07/22/20 Email Blast: Major Validation Information & Livestock Show Updates

INFORMATION IN THIS EMAIL BLAST (IN ORDER):

• Quick Update
• Major Livestock Validaiton Info - Fall Validations
• Local Livestock Show Updates
• Major Livestock Show Updates

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Hello and Happy Wednesday!

We hope all of you are doing well!  As we are moving into the fall and preparing for the start of the 2020-2021 Livestock Show season, we wanted to pass on some updates and information to assist you in planning for upcoming shows.  The shows are currently still planning on hosting the livestock exhibition portion of their shows at this point in time.  Please note that may change as we get more COVID updates from our state and local health authorities.  We'll share information and updates as we receive them.

Major Livestock Show Validations:

• All Details posted on our Livestock Show & Validation Page: https://counties.agrilife.org/bastrop/livestock/
• Physical Validation Dates (location TBA):
• Major Heifer, Lamb, & Goat Validation: Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (starting at 5:00 PM – time slot required)
• Major Swine Validation: Tuesday, November 17, 2020 (starting at 5:00 PM – time slot required)
• If anyone has conflicts with the dates, they will need to let us know ahead of time and as soon as possible (no later than 3 weeks prior to the validation)
• Prices/Due Dates:
• $20 each early tags
• Due by 8/19/20: Early Heifer, Lamb, & Goat Tags
• Due by 9/16/20: Early Swine Tags
• $30 each late tags
• Due by 9/23/20: Late Heifer, Lamb & Goat Tags
• Due by 10/14/20: Late Swine Tags
• 2 Options to Purchase Tags:
• Print and mail the Species Order Form to the CEO:
• Printable Heifer UIN Order Form (Fillable PDF)
• Printable Lamb/Goat Tag Order Form (Fillable PDF)
• Printable Swine Tag Order Form (Fillable PDF)
• Purchase tags online through Eventbrite:
• Online Heifer UIN Link
• Online Lamb/Goat Tag Link
• Online Swine Tag Link

Local Show Updates:

• Bastrop Area Livestock Show: https://bastrop.agrilife.org/bals/
• Has a website!  - we are working on adding information as we receive it
• Tentative Schedule and Updated Rules have been posted
• As a reminder – be sure to look over the validation entry dates and let us know if you have any questions
• Please remember that the meeting attendance requirements have been suspended for the 2021 show; however, families are still expected to be aware of the schedule, rules, and other requirements normally communicated at the meetings.    

• Elgin Livestock Show: https://www.elginlivestockshowassociation.com/livestock-show-youth-fair
• Reminders:        
• Membership deadline has been moved to October 1, 2020
• All show Livestock Show and Youth Fair entries will be due by November 1, 2020
• Updated rules for ownership and validation
• The 2020 rules are currently posted; however, the updates to those rules are also noted on the website.

Major Livestock Show Updates:

Below are the current updates that we have received for the Major Livestock Shows.  We are expecting more updates during the first week of August after the 4-H Agents’ Conference – stay tuned for those updates.  The Heart of Texas and State Fair shows have started releasing some information, so we have a couple of tentative entry deadlines included below.  Those may change depending on what timeline the shows give us for entries and how soon they release their entry forms.  Please click on the links below to see the updates that have been shared with us.

• Fort Worth Livestock Show Update 7/13/20
• San Angelo Livestock Show Update 7/13/20
• Houston Livestock Show Update 7/13/20
• Heart of Texas Updates 7/13/20
• Waiting for Heart Of Texas Show to post more information
• Entries DUE: Thursday, September 3, 2020 by 5 p.m. (tentatively)
• State Fair of Texas  Updates 7/17/20:
• Entries DUE: Wednesday, August 12, 2020 by 5 p.m. (tentatively)
• 2020 Revised Schedule
• Updates and Information for the show this year
• Confirmed livestock shows (as of July 17, 2020):
• Market steers
• Market barrows
• Market lambs
• Market goats
• Market broilers
• Note: Revised schedule is subject to change pending additional shows and contests.

That is all we have for now for livestock – please let us know if you have any questions and have a fantastic week!

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

Preserving Your Harvest Online Canning Class Series - starts 8/4/20

Castro County-Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and 4-H is hosting an online Preserving Your Harvest Canning Class Series.

Registration is through Eventbrite at https://preservingyourharvestonline.eventbrite.com and the cost will be $15.

 This 3 part series will cover

• Aug 4-Introduction and equipment
• Aug 6-Water Bath canning basics -including jellies pickles and salsa
• Aug 11 – Pressure Canner Basics -including vegetables

Once the participant is registered they will get a link for the event each day.  We will be recording. 

 

Youth-led Creative Expression Contest to Prevent COVID-19 across Texas!

Request for Applications (RFA)

We are inviting young people from across Texas to submit creative materials (videos, digital art, murals) to promote behaviors that can prevent the spread of COVID-19. Materials will be used by schools, health departments, and other community groups to promote COVID-19 protective behaviors. This contest is being hosted by the COVID-19 Communications Team within the Health Promotion/Behavioral Sciences Department at UTHealth School of Public Health in partnership with community organizations across Texas.

GUIDELINES

• Submissions must be created by student(s) and supported by an identified parent, adult mentor, or sponsor. Parent/Guardian permission and signature are required with submission.
• K through 12 students, student clubs, after-school programs, youth nonprofit organizations, school wellness teams, and other youth-based groups are encouraged to apply.
• Creative expression content can be in English or Spanish and may include translation into other languages.
• Submissions can be either as an individual or as a group of youth. If completed as a group, we need permission forms from all youth involved with the submission.
• Creative expression content needs to be authentic and original, or it will be excluded from the competition. We will review for authentication and use of other’s materials or ideas.
• Creative expression content should link directly to any of the four main COVID-19 prevention behaviors (mask wearing, handwashing, social distancing, not touching your face). However, simple, direct, and brief content/message (e.g., short videos) is encouraged
• Multiple submission are allowed!

APPLICATION PROCESS & KEY DATES

1. Campaign Launch: Request for Applications (RFAs) will be sent on Friday, July 17^th, 2020.
2. Application Format: Applicants must submit the application from at https://sph.uth.edu/landing/covid-youth/.
3. Due Date:  Creative Expression Submissions are due Sunday, August 30, 2020.
4. Awards: 1^st - $300 Wal-mart e-gift card; 2^nd - $100 Wal-Mart e-gift card; Honorable recognition - Submissions will be posted on UTSPH Facebook page.
5. Notification of Awards: Participants will be notified of awards by September 30, 2020.
6. If you have any questions, contact Jacob Szeszulski at Jacob.Szeszulski@uth.tmc.edu (preferred) or call 1-713-500-9679.

2020 Professional YoU! Virtual Camp Series

Event Information:

This Virtual Camp Series is designed to help Texas 4-H youth to develop and enhance their professional skills.  Texas 4-H members outside of Bastrop County 4-H are also welcome to participate.  

To Register for one or more of the programs in this camp series, please complete the following steps:

1. RSVP for the date(s) you wish to participate in:
• Please submit 1 response per child, even if you will be participating on the same computer
• Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s)
2. Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu at least one (1) day before the first camp you wish to attend. 

Check out the event page on our Bastrop County Extension Calendar: 
https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/professional-you-virtual-camp-series/ 

Click Here to RSVP for Virtual Camp Series

Click here to Download Virtual Camp Waiver

 

2020 Professional YoU! Virtual Camp Series

Event Information:

This Virtual Camp Series is designed to help Texas 4-H youth to develop and enhance their professional skills.  Texas 4-H members outside of Bastrop County 4-H are also welcome to participate.  

To Register for one or more of the programs in this camp series, please complete the following steps:

1. RSVP for the date(s) you wish to participate in:
• Please submit 1 response per child, even if you will be participating on the same computer
• Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s)
2. Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu at least one (1) day before the first camp you wish to attend. 

Check out the event page on our Bastrop County Extension Calendar: 
https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/professional-you-virtual-camp-series/ 

Click Here to RSVP for Virtual Camp Series

Click here to Download Virtual Camp Waiver 

 

2019-2020 D10 Recordbook Judging Results for Bastrop County

Congratulations to all of our Bastrop County 4-H Participants in the District 10 Recordbook Judging Event!  Y'all have done us proud!  We even have 2 senior 4-H members advancing to State this year!

Ciera and Stacy will be working on scanning and emailing score sheets to everyone over the next couple of business days, please let us know if you have any questions and have a great weekend!

2020-2021 Texas 4-H STEM Ambassador Applications OPEN - Due 7/31/20

Online applications for the 2020-2021 Texas 4-H STEM Ambassador team are OPEN!  Applications are DUE by July 31, 2020.

Application link:  https://texas4-hyouthdevelopment.submittable.com/submit  The application will activate on July 1.  Applicants will need to create a simple profile on Submittable in order to complete the application.

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:

• Be in at least the 9th grade
• Be an active 4-H member or 4-H Adult volunteer for the 2019-2020 year, a former Tech Team member now in college, or Extension employee
• Complete and submit application by July 31, 2019
• 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 2020-21 Texas 4-H Council

To Apply

Individuals must complete the online application, which includes the following sections:

• Overview and Expectations
• Personal Information
• Technology Access & Communication
• Leadership and Teamwork
• Experience and Future Areas of Interest
• Technology Experience Essay
• Personal Video Narrative*
• Letters of Recommendation**
• Acknowledgement and Agreement

* Youth applicants will need to record a personal 2-3 minute video reflecting “who you are and what you do”. The video must be uploaded on Submittable or published to YouTube and the link shared on the application.

** Youth applicants will need to secure two letters as part of the application.

Timeline

• July 1 – Applications open
• July 31 – Applications close (no extensions or exceptions will be made)
• August 1-29 – Submitted applications will be reviewed
• August 30 – Applicants will be notified of acceptance
• October 9-11 – Required training for new and returning members (dependent upon COVID-19 guidelines)
• April 16-18 – Required training (dependent upon COVID-19 guidelines)

2020 Virtual Texas 4-H Congress - ALL Ages Welcome!

 While we had to cancel our traditional means of Texas 4-H Congress, we can still learn virtually from a Texas Congressional member, a Lobbyist, and a Governmental Staffer on Facebook Live! We can also learn about what a bill is, how to write a bill, and what the Press Corps and Lobbyist positions look like for the 2022 Texas 4-H Congress in our zoom sessions led by Texas 4-H Council members and 4-H faculty! Even better - we CAN review bills written by 4-H youth that had already been submitted for the 2020 Congress. Additionally, if you or your 4-H'ers were Governor for a day, what would YOU support? ! Join us online July 13, 14, and 15 for our first ever Virtual Texas 4-H Congress!

We will have interviews with a Texas Representative, Lobbyist, and Staff member on Facebook LIVE at 10 AM next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday! (July 13, 14, & 15) 💻

Then, jump over and join us on Zoom where any and all youth (does not have to be a 4-H member) or adult can learn more about what our traditional Texas 4-H Congress looks like! We'll even be discussing some of the 4-H member-written bills that had been submitted for our event!📱

Submit YOUR questions to be asked during our live interviews and register for the Zoom sessions today at https://forms.gle/ufJhqV21HiiBY9xN8 

#Texas4HCongress #4HCongress #Congress #Texas

2020 A+ Federal Credit Union Youth Financial Camps are available virtually this year - be sure to sign up!

Bring added learning and fun to your home.     Free Youth Financial Camp Kits     This year, in-person camps will transition to at-home learning opportunities. While we'll miss seeing bright and shining faces, we take comfort in knowing they're safer at home. With A+FCU's Youth Financial Camp kit, registrants will receive ten days' worth of at-home learning activities covering entrepreneurship, smart shopping, needs vs. wants, and more. Each activity will come with instructions, accompanying handouts, supplemental videos, and additional resources.     SIGN UP       Teen Boot Camps   Interested in our high school camps?   LEARN MORE       Money Smart Kids   Obtain age-based recommendations.   LEARN MORE

2020 Professional YoU! Virtual Camp Series

Event Information:

This Virtual Camp Series is designed to help Texas 4-H youth to develop and enhance their professional skills.  Texas 4-H members outside of Bastrop County 4-H are also welcome to participate.  

To Register for one or more of the programs in this camp series, please complete the following steps:

1. RSVP for the date(s) you wish to participate in:
• Please submit 1 response per child, even if you will be participating on the same computer
• Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s)
2. Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu at least one (1) day before the first camp you wish to attend. 

Check out the event page on our Bastrop County Extension Calendar: 
https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/professional-you-virtual-camp-series/ 

Click Here to RSVP for Virtual Camp Series

Click here to Download Virtual Camp Waiver

 

2020 Professional YoU! Virtual Camp Series

Event Information:

This Virtual Camp Series is designed to help Texas 4-H youth to develop and enhance their professional skills.  Texas 4-H members outside of Bastrop County 4-H are also welcome to participate.  

To Register for one or more of the programs in this camp series, please complete the following steps:

1. RSVP for the date(s) you wish to participate in:
• Please submit 1 response per child, even if you will be participating on the same computer
• Please make sure that you receive an email confirming your submission(s)
2. Download, complete, and submit the Virtual Camp Waiver form to the Bastrop County 4-H Agent at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu at least one (1) day before the first camp you wish to attend. 

Check out the event page on our Bastrop County Extension Calendar: 
https://bastrop.agrilife.org/calendar/professional-you-virtual-camp-series/ 

Click Here to RSVP for Virtual Camp Series

Click here to Download Virtual Camp Waiver

 

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 EARLY!  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. 

2019-2020 County Recordbook Judging Results

Good Evening!

We are excited to share the results for county judging for the Bastrop County 4-H Recordbooks – please see the results below!  Please note that all FIRST PLACE Recordbooks will advance to District 10 Recordbook Judging in July.  All Recordbooks will be available for pickup from the CEO starting tomorrow, June 23, 2020 – please call to set a time with Stacy and Ciera.


Each recordbook should have at least 2 Recordbook Scoresheets with constructive feedback in them.  We suggest that you work on adjusting your recordbook forms as soon as you get the feedback so it is fresh on your mind and your book is ready for next year or the next level of judging.  If you would like an Agent to help you with this, please schedule some time with them.  Please let us know if you have any questions.  

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST PLACE RECORDBOOKS ADVANCING TO DISTRICT:

• All first place Recordbooks are due back with corrections to the CEO by 12 Noon on Thursday, July 2, 2020. 
• NEW THIS YEAR: The District would like 2 color copies of your recordbook to be submitted to District for judging, the details of this are included below so you are aware of the following:
• Your original recordbook in fancy cover will stay in our office
• We will be making the copies so you do not incur any expense
• You may email us your updated forms for us to print instead of bringing your recordbook to us – we just need to make sure you include a scanned copy of your original check sheet for judging
• The copies we make of your recordbook will be destroyed after judging for sanitary purposes, so the only papers you will receive back are the scoresheets
• NEW THIS YEAR: All District Recordbook entries must be entered in 4-H CONNECT (https://tx.4honline.com/) under the event “2020 District 10 Record book Judging.” Each entry will be $5. All entries must be submitted in 4-H Connect by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, June 30th and certified by the county office on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

DISTRICT RECORDBOOK JUDGES WANTED:

• We will be judging recordbooks at the District Level on July 8^th and July 9^th in Uvalde at the Uvalde County Fairplex (215 Veterans Lane, Uvalde, TX 78801) and would like to open up the opportunity for volunteer judges.  This is a GREAT way to gain some perspective in developing recordbooks! 
• Unfortunately, this year we are asking for adults only.  Youth will not be able to help judge due to the safety precautions being taken. 
• If you are interested in helping, Please sign up on the google doc by Tuesday, June 30, 2020  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eknx4xfBJYt4znGou-Ww5xzLl8p2giWn_fATpOAII-o/edit#gid=0

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

2020-2021 Elgin Livestock Show Updates - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you are planning on participating in the Elgin Livestock Show this year, please see the following rule changes that went into effect last night:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The following rule changes went into effect on June 17, 2020. Please note that state validation is June 23rd and ELSA validation (for non-state validated animals--excluding rabbits and poultry) will be within 7 days. Please contact ELSA President, Joe Lopez to set up a time to validate.

3. Ownership Requirements: All exhibitors must have owned and cared for their animals beginning on date of validation (state or ELSA).

4. ELSA validation: If any animal is not state validated or a registered breeding animal, they must be validated by the show. Exhibitors are required to provide proof of ownership that can be confirmed by bill of sale, proof of purchase, or by an Ag teacher or County Extension Agent (CEA). A validation will be held by ELSA officers, Superintendents, and Ag Teachers for these animals at the I.G. Janca Show Barn, specific date/time to be determined. For non-state validated animals, they will be validated within 7 days of the state validation.

• Steers: They will be ear tagged, pictures taken and tattooed for the Elgin Show.
• Heifers: They will be ear tagged, pictures taken and tattooed for the Elgin Show.
• Pigs: They will be ear tagged and pictures taken for the Elgin Show.
• Market/Breeding Lambs: They will be ear tagged and pictures taken for the Elgin Show.
• Market/Breeding Goats: They will be ear tagged and picture taken for the Elgin Show.
• (no change to rabbits or poultry)

Membership deadline has been moved to October 1, 2020 and all show Livestock Show and Youth Fair entries will be due by November 1, 2020

Updated rules will be available soon at https://www.elginlivestockshowassociation.com/livestock-show-youth-fair 

2019-2020 District 10 4-H Photography Contest Results

We are excited to share the results of the 2019-2020 District 10 4-H Photography Contest Results!  Please congratulation our Bastrop County Participants!!!!

***To view all of the 2019-2020 District 10 Photography entries please click on the following link: https://d104-h.tamu.edu/files/2020/06/2020-District-10-Photography-Contest-Album-Links.pdf***

Train Like a Champion Prospect Show - 07/18/20

The Train Like A Champion Show is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Washington County Fairgrounds.  The event has been modified the event to make sure safety procedures are observed and everyone is kept safe.  They will NOT offer an indoor clinic this year.  

They are still offering the showmanship clinic/workout, showmanship contest, and the prospect show.  There is a fee of $30 per head and this includes showmanship (only allowed to show 1 species in the showmanship contest).  Deadline to enter is July 6 and NO ONSITE OR LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.  

2020 Summer 4-H Programming Updates

Good morning, all!

I wanted to touch base with you this morning on our summer 4-H activities.  We have been waiting for updates and guidance from our Chancellor’s Office and the Texas A&M University system to help us make some informed decisions on what programming looks like in our county this summer.  The guidelines provided to us ask us to follow social distancing guidelines, wear face coverings, and sanitize facilities before/after group meetings.  At this time, we do not have the facilities (and are unable to book facilities) that allow us to follow social distancing requirements.  Additionally, our county is continuing to be strict about group sizes and social distancing because we are still averaging an increase of 10 new cases of COVID-19 on a daily basis. 

As a result of all of these factors, and our ultimate priority being the safety of our youth, we have made the difficult decision to postpone any in-person 4-H activities for Bastrop County to August 1, 2020.  We are continuing to work on creating virtual opportunities to host at the end of June and through July that we can build on once we are able to resume in-person programming.  We are also happy to host any club or project meetings via Zoom during this time; please call or email us to arrange them.  We will be re-evaluating our programming capabilities for August during the month of July.  This means that our current plan for banquet is to push it back into August.  We are hoping to be able to host some form of recognition event for the kids and their hard work this year and will work to accommodate an in-person event if it is safe and possible to do so.  Our office will continue to be open on an appointment only basis to help limit the foot traffic in the office and help us to be able to sanitize the space. 


Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this unique time – it has definitely been hard not being able to see each other and to not be able to closely share in the strength and positivity of our community as we normally do.  Please know that we are family and we are here for you as much as we are able to be in this trying time.  We look forward to connecting with you all, please let us know if you have any questions and have a great week!

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

2020 Taylor County 4-H & Open Horse Show - Rescheduled to October 16-17, 2020

The 2020 Taylor County 4-H & Open Horse Show has been re-scheduled.  Please share with 4-H members everywhere!