition Packet is included below. Nominations are now being accepted now through Monday, March 16, 2020 for the Salute to Excellence recognition luncheon scheduled for Wednesday, June 10 during the 2020 Texas 4-H Roundup.

Nominations are now open online through Formsite to recognize volunteers, donors and AgriLife personnel for their continued commitment to the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program. These can be supporters (individuals, couples, businesses, organizations) who assist at the county, district, regional, or state level.  The six recognition categories are:

• Leader Legacy
• Citation for Outstanding Service
• 4-H Alumni
• Commendable Service
• Meritorious Service
• Salute to Excellence

ONLINE FORMSITE SUBMISSION LINK:  https://fs4.formsite.com/state4h/form226/form_login.html

Texas 4-H website Awards & Recognition page: https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/awards/

(Volunteer Recognition Packet and previous winners will be posted on the website soon.)

PRIOR HONOREES

A list of prior award winners is attached and can be found (soon) on the Texas 4-H website on the Awards & Recognition page as well as on the Formsite submission page. Please review this list to ensure the person you are nominating has not been honored with the award previously. An award can only be presented one-time to an individual and/or supporter.

Descriptions of each category can be found in the attachment.

Please take a few minutes and nominate individuals or groups for their efforts. I know it’s a busy time of year for most of us, but we all know the value of our volunteers and donors, so please don’t miss the opportunity to publicly recognize them! And don’t hesitate to nominate someone you may have nominated in the past, but was not selected to receive the award.  We usually have more nominees than we have awards to present. 

Online nominations accepted: Today – March 16, 2020

Salute to Excellence luncheon: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 in College Station

REMINDER: D10 Photography Contest Entries DUE in 4-H CONNECT 2/25/20

REMINDER: 2020 Bastrop Area Livestock Show - March 6-7, 2020

Be sure to come join us to support our 4-H & FFA kids at the Bastrop Area Livestock Show scheduled for March 6-7, 2020!

2020 District 7 Shooting Sports Coaches Training - March 7-8, 2020

Registration is open for the District 7 Shooting Sports Coaches training at the 4-H Center March 7-8, 2020. Registration is at https://texas4hcenter.tamu.edu/ NOT 4-H Connect. More information is included below.  You must be a registered volunteer in 4-H CONNECT. Lodging is available on site at the 4-H Center, processes are attached in the letter.

2020 March Madness - 3/7/20

21^st Annual Travis County March Madness

One of the premier Texas 4-H Shooting Sports Events of the year!

We are pleased to announce the 21^st Annual Travis County March Madness fundraiser for the Travis County 4-H Shooting Sports Club on March 7^th, 2020 at the Austin Rifle Club, 16312 Littig Rd, Manor, Texas 78653.

REGISTRATION: Open only to registered members of the Texas 4-H Shooting Sports program.

Registration and Payment will be through iclays.com website.

If you have previously registered for events on iClays.com, please follow this link to sign up:

https://www.iclays.com/cgi-bin/tournament_signup.cgi?tournament_id=8372

If you are new to iCLays registration, go to www.iClays.com, click on upcoming tournaments, scroll

down to March, and locate 2020 Travis County 4H March Madness and click to register.  Additional

instructions can be found there or in the attached “Rules.”

For more information send an e-mail to tc4hssmanager@gmail.com or call: Lee Lanford 512-731-6414

Phyllis Gibich 512-844-5831, or Gene Jones 512-784-2554.

The Austin Rifle Club website is www.austinrifleclub.org. The waiver forms can be found under the

Membership tab, then guest policy and waiver forms. Under the location tab, there is a link to Google

map of the range location. * This has been removed from their website, and we hope to forward an

electronic version to be filled out ahead of registration.

2020 Texas 4-H Interior Design Ambassador Applications are open - DUE 3/31/20

Apply to be a Fashion & Interior Design Ambassador!

Applications will be accepted March 1-31 for the Fashion and Interior Design Ambassador program! Any senior 4-H member that is passionate for and active in the 4-H Fashion & Interior Design project are encouraged to apply.  A selection committee will review the applications and accept up to 20 participants. Applicants will be notified in April with the results. Mandatory training will be held at Incarnate Word University in San Antonio July 27-30th. A $250 participation fee will be charged for the training. For more information contact Angela McCorkle or check out the button below. Angela McCorkle | armccorkle@ag.tamu.edu | 979-845-1150

MORE INFORMATION

TAMU Virtual Horse Judging Academy Opportunity

Howdy,   The TAMU Virtual Horse Judging Academy is open for registration! This is a 12 week online course available at agrilifelearn.tamu.edu, that offers a very personal and immersive learning experience through the following features: ·     Weekly webinars to discuss and evaluate classes lead by TAMU faculty and students (Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:00pm) ·     Access to instructors for question and answer interactions ·     Access to online learning and practice materials ·     Individual feedback on video submitted reasons (2 sets/week), including score and critique ·     Select content will be presented in Virtual Reality. A VR headset will be shipped to each registered user, mobile device required. The first webinar will be held on Feb. 25th and we are limiting this course to 25 seats. Please pass this info along to anyone that might be interested in enrolling. Great learning opportunity for individuals, teams and/or coaches. Any questions can be directed to texashorsehelp@tamu.edu. ‌ ‌ ‌