Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) Virus Information

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) virus is a disease that is currently threatening the United States Swine Industry.  It is not just commercial swine operations that are at risk.  Show pig operations are also being affected by this.  By putting into practice some basic biosecurity measures, you can help to lessen the chance of bring PED home with you from a show or breeder.  Please click here to find out what you can do to prevent the spread of PED Virus.

60th Annual Youth Range Workshop

The 60^th Annual Youth Range Workshop is being held on June 22-27, 2014 at the Texas Tech University Center at Junction, Texas. Registration of 4-H and FFA youth for this 6 day training is open.   We can accept up to 45 youth from the ages of 14-17 years old who have an interest in the management of the largest natural resource in the state of Texas, rangeland. The workshop covers 26 major topic areas of knowledge from rangeland ecology, ecological principles, natural resource management, rangelands of the world, plant identification, toxic plants, plant collecting, rangeland hydrology and watershed management, grazing management, range animal nutrition, management tools such as prescribed burning, land and ranch planning, wildlife management, the water cycle, endangered species, invasive organisms, rangeland monitoring, daily public speaking activities, leadership roles and many more. During the week, field trips are made away from the Tech Center to the Kerr Wildlife Management Area near Hunt, a ranch in Menard County and a ranch in Mason County. Training is provided in a classroom setting but is followed up with hands-on training outdoors in the field. The Workshop directors have a great expectation from this opportunity that participating youth will return home not to just help make decisions on family property but that they become a resource in their individual county and serve as a junior leader or teen leader in the 4-H range science project area. The Youth Range Workshop has been held every year since 1955. More than 2000 Texas youth have participated in this learning opportunity. The workshop concerns education and knowledge but recreation from swimming, volleyball and softball are all part of the daily activities of this program. I hope to hear from you and have a youth participant from your county. There is no deadline for getting the registration paperwork turned in. 4-H youth from all over the state of Texas participate in this event.


Click here for more information about the Youth Range Workshop


Click here for registration information for Youth Range Workshop

Summer Youth Program Opportunities

There are so many wonderful opportunities right here in Hays County, and our Hays County FCS (Family & Consumer Sciences) Advisory Committee saw a need to compile a list of these as a tool for families to learn about the opportunities and be able to get involved in positive learning programs.  If you know of other opportunities you would like to see included, please e-mail that info to ljpetty@tamu.edu. 

Occurring Inside Hays County:
☺ Texas State University - Choir Camp, Fit-U, FITT240, CAP (College Access Project), Math Camps, Aquatic Sciences Adventures Camp, Kid’s Kollege, Performing Arts Camp, Austism Summer Camp, Youth Preparedness Camp
☺ Texas State University Athletics Program - baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball
☺ City of San Marcos - Bug Off Nature Camp, Fin & Feather Camp, Hatching Camp, Mayhem Week Camp, Midsummer Magick Camp, River Rat Nature Camp, Wild Times in Texas Camp, Summer Fun
☺ Hays YMCA
☺ Boys & Girls Club - Mitchell Center Summer Program, Summer Enrichment Program
☺ ...and many more!

Occurring Outside Hays County:
☺ Austin Community College - CSI, Film, Leadership Institute
☺ Texas 4-H Military Program - Young Heroes, Health & Fitness, College & Career Readiness, Camp Corral, Navy Specialty, STEM
☺ Texas 4-H Conference Center - Horizons, Mission Possible, Prime Time
☺ ...and many more!

Click here for more details on camps and activities occurring within and outside of Hays County.

Correction on HCLE Buyer

If one of your Hays Co. Livestock Show buyers is Travis & Bettina Mathis, please note this address correction from one of our 4-H families.  It should be PO Box 1271, not PO Box 253.  The HCLE Board secretary asked us to share this with our 4-H families.

Texas 4-H Outdoor Challenge

This contest is for all 4-H members, and includes events such as Rifle, Fishing, Archery, Shotgun, Canoeing, Swimming, Orienteering, Camping Skills, Outdoor Safety and Wildlife Identification.  Teams include 2 people (same age division) and can include 2 males, 2 females or 1 male and 1 female (co-ed).  Click here to get more details.   Register on 4-H Connect May 1-31.

Texas 4-H Roundup Opportunities

There are so many opportunities available at Texas 4-H Roundup, the state's gathering of 4-H folks from across our great state for contests, workshops, dances, etc.  Roundup takes place June 9-13 at Texas A&M in College Station.  Check out all these opps below, and register on 4-H Connect by May 17th.  Everyone attending Roundup must register with fees being $10-$25 per person.

Invitational Contests 
These are open to all intermediate (age 11-13) and senior (age 14-19) 4-H members.

•  4K For 4-H Walk and Run
• Invitational Livestock Judging Contest and Workshop
• Healthy Lifestyles Invitational and Workshop
• Wildlife Challenge
• Ag Products Identification Contest
• Discover Scientific Method: Science, Engineering, & Technology Poster Competition
• Invitational Photography Judging Contest
• Invitational Poultry Judging Contest
• Invitational Meats Judging and Identification Contest
• Invitational Swine Quiz Bowl
• Swine Skill-a-thon

Art Contest
This contest is open to all intermediate (age 11-13) and senior (age 14-19) who are current Texas 4-H members.  This is an individual contest, and you must also register as a Texas 4-H Roundup participant.  Categories are "Texas" and "Heroes," and each 4-H'er may have 1 entry in each category.

Workshops
Below are several workshops - something for everyone!

Tue., June 10th
8 am-2 pm (come & go) - 4-H Robotics
9-10 am - Meetings that Rock! Build your Foundation for Bigger, Better, and Faster Meetings!
2-4 pm - Bio Fuels: An Innovative 4-H Club Project
Wed., June 11th:
8:30-10 am - 4-H Recordbooks - Grow your Clover
9-10 am - What it Takes to Be a Texas 4-H Council Member
10-11 am - Color Story 101
10 am-12 noon - Texas 4-H Taxidermy
1-2 pm - What it Takes to Be a Texas 4-H Council Member
1-2 pm - Photography
2-3 pm - How a Dog Can Join 4-H
Thur., June 12th:
9-10 am - Speaking Geek: Getting Comfortable with Technology and Social Media to Communicate with Kids
9-10 am - Your Texas 4-H Foundation at Work
10 am-12 noon - Applying for a Texas 4-H Opportunity Scholarship - What you need to know
1-3 pm - Service Learning as a Mentor for Mission Possible
3-4 pm - Fuel Up to Play 60

ATV Rider Course
This course provides a fast-paced, half-day, hands-on training session which includes pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping and swerving and riding over obstacles.  The course is being offered

National Anthem
Any 4-H'er individual or groups of up to 4 people can apply to perform the National Anthem during one of the 3 evening assemblies at Roundup.  By May 1st, submit a video of you or your group singing the National Anthem on YouTube and e-mail your contact info to Dr. Kyle Merten at kjmerten@ag.tamu.edu. 

Other Events
We are so excited to have Rachel McDaniel and Frank Linam up for Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarships.  We will know in late May if they will receive scholarships, which will be presented on Mon., June 9th.  Join us on Tue., June 10th, 8-11 pm for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Centennial Birthday Bash & 4-K for 4-H Walk/Run.  Wednesday night after the assembly is the Dance Party from 9:30-11:30 pm.  Then to wrap up Roundup on Thursday evening, there will be a Wade Bowen concert.  You can also order your Texas 4-H Roundup t-shirt.

Click here to find out more about many of these opportunities.  

4-H Recordbooks & Star Award Applications

Recordkeeping is a very valuable skill taught to members of the Texas 4-H program. Members are encouraged to keep project records and have these records reviewed annually by submitting a Texas 4-H Recordbook. The primary purposes of completing a recordbook:
★for young people to develop the skills necessary to set goals, work toward achieving those goals, reflect on his/her experiences, and set new and higher goals for themselves
★to prepare young people for the process of completing quality academic scholarship applications

To view/download a PowerPoint presentation overview, click here.  For Hays Co. 4-H recordbook info, click here.  For all recordbook instructions, forms, etc., click here.

4-H Recordbooks are due to the Hays Co. Extension office no later than 5 pm on Mon., June 30th.  We need adult and teen 4-H volunteers to help judge recordbooks that same evening, so please sign up.  Dinner will be provided between 5 and 6 pm with orientation and judging beginning at 6 pm.  We will also need judges for District 4-H Recordbook Judging which will be Thur., July 10th in Kerrville.

Those who complete and submit a 4-H recordbook are eligible to apply for the Gold, Silver or Bronze Star Awards.  For the 4-H Star Award guidelines and application, click here (pdf) or click here (Word).  All 4-H Star Award applications are also due to the Extension office by 5 pm on Mon., June 30th.

TSC Paper Clover Promotion

Mark your calendars for the Spring 2014 TSC Paper Clover Promotion which will take place April 23rd - May 4th.  Encourage everyone you know to go purchase a paper clover at one of our 3 TSC stores in Hays County.  The majority of each $1 comes back to support Hays County 4-H!!  4-H clubs should consider working with their area store to plan something special during the promotion.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Fall 2013 4-H Paper Clover Promotion!!  A new record of $600,000+ was set this time!! Texas stores had top sales with almost $83,000.  Special congratulations to the Dripping Springs store - their paper clover sales were $2,036, earning them the 10th top sales spot in the nation.  The store with the most sales was Frederick, Maryland with $4,685. 

Farmland Documentary Premiere

The U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance has created a documentary called “Farmland.”  It is a first-hand glimpse in the life of young farmers and ranchers across the nation and it includes a Texas rancher from Throckmorton.  There will be one viewing in Austin on Thur., May 1, at 7 pm, at Regional Metropolitan Stadium 14.  Click here to view the trailer so you can have an idea of the film. 

Prayers Needed

Konleigh Eben is a Buda 4-H member who was seriously injured in an accident on April 5th.  We ask the entire Hays County 4-H family to keep Konleigh and her family in your prayers.  Click here to visit the facebook page, Prayers for Konleigh, to be kept up to date and leave messages.

Kyle 4-H Club Manager Mr. Lamar LaCaz is at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin.  Please keep Lamar, Lois and the whole family in your prayers.

 

Change to 2015 Hays County Livestock Show Steer Show

There will be a big change to the 2015 Hays County Livestock Show Steer Show.  All steers will be exhibited by breed.  This will only affect steers, not heifers.  For more information about the breed characteristics that the classifiers will use, please click here.

John Moerke Takes High Point Award

John Moerke, member of the Hays Co. 4-H Shooting Sports Club, took "High Overall" combined score or "HOA" in the Senior 2 category at the "Brazos Co. 4-H Sportsman's Club Clay Target Shoot and Whiz Bang" held April 4th-5th near College Station. His combined score in American Skeet & Trap, Sporting Clays and 4H 5-stand (e.g. Whiz Bang) enabled him to be awarded the competition's Senior 2 HOA belt buckle.  Over 130 competitors representing 4-H county shooting clubs from all over Texas participated in this 2 day event.  John has been an active member of the Hays Shooting Sports Club for over 12 years, is former president of the club and has competed in numerous 4-H competitions throughout Texas.

McNeil FFA Lamb and Goat Showmanship Clinic

McNeil FFA is hosting a 1-day program dedicated to teaching exhibitors and parents the fundamentals of feeding, nutrition, health, facilities, selection, and showmanship for lamb and goats.  The program will be held on May 3.  Registration is due by April 25.  More information can be found by clicking here.

County 4-H Photos on Display

During the month of April, please be sure to get by the San Marcos Public Library to view the 60 photos that 4-H'ers submitted for the Hays County 4-H Photography Contest.  They are displayed in the lobby, along with an Extension display.   

While you are enjoying the photos and display, please express your appreciation to the library staff for providing us a great opportunity to showcase Extension and 4-H programs.  We are very fortunate!!

Texas 4-H Golf Project Opportunities

Texas 4-H offers the following opportunities that will be hosted in College Station this spring and summer:

Texas 4-H Golf Swing Camp will take place Sat., May 3rd, 8:30-noon.  For 4-Hers of all ages and all skill levels, this camp will provide instruction to youth on chipping, pitching, putting, full swing, and trouble shots. Instructors will provide individualized attention to each participant to ensure each youth leaves more confident in their golf swing and enjoys their experience at the camp.  Cost is $75.

2014 State 4-H Golf Challenge is set for Mon., July 28th, 8:00 am shotgun start.  This event is open to 4-H and non-4-H members that are split into 2 age divisions (Juniors are 12 and under and Seniors 13 and up).

Find out more about both of these opportunities by clicking here.  Registration for both events is being done on 4-H Connect.

Naturescapes Photo Contest & Exhibit

The Hill Country Photography Club is hosting the 10th Annual Naturescapes Photography Contest & Exhibition.  It is open to all, but photos must highlight greenspaces in Hays and surrounding counties such as scenery, wildlife, plants, people and pets.  Cash awards are sponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalists.  Entries may be submitted online or mailed in by July 7th.  An awards ceremony will be held Sept. 13 with selected photos on display from then until Oct. 31st at the San Marcos Activity Center.  Click here to find out more.

Texas 4-H State Roping School

The 2014 State 4-H Roping School is set for June 15^th – 19^th,  at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.  Click on the links below to find out more information.
Announcement Letter
4-H Member Participant Application
Adult Participant Application
Authorization for Medical Care
Code of Conduct Form
Rules for Participants
Payment

New Youth Livestock Project Resource

There is a new online resource to support you and your livestock projects - Texas Youth Livestock and Agriculture.  The goal of this website is to provide unbiased educational resources for educators, volunteers, 4-H/FFA families and others interested in youth livestock projects and agricultural advocacy. We are committed to connecting people to credible sources of information and educational opportunities to ensure the successful development of young people involved in agriculture.  Livestock projects supported on this website include beef cattle, goat, sheep, swine, horse, poultry, and rabbits.  The website can be found at http://www.texasyouthlivestock.com/.

Howard College Lamb and Goat Camps

The annual Lamb and Goat Camps will be held at Howard College in Big Spring, Texas. The Lamb Camp will be held from June 8-10. The Goat Camp will be held from June 15-17. The cost for each workshop is $85 per person. Only the first 200 paid entries will be accepted.
Lamb Camp Advertisement
Lamb Camp Letter
Lamb Camp Registration Form
Goat Camp Advertisement
Goat Camp Letter
Goat Camp Registration Form

Junior Fed Beef Career & Leadership Program

This program will be June 23-25 in Canyon, and is open to any incoming high school juniors and seniors who have an interest in pursuing a career in feedyard operations and management and the fed beef industry.  Application is due by May 1st.  Click here for more details.

Texas 4-H Roundup Youth Art Contest

This contest is open to all intermediate (age 11-13) and senior (age 14-19) who are current Texas 4-H members.  This is an individual contest, and you must also register as a Texas 4-H Roundup participant.  Categories are "Texas" and "Heroes," and each 4-H'er may have 1 entry in each category.

All artwork is due to the Texas 4-H office by Mon., May 17.  Artwork will be displayed during Texas 4-H Roundup on June 10-12 at Reed Arena in College Station. Click here to see complete rules.

Market Poultry Production & Selection Workshop

This workshop, set for Sat., May 31st in College Station, provides students and adult leaders with information and tips for the rearing and selection of market chickens and turkeys for youth livestock shows.  Register online or by calling 979-845-2604.  Click here to see an agenda and map, as well as register for the workshop.

Horse Committee Meeting

The Hays County 4-H Horse Project Committee will meet on Monday, May 19th at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. It will follow the Hays County 4-H Horse Awards Program.

4-H Council and Adult Leader Meetings

County 4-H Council and the County 4-H Adult Leaders Association bring together representatives of all 4-H clubs to share ideas and plan for county-wide 4-H activities.  They meet every other month.  Their last meetings for the 2013-14 year will take place on Thur., May 22nd, at 7:30 p.m., at the Extension Office.  

Check back here in May for assignments and community service for the Council meeting.

If you are an adult involved with 4-H, then please make every effort to be involved in the 4-H Adult Leaders Association.

Horse Management Workshop

Dr. Dennis Sigler, Professor and Extension Horse Specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, will present an educational workshop focused on Equine Nutrition and Best Management Practices for Equine Disease Prevention. Whether you own just one horse or a whole barn full of horses, you are sure to benefit from this program!

When:  Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Time:  6:30 p.m.
Where:  Hays County Extension Office
            1253 Civic Center Loop
            San Marcos, Texas  78666
            (512) 393-2120
Presenter:  Dr. Dennis Sigler
                 Professor and Extension Horse Specialist
Cost:  $15/person if register by May 2, $20/person if register after May 2

Please RSVP with the Hays County Extension Office at (512) 393-2120 by May 2 if you are
planning on attending this workshop so we can have enough educational materials for everyone.

4-H Livestock/Equine Ambassador Program

The Texas 4-H Livestock/Equine  Ambassador program strives to provide high school aged 4-H members the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth, and to become advocates for animal agriculture. 

Objectives:

• Prepare youth to serve in leadership capacities in youth livestock/equine programs across Texas.

• Prepare youth for the experience of the University setting, through intensive science based instruction and experiences.

• Prepare and provide opportunities for youth to serve in advocacy roles for animal agriculture, 4-H, and youth livestock/equine programs.

• Develop a heightened awareness of career opportunities in animal agriculture and advocacy.

Program locations, dates and applications:

Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course at Texas A&M University: July 7-10, 2014

• Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course at Texas Tech University: July 21-23, 2014
  • Application available http://www.texasyouthlivestock.com/livestock-ambassadors/ or https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_887Kacggi5ONeyV

• Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Training in Gainesville, Texas: June 29-July 3, 2014
  • Application available http://www.texasyouthlivestock.com/equine-ambassadors/ or https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6gHrY0WpAch9rAV

Deadline to register for the Livestock Ambassador Training is June 20.

Deadline to register for the Equine Ambassador Training is April 30.