HCLS Home Skills Meeting

If you or your 4-H'ers had entries in the Hays Co. Livestock Show's Home Skills contest, we need you!!  As we prepare for the 2015 Home Skills contest, we will be meeting to evaluate and plan.  Please join us on Wed., March 26th, at 6:30 pm, at the Extension office.  Bring your ideas and be willing to help make the 2015 Home Skills contest its best.  If you are unable to make the meeting, but would like to provide your input, please contact Home Skills superintendent Nita Leinneweber at 512-748-7937 or nleinneweber@yahoo.com.

Time to Order Major Livestock Show Steer Validation Tags

It is time to order steer validation tags for the 2014 State Fair of Texas and 2015 Major Livestock Show.  An order form can be found by clicking here.  Tags will be $10 each.  All orders are due to the Hays County Extension Office by April 9, 2014.  Validation will take place sometime in June.  When a validation date is set, an email will be sent to those ordering tags.  These tags will be valid for the 2014 State Fair of Texas, 2015 Hays County Livestock Show, 2015 San Antonio Livestock Show, 2015 Houston Livestock Show, 2015 Star of Texas Livestock Show, 2015San Angelo Livestock Show, and 2015 Fort Worth Livestock Show. 

County 4-H Clothing Workshop

Please join us on Wed., March 12, 9:30 am to 2 pm, at Valli & Kim's Quilt Shop in Dripping Springs.  We'll be making quilts and blankets as part of the Texas 4-H Quilt Challenge.  We’ll also learn about the new Texas 4-H Trashion Show invitational contest.  We’ll wrap things up by going over all of the 4-H clothing project contest opportunities in preparation for the County 4-H Clothing Contests, scheduled for April 1st.  Special thanks to Kim Sessions for hosting us at her shop. 

Cost is $5 per person and you must sign up by March 10th.  Each person is asked to bring a sack lunch and 11 Capri Sun drink pouches that have been rinsed by slitting the bottom and washing.  Also, please bring a sewing machine if you have one.  This will help speed the project up.  All other supplies will be provided.

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.

Time to Order 2014 State Fair of Texas Sheep and Goat Validation Tags

It is time to order sheep and goat validation tags for the 2014 State Fair of Texas.  Tags will be $10 each.  All orders are due to the Hays County Extension Office by April 9, 2014.  Validation will take place sometime in June.  When a validation date is set, those ordering validation tags will be notified.  These tags will only be valid for the 2014 State Fair of Texas.  If they plan on exhibiting this project at another major show besides the State Fair, they will need to purchase a major livestock show validation tag later.  

You can download a copy of the Validation Tag order form by clicking here.

Hays County 4-H Horse Shows

The next Hays County 4-H Horse Show will be March 29 at the outdoor arena at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.  

A copy of the Show Bill can be downloaded by clicking here.

Please note that the March 29 show will require Hays County 4-H exhibitors to have an academic eligibility form completed by the school and turned in to the Extension Office prior to the show.  The form that was completed for the February show will not be accepted for the March show.    You can download the forms by clicking on the links below:

Academic Eligibility form for March 4-H Horse Show

County 4-H Clothing & Public Speaking Contests

There are so many great opportunities in the 4-H Clothing and Public Speaking projects!! 
Find out more below...

Our County 4-H Contests will take place on Tue., April 1st, beginning at 7 pm, at the Extension office.  Deadline for entries is Tue., March 25th. 

Click here for 4-H Clothing Project Opportunities.
Click here for Co. 4-H Clothing Project Info & Contest Entry form

Click here for 4-H Public Speaking Project Opportunities.
Click here for 4-H Educational Presentations Info.
Click here for Share the Fun info.
Click here for Co. 4-H Roundup Entry Form. 

If you are a 4-H adult or teen project leader for either of these projects and would like a project packet, please let Laura know.  The packet includes a lot of info about the project as well as a resource CD with much more info.

4-H Photography Contest Opportunities

Thank you to everyone who provided input on the County 4-H Photo Contest.  We will conduct the contest on Tue., April 1st with entries (entry form and photos w/labels) due by Tue., March 25th.  On April 1st, you can pick up your photos and awards and visit with our photo judges for feedback.  Click here to view/download the County 4-H Photography Contest Info and Entry form.  Photos by senior 4-H'ers (age 14-19) have the opportunity to qualify for the Texas 4-H Photography Contest.  We may also hang on to our "best of show" entries and work on having them displayed in the community.

All 4-H'ers are also encouraged to submit entries for the District 4-H Photography Contest.  Participants will need to upload their photos on 4-H Connect between March 10-28.  Please note that photos are submitted electronically this year - no printed photos.  Photos will be judged and then viewed during District 4-H Roundup/Fashion Show on Sat., May 3rd at Lockhart Junior High.

The Guadalupe Photography Group invites 4-H'ers who are interested in photography to visit their facebook page and learn more about some of the great activities they offer.  For more info, you can call 830-305-1129 or e-mail to navarro4hpix@aol.com.   

If you are a 4-H adult or teen project leader for photography and would like a project packet, please let Laura know.  The packet includes a lot of info about the project as well as a resource CD with much more info.

2014 4-H Horse Show Rules and Horse Validation

The Rules for the 2014 Texas 4-H Horse Show have been released.  These are the rules that will be followed at the District and State 4-H Horse Show.  For the remaining Hays County 4-H Horse Shows, we will still be using the 2013 4-H Horse Show Rules.


2014 Texas 4-H Horse Show Rules


It is also time to validate any horses that you might use at the District or State 4-H Horse Show.  The deadline to validate your horses is May 1.  Horse Validation will be done on 4-H Connect.  You can find horse validation instructions by clicking here.

Bee Keeping Basics

Interested in beekeeping?

Want to qualify your property for an Agricultural Exemption?

 
The Hays County Leadership Advisory Board has partnered with the San Marcos Area Bee Wranglers to provide this FREE educational program.  Come learn the basics of getting started with beekeeping!


When:     Saturday, March 22, 2014
                9:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Where:   Hays County Extension Office
               1253 Civic Center Loop San Marcos, Texas
Cost:       FREE!!

Please RSVP to the Hays County Extension Office by March 14 if you are planning on attending this workshop.

More information can be found by clicking here.

Texas 4-H Roundup Invitational Contests

Texas 4-H offers 13 invitational contests and workshops that are open to all Intermediate (age 11-13) and senior (age 14-19) 4-H members.  These contests are held during Texas 4-H Roundup, June 9-13, at Texas A&M in College Station.  Contests and/or workshops are:

• 4K For 4-H Walk and Run
• 4-H Recipe Rally
• Invitational Livestock Judging Contest and Workshop
• Healthy Lifestyles Invitational and Workshop – online training is Feb. 12, 1 pm
• 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
• Vet Science Skill-a-Thon

Click here to find out more.

Virtual 4-H Volunteer Conference

Texas 4-H is sponsoring a virtual (online) volunteer conference on a quarterly basis this year.  Workshops will be conducted during the day and evening hours using AgriLife Extension’s TTVN WebMeeting system. Mark your calendar for this year's training dates: 

• Monday, May 5th and Monday, May 6th 
• Thursday, July 31st and Tuesday, August 5th

For the November training, topics include invitational contests, scholarships, tax filing and many more.  Click here to find out more.  Please take advantage of these excellent training opportunities without leaving home.

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. 

Horse Committee Meeting

The Hays County 4-H Horse Project Committee will meet on Monday, March 24 at 6:30 pm, at the Extension Office, just prior to the  Hays County 4-H Council and Adult Leaders Association meetings.

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 next meetings are set for Mon., March 24th, at 7:30 p.m., at the Extension Office.  If you are an adult involved with 4-H, then please make every effort to be involved in the 4-H Adult Leaders Association.

Look here soon for 4-H Council reminders.

Cow Camp at the Witte Museum

Attention young cattle raisers!  The Cattle Raisers Association is hosting Cow Camp for kids ages 5-12.  The camp is set for Sat., April 5th at the Witte Museum in San Antonio.  Participants will explore the rich history of South Texas as it comes alive through innovative exhibits, Gallery Theater, and hands-on experiences with the Texas Time Travelers.  Click here for info. 

Youth Preparedness Camp

Do you want to help your school and community be more prepared for emergency situations?  Could you benefit from a 5-day camp where you will learn basic response skills, teamwork, and action planning, all in a stimulating and fun environment?  If so, find out more about this camp being held June 23-27 at Texas State University in San Marcos.  Deadline for applications is May 1st.  Click here for all the details.

Cattle Raisers Association's Youth Contests

Young cattle raisers can showcase their creative talents by entering up to 4 youth contests during the Association's Convention, which is April 4-6 in San Antonio. Youth ages 5-17 can enter the photography, art and essay contests. Youth ages 13-17 are eligible to enter the beef promotion video contest.  A total of $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.  Entries will be judged and winners selected at the Cattle Raisers Convention.  Deadline for all entries is March 3.  Click here to find out more and to access entry forms and guidelines.

All contestants must be a member of TSCRA, either a student member, child or grandchild of a member, or a child of parents who are employed by a TSCRA member.  Non-members can become members prior to the contest.

Monday Night Horse Riding Series

The Monday Night Horse Riding Series has started again.  Rides will be held on Monday Nights from 6-9pm at Dripping Springs Ranch Park.  There will be no Monday Night Rides on the 2nd Monday of each month.

Community Animal Rescue Team (CART) Needs You!

The Community Animal Rescue Team (CART) shall consist of paid and volunteer personnel.  these personnel shall be trained and utilized for technical rescues of animals that have found themselves in unusual or dangerous situations.  with many aspects of an animal rescue being different from a rescue of a person, CART participants/members shall be specifically trained to cope with these challenges.  this shall, in turn, insure the safety of the people performing the rescue.  As a community effort the CART shale insure all animals have the best chance of survivability.

If you are over 18 years of age and are interested in being a member of the Hays County CART, the first introductory workshops will be held on January 11 and January 18.  Both workshops will be from 1:30-2:00 p.m. and will be held at the Hays County Sheriff's Office, located at 1307 Uhland Road, San Marcos.  This is a free workshop. 

Further information about CART can be obtained by contacting Animal Control Officer Brian Roch at brian.roch@co.hays.tx.us.

4-H Volunteer Training Scholarships

With the dissolution of the District 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association, their funds will now provide scholarships to 4-H volunteers for training.  So if you are looking at volunteer trainings (Volunteer Conference, Shooting Sports Coach Certification, etc.), then check the 4-H blog for an application.  Each county is limited to 2 scholarships per year, and the amount given will be $100 per volunteer.  Scholarships will be issued until the money is depleted.  You can access the scholarship form by clicking here.

Texas 4-H Invitational Photography Judging Contest

Here's a new opportunity for intermediate (age 11-13) and senior (age 14-19) 4-H'ers those interested in the photography project.  Texas 4-H will host the Invitational Photography Judging Contest on June 10 during Texas 4-H Roundup.  This contest, similar to livestock, consumer decision making, or horse judging will challenge the 4-H members to ability to evaluate and select the correct order for four photographs in a class.  In addition to the placing of photographs, contest participants will also participate in problems classes testing their knowledge about cameras, camera settings, photography effects, and more.  Counties can enter as many teams and individuals as they wish.  Registration will be conducted on the Texas 4-H Roundup registration event through 4-H CONNECT.  Click here to visit the new website for all the details.

Recipe Rally

In the 4-H Recipe Rally, intermediate and senior 4-H members are challenged with selecting, creating, and/or altering a recipe and submitting a video, via YouTube. The video should highlight the 4-H member demonstrating the preparation of the recipe while also highlighting nutrients, food safety practices, serving size and cost analysis, as well as their inspiration for selection or creation of the recipe. The theme for the 2014 contest is Breakfast, and March 1st is the entry deadline.  Click here and look for "Recipe Rally" for more details.

District 4-H Facebook Page

The District 10 Facebook page is up and running!  Please “like” the page for up to date information on events and activities in the program:  https://www.facebook.com/District.10.4H.

Help Fancy Feathers 4-H Help National Breast Cancer Foundation

This year, Fancy Feathers 4-H Club is partnered with the National Breast Cancer Foundation in a revolutionary fight against Cancer. Please help them fight this fatal disease that has affected so many families in the US.  So far, Fancy Feathers has raised $931 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. But they want to take it "through the roof"! You can help them by donating - click here.  Please share this link with 10 of your friends. Your help can make a great difference. Stay fancy!

4-H Exhibitor Signs

We are no longer able to get the 4-H exhibitor signs that we have used in the past.  These signs were helpful in identifying ownership of livestock projects at livestock shows.  However, we have created an exhibitor card that you can fill out, print off and bring with you prior to the livestock show.  Please click here to access the form.  If you want your pen/project identified as yours, you must print off your form and bring it with you.  To be able to type directly onto the card, you must download the file to your computer.  From there, you should be able to type into the form.

Quality Counts

Since 2012, Quality Counts verification has been required for all youth exhibiting livestock (market and/or breeding) at major livestock shows in Texas (including the Ft. Worth Livestock Show, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Star of Texas Fair in Austin, San Angelo Livestock Show, Sandhills Stock Show in Odessa, State Fair of Texas in Dallas, and Heart O'Texas Fair in Waco). The verification process  requires junior exhibitors to pass an online test that measures their knowledge on quality assurance and character education content items.

The Quality Counts Program has now been in existence statewide for eight years. Over this time, it has reached an average of 30,000 youth per year through the 4-H and FFA Programs. The program outcomes clearly demonstrate youth being more knowledgeable of best management practices associated with livestock projects. More importantly, the program's impact has demonstrated positive changes in personal character attributes as well as adoption of livestock best management practices.

Over this time, Quality Counts has been supported and endorsed by every major livestock show in Texas. These livestock shows have been instrumental in helping market the program statewide and have also been a strong partner regarding the educational content developed for the Quality Counts Program. In addition, these livestock shows have fully endorsed this verification process.

If you are planning on participating in one of the livestock shows listed above, you must take the Quality Counts online program, take the test and become verified. A verification number will need to be provided at the time of making an official entry into a Texas major livestock show. Thus, youth will need to have completed and passed the test before the major livestock show's entry deadline. A passing score has been determined to be 80%.  If you have already taken the test, you do not need to retake the test unless you have turned 14 years of age since you last took the test. 

Do not wait until the last minute to take the test.  Major Livestock Show will not be accepted at the Hays County Extension Office without a Quality Counts Number.

To find out how to enroll and take the training program, click here.

To take the test, click here.

Get Enrolled

If you have not already enrolled/re-enrolled on 4-H Connect for the 2013-14 4-H year, please do that!!  If you are planning to participate in any contest or other activity through 4-H, your enrollment must be "active."  Please note the Texas 4-H Participation Fee (for 4-H members only) is $25 per person.  We also encourage all of our parents to enroll/re-enroll as volunteers.  4-H Connect is a web-based system used to enroll youth and accept applications for adults in the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program.  Contact us if you have any questions about getting enrolled.

4-H Maps & Apps Project

We had a great 4-H Maps & Apps Workshop at Philips on National Youth Science Day, which was Oct. 9th.  To see a highlight video of the event, click here. 

We have 4-H Maps & Apps project kits available for check out to 4-H clubs, schools and other groups who would like to learn more about GIS (geographic information system).  Please contact Lana at 512-393-2120 to reserve your kit.

Hays County 4-H Adult Leader Reimbursement Policy

The Hays County 4-H Adult Leaders Association has money allotted in their budget to reimburse Hays County 4-H members that participate in District, State, and National opportunities.  Their reimbursement policy was approved at their September 23, 2013 meeting.  Their reimbursement policy to Hays County 4-H members is:

Members will be reimbursed for registration and lodging only.  Reimbursement will not exceed $125.00 per event.   Reimbursement for lodging will only be one per family.

Example:         Bobby will be reimbursed for registration of $25.00 and lodging of $100.00, totaling $125.00.  His sister, Sue, participated in the same event.  She will be reimbursed her registration only.

A maximum reimbursement of $250.00 per member will be allowed during each 4-H year.  Members must also complete 20 hours of community service prior to being reimbursed.  At least 15 of these hours must be 4-H related.  A check request, copies of receipts and documentation of service must be submitted for reimbursement prior to the Adult Leaders Meeting.  No reimbursement checks will be written until after approval at the Hays County Adult Leaders Association meeting.

A copy of the check request form can be downloaded by clicking here.

4-H News & Events App

Check your app store for the "4-H News and Events" app.  This is a free app that includes info for county, district and state 4-H activities.  We are beginning to add dates and events to the app for Hays County as yet another way to keep folks up to date. 

New Opportunity - 4-H SPIN Clubs

Texas 4-H is also offering a new initiative this year, 4-H SPIN clubs, which are short-term experiences focused on a specific topic.  SPIN, standing for Special Interest, clubs allow kids ages 5 to 18 with common interests or hobbies to meet as a club and share their special interest.  Whatever their passion is, kids can gain knowledge and enhance their skills through a positive group experience.  A SPIN club can be started with a minimum of one adult volunteer and five young people with an interest in a particular topic.  While the adult provides expertise and guidance, club members take an active role in planning and running their own activities.  SPIN clubs reach out to youth and families with common interests and brings them together. They are a great way to introduce young people to a specific hobby or interest they might not otherwise have a chance to develop within a group setting.

4-H Dog Project Agility Group

If you are interested in participating in the Hays County 4-H Dog Project Agility Group, please contact Annie Bouckley either by email at teambouckley@yahoo.com  or by telephone at 925-325-4820.

2013-14 Hays County 4-H Handbook

Hard copies of the Handbook are being distributed during 4-H club meetings, but you can view and download your own copy now by clicking here.  This handbook is an excellent resource for all 4-H families.  Please review it and learn about all the great opportunities 4-H has to offer!!

2012-13 Hays County 4-H Youth Development Report

Wondering what Hays County 4-H did over the 2012-13 4-H year.  Click here to view a 2-page summary which provides some highlight on various program efforts and outcomes.

4-H Member and Volunteer Cards

Texas 4-H is providing 4-H Member cards this year.  Our office will continue to provide 4-H Volunteer cards for those adults who complete their enrollment on 4-H Connect.  Member and volunteer cards will be given to our Club Managers to distribute during your 4-H club meetings.  For those of you who are enrolled in more than one 4-H club, your card will be distributed to the club listed as your primary club.

4-H Club Manager & Club Officer Workshop Resources

Thanks to everyone who participated in this training!!  We covered a lot of important info and resources so everyone should be ready for a great 2013-14 4-H year.  Click here to see the Power Point from the training.  Special thanks to Cory Talley and the Travis Co. Leaders 4 Life team members for covering Parliamentary Procedure so well.  Click here for a great Parli Pro guide and click here for additional resources.  Click here to access the 4-H Club Officer Handbook, along with other 4-H publications.  A big thanks also to Fancy Feathers 4-H for sharing their "effective club leadership team" info!  

4-H Presentation During Court

Special thanks to all of the 4-H members, volunteers and supporters who filled the Commissioners Court session on Tue., Aug. 13!!  We provided some quick highlights about the 2012-13 4-H year and then recognized our recent 4-H award recipients.  Commissioner Court sessions are streamed lived and taped for future viewing, so click here to access the site in which you can view the Aug. 13th court session.  We are at the very beginning.

Big Change for 2014 Hays County Livestock Show

There will be a BIG change for the 2014 Hays County Livestock Show.  In 2014, the Hays County Livestock Show will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, not the Hays County Civic Center.  Dripping Springs Ranch Park is located north of Dripping Springs on Ranch Road 12.

You can find more information about the 2014 Hays County Livestock Show on their website.  Click here to access their site.

As soon as the rules for the 2014 Hays County Livestock Show are available, they will also be posted on their website.

For information on reserving RV spaces at the Dripping Springs facility, contact Tracie Spillar at Tspillar@gmail.com.

Lots of Ways to Help Hays Co. Food Bank

The Hays County Food Bank has one mission - to feed hungry people in Hays County.  There are many opportunities to help them do this, so here are a few:

- Your 4-H club could participate in the Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign in which you can help "feed a family for Thanksgiving."  Share your good fortune and help others by putting up posters, coordinating a fund drive at your office, or even donning a turkey suit for special events. For every $20 that you raise, a family enjoys a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner.  Contact Laura or click here to find out more.

- We are scheduling times during the year for 4-H members and volunteers to help organize food donations.

- 4-H teens could partner with parents and/or other adult volunteers to do pick up's of donated food.

- And the Food Bank is always glad to receive donations - both food or money.  They accept a wide variety of healthy, nonperishable food items including boxed or bagged food, and canned food.  Most needed items include rice and beans (preferably in 1-pound bags); macaroni and cheese; canned fruits and vegetables; cereal and oatmeal; tuna, salmon, and other canned meats; peanut butter and jelly; pasta and pasta sauce; Jell-O (regular and sugar-free).  Last year Buda 4-H collected lots of foods through their "trick or treat for canned goods" project.  There are many great ideas, so just find fun ways to collect and donate food to help those in need.