Month: June 2023

How do I get ready for Summer Judging?

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  1. Complete your project book and activities as outlined in your the 4-H Project Member Guidelines (located in the 2023 4-H Member Handbook and in the front of your project book) for your particular project.
  2. Practice reviewing your project with an adult. Have them ask you questions about what you did and learned from your project.
  3. Schedule an project judging appointment by Friday, July 7th for each project that you are completing this summer by visiting go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudging.
  4. What day is my project judging? Review your project information in the 2023 4-H Member Handbook
    • Can’t make it on your assigned day? No problem! Although you won’t be eligible for county awards/state fair consideration, you can sign-up for late/make-up summer judging on July 25th at the Ag Center/Extension Office by calling 740-653-5419 to make an appointment. There will be no early judging.
    • That still doesn’t work for you? No problem! Although you won’t be eligible for county awards/state fair consideration, you can talk to your 4-H advisor to work with you to review your project for completion for the year.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN INTERVIEW JUDGING?

Interview judging is a discussion between the judge and 4-H member regarding the member’s project, the member’s learning experience and development and plans for the future. It is a one-on-one discussion. Members do not have to participate in interview judging to complete a project, but it is an excellent way to build skills in interviewing and provides an opportunity to compete for county awards and state fair participation. Listed below are a few statements or questions often used in making the interview meaningful to the 4-H member. These types of statements help a judge find out about the member’s knowledge, accomplishments, interests, and challenges with the project.

I. PAST EXPERIENCES & PROJECT SELECTION
a. What projects have you taken in 4-H?
b. Why did you select this project this year?
c. What did you hope to learn from the project?

II. THE PROJECT
a. Knowledge of project – subject matter – use of project terms.
b. What went well with the project? What did you do? What did you accomplish?
c. What problems did you encounter?
d. What assistance did you have? – 4-H Advisor, Junior Leader, Parents, Friends or Relatives.
e. Questions related to 4-H project book content.

III. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
a. What more would you like to learn in this project area?
b. What project will you take next year?
c. What are your other interests?

IV. PERSONAL INFORMATION & KNOWLEDGE OF 4-H
a. What 4-H activities have you participated in within your club or county?
b. Leadership experience in local club
c. Overall knowledge of 4-H
d. Plans for future – schooling, career, etc.
e. What was the biggest thing 4-H taught you this year?

V. ADDITIONAL TIPS TO PREPARE FOR JUDGING:
This is an interview, so 4-Hers will want to keep in mind:
a. Wear nice clothes (dress pants/slacks, skirts, nice blouses, tops, etc.)
b. Grooming is essential. (hair, nails, etc. should be presentable)
c. Shake the judge’s hand
d. Be polite; use please and thank you
e. Do not have gum or other food in their mouth!

4-H Summer Judging for Natural Resources and Shooting Sports: Wednesday, July 12

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Hello 4-H Members enrolled in Natural Resources and Shooting Sports Projects!

We hope that you are busy working on your 4-H projects this summer. Here are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • All Natural Resources and Shooting Sports Projects will be judged on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (by appointment, see scheduling info below).
    • If you cannot attend this judging day, you can:
      1. Attend Late Judging on Tuesday, July 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 740-653-5419 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Late Judging receives a grade only, and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.
      2. Advisor Completion – Talk to your club advisor as they can work with you to review your project for completion only. No grades or awards will be given with this option.
      3. There will be no early judging.
  • Scheduling is now open for summer judging!
    • We ask that you schedule an appointment that works best for you by using this link: go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudging
    • Scheduling will be open through Friday, July 7th. 
    • If you have more than one project judged on this day, please be sure to schedule an appointment for EACH PROJECT. Also, please allow time between appointments to complete each interview.
  • Please review the 2023 4-H Member Handbook and Project Guidelines as you complete your project(s) and prepare for judging.
  • Youth enrolled in the Tractor Maintenance Club or Shooting Sports Club do not need to complete summer judging if they met all completion requirements at the club level for Small Engine/Tractor Projects and or 700 level Shooting Sports disciplines (Shotgun, Rifle, Archery). However, if they wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair for any of these projects, they must attend summer judging for each project.
  • Youth enrolled in gardening have the option for summer judging completion or county fair completion. If youth wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair, they must complete summer judging.

Please contact the Extension Office if you have additional questions about project judging! We can’t wait to see you in less than one month!

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Skillathons – Open to **ALL** 4-H and FFA Youth!

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Did you know any 4-H/FFA youth can participate in the State Fair Skillathon? Skillathons are events for youth to show what they know about a species and to be recognized for their knowledge and skills. All Skillathons are open to any Ohio 4-H member, age 8 and in the 3rd grade, or 9 years old and older regardless of grade level, to age 18 as of January 1, 2023, and FFA members. Youth do not have to be an exhibitor at the Ohio State Fair to participate or be enrolled in an animal project. Want more information? Click here!

  • 2023 Ohio State Fair Skillathon Rules
  • NEW: (OBE) Breeding Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair for Beef, Goat, Sheep, and Swine.
  • In-person Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair
  • There will be 4 stations in each Skillathon that will make up 4 separate, timed modules.
  • Each station will have a time limit (typically 5 minutes per station).
  • If your child requires any testing accommodations, please contact us in advance at 4hanimalscience@osu.edu and we will work with you to make accommodation arrangements.
  • Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed.

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Beef Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Beef Skillathon: Monday, July 24 & Friday, July 28, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Beef OBE Skillathon is only open to beef-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Dairy Cattle Skillathons:

In-Person: Tuesday, August 1st, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Dog Skillathons:

In-Person: Tuesday, July 18th, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Goat Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Goat Skillathon: Tuesday, July 18, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Goat OBE Skillathon is only open to goat-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Friday, July 21, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Horse Skillathons:

In-Person: Monday, July 17, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, Voinovich Livestock Center Mezzanine (2nd floor)

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Poultry Skillathons:

In-Person: Wednesday, August 2, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Rabbit Skillathons:

In-Person: Friday, August 4, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Sheep Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Sheep Skillathon: Monday, July 31 & Wednesday, August 2nd, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Sheep OBE Skillathon is only open to sheep-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Tuesday, July 25, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Brown Sheep Building

Ohio State Fair IN-PERSON Swine Skillathons:

(OBE) Breeding Swine Skillathon: Friday, July 28, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

  • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in the OBE Skillathon
  • The Swine OBE skillathon is only open to swine-breeding exhibitors. 

In-Person: Thursday, August 3, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, O’Neill Swine Barn

 

By participating in an Ohio State Fair Skillathon, this will meet the Skillathon requirement for 4-H and FFA youth to exhibit at the 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair. As a reminder, Skillathons will continue in 2023 as a required portion of project completion for livestock projects. Fairfield County Skillathons will be offered for all beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit (except Pet Rabbits), sheep, swine, dog, horse, alpaca/llama projects. Skillathons may include (but are not limited to) animal anatomy/body parts, breeding and reproduction, feeds and nutrition, current events, diseases and animal health, equipment ID, feed ID, Quality Assurance, breeds, marketing, meats, and recordkeeping. Skillathons are required for those who wish to exhibit at the 2023 Fairfield County Junior Fair. Youth must complete at least one Skillathon. Youth can participate in more than one species if they intend to participate in the Premier Exhibitor for that respective species. For more information: Refer to Junior Fair Book. Fairfield County Skillathons will be held on September 9th and 24th at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.

4-H Summer Judging for Food & Nutrition Projects: Tuesday, July 11th

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Hello 4-H Members enrolled in FOOD and NUTRITION Projects!

We hope that you are busy working on your 4-H projects this summer. Here are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • All Food and Nutrition Projects will be judged on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (by appointment, see scheduling info below).
    • If you cannot attend this judging day, you can:
      1. Attend Late Judging on Tuesday, July 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 740-653-5419 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Late Judging receives a grade only, and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.
      2. Advisor Completion – Talk to your club advisor as they can work with you to review your project for completion only. No grades or awards will be given with this option.
      3. There will be no early judging.
  • Scheduling is now open for summer judging!
    • We ask that you schedule an appointment that works best for you by using this link: go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudging
    • Scheduling will be open through MIDNIGHT, Friday, July 7th. 
    • If you have more than one project judged on this day, please be sure to schedule an appointment for EACH PROJECT. Also, please allow time between appointments to complete each interview.
  • Please review the 2023 4-H Member Handbook and Project Guidelines as you complete your project(s) and prepare for judging.
  • Food and Nutrition Project Members should also review their project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Food Project Insert packet.

Please contact the Extension Office if you have additional questions about project judging! We can’t wait to see you in less than one month!

Skillathon Volunteers needed for September 9th and September 24th

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As many of you know, the Skillathon is a requirement for Fairfield County livestock/horse/dog exhibitors. For this event to be successful, we are going to need many volunteers. Complete this survey to sign up and volunteer: http://go.osu.edu/skillathonvolunteer.

The date for the first Skillathon is Saturday, September 9th from 9:00am to 3:00pm.  This Skillathon is for exhibitors that will be showing beef, dairy beef, swine, sheep, meat goats and dairy cattle.  The second Skillathon will be held on Sunday, September 24th from 11:00am to 4:00pm.  This Skillathon is for the exhibitors showing rabbits, poultry, alpacas/llamas, horses, dairy goats and pygmy goats.

The volunteer time commitment is important for this event to be successful.  During your volunteer time, you will be asked to supervise various activity stations. The volunteer needs to select their top 3 areas for which you would like to participate and select a time period during which to volunteer.

Lunch will be provided for volunteers and staff both days.

Thanks for helping with this event and making it successful. Questions about volunteering for Skillathon events can be directed to Sarah Martin, Skillathon Superintendent, at semartin216@hotmail.com.

4-H Summer Judging for Clothing Projects: Thursday, July 13th

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Hello 4-H Members enrolled in CLOTHING Projects!

We hope that you are busy working on your 4-H projects this summer. Here are a few important updates to be aware of:

  • All Clothing Projects will be judged on Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (by appointment, see scheduling info below).
    • If you cannot attend this judging day, you can:
      1. Attend Late Judging on Tuesday, July 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling 740-653-5419 to schedule an appointment. Participation in Late Judging receives a grade only, and is not eligible for county awards or state fair consideration.
      2. Advisor Completion – Talk to your club advisor as they can work with you to review your project for completion only. No grades or awards will be given with this option.
      3. There will be no early judging.
    • Scheduling is now open for summer judging!
      • We ask that you schedule an appointment that works best for you by using this link: go.osu.edu/fcsummerjudging
      • Scheduling will be open through Friday, July 7th. 
      • If you have more than one clothing project, please be sure to schedule an appointment for EACH PROJECT. Also, please allow time between appointments to complete each interview.
  • Please review the 2023 4-H Member Handbook and Project Guidelines as you complete your project(s) and prepare for judging.
  • Clothing Project Members should also review their clothing project book inserts. These were tucked inside your project book if books were purchased at the Fairfield County Extension Office. If needed, you can download these here: Clothing Project Insert.
  • The Style Revue will be held on Thursday, July 13th at 7:00 p.m. at Liberty Union High School. You will need to submit your Narration Card at project judging. If you need a copy of this, click here: Style Review Card Blank. The Style Revue is mandatory for those who wish to be considered for awards and the Ohio State Fair.

Please contact the Extension Office if you have additional questions about project judging! We can’t wait to see you in less than one month!

Reminder: No Leasing of Market Animals

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As a reminder to all Junior Fair exhibitors, there is no leasing of market or breeding animals for the Fairfield County Junior Fair. The animals must be owned by the exhibitor.

The only exceptions include. Please review the Junior Fair Book for additional details and dates: go.osu.edu/fairfieldrulebook

  • Dairy Goat (breeding)
  • Dairy Cattle (breeding)
  • Horses
  • Alpacas/Llamas

Can’t make it to Summer Judging (July 11-13)? Sign up for Late Judging!

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We strongly encourage completion of 4-H projects. If members are unable to have projects completed or have scheduling conflicts during Summer Judging dates, we would like to invite them to sign up for late judging. Late judging (for grade only) will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the Extension Office by appointment between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You must call the Extension Office at 740-653-5419 to schedule an interview time. 

Final Bottle Cap Weigh In for 2023 Contest – July 7th!

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The Junior Leaders will be continuing with their Bottle Cap Project for 2023 and need your help collecting plastic caps to turn into benches. Work within your club to collect clean plastic bottle caps and lids. All plastic lids are accepted including cleaned out k-cups, no plastic with metal parts or paper linings please!

The FINAL Weigh In for the 2023 Contest will be Friday, July 7th from 3-5pm in the #4 Beef Barn.

As a reminder do not bring any plastic caps that my contain metal or paper

 

If your club is unable to attend this weigh in, we will continue the contest in 2024 so you can save your plastic caps until then. If you have questions, call our office at 740-653-5419!