Month: April 2020

4-H Project Book Update

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Additional information is available at: ohio4h.org/booksresources

WONDERING HOW YOU CAN GET A 4-H PROJECT BOOK?

While our office is closed and local distribution of project books is on hold, choose one of these methods:

*If you would like to add or change a project for 2020, contact duffey.2@osu.edu by April 30! This is a great opportunity to try something new, keep busy, and continue to gain life skills!

Download one for free.

A special collection of project books is available for free on the Perfect Stay-at-Home Projects web page. Click on the book you want, and when the file opens on your screen, save or print it from there. Horseless Horse and Science Fun with Physics are being added soon! (For accessible formats of these publications, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.)

Buy one online.

If you would like to buy a print copy of a Perfect Stay-at-Home project or any other project book, you can order directly from extensionpubs.osu.edu with one of these special discounts for Ohio residents: FREE2020 (for free shipping) OR 20IN2020 (20% off the entire order). Use the coupon that works best for you. Orders can be shipped directly to a person’s home as long as it is an Ohio address.

Please review your order carefully. No returns are accepted. There is no restriction on the number of times a coupon can be used. See printable ordering instructions HERE.

Make your own.

If you would rather not purchase a book in this way, self-determined projects are an excellent choice for self-motivated members eager to get started by creating their own projects. Although self-determined projects may be better suited for older 4-H members, they are available for any member and are often based on idea starters already available online. Many of the idea starters are great stay-at-home projects too, for example, Music, Bats, String Art, Climate Change, American Sign Language, etc. Our extraordinary educators are even preparing one called My Stay-at-Home Summer! (For project judging, self-determined projects are judged in self-determined categories.)

If none of these options work for you and your family because of affordability or internet access, contact Jane Wright, 4-H curriculum manager, who may be able to help (wright.646@osu.edu).

*Contact your club advisor if you have questions about project books related to club dues (i.e. if your club typically purchases books through your club fees).

2020 Livestock Quality Assurance Update

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To: Livestock Exhibitors:

All market and breeding livestock, rabbits, and poultry must participate in Quality Assurance each year to participate in exhibition with their animal, per ODA and Ohio Revised Code

For a printable copy of this information, click here.

You have 3 options for Quality Assurance in 2020: (in order of preference). Any of the above options must be completed by July 1st, 2020

  1. Register for one of 9 virtual QA sessions with Madison County
  2. For $12, complete the online YQCA module on your own time prior to fair (Please email your certificate to nicol.115@osu.edu to verify completion)
  3. Schedule an online 3 year test out option with Frances (for ages 12 and up only)

 

To register for a virtual Quality Assurance session, review the information below:

  1. Fill out this survey link FOR EACH YOUTH you are registering: go.osu.edu/MadCoVirtualQA (You MUST pre-register at least 48 hours before the session)
  2. Register youth for one of the sessions listed. Each session will be limited to a certain number of participants to ensure a quality connection.
    1. Session 1: Tuesday, April 28, 3:00-4:00pm
    2. Session 2: Tuesday, May 5, 5:00-6:00pm
    3. Session 3: Monday, May 11, 2:00-3:00pm
    4. Session 4: Wednesday, May 20, 5:00-6:00pm
    5. Session 5: Thursday, May 28, 4:00-5:00pm
    6. Session 6: Thursday, June 11, 6:00-7:00pm
    7. Session 7: Sunday, June 14, 4:00-5:00pm
    8. Session 8: Tuesday, June 23, 6:00-7:00pm
    9. Session 9: Thursday, June 25, 5:00-6:00pm
  3. After registration is completed, you will receive an email confirmation with more information and the Zoom link to join virtually for the session you selected.
  4. If you need to register additional youth in your household, complete the survey again for each youth (NOTE: if you live together, you can all join with the same device as long as everyone can see the screen easily)

Additional Notes:

  • Attendance will be taken during the call. Youth will receive confirmation of completion.
  • Any youth under the age of 16 must have a parent/guardian attend the training. It is always recommended that one parent/guardian attend training regardless of youth age.
  • Do NOT send your link to another family to use. They must register themselves.
  • It is preferred to join via phone, tablet, or computer that has video capability for maximum participation. If this is a challenge, please contact Frances to join via a regular phone call and to receive a copy of the materials to follow along with.
  • No recordings will be available. You must attend during the times provided. If you cannot attend any of the 9 times offered, contact Frances or consider one of the other QA options.

*IF YOUR YOUTH NEEDS ACCOMODATIONS, such as a copy of the materials, individual instruction, etc., please contact Frances at nicol.115@osu.edu in advance to set up a plan.

*IF YOU HAVE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY ISSUES/POOR VIDEO QUALITY, please contact Frances at nicol.115@osu.edu to join via a phone call and receive a copy of the materials to follow along with.

If you have any questions, contact Frances at nicol.115@osu.edu or call 740-852-0975, or call her direct line at 740-956-5048!

Green Range Meeting Minutes 4.5.2020

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Written by Alyshia Pearce, News Reporter

Green Range 4-H Club held their third meeting on April,05 2020 Via Zoom at 5:00PM.

Meeting was called to order by Caleb Dennison, Pledges led by Caleb Dennison.

The Secretary report and Treasures report was read and approved.

Safety report was given by Cheyenne Pearce on Barn Safety.

Health report was given by Kali Kimbler on Bacteria.

Energy report was given by Kaylee Bierbaugh on How LED light can save on energy.

Animals must be in 4-H exhibitors’ possession by May 1st.

May 2nd is the weigh in -tag in for sheep and goats from 8-noon.

May 2nd Swine ear notch forms due with a headshot photo with ear notches clearly visible of all hogs being considered for exhibition. Delivery to the Swine Key leader Sara Hughes at the fairgrounds..

Demonstrations given:

Brenn Wallner: Retail cuts of a cow.

Conner Hartfield: Wholesale cuts of a pig.

Bella King: Why you should join 4-H.

Cheyenne Pearce: Wholesale cuts of a Lamb.

We elected flower and barn committees at this meeting.

Next meeting will be on May 5th Via Zoom.

Members of the Green Range 4-H donated candy, toys and books to make twelve Easter Baskets for the Help House in London. Thank you to Jennifer Petee for putting together the basket and delivering the to the Help House.

April 2020 4-H News

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In this issue…

  • Newest COVID-19 Update (as of April 7)
  • Project Book Updates
  • 4-H Camp Information
  • Livestock Quality Assurance Information
  • Video Demonstration Contest
  • Scholarships and Opportunities
  • 4-H Club News
  • State 4-H Opportunities
  • Madison County Fair Updates (Swine Ractopamine Use, Livestock Tag-In, etc.)

COUNTY UPDATES

LATEST COVID-19 & 4-H Update (as of April 7, 2020)

*All 4-H activities, club meetings, events and programs must be held virtually or cancelled until July 6. Read the letter for more information.

4-H Families:

Whew! We made it to April! It surely has been a strange past couple of months as many of us are spending a lot more time at home than we typically do. While it may seem crazy, scary, and surreal, one thing that I have noticed these past couple of months is how RESILENT we are as 4-H families and advisors. From when the first update was sent out that disrupted your laid out plans, I have seen members doing video demonstrations, clubs meeting virtually, families spending quality time together at home, members working diligently on their 4-H projects, and plenty of other creative things. We may not know what will happen in the next couple of months, but I do know one thing: our 4-Hers will continue to grow, learn, and develop into caring and competent individuals, and even more so because of this situation. No matter what happens, 4-H is still here. It may look different, but we are here and thriving! Thank you, thank you, thank you for being so flexible and positive in this process. We are #InThisTogetherOhio and #4Hgrows here in Madison County!

Yours in 4-H,

Frances Nicol

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development

PROJECT BOOK UPDATES!

Info updated as of 4.15.20. Check the latest info here: https://u.osu.edu/madison4h/2020/04/15/4-h-project-book-update/ 

Want to dig in to a 4-H project that’s a good match for staying at home? See our collection of Perfect Stay-at-Home Projects here: org/stayathomeprojects. When a copy opens on your screen, you can save or print it from there. (For accessible formats of these publications, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.)

OSU Extension is working on getting projects available for purchase on extensionpubs.osu.edu where you can use a coupon to get projects at the same cost as you would to by them at our office. Use coupon code FREE2020 for free shipping or 20IN2020 for 20% off your entire order!

Self determined idea starters are always available for free online here: ohio4h.org/selfdetermined

To help with this process, if you would like to add or change a project book, you have until April 30 to do so. Please contact Arlene at duffey.2@osu.edu or Frances at nicol.115@osu.edu or call us at 740-852-0975 to edit your projects BEFORE APRIL 30. This is a great way to add on a small project, or a self determined and gives your kids something to do that is educational and rewarding!

*ADVISORS: Following the stay at home order and advice from our governor and CDC, please refrain from distributing books to members!

Madison County 4-H Camp!

All county and state 4-H Camps, including our Madison County 4-H Camp and Cloverbud Day Camp, are cancelled for 2020. We will have opportunities for virtual camps available to our youth! Watch for details to come. Thank you for your understanding. We hope to see everyone at Camp Clifton in 2021!

Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraiser CANCELLED

Due to health and safety concerns with current events, the Little Caesars Pizza Kit fundraiser for camp has been cancelled. Please return any money collected to those that purchased. Thank you for your cooperation and thanks for supporting Madison County 4-H Camp!

Since there is no 4-H camp this year and therefore campers won’t be getting the typical commemorative shirt, consider this!

Order your 4-H CAMP COVID-19 t-shirt today! Reasons to order:

1. COVID-19 prison orange is fitting for our stay at home order
2. In 20 years you will want a t-shirt to remember this time
3. We will miss your annual camp t-shirt otherwise
4. $3 of each will go towards 4-H Camp Clifton (be sure to enter our camp name in your order!)
5. Solidarity of missing camp together!

Order by May 1 via: http://4hcovid19camp.cssprinting.org/

*Counselors and camp staff will be receiving a free shirt from the 4-H Committee!

 

Livestock Quality Assurance Info (Updated as of 4.16.20)

The dates scheduled below are for virtual QA options for 2020. ALL participants must register individual at go.osu.edu/MadCoVirtualQA:

  • Session 1: Tuesday, April 28, 3:00-4:00pm
  • Session 2: Tuesday, May 5, 5:00-6:00pm
  • Session 3: Monday, May 11, 2:00-3:00pm
  • Session 4: Wednesday, May 20, 5:00-6:00pm
  • Session 5: Thursday, May 28, 4:00-5:00pm
  • Session 6: Thursday, June 11, 6:00-7:00pm
  • Session 7: Sunday, June 14, 4:00-5:00pm
  • Session 8: Tuesday, June 23, 6:00-7:00pm
  • Session 9: Thursday, June 25, 5:00-6:00pm

 

Members can also take advantage of the Online YQCA option. Cost is $12. Contact our office for details. *Note: There is a discount being offered from the company for APRIL ONLY! Contact us to get details on purchasing the coupon.

Finally, there may be a 3 year test out option for ages 12-14 and 15-18. Contact the office if you are interested.

For Ohio State Fair SWINE MARKET exhibitors only: Youth entering a market swine project at the Ohio State Fair for 2020 will be required to have a parent/guardian PQA certified  in order to meet packer requirements by June 20th (certification number is required for online fair entry) . This training can be done online. Contact Frances ASAP at nicol.115@osu.edu if you need this certification!

Questions? Call our office at 740-852-0975 or email nicol.115@osu.edu.

Additional information can be found here: Madison County QA Information

Video Demonstration Contest on Facebook! Entries and Votes due April 13

Check our Facebook page for a post about the demonstration contest and post your
video in the comments there, or email to nicol.115@osu.edu to be eligible to win a pizza party for your entire club this summer/fall! Once the videos are posted, people can vote for which they like best by clicking “like” on their favorite video!

All video submissions must be posted by Noon on Monday, April 13th andresults will be tallied. Here is a great resource for a good demonstration:https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/4h-46.

 

 

Madison County 4-H Scholarship – Due April 30

Madison County 4-H Committee scholarships are open now and due April 30th. There are 6 scholarships available to high school seniors or college freshman that are enrolled in 4-H for 2020. Visit go.osu.edu/madcoteenopportunities for the application!

Applications can be mailed to the OSU Extension Office, 217 Elm Street, London, Ohio 43140 OR emailed to Frances at nicol.115@osu.edu.

 

Market Poultry Broiler Orders due April 15

All market chicken project exhibitors MUST order their birds through the Poultry Key Leader by April 15!

Please fill out the form at the link below with the amount of birds you wish to order and the total amount due.  Checks are made payable to OSU Extension. Mail checks to Madison County Extension Office, 217 Elm Street, London, Ohio 43140. Put your child’s name in the memo of the check.

Link to order broilers: https://forms.gle/QYbGV5eN3eRYLtATA.

Birds are $1.75 each. Pick up will be May 21 from 2-6pm at extension office.

Contact Amy Dodds, Poultry Key Leader (740-506-2829) or the OSU Extension Office (740-852-0975) for more information.

Project Guidelines Available:

Curious about what you actually need to complete for your project? Review the General Project Completion and Fair Guidelines. You can search for your project for a quick glance at the requirements (livestock and special interest!). It also includes links to the Ohio State Fair requirements.

4-H Project General Completion and Fair Guidelines

For specific information, review the Madison County Fair book and project specific guidelines. If you have any questions, contact a key leader or the extension office!

Upcoming events

Click here for the full 2020 4-H Calendar

April 15: Poultry Market Broiler orders and payment due

April 15: Ohio State Fair exhibitor scholarship due

April 30: 4-H Advisory Committee Scholarship Due

May 1: All horse and dairy projects owned and leased and in possession of 4-H & FFA members with lease agreements submitted to the Extension office.  All market project animals owned and/or in possession of 4-H & FFA members. (As of 3.31.20)

May 2: Sheep and Goat Tag In and breeding forms due, Swine Ear Notch Forms due (Format TBD by Senior Fair Board, watch for more updates soon)

May 4: 4-H Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30pm – VIRTUAL

May 15: Ohio 4-H Event Youth Assistant Applications due

May 16: Rabbit Showmanship Clinic, TBD

May 21: Poultry Broiler order pick up, 2-6pm, Extension Office

May 25: Extension Office closed – Memorial Day

CLUB NEWS

4-H Advisors and Parents: if you have any information you would like to be shared ion the newsletter OR club reports that you want published on our blog, please email nicol.115@osu.edu or call our office!

Current Club News is available here.

STATE 4-H OPPORTUNITIES

Be sure to check Ohio4H.org for the most recent state 4-H information and follow the “Ohio State – 4-H Youth Development” Facebook page!

State Fair Exhibitor Scholarship – Due April 15

This scholarship is available to high school juniors and seniors and graduates that exhibit at the Ohio State Fair who are continuing their education at an accredited institution in an undergradutae course of study in any field.

Scholarship Information and application can be found at ohiostatefair.com/scholarships 

 

Ohio 4-H Event Youth Assistant Applications due May 15

Interested in a leadership role at the state level? The 4-H Event Youth Assistants are a stateiwde group of teens that assist with Ohio State Fair events. It is a great way to gain leadershop skills and meet other 4-Hers from across the state! Events include: annoucing awards during the fair, assisting with project check in, helping with skillathons, etc.

Click here for more information and an application: https://ohio4h.org/families/just-teens/4heya

 

MADISON COUNTY FAIR UPDATES

Madison County Jr. Fair Book

The 2020 Madison County Jr. Fair Book is available here: Madison County Jr. Fair Book. All exhibitors are expected to read and understand these rules and guidelines prior to exhibition.

 

Ractopamine Guidelines for 2020 Madison County Jr. Fair Swine Show

Swine Exhibitors: Please review the following letter from the Senior Fair Board regarding the use of Ractopamine at the 2020 Madison County Fair: Ractopamine Guidelines

For more information about going Ractopamine-Free and a copy of the affidavit is available at ohiopork.org/ractopamine-free

For other updates and information about swine projects in Madison County, click here: https://madison.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/swine-projects

Sheep and Goat Tag In and Swine Ear Notch Forms CANCELLED for May 2

All sheep, goat, and swine tag information will be required to be submitted via Fair Entry by June 15. There will be no in-person tagging or weigh in or paper drop off on May 2!

More info to come soon on how to upload pictures and tag information onto Fair Entry.

Rabbit Award – Due April 15

First Year rabbit exhibitors have the opportunity to apply to get a donated rabbit for their project and to show at the Madison County Fair! Click here for the application.

Applications can be emailed to losterloh@yahoo.com or madisoncountyjfb@gmail.com. You can also text a quality picture of the application to 614-353-6800. Contact Lisa for any questions!

 

4-H and COVID-19 Update #4 as of April 7, 2020

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Please review the information in the letter below regarding the latest changes to the Madison County and Ohio 4-H program…

4-H & COVID-19 Update #4 as of April 7, 2020

A message from the State 4-H Leader:

Dear 4-H members, families, volunteers and supporters,

It is with a heavy heart that I share this news with you. 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.

We know this is an incredible disappointment and recognize how much everyone looks forward to our cherished 4-H summer events. As 4-H professionals committed to providing positive youth development programming, we share your sense of loss.

Given available information, we anticipate the next few weeks and months will continue to be critical times for stemming the spread of the COVID-19 virus. It is our duty to keep ourselves and those we serve safe through the education we provide and the modeling of safety-conscious behaviors. We do not want to get to the other side of this pandemic and wish that we had done more to keep our future generation of leaders safe and healthy.

While we are making decisions regarding the youth events we organize and manage (such as camps and 4-H project judging), we are deferring to local decision-makers and Governor DeWine’s administration on the events owned by others, such as county fairs. Our decision to cancel in-person 4-H activities and events through July 6 and summer camps, should not automatically imply that local county fairs are also canceled at this time. Please keep in mind that 4-H and our FFA colleagues support the education and development of youth, but the decision about whether fairs will occur is in the hands of others. This continues to be an evolving situation that will require some negotiation and monitoring depending on decisions. We will be ready should fairs move forward and to pivot if they are cancelled.

As we work through the impact of these decisions for 4-H activities and events in the weeks ahead, county OSU Extension 4-H professionals will share important updates and information with you as we develop and provide new online opportunities. We know the experiences will be different than we had hoped, yet we remain committed to working together to grow future generations of true leaders.

Yours in service to 4-H,

Kirk Bloir

If you would like to learn more about the coronavirus and the university’s response, read more here.

Madison County club advisors are working hard to continue offering meetings and educational opportunities virtually. OSU Extension Staff in Madison County are available by email and phone. Our office has been temporarily closed as of March 18th. 4-H Project books cannot be purchased or distributed at this time and we will provide an update when this can happen soon. Thanks again for your cooperation and patience during this challenging time.

You can contact our mail phone line at 740-852-0975 or reach out to Frances or Arlene directly below: