Saturday, July 24, 2021

07/24/21 4-H Livestock Email Blast: Quality Counts Reminders & HOT Entry Information

07/24/21
Quality Counts Reminders &
Heart O' Texas (HOT) Entry Information


QUALITY COUNTS REMINDERS - REQUIRED FOR ALL MAJOR SHOWS, BASTROP, & ELGIN SHOWS:

  • All NEW exhibitors and exhibitors who have moved up in age groups (if you moved from 5th to 6th grade or from 8th to 9th grade) will be required to complete Quality Counts training and the test to show at local and major livestock shows. 

    The training is divided into Junior (3-5 grade), Intermediate (6-8 grade), and Senior (9-12 grade) divisions according to the exhibitor’s age.  A Quality Counts number will be required for all youth exhibiting market and/or breeding livestock at major shows in Texas (Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, San Angelo, Rodeo Austin, Sandhills Stock Show, State Fair of Texas and Heart O’ Texas Fair).  All Exhibitors will be required to complete and pass the online test BEFORE submitting show entries to be eligible to show, and will be required to put their verification number on major show entry cards in November. 

    Therefore, you will need to complete the new Quality Counts test before entries are due.  Don’t wait until the last minute, as the training takes approximately two hours to complete.  Exhibitors can access the system, and complete the training/testing, at https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com/qc/qcregister.aspx
    All livestock exhibitors will be required to be verified under the system for entry into major livestock shows, and please add your FFA chapter to your registration if you are enrolled in both organizations. Please know, we will provide step-by-step instructions for getting your exhibitors registered and verified online. Call Mellanie or Ashley at the Extension office if you have more questions.

 

HEART O' TEXAS (HOT) UPDATES - ENTRIES DUE BY 12:00 Noon 09/02/21:

 

  • Show entries are due to the Bastrop CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, September 2nd.

 

  • The event is expected to be "back to normal". They have retained a few of the changes from last year and have a few updates:
    • If you are showing SHEEP at HOT, you will need to book your hotel NOW (suggest the Hampton Inn for $139 per night) because the sheep exhibitors will be arriving at the same time a Baylor Homecoming will be taking place
    • They have changed the name of the 2 shows to reflect what they are
      • Junior Livestock Show is now called the Scholarship Show
      • The Jackpot Show is now called the Premium Show
    • The $100 entry fee will enter you (the exhibitor) into both shows - there is not way to just enter one or the other; you will also receive 3 passes per exhibitor that is included with your entry fees.
    • They are adding some scholarship opportunities to be awarded to breed champions and reserve breed champions in the scholarship swine show.
    • Stalling - all animals will be stalled on arrival
    • Shavings - stalls will not be pre-bedded, shavings will be for sale through the Bar None Country Store

 

  • Livestock Show Judges:
    • Scholarship American Beef Heifers - Kolten Thigpen
    • Scholarship British/Continental Beef Heifers - Brady Ragland
    • Scholarship Market Goats - John Shroyer
    • Scholarship Market Swine - Brennan North
    • Scholarship Breeding Gilt Show - Austin Thompson
    • Scholarship Market Lambs - Eric Zimmerman
    • Scholarship Market Steers - Blake Bloomberg
    • Premium Market Goats - Skyler Scotten
    • Premium Market Swine - Levi Moyers
    • Premium Market Lambs - Leah Amstutz
    • Premium American Beef Heifers - Keaton Dodd
    • Premium British/Continental Beef Heifers - Shellie Collins
    • Premium Steers - Taylor Graham
    • Scramble Beef Heifers - Brady Ragland
    • The judges page can also be downloaded by clicking here.

 

  • Contests Offered at HOT - registration through CEO (Judging Card):
    • Agricultural Mechanics 
    • Agricultural Public Speaking
    • Agricultural Product ID
    • Food Challenge - age groups are slightly different from "normal"
    • Junior Livestock Judging Contest
    • Trap Shooters Extravaganza - Exhibitors will need to provide practice sign-in records to CEO to enter

 

 

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

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

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

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Friday, July 23, 2021

07/23/21 4-H Livestock Email Blast: Quality Counts Reminders & State Fair Entry Information

 

07/23/21
Quality Counts Reminders &
State Fair Entry Information


QUALITY COUNTS REMINDERS - REQUIRED FOR ALL MAJOR SHOWS, BASTROP, & ELGIN SHOWS:

  • All NEW exhibitors and exhibitors who have moved up in age groups (if you moved from 5th to 6th grade or from 8th to 9th grade) will be required to complete Quality Counts training and the test to show at local and major livestock shows. 

    The training is divided into Junior (3-5 grade), Intermediate (6-8 grade), and Senior (9-12 grade) divisions according to the exhibitor’s age.  A Quality Counts number will be required for all youth exhibiting market and/or breeding livestock at major shows in Texas (Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston, San Angelo, Rodeo Austin, Sandhills Stock Show, State Fair of Texas and Heart O’ Texas Fair).  All Exhibitors will be required to complete and pass the online test BEFORE submitting show entries to be eligible to show, and will be required to put their verification number on major show entry cards in November. 

    Therefore, you will need to complete the new Quality Counts test before entries are due.  Don’t wait until the last minute, as the training takes approximately two hours to complete.  Exhibitors can access the system, and complete the training/testing, at https://www.texaslivestockvalidation.com/qc/qcregister.aspx
    All livestock exhibitors will be required to be verified under the system for entry into major livestock shows, and please add your FFA chapter to your registration if you are enrolled in both organizations. Please know, we will provide step-by-step instructions for getting your exhibitors registered and verified online. Call Mellanie or Ashley at the Extension office if you have more questions.

 

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS UPDATES - ENTRIES DUE BY 12:00 Noon 08/12/21:

 

  • Show entries are due to the Bastrop CEO by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, August 12th.

 

  • The event is expected to be "back to normal" with the fair and livestock show taking place at the same time.  They have retained a few of the changes from last year and have a few updates:
    • The livestock show will start 3 days before the fair
    • There are a few dates changes to the contests
    • Contest that require supplemental items will need the supplemental items turned in at the time of entry
    • Public Speaking Contest - the first round will be virtual, final round will be in-person
    • Broilers will be showing on a Tuesday
    • Swine will be divided into 3 waves to help with space and facility use
    • There will be rodeos during the fair on the weekends

 

  • Livestock Show Judges:
    • Youth Market Steers - Chris Mullinix, Manhattan, Kansas
    • Youth Market Barrows - Troy Sloan, Cameron, Missouri
    • Youth Market Lambs - Brent Jennings, Kenley, North Carolina
    • Youth Market Goats - Spencer Scotten, El Reno, Oklahoma
    • Youth Market Broilers - Daniel DeLeon, Hondo, Texas
    • Other judges are listed towards the bottom of the main livestock show page

 

  • Contests Offered at State Fair:
    • Agriculture Mechanics
    • Agri-Science Fair
    • AgRobotics
    • Archery
    • Dairy Judging
    • Food Challenge
    • Job Interview
    • Livestock Judging
    • Plant ID
    • Product ID
    • Public Speaking
    • Skillathons: Beef, Sheep, and Swine
    • Wildlife

 

 

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

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

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

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Website
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2021-2022 Texas 4-H STEM Ambassador Applications DUE 07/31/21

 Applications for the 2021-2022 STEM Ambassadors will open on July 1 and close July 31, 2021 A promotional video overview of the team can be viewed here:  https://youtu.be/nXarzxs50X8.   Also attached is a simplified infographic outlining basic eligibility details.

Application link: https://texas4-hyouthdevelopment.submittable.com/submit (will activate on July 1). 

Applicants will need to create a simple profile on Submittable to complete the application.   The application requires (among other details) several written narratives, a personal video narrative, as well as two letters of recommendations.  Candidates are urged to begin work on their applications as soon as possible. 

Mission

As STEM Ambassadors, our mission is to educate communities about science, technology, engineering, and math opportunities; both inside and outside of 4-H, while learning essential skills in STEM, communication, and teamwork.

Eligibility for NEW Members

Individuals must:

  • Attend a mandatory virtual orientation along with his/her parents/guardians on August 30 at 7 PM.
  • Be at least in the 9th grade (as of September 1, 2021)
  • Complete and submit application by July 31, 2021.
  • Have a willingness to learn about STEM.
  • Be willing to work collaboratively on a team with other youth and adults.
  • Be responsive and engaged in team communications.
  • Share knowledge and skills with others.
  • Not serving on the 2021-22 Texas 4-H Council.

Applications will be reviewed in August and notified by the end of the month.  If you or the candidate has questions, please feel free to contact Derrick Bruton at d-bruton@tamu.edu. 

 

2021 Beef 706 program in College Station (Two sessions )

Beef 706 program in College Station on the Texas A&M University Campus.

Registration – https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/Beef  

  • Session 1:  August 9-10
  • Session 2:  August 10-11
  • (You can only sign up for 1 of the sessions)

This is a flagship educational activity of the Animal Science Department and the Texas Beef Council entitled Beef 706. Each session of Beef 706 involves approximately 30 participants from various segments of the beef industry. They learn about the importance of producing a more consistent and high quality beef product through a series of hands-on lessons presented by various meat science faculty, staff and graduate students. For example, the participants are divided into groups, allowed to select live cattle (through video) and then follow those cattle through grading and a hands-on cutting session which allows the participants a chance to experience first-hand the differences encountered in carcass composition and meat quality and profitability. Their resulting information is then evaluated in terms of the value differences calculated between animals. Participants will see cattle value from market steer to fabricated boxed beef.

In surveys, close to 100% of the 5000 attendees over the past twenty-six years responded that the information they learned in the course will save them or make them more money.  They also regularly responded that they will change some management practices based on what they learned in Beef 706.

The Texas Beef Council pays for the majority of the course; therefore, you pay $50 to register in a program that costs over $500 per participant to conduct.  10 spots will be available AgriLife Extension Employees (no registration fee).   The workshop will be held at the Beef Center and Rosenthal Center on the Texas A&M University Campus in College Station.  The deadline to register is August 2nd and there is no walk-up registration.

Bring a sweatshirt to wear in the cooler area of the Rosenthal Center. Must wear long pants and closed toe work shoes. You will not be able to wear watches and jewelry during the meat evaluation and fabrication portions of the program.

The registration fee includes meals listed on the program.

 

Hotel Accommodations can be booked at either of the hotels:

  • Best Western Premiere
    1920 Austin's Colony, Bryan, 77802   (979-731-5300)
    Group Name: Beef 706 - Session 1 OR Beef 706 Session II
    $79 plus tax/night (to be booked and paid by participant)
    Last day to book:  July 10, 2021

 

  • Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center
    177 Joe Routt Blvd., College Station, 77840 (979-260-2235)
    $129 plus tax/night (to be booked and paid by participant)
    Reservation link to Hotel for: Beef 706 Session I           
    Reservation link to Hotel for:  Beef 706 Session II        
    Last day to book:  July 23, 2021

 

In addition to an education program for cattle producers, it is also a great professional development activity for Extension Personnel, High School Teachers, and Veterinarians.

Dan Hale, Ph.D.

Associate Director for Ag and Natural Resources
and Path to the Plate Coordinator

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
600 John Kimbrough Blvd, Suite 509
7101 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-7101

daniel.hale@ag.tamu.edu
agrilifeextension.tamu.edu  //  pathtotheplate.tamu.edu
Tel. 979.845.7967     Cell. 979.587.9245

 

 

 

 

Thursday, July 22, 2021

07/22/21 4-H Email Blast: LSC Wild Game Dinner

 

07/22/21
LSC WILD GAME DINNER
LEADERSHIP / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY


Howdy and happy Thursday!

We wanted to pass on the news that you can now sign up to volunteer to help serve at the 2021 Lone Star Cattlemen Wild Game Dinner scheduled for 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Capitol Wright Distributing in Manor, TX.  They will typically try to come out and support the youth who work this event!

You can sign up to volunteer at https://lonestarcattlemen.org/volunteer/ 

 


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

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

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

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Tuesday, July 20, 2021

07/20/21 4-H Email Blast: 2021 Achievement Banquet Invitation & Details

 

07/20/21
2021 Achievement Banquet Invitation & Details


Good evening!  

I wanted to send out an invitation to our upcoming 2021 Bastrop County 4-H Achievement Banquet!  Please note that the date has been pushed back to Friday, August 13th, due to some scheduling issues and venue availability.  Please RSVP by 12:00 Noon on Thursday, August 5th,  via email to Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu or leave a message at the Extension Office at 512-581-7186 to let us know you are planning to join us so we can prepare the final script. 

The cost per person is $15 and will include chicken fried pork steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, and rolls.  We will cover the cost of award recipients, Cake Auction Buyers and Donors, and youth who have completed and turned in a recordbook this year. We have several awards to present and we would love for everyone to be there.

Other Banquet Reminders are listed below!

Date:

  • 6:00 PM Friday, August 13, 2021


Location:

          First United Methodist Church
          1201 Main St
          Bastrop, TX 78602

Tentative Schedule:

  • 12:00 Noon - 2019-2020 Council Officers arrive for lunch and decorate banquet hall
  • 4:00 PM - Rehearsal for Council Officers 
  • 6:00 PM - Banquet Ceremonies begin

Thank you and please let us know if you have any questions!

 

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

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

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

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Monday, July 19, 2021

07/19/21 4-H Email Blast: D10 Recordbook Results & State Photography Results

 

07/19/21
D10 RECORDBOOK RESULTS & STATE PHOTOGRAPHY RESULTS


Hey there and Happy Monday!

Be sure to check out some of our results from the recent competitive events and congratulate the youth participants!

DISTRICT 10 RECORDBOOK JUDGING RESULTS:

  • Please see the recordbook judging results from the District 10 4-H Recordbook Judging - our 4-H members did an awesome job in some very competitive categories, please be sure to congratulate them!  Recordbooks and comment sheets will be returned at the Banquet this year.
  • To see the full District 10 Results, please check out the District 10 Page..

 

 

STATE PHOTOGRAPHY RESULTS:

  • Please see the State Photography results for our county below!  Please be sure to congratulate Alexis as you see her!
  • To see the full results, please check out the State Photography Page Results.

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

That's all for now!  Have a great week and let us know if you have any questions!

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

FacebookInstagramWebsiteEmailRSSYouTube