As of April 14th, 2020, this blog post will be updated as more information is available.
“Due to ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision has been made to cancel all Ohio State University Extension in-person programming through July 6. This includes all 4-H programs, activities, and events. Additionally, we’ve made the very difficult decision to cancel all 4-H camps thru August 31. Although in-person programming is cancelled, we will continue to offer virtual 4-H experiences.”
Will there be a 2020 Lawrence County Fair? According to Ohio Fair Managers’ Facebook Page the fair is still on schedule. An April 8th post stated, “Just to give an update Ohio Fair Managers are working with Ohio’s Government Leadership and have not cancelled any Ohio agricultural fairs as of April 8, 2020. We will keep you updated. These are new times for all of us and together we can get through this. There are several fairs that have applied for help through the CARES ACT if you have question message us and we can pass along contact information. Stay safe!”
If Fair gets cancelled, how can we complete our judging? As of right now we are continuing to move forward with fair plans, however if it were to be cancelled, please know your Lawrence County 4-H and Senior Fairboard Team is brainstorming contingency plans to support your 4-H project completion with judging and auctions.
Can 4-H Members Change 4-H Projects? The deadline to make additions or changes to 2020 4-H projects has been extended to April 30. All 4-H project registrations such as Horse ID and Safety will be accepted until the April 30 deadline.
How Do 4-H Members Get 4-H Project Books? The extensionpubs.osu.edu/ online ordering system is available to order 4-H project books and be shipped straight to your house. Coupon codes are available for Ohio 4-H residents FREE2020 (for free shipping) OR 20IN2020 (20% off the entire order) Ohio 4-H has also made “stay-at-home” projects available for pdf download at www.ohio4h.org/stayathome; this includes:
• Discovering 4-H
• Sew Fun
• My Favorite Things
• The Writer in You
• Get Started In Art
• Family History Treasure Hunt
• Lets Start Cooking
• Yeast Breads on the Rise
• Racing the Clock to Awesome Meals
• Your Thoughts Matter
• Laundry Project
• It’s My Home
• Leadership Road Trip
• Pantry Picnic
• Explore the Outdoors
• Ohio Birds
• Science Fun with Kitchen Chemistry
• Not Just Knots
How will 4-H projects scheduled for pre-fair judging be judged? 4-H project judging will be postponed until after July 6th. Most 4-H project judging will be held at the county fair. All project judging dates will be shared with individual project areas, as they are scheduled and posted on our website at lawrence.osu.edu.
How will club members get in their 4-H meetings? We are asking all 4-H Volunteers to work with your 4-H club members to host at least two virtual meetings prior to fair. This can be via zoom, facebook live, google hangout, group text chat, call and do a phone tree check in, etc. Be creative. Hopefully, there will be opportunity to will hold a last minute, face-to-face, pre-fair check in after July 6th. Please note, OSU conferencing system, is available will also allow for land-line call-ins, you do not need internet to connect. Let us know if you need help setting up a call. The clubs most host 6 meeting requirement may be met through December 31, 2020.
How do our Livestock members complete Quality Assurance? Quality Assurance is still mandated by ODA. All members participating in a livestock project must complete Quality Assurance. Members can complete Quality Assurance on their own through ycqa or register for a virtual trainings scheduled through the Extension Office. Quality Assurance options, instructions, dates and times will be available by visiting: https://u.osu.edu/lawrence4h/2020/04/08/2020-lawrence-county-quality-assurance-tag-in-and-livestock-information/
How will Market Lamb, Goat, and Hog Tag-In happen? The Lamb, Goat, and Hog Tag-In scheduled for May 9th has been moved to a digital format. All Market Lamb, Goat, and Hog exhibitors must complete an online form and submit photos using their scrapie (lambs and goats) or ear notch (hogs) ID. Online submission forms can be found at go.osu.edu/2020LawrenceCountyLivestockID The form must be completed in full and submitted by Saturday, May 9th. Livestock projects will be tagged with their county fair ID tag at fair weigh in, tag numbers will be pre-assigned.
What about rabbit tag in? The Livestock Committee is working on a process like the one above. Instructions will be made available closer to the originally scheduled tag-in date.
What about Market Chicken Orders and Pick Up? Market Chicken exhibitors have received an e-mail with instructions on how to submit market chicken orders. The Extension Office will be placing our Market Chicken order the first week of May and will have instructions for a pick up plan then.
How do I submit my breeding animal form? An online submission process will be created similar to what is being used for market tag-in. Forms will be shared as available and will be due June 1st.
What about the Cloverbud Discovery Series? Unfortunately, our face-to-face, Cloverbud Series has been cancelled. Many of our Friday Fun activities are perfect for our Cloverbuds and hope to have others available.
What is the OSU Extension, Lawrence County staff doing to keep 4-H youth and volunteers engaged?
Ohio State – Lawrence County 4-H Facebook, @lawrence4h, is regularly updated with Monday Motivation, Funday Friday, and other activities and challenges.
• The U.osu.edu/lawrence4h blog has up to date news information, educational resources, challenges and activities. We share most all facebook news here too, so those without facebook, have a place to participate.
• E-mail Blasts are being sent to all 4-H families regularly. All information and links for trainings, needed forms, etc. is shared directly with members through their family enrollment email. If you need to update your email, please contact us. E-mail is the primary method of current communication. Our newsletter style e-mails will go out each Friday and any breaking news will be shared when necessary.
• Tuesdays at 2:00pm, Zoom Connection, with an activity and open Question and Answer time. To connect visit: https://osu.zoom.us/j/219931241 Or dial in by calling 646-876-9923.
How can I contact the OSU Extension, Lawrence County staff? Our office phone, 740-533-4322 will still connect you us. Also our e-mail, Fraley.171@osu.edu or Matney.30@osu.edu is an easy way to reach us quickly.