Index (click on the title to go to that article)
2009 Western Regional 4-H Leader's Forum (WRLF)
Denver Marriott City Center
February 25 March 1, 2009 Roundup your leaders and head to Colorado for the Western Regional 4-H Leaders' Forum. Discover the trail which leads to fun and learning to take back to the herd at home.
Get a rope around personal skills you can use with 4-H'ers and gather up stray enthusiasm while having fun sharing ideas and developing skills. Clean the stable of old ideas and corral lots of new ones!
Join 400 volunteers from the 13 western states, Canada and the U.S. territories in the South Pacific at this great event. Don't miss the most energizing and educational forum for 4-H volunteers this side of the Rockies ! Don't get left out of this roundup of hands-on experiences, sharing ideas, developing friendships, motivational speakers, and workshops to address your interests and challenges.
Grab your ropes, the ROUNDUP IS ON!
Check it out at: http://www.colorado4h.org/wrlf09/index.shtml
ATTENTION, Fremont County 4-H leaders: Early bird registration ends January 15. We currently have committed $100 per person, up to a maximum of 10 people, for you to attend this conference. Register, attend, and we'll reimburse you after it's over. If we have more than 10 leaders attend, we will hold a drawing to determine the winners. Let's have a group attend!
Congratulations to Randy & Virginia Haynes for being selected as Outstanding 4-H Leaders for the State of Colorado! They will receive their awards at the Leadership Development Conference in Denver on Saturday, January 24, 2009. We're proud of our 4-H leaders! Be sure to congratulate Randy & Virginia when you see them.
Fremont County has been awarded a Great Outdoors Colorado Grant, in the amount of $200,000 for Pathfinder Park. The grant will go towards arena lights, bleachers, and restrooms for the park. YAY!
Paige MacGregor was elected Reporter for 4-H Council. Alidra Walker has agreed to serve as advisor for 4-H Council for the years 2009 & 2010. We still have a vacancy in the office of Alternate Senator. Applicants must be at least 14 years old, and willing to attend three camps during the year. Contact the Extension Office for more information.
Congratulations, Tami Ratkovich!
Tami was our top seller of calendars & cookbooks. She received the $25 prize!
Congratulations, Dalton Cobler
For winning the Early Enrollment prize of a portable DVD player & accessory kit!
Many, many thanks to the following clubs who delivered poinsettias to the area nursing homes just before Christmas: Barbwire n' Roses, Clover Rovers, New Horizons, Tally Ho & Wetmore Wizards. Thank you to Apple Valley Greenhouses for donating the poinsettias!
Thanks to everyone who supported our 4-H Craft Sale . Once again, it was a great success.
Special thanks to the people who donated their wonderful homemade soups: Tami Ratkovich, Nita Gowdy, Becky Chace, Don Gray, Joe Solano, Shanda Telck, Ginger Buckhaults, Connie Gjelsness, and Cassandra Ritter. (Apologies if we missed anyone!)
Kayla Gray, District 13 President, and Fremont County 4-H member, was chosen to attend the 2008 National 4-H Congress. It was held in Atlanta , Georgia , November 28- December 2, 2008.
Colorado sent ten youth delegates and one adult chaperon. National 4-H Congress is typically held Thanksgiving weekend in Atlanta , Georgia . More than 1,300 4-H members from all 50 states and Puerto Rico attended this national event. Going to Congress is often the highlight of a 4-H member's career. While at Congress delegates heard inspirational speakers, participated in cultural workshops, took part in a large-scale community service project, visited the historical sites of Atlanta , danced, ate, and met new friends.
The Colorado 4-H program views National 4-H Congress as an important opportunity for 4-H members and is committed to providing this experience to as many 4-H members who can benefit from the experience as possible. Congratulations, Kayla!
Ages 9-13, plus adult chaperones
February 13-15, 2009
Ponderosa Retreat & Conference Center
Larkspur, CO
Cost without scholarship is $110 plus transportation & user fees
Cost with scholarship, including transportation & user fees is $39
Packets are due back in the Extension Office by 5:00 PM on January 21, 2009 .
Theme this year is Everyday Heroes.
Ages 13 & older, plus adult chaperones
March 20-22, 2009
Silvercliff Ranch, Nathrop, CO (new place)
Cost without scholarship $115 per person, plus transportation & user fees
Cost with scholarship, including transportation & user fees is $40
Packets are due back to the Extension Office by 5:00 PM on February 25, 2009 .
Citizenship, Leadership, Workshops, Fun!
Premises ID Requirements for 2009
The Fremont County Fair Board will REQUIRE all livestock (goats, sheep, swine, and cattle), poultry, rabbits, and horses to have a valid Premises ID to ENTER the 2009 Fremont County Fair.
Premises ID's MUST be on file in the Extension Office BEFORE your County Fair entry will be accepted.
If you turned in a Premises ID in 2007-08 and you are keeping your project(s) at the same location you do not need to turn it in again.
If you move your projects to a new location, you will need a new Premises ID for that location.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Animal Care and Housing Forms for 4-H Members
ALL 4-H members with animal projects are REQUIRED to fill out an Animal Care Housing Form. This form must be filled out and on file in the Extension Office for a 4-H member to be enrolled in an animal project.
Clarification - To be eligible for judging there can be ONLY ONE project in a record book. You CANNOT put all projects in a record book and make copies to turn in. Record books with more than one project in them will be checked for completion ONLY. (See Livestock Record Book Contest in the Fremont County Fair Book)
This year's record book dates will be: There was a mistake in the January 2009 4-H Newsletter regarding record book dates. The following dates are correct!
Thursday, August 13, 2009 , 5:00 p.m. ALL livestock, horse, dog, and pet record books for judging and/or completion. To be eligible for judging there can be ONLY ONE project in a record book. You CAN NOT put all projects in a record book and make copies to turn in. All record books not turned in by 5:00 p.m. today will be incomplete! Record books WILL NOT be accepted on Friday or Saturday. We have to have all day on Friday to sort record books and get them ready for judging.
Saturday, August 15, 2009 , 8:00 a.m. record book judging. Judging will be at the 4-H Building with breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m. with judging immediately following. Judging usually lasts until about 2:00 p.m. We ask that people who come to judge get there on time and stay until we are finished! REMEMBER, IF A CLUB IS NOT REPRESENTED BY AT LEAST ONE ADULT (NO YOUTH) TO HELP JUDGE, THAT CLUB'S RECORD BOOKS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR RECORD BOOK AWARDS. THEY WILL BE JUDGED ON A COMPLETE/INCOMPLETE BASIS AND NOT SCORED!
Each club's main leader is responsible for getting adults from their club to help judge. We know a year in advance when the judging will be so there should not be conflicts. You can send as many adults to help as you want. The more people we have to help judge, the sooner we get through. If you have any questions about Record Books or judging, call Tommy at 276-7390 .
Thursday, August 20, 2009 , 6:30 p.m. record book committee for best books. We ask that each club send one (1) adult to serve on this committee to check the record books that are in a tie for Best Book.
Deadline and Dates for Market Beef
Friday, January 30, 2009 - You must be enrolled in, own and have in your possession your market beef project by 5 p.m.
Saturday, January 31, 2009 - Market Beef Weigh Day, 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. , at the Fremont County fair grounds. Bring your animal and your Bill of Sale. The Brand Inspector will be on site. For your information, there is not a minimum weight for beef at weigh day. However, from looking at past years, I would recommend that your beef weigh a minimum of 700-750 pounds . From weigh day until County Fair weigh-in is 187 days.
Example: if you weigh in a 700 pound beef, and if it gained 2 pounds per day until fair, it would weigh 1,074 pounds at County Fair. Figure your beginning weight accordingly.
Remember that Market Beef must weigh between 1,000 and 1,375 pounds at County Fair weigh-in on July 30, 2009 .
Colorado State Fair Market Beef
All Market Beef animals must be identified in the program by the bona fide junior exhibitor only. It is MANDATORY for each Market Beef to carry a county tag to be eligible for entry at the Colorado State Fair. The ONLY way to get a county tag is to bring the animal to the Market Beef Weigh Day on Saturday, January 31, 2009 . At this time they will be tagged, weighed and nose printed.
Office fee - There will be a $2.00 processing fee per animal nominated for the Colorado State Fair. Payment will be required at time of weigh-in. Checks are to be made out to Fremont County Extension Fund. This is a Fremont County office fee and is not a charge by the Colorado State Fair.
Show eligibility for Junior Market Beef at the Colorado State Fair requires an official brand inspection issued in the sole name of the Colorado Junior 4-H or FFA exhibitor. No family names will be accepted. Make sure the junior individual name is the same on the weigh-in lists, nomination card and brand inspection. The Colorado State Fair will continue to require Premise ID's and your Premise ID MUST be on the nomination card.
All Market Beef will be required to be nose printed. All nomination nose print cards MUST be signed by the 4-H agent if the project is bona fide through 4-H. All nomination cards must be sent in by the agent. No nomination nose print cards will be accepted if mailed in by the exhibitor. If the 4-H member wants to do nose prints for the Colorado State Fair - they MUST be present to sign the nomination card(s). If you have questions contact Tommy.
Important Information and Dates for Market Goats,
Market Sheep, and Market Swine
We ask that you please mark your calendars now for weigh days. These are the same days every year. Please bring your animal during the proper times. No animal will be nose printed, photographed, or have ear notches read except during official weigh in. The 4-H Member MUST be present if you are nominating an animal for the Colorado State Fair.
Sheep The Friday after Blossom Festival Weekend
Goats - The Friday after Blossom Festival Weekend
Swine The Saturday after Blossom Festival Weekend
Date: Friday, May 8
Sheep times: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Place: Livestock Barn - Royal Gorge Rodeo Grounds
You must weigh and tag your market sheep for the Fremont County Fair.
Anyone interested in taking a market lamb to the Colorado State Fair MUST have a nomination card filled out at weigh in. The 4-H member MUST be present to sign the nomination card. Market Lambs MUST be nose printed by Tommy. This will be submitted with the nomination card. Cost for Colorado State Fair nomination: $2.00 per head Fremont County fee.
Date: Friday, May 8
Goat times: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Place: Livestock Barn - Royal Gorge Rodeo Grounds
You must weigh and tag your market sheep and goats for the Fremont County Fair.
Anyone interested in taking a market goat to the Colorado State Fair MUST have a nomination card filled out at weigh in. The 4-H member MUST be present to sign the nomination card. Market Goats MUST have a color photo taken at weigh in, by Tommy, with the exhibitor to be submitted with the nomination card. Cost for Colorado State Fair nomination: $2.00 per head Fremont County fee.
Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. if you want your pigs weighed.
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. if you do not want your pigs weighed.
Place: Livestock Barn - Royal Gorge Rodeo Grounds
You must have your market swine ear tagged for the Fremont County Fair.
Anyone interested in taking a market swine to the Colorado State Fair MUST have a nomination card filled out at weigh in. The 4-H member MUST be present to sign the nomination card. Cost for Colorado State Fair nomination: $2.00 per head Fremont County fee.
All pigs going to the State Fair must be ear notched when they come to weigh day.
We will be doing three (3) Meat Quality Assurance/Pork Quality Assurance trainings. All classes will be at the 4-H Building. Watch the newsletter for a list of those who must take the trainings.
Thursday, April 30, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 11, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 p.m.
This year I want to get several youth and/or adult volunteers to help with the MQA/PQA trainings. Each volunteer would teach one section of the training using hands-on learning modules provided in the curriculum. If you are interested in helping please contact Tommy.
COOL County of Origin Labeling of Market Livestock Projects
Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) was implemented starting on September 30, 2008 by the USDA. As a result, all cuts of beef, pork, lamb, goat, and chicken must have documentation as to the origin of the animals to be marketed in the U.S. and international meat industry. This act will require effective documentation of 4-H or FFA market animal projects that will be sold for meat purposes.
What will be needed by 4-H and FFA member are the tools to get the proper documentation. The documentation process is not that cumbersome and can be accomplished with a simple form available in the Extension Office. This form may be used for animals which have been purchased or have been home grown. However, home grown animals will be required to have a record system to support the affidavit that will be outlined later in this article.
When the 4-H or FFA member purchases a project animal, the individual should receive from the original owner verification of the source of the animal or have the original owner fill out and sign the affidavit. In addition, other supporting information that the buyer of an animal should maintain in their file could include Bill of Sale, health papers, or brand inspections.
For home grown animals, responsibility for the documentation of origin will lie with the producer. A good start for the records documenting the source of an animal would include ear-tags or notches, recorded birth dates, or descriptions in birth records (calving books, PigChamp, PigTale, etc.). In most cases, these records would already be maintained by the parents involved in marketing livestock. Although not specifically required, other records that can be used for documenting home grown animals would include reconcilable inventory records, purchase and sale receipts, some financial or feed records, health papers or breed association registered pedigrees.
Current recommendations are that all records and affidavits be maintained on file by the 4-H or FFA member for a minimum of two years. The goal is to provide an audit trail of the animal's origin in case verification is required by the USDA.
Compliance with these requirements should not place undo stress on the 4-H or FFA project owners. The 4-H records already required for market livestock projects will emphasize the types of information that will provide a good trail for any USDA audit. With the addition of an affidavit for any purchased animal, compliance with the latest USDA regulations should be very easily achieved.
If you have any further questions feel free to contact Tommy at 276-7390 .
COOL County of Origin Labeling of Market Livestock Projects
For the Fremont County Fair
As the responsible entity for the livestock sale at the Fremont County Fair, the Fremont Fairs and Shows Association (FF&SA) will be discussing what effects the mandatory COOL regulations will have on this years Fremont County Fair at their January 27, 2009 meeting. As soon as any decisions are made they will be posted in the 4-H Update.
There will be a Levels Training at the Colorado State Fair Grounds either April 18 or 19. If you are interested, contact the Extension Office and we will contact you directly when we receive more specific information.
Community Service Project
Fort Carson Families Need Blankets for New Babies!
Last year, 4-H Council officers made and donated more than 50 blankets for newborn babies of Fort Carson soldiers. This year, we would like to open it up to all 4-H clubs to help out.
All of last year's blankets have been distributed and more babies are on the way. Can your club help out? We put a message with each blanket, telling the moms that our 4-H youth care about what they are doing and appreciate their service to our country.
We had flannel receiving blankets, fleece blankets, and patchwork quilts. Fremont County 4-H makes a difference! Can your club help? Bring completed blankets to the Extension Office and we'll deliver them to Fort Carson .
We have two brand new projects this year, and leaders to help! The
first is Geospatial, otherwise known as GPS or GIS . The second is Robotics. Geospatial is a state project, and as such, the champions will go on to the Colorado State Fair. Robotics is only a county project, and is pretty expensive. We are looking for ways to help with the cost for you. If you are interested, let us know. They are so new, we'll be learning right along with you!
A caving class will be offered Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at the 4-H Building. Cost is $2.00; this is great class for those enrolled in Outdoor Adventures.
Caving trip to Fly & Marble Cave is tentatively planned for January 25, 2009 .
Please bring your parents with you.
For more information call Cathy Solano at 275-8761
Attention, Shooting Sports Members
Every 4-H shooting sports member must possess a valid Colorado Hunters' Safety Card. Classes are offered through 4-H and through the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Classes are filling up quickly!
The 4-H class will be held Feb. 6,7,13 & 14.
You must attend all sessions, and pass the test in order to earn your card. Call the Extension Office, 276-7390 to sign up for the class. There is no charge for the classes if you are enrolled in 4-H Shooting Sports. Thanks to Paul & Tom Masar for offering these classes for our 4-H program.
We know you want your project manuals as quickly as possible. This year we are trying something new. When your books arrive in our office, we will call you and let you know they are here. Families will be asked to pick them up and you can begin your projects sooner. If you cannot pick up your manuals, please let us know and we will ask your club leader to take them for you. We're working to make things better for you!
a
Sweetheart Dinner
For a Night You'll Both Remember!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
in the Garden Level
of the County Administration Building
4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Your choice of: Roast Beef or Lasagna Dinners
Soup, Salad, Drink & Elegant Desserts
Only $12.50 per person
Advance ticket sales only
Tickets available from any Council Officer or in the CSU Extension Office
Prepared & Served by 4-H Council Officers, Advisors, Helpers
Reminder.... Leaders, Please check your club boxes regularly !!!!!
| 1-2 | Holiday (New Year's Day) Extension Office Closed |
| 7 | 4-H Council, 7:00 p.m., 4-H Building |
| 13 | Fremont County Fair Board, 7:00 p.m. CSU Meeting Room (next door to Extension Office) |
| 15 | 4-H Horse Council, 7:00 p.m., CSU Meeting Room |
| 15 | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend all three classes), 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m., DOW Hunter Ed. Building |
| 16 | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend all three classes), 5:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m., DOW Hunter Ed. Building |
| 17 | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend all three classes), 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m., DOW Hunter Ed. Building |
| 19 | Holiday (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Extension Office Closed |
| 24-26 | State Leadership Development Conference (LDC), Denver |
| 26 | Fremont County 4-H Foundation, 7:00 p.m., 4-H Building |
| 27 | CSU Extension Advisory Committee, 7:00 a.m., TBA |
| 27 | Fremont Fairs & Shows Association, 7:00 p.m., Harrison School |
| 30 | Must be enrolled in, own and have in your possession-Market Beef Project |
| 31 | Market Beef Weigh Day, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. , 4-H Building (Must nose print beef for State Fair) |
| 4 | 4-H Council, 7:00 p.m., 4-H Building |
| 6-7 | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend also attend 13-14), Friday night 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m., Sat. 8:00 a.m. - noon, 4-H Building |
| 10 | Fremont County Fair Board, 7:00 p.m. CSU Meeting Room |
| 13-14 | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend also attend 6-7), Friday night 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m., Sat. 8:00 a.m. - noon, 4-H Building |
| 13-15 | Youth Fest (ages 9-13), Ponderosa Camp, Larkspur |
| 16 | Holiday (Presidents Day) Extension Office Closed |
| 19 | 4-H Horse Council, 7:00 p.m., CSU Meeting Room |
| 24 | Fremont Fairs & Shows Association, 7:00 p.m., TBA |
| 2 | Last day to be enrolled in ANY 4-H project (Animal and General) to be eligible to exhibit that project at the Fremont Co. Fair |
| 2 | Must own and have in your possession-Breeding Beef, Dairy Cattle, and Dogs. |
| 2 | DOG CERTIFICATES must be turned in to the Extension Office no later than 5 p.m. |
| 4 | 4-H Council, 7:00 p.m., 4-H Building |
| TBA | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend all three classes), 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m., DOW Hunter Ed. Building |
| TBA | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend all three classes), 5:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m., DOW Hunter Ed. Building |
| TBA | Hunter Education for Shooting Sports (Must attend all three classes), 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m., DOW Hunter Ed. Building |
| 10 | Fremont County Fair Board, 7:00 p.m., CSU Meeting Room |
| 19 | 4-H Horse Council, 7:00 p.m. , CSU Meeting Room (Leaders, Parents and 4-Her's are invited to attend to pick up your horse packet and to go over the information. Questions will be answered regarding the Gymkhanas, Royalty, and County Fair.) |
| 20-22 | Southern Region Retreat (ages 13 & older) Silvercliff Ranch, Buena Vista |
| 24 | Fremont Fairs & Shows Association, 7:00 p.m., TBA |
| 31 | Must own and have in your possession-Rabbit Doe(s) that you must breed (see May 22) to kindle a litter for market rabbit pen |