Deadlines

Skillathon Requirement Info for 4-H/FFA Junior Fair Exhibitors (Alpacas/Llamas, Beef, Dairy Cattle, Dogs, Goats, Horses, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep, Swine)

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The Fairfield County Junior Fair will require the completion of at least one Skillathon per 4-H/FFA exhibitor in order to show at 2022 Fairfield County Junior Fair for all beef, dairy, goat, poultry, rabbit (except Pet Rabbits), sheep, swine, dog, horse, alpaca/llama projects. This requirement is included on page 145of the 2022 4-H Member Handbook. Fairfield County 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.

Here are options to meet this county requirement:

1. Participate in the Fairfield County Skillathon event to be held September 10th and 25th at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. Details will be forthcoming…but save the dates now.
  • Fairfield County youth interested in competing for any Fairfield County Premier Exhibitor Award must complete the COUNTY Skillathon in each respective specie they play to compete in.
  • Example: Exhibitor wishes to compete for Swine Premier Exhibitor Award and Poultry Premier Exhibitor Award must complete both the swine and poultry Fairfield County Skillathons on either September 10th or 25th.
  • Skillathon Species for Saturday, September 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. include: Beef, Dairy Beef, Swine, Sheep, Meat Goats, Dairy Cattle
  • Skillathon Species for Sunday, September 25th from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. include: Pygmy Goats, Dairy Goats, Horses, Alpacas/Llamas, Poultry Rabbits
  • Dog Exhibitors will complete the Skillathon at Dog Check-In Day on Saturday, August 25th from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Fairfield County Skillathons will take place at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds.
  • Scheduling for Skillathon times will open in August.
  • New for 2022: Top Junior and Top Senior Skillathon Awards will be awarded.
2. Participate in the Ohio State Fair Virtual Skillathon.
3. Participate in the Ohio State Fair In-Person Skillathon.
  • Registration takes place on the day event at the OSF.
  • Youth do not have to be exhibitors at the OSF to participate.
  • OSF Youth participating in the Outstanding Market Exhibitor Contest must attend the OSF In-Person Skillathon to be eligible for this award.
  • In-Person 2021 Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules
4. None of these options work? Exhibitors can schedule to take a written test with the Fairfield County Senior Fair Office.
 
Details including dates for both virtual/in-person options on the two options from the Ohio State Fair can be found here: https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-youth-skillathons
Please let Leslie Cooksey (cooksey.25@osu.edu) know if you have additional questions.

Ohio Youth Skillathons (Ohio State Fair Virtual and In-Person Sessions)

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Ohio Youth Skillathon information for VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON sessions is now online at: https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-youth-skillathons

VIRTUAL Skillathon Registration is due by JUNE 21st, 2022!

A few important notes:

  • Those exhibiting at OSF and want to be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor (OME) awards MUST participate at the IN-PERSON skillathons at the state fair
  • Those exhibiting at OSF and want to be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor (OBE) awards MUST participate in the VIRTUAL skillathons online

Summer Judging Project Interviews – Scheduling opens next week!

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Summer project interviews will be coming soon! Dates for projects are correctly listed in the 4-H Member Handbook. Please note that there are errors on correct dates in the 4-H Project Guidelines for Self-Determined Projects. Again, pay attention to dates in the 4-H Member Handbook.

We will be scheduling interviews by appointment. The summer project judging sign up link will be sent to all youth enrolled in these respective projects via 4-HOnline next week.  The email will say from 4-HOnline, so please be on the lookout – some email systems don’t like 4-HOnline.

Please contact Stacy Hicks at 740-653-5419 if you have questions about summer judging sign ups!

Projects to be judged on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (see page 11 of the 4-H Member Handbook):

  • All Food and Nutrition Projects
  • Family Life (Babysitting)
  • Genealogy
  • Home Living
  • Scrapbooking
  • Photography
  • Cake Decorating (youth must complete summer judging option if they wish to qualify for Ohio State Fair)
  • Collectibles
  • Creative Arts/String Art/Graphic Design
  • Money Management
  • Quilting
  • Creative Writing
  • Healthy Living

Projects to be judged on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (see pages 11-12 of the 4-H Member Handbook):

  • Self Determined 365.00
  • Self Determined 365.04 Natural Resources
  • Self Determined 365.06 Workforce Prep
  • Communication/Leadership/Citizenship
  • Discovering 4-H/4-H Around the Globe
  • Horseless Horse/All About Dogs
  • Veterinary Science
  • Science Fun
  • Aerospace
  • Robotics
  • Bicycle
  • Electricity
  • Knots
  • Small Engines
  • Energy
  • ATV
  • Woodworking
  • Welding
  • Natural Resources
  • Gardening (youth must complete summer judging option if they wish to qualify for the Ohio State Fair)

Projects to be judged on Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (see page 12 of the 4-H Member Handbook):

  • All Clothing Projects

The Style Revue will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 14th for all clothing project members.

Alternative Skillathon Option: Ohio State Fair VIRTUAL Skillathons – Registration due June 21, 2022

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A Skillathon is an event to test knowledge of specific subject matter using the experiential learning model of exploring, reflecting, and applying that knowledge. Skillathons are created from materials directly or modified from Learning Laboratory Kits, information provided in the Ohio 4-H Animal Resource Books, and other resources, along with input from industry experts. Each Skillathon is comprised of four educational and challenging stations. Certain species Skillathons with the Ohio State Fair offer different age-appropriate stations, such as junior, intermediate, and senior. Youth complete each station through an online quiz. The virtual Skillathon serves as the breeding Skillathon for the Ohio State Fair and is required for anyone who desires to participate in the Ohio State Fair Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor program. Online tech support is available for those who need assistance with the online program.

Click here for additional information and register at go.osu.edu/skillathonregistration. Registration for the Virtual Skillathons is due by June 21, 2022.

Fairfield County youth participating in any Ohio State Fair Skillathon (virtually or in-person) will not need to complete a county Skillathon as this will meet the Fairfield County Junior Fair Requirement. If youth choose to complete the alternative Skillathon at the Ohio State Fair (virtually or in-person), they will also need to submit their completed project record book to the Extension Office by Friday, September 23rd at 4:00 p.m. However, if an exhibitor wishes to compete in the Fairfield County Premier Exhibitor Contest, they will need to complete the Fairfield County Skillathon for each specie they wish to compete in to be eligible. Project record books are to be COMPLETED for EACH 4-H/FFA project taken to the Fairfield County Junior Fair.

Horse Exhibitors: June 1st Deadline Items

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Reminder, the following forms are due for Primary AND Back-up horses on June 1st in 4-HOnline (for 4-H Members) OR to the Extension Office (for FFA Members).

If you need help entering your animal if 4-H online, please view the 2022 4-H Online Horse Information Packet for more information.

If you need to submit your forms or have questions, please contact Aubry Fowler at email: fowler.443@osu.edu or phone: 740-277-4626.

Cloverbud Opportunity: Ohio 4-H Cloverbot Challenge (register by 5/27/22)

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What is the Cloverbot Challenge?

The Ohio 4-H Cloverbot Challenge gives 4-H Cloverbuds the opportunity to work cooperatively in teams to problem-solve using STEM (science, engineering, technology and math) skills. A new theme is selected each year and teams  research a topic, build a working model of their solution to the Challenge issue and create a poster to illustrate their findings. Teams present their models and findings to a team of reviewers, learn about other Cloverbuds’ projects, participate in age-appropriate STEM activities and are recognized at a closing celebration.

This year’s theme is Wonderful Water! We use water everyday: to drink, cook, take a bath, wash dishes and laundry. Water also provides energy and transportation, aids in manufacturing and helps grow our food. Water is critical to our survival! Find the details here.

New this year…three locations. Find the Challenge closest to you!

  • June 23 at 6:30 p.m., Montgomery County Extension Office in Dayton
  • June 23 at 6:30 p.m., Washington County Junior Fair Building, Marietta
  • June 25 at 10:30 a.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, Columbus
  • June 28 at 6:30 pm Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

Cloverbud Volunteers can register teams by Friday, May 27, 2022 at: https://go.osu.edu/2022cloverbotchallenge

Source: Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Connections Blog 5/23/2023

Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board to Host Annual Legacy Dinner June 9, 2022, reservations due May 25th

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Event Reservations Due May 25, 2022

LANCASTER, Ohio – 4-H supporters can enjoy a night out to at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds on June 9. A social hour will begin at 5 p.m., followed by dinner catered by Bob’s Backyard BBQ at 6 p.m. The program and live auction will commence at 7 p.m.

Event tickets are $50 per person, and table sponsorships that seat eight are available for $500.

“I was a 4-H member in Fairfield County for 10 years,” said Fairfield County 4-H Endowment Board President Heather Wilson. “As an alum, I want to see the program continue to grow and support our youth. It’s been amazing to see local businesses, community members and 4-H families generously support the endowment throughout the last decade. We’re excited to be bringing the community together again to support this mission and allow attendees to enjoy a night of fun and socialization.”

Although planning for the endowment was started in 2000, it became fully endowed in 2006. The first Legacy Dinner was held in 2010 and has grown to more than 350 attendees supporting the youth in the Fairfield County 4-H program. The goal of the board is to generate funds sufficient to endow at 4-H position in Fairfield County and support the 4-H youth development program, allowing the 4-H tradition to continue for generations to come.

“Our county’s 4-H program serves over 2200 youth each year through traditional club and school enrichment programming,” said Fairfield County 4-H Extension Educator Leslie Cooksey. “Leaving a legacy is what the endowment is intended to do. Whether you’re a local business, 4-H family or community member, we’d love for you to join us and support the future of the program in our county.”

Additional sponsorships are available for the Legacy Dinner as follows:

  • Platinum: $3,000 (two sponsorships available) – Receive two dinner tickets
  • Gold: $1,000 (five sponsorships available) – Receive two dinner tickets
  • Silver: $500 – Receive two dinner tickets
  • Bronze: $250

Sponsorship and reservation forms can be found on u.osu.edu/4hlegacy. Checks can be made payable to one of two funds:

  • 4-H Fairfield County Foundation Fund (Money stays in Fairfield County. No Ohio State University gift credit given)
  • Fairfield County 4-H Endowment. On the check memo line designate: Fund #642082** (Earn Ohio State University gift credit and receive a giving receipt from The Ohio State University)

The event is held at Ed Sands/Farm Bureau Building located at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds: 157 East Fair Avenue, Lancaster, OH 43130. Reservations and payment should be mailed to: Fairfield County 4-H Endowment, P.O. Box 564, Lancaster, Ohio 43130

To subscribe to updates, visit the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment blog at u.osu.edu/4hlegacy and follow the event on Facebook at facebook.com/events/1866721206856119

About the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment
The endowment was created in 2006 to raise funds to support the future of the 4-H program in Fairfield County and endow a position of a 4-H Educator if other funding sources dwindle. The 4-H Endowment is comprised of two permanent funds made possible through individual donations, business contributions and fundraising events. The 4-H Fairfield County Foundation Fund allows the money to be housed in Fairfield County. (No OSU gift credit given) and the Fairfield County 4-H Endowment is operated by the Ohio State University (Fund #642082). Visit fairfield.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/endowment to learn more.

About the Fairfield County 4-H Program
4-H is a non-formal educational, youth development program offered to individuals age 5 and in kindergarten to age 19. The Fairfield County 4-H program was founded in 1920. The program currently reaches more than 2200 youth each year through traditional club and school enrichment programming – helping kids “learn by doing” through hands-on activities. For more information, visit fairfield.osu.edu.

Quality Assurance should be completed for Ohio State Fair exhibitors by June 1st

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Fairfield County 4-H and FFA youth planning to exhibit at the Ohio State Fair must have their Quality Assurance completed by June 1st, 2022. Youth who do not meet this requirement, will have any entries denied.

If youth still need to complete Quality Assurance to meet this requirement and your club/chapter is not planning to host their own QA Clinic by June 1st, we recommend you complete QA through the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals online modules or attend the countywide makeup QA Training May 22nd at NOON.

  • In-Person Countywide Make-Up Clinic: To be held on Sunday, May 22nd from 12:00 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. in the Ed Sands Building at the Fairgrounds. An RSVP is required. Please click here to register for a countywide QA makeup clinic.
  • Online: Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). This is the ONLY approved ONLINE Quality Assurance Program for youth in Ohio. For 2022, this web-based course has been approved by ODA for 8-18 year olds.
    • Go to  https://yqcaprogram.org/ for the training and quiz.
    • Instructions for using the new website can be found at: 2022 YQCA Website Instructions
    • Exhibitors must complete by June 30, 2022 or they will not be able to show at the Fairfield County Fair.
    • You will need to select the web-based training ($12.00 per member, annually).
    • When you are finished, please send name(s) and certificate number(s) to Leslie Cooksey at cooksey.25@osu.edu.

Attention STATE FAIR livestock/dog/horse exhibitors – PLEASE READ!

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Those who plan to exhibit at the 2022 Ohio State Fair will need to complete their Quality Assurance by June 1st, 2022 (this is a recommended deadline set by the Fairfield County Senior and Junior Fair Boards to meet ODA requirements). Members must also be enrolled at the county level by April 15th in the project(s) they intend to exhibit at the Ohio State Fair. Our office will be asked to verify both QA  completion and that members are enrolled in the correct projects (breeding projects, for example) on all Ohio State Fair junior livestock entries.

Ohio State Fair dates are July 27 – August 7, 2022. Entries will be due by 1:00 p.m. June 21st (online). Here is the link to the Ohio State Fair livestock website.

4-H and FFA members must make OSF entries online at https://ohiostatefair.com/livestock/

No late OSF entries will be accepted. Additionally, you may review the link above to confirm rules and possession dates for the Ohio State Fair.

Countywide (make-up) Youth Quality Assurance Trainings: May 7th and May 22nd (RSVP required)

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The FIRST of two make-up countywide Quality Assurance Clinics will be held Saturday, May 7th at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds (Ed Sands/Farm Bureau Building) from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Advanced registration is required. RSVP by completing the survey at this link. Please arrive on time so we can get the training started promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Quality Assurance Training is required for all members who will be exhibiting a livestock project at the Fairfield County Fair or Junior Exhibitor at the Ohio State Fair. This includes the following projects: Beef (Breeding & Market); Dairy Breeding & Dairy Feeders; Goats (Dairy, Meat, Market & Pygmy); Poultry (Breeding & Market); Sheep (Breeding & Market); Swine; Rabbits (Breeding & Market), and Alpacas/Llamas.
Members are required to attend one Quality Assurance Clinic taught by a certified instructor. Members should sign in at the beginning of the clinic and complete a questionnaire at the end of the clinic. Please return the questionnaire to an adult instructor at the clinic.

The SECOND QA Clinic will be Sunday, May 22nd from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., in the Ed Sands/Farm Bureau Building. Advanced registration is required. RSVP by completing the survey at this link.