April 4-H News

Greetings 4-H Families!

Welcome to SPRING! 4-H Season is in full swing! Now more than ever, it is important to read through this entire newsletter and check your emails for updates from our county office, club advisors, etc. as deadlines and events are coming up quick! Best of luck as you work through your projects, and as always, reach out if you need help!

In this issue:

• 2021 Calendar of Events
• 4-H Camp Update & Survey request
• Livestock Quality Assurance Information
• 4-H Yard Sign Fundraiser
• Project Guidelines Information
• Livestock Skillathons
• Extension Office Hours Update
• 4-H Project Books
• Scholarship Opportunities
• Ohio 4-H Guidelines Reminder
• Livestock Tag In and Forms reminders
• Broiler Orders and Pollorum Testing
• Other Jr. Fair related reminders

COUNTY 4-H UPDATES

2021 4-H Calendar Available

Mark your calendar and save the dates now for important county events and deadlines! Updates will be added to the website and this calendar as we receive them, as well as emailed to all 4-H families.

Please note: dates, times, and locations, and format are subject to change based on OSU and county health and safety guidelines. We will keep you informed as time progresses.

A printable calendar can be found here.

4-H Camp Update

• 3-Day Adventure Day Camp at 4-H Camp Clifton ~$150 total/camper
• Overnight 5 day, 4 night camp at 4-H Camp Clifton ~230/camper
• Cloverbud 1 day Day Camp at the Gwynne Conservation Area ~ $30/camper

Livestock Quality Assurance – Register Now!

To be eligible for participation in the Madison County Junior Fair, potential youth exhibitors must participate in one of the following Quality Assurance Education Programs. The deadline to complete QA Education for the Madison County Fair is May 15, 2021.

Register at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa.

4-H & FFA Members in these projects must attend Quality Assurance Education:  All Dairy Cattle, Market & Dairy Goats, Breeding Goats, Market Rabbits (Pen of 3), Beef (Mkt. Steers, Beef Feeders, Breeding Beef), Dairy Feeder Calves, Swine, Breeding and Market Sheep, Market Poultry (Pen of 4 Broilers, Mkt. Turkeys and Market Ducks)

This year, all the sessions will be held VIRTUALLY via zoom, just like last year. If you need an accomodation, please contact the Madison County Extension Office to make alternative arrangements.

Please save the dates for the below sessions. Youth must attend one session. Additional sessions may be added as needed. Sessions will be limited to 40 participants:

• Tuesday, April 6, 6:00-7:30pm
• Wednesday, April 14, 7:00-8:30pm
• Saturday, April 17, 10:00-11:30am
• *New Members Only: April 19, 7:00-8:30pm
• Poultry Specific: April 21, 6:00-7:30pm
• Sunday, April 25, 4:00-5:30pm
• Thursday, April 29, 6:00-7:30pm
• Thursday, May 6, 7:00-8:30pm
• Wednesday, May 12, 6:00-7:30pm

*NEW: 1^st-3^rd Year 4-H Members Only! New Member Quality Assurance – Thursday, April 19th, 7:00-8:30pm – Covers an overview of what Quality Assurance is and activities are geared toward younger members! Perfect for newer members or those just getting started with livestock projects!

You may also choose to complete QA through the online YQCA certification on your own time. There is about a $12 cost with this program. Contact the extension office for more information.

4-H Yard Sign Fundraiser to benefit Madison County Equine Committee

The Equine Committee is selling 4-H Yard Signs personalized to your species or project and your child’s name! Signs are $20 plus $5 for name personalization. Questions? Contact Casie Phipps at casphi12@yahoo.com or 614-579-1287. All proceeds benefit the Madison County Equine Committee

• Click here for the order form

Project Guidelines & Other Information

All members should have received emails this past week with additional details for their livestock and special interest projects. Please check those for specific information!

• Need Help? – Use the Project Helper Contact Info for contact information for your species contact, Jr. Fair and Sales committee contacts, etc.!
• Project Guidelines – This document provides general information for each 4-H project on what you need to do to complete the project: 4-H Project General Guidelines
• Project Books – Purchase the 4-H Project Record Book for your species/project and the Resource Handbook if applicable (available in our office for purchase or online at www.extensionpubs.osu.edu) (Livestock projects must purchase the 4-H project book for their first year)
  • 2nd year livestock and beyond: (not equine, alpaca, dogs, or small animals) – utilize project book AND add record via the printable Livestock Project Record Book (will be checked for skillathon). You can print at home or pick up from our office for FREE
• Fair Entries – Due June 1. Required if you want to exhibit your project at the fair. Watch for the link to be live around the first week of May here: FairEntry Link
• Other Resources – Find additional videos and resources from current 4-H members at www.go.osu.edu/mc4hspark 

Livestock Skillathon

Skillathon takes place on June 19th, 2021. Families will receive assigned times for youth needing to complete skillathon. Livestock Skillathons are required for the following projects in order to exhibit at the county fair: Beef, Dairy, Alpaca, Dog, Equine, Goat, Sheep, Poultry, Rabbit, and Swine Projects.

Visit this link for information such study guides, skillathon format, practice skillathons, etc.: Skillathon Resources  

2021 4-H Projects Books

This year, there are a couple ways to purchase your project books:

*Before ordering, check the Perfect Stay at Home projects page to see if the project your child is interested in is posted as a PDF version for free (there are 12 projects posted currently). We are happy to print these in the office for you if needed. You can also choose to buy the book still if it is easier to work in.

1. Order Online: You can skip a trip to the office and have them ordered and shipped directly to your door! Visit extensionpubs.osu.edu to browse project and resource books. Use this coupon to get free shipping on orders of $20 or more (FREE2021)
2. Purchase at our office: Schedule an appointment to come during 4-H office hours, or call ahead for a different time, to purchase your books in the county office.

Change for livestock books: 2nd year livestock and beyond: (not equine, alpaca, dogs, or small animals) – utilize project book AND add record via the printable Livestock Project Record Book (will be checked for skillathon). You can print at home or pick up from our office for FREE. First year members must still purchase the 4-H project and record book and complete activities in there, but you do not need to purchase a new one every year.

OSU Extension Office Hours & Updates

General Office Hours: As a reminder, our office is open by appointment only. We are generally staffed Monday-Wednesday, 9:00am-4:00pm in the physical office, but are available virtually Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm via phone or email!

Please continue to call ahead at least 24 hours before coming into the office to schedule an appointment, wear your mask when inside, and stay home if you are sick.

As a reminder, Arlene, our office associate, has retired. We have a temporarily Office Associate, Marianne, part time from another county office until the replacement is hired! Marianne will be helping to cover the office, answer phone calls, and assist you with other needs temporarily!

County Level Scholarship Opportunities

• Madison County 4-H Scholarship – Due April 30
  •  The Madison County 4-H Advisory Committee sponsors two -$500.00 and four-  $250.00 scholarships.  Applicants must be currently enrolled in the Madison County 4-H program and must be high school seniors or college freshman.
  • This scholarship application is due April 30th to the Extension Office or emailed to foos.61@osu.edu
  • Click here for a Fillable PDF  or  Word file of the application.
• Green Range 4-H Club Livestock Scholarship – Due July 1
  • What: 2 scholarships (amount TBD – $500-$1000)
  • Who: Seniors enrolled in 4-H exhibiting market livestock at the Madison County Fair
  • How: Apply by July 1st by submitting application and other required documents to the Extension office or foos.61@osu.edu
  • Application materials can be found at https://madison.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/teen-opportunities under “Scholarship Oppportunities”

In-Person 4-H Meetings and Events Update 

Remember to follow our meeting guidelines for any in-person 4-H meetings and events that you may be attending: That information, along with any new updates, is at https://ohio4h.org/families/stay-connected.

Upcoming Events -April

1: Dog Projects owned and in possession of owner

6: Livestock Quality Assurance – 6:00-7:30pm – Virtual – RSVP at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa

14: Livestock Quality Assurance – 7:00-8:30pm – Virtual – RSVP at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa

15: Poultry Orders Due – Market Broiler projects (Submit orders online here)

17: Livestock Quality Assurance – 10:00-11:30am – Virtual – RSVP at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa

17: Sewing Clinic – 9:00-4:00pm, Hope Church, 9899 US 42 Plain City (RSVP via text to Daphne: 614-353-0406)

19: **NEW MEMBERS (1^st-3^rd year) Livestock Quality Assurance – 7:00-8:30pm – Virtual – RSVP at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa

20: Poultry Quality Assurance – 6:00-7:30pm – Virtual – RSVP at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa

24: Sewing Clinic – 9:00-4:00pm, Hope Church, 9899 US 42 Plain City (RSVP via text to Daphne: 614-353-0406)

25: Livestock Quality Assurance – 4:00-5:30pm – Virtual – RSVP at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa

29: Livestock Quality Assurance – 6:00-7:30pm – Virtual – RSVP at go.osu.edu/madcovirtualqa

30: 4-H Committee Scholarship Applications due

May 1:

• Sheep & Goat tag-in and weigh in;
• Sheep & goat breeding forms due;
• Swine ear notch forms due;
• Dog Vaccine and Licensure forms due
• All horse, alpaca, 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

Self Care Isn’t Selfish!

Stress and anxiety can sometimes trigger unhealthy behaviors. Next time you feel stressed, try one of these healthy habits instead:

1. Get moving! Talk a walk, get weights, or do some yoga
2. Reach Out! Talk with those who can provide support
3. Stop and Breath! Focused breathing can help you calm down and think clearly
4. Care for yourself! Get enough sleep and drink plenty of water

For more coping skills, visit mhrb.org.

COUNTY JR. FAIR UPDATES

Sheep & Goats – Tag In/Weigh In – May 1 

Date: May 1- 9am to 12pm

In order to have a safe event and create social distancing we are asking those who are attending this event to choose and sign up for a time slot. Please choose 1 per family not animal or exhibitor.

Please sign up for time slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/…/10C0D45A5A82EA4F8C34…

Swine Ear Notch & Photos Due May 1 PLUS Fair Change!

All swine exhibitors must submit ear notches and headshot photo by May 1 to the Extension Office or to fairgrounds on May 1 between 9am-12pm to Eby Arena.

Ear Notch forms and additional info can be found here: https://madison.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/swine-projects.

NEW: You may tag up to six hogs, but you can only exhibit FOUR hogs at the 2021 Madison County Fair

Dog Vaccine and Licensure info due May 1

Dog Vaccine and Licensure Forms: All 4-H dog projects must be in possession by April 1. Dog ID and Vaccine Form and Copy of Dog License (from County) are due by May 1 to the OSU Extension Office or Jenny will be available at the fairgrounds May 1 to drop them off. Contact Jenny Sweet, Dog Key Leader, with any questions at 740-506-3357.

Dog Clinics: Watch for more information to be sent soon for a few dates for dog clinics to practice for show.  Additional Dog Resources are available at https://ohio4h.org/statewide-programs/animal-sciences/dog/dog-resources

Poultry – Broiler Orders & Pollorum Testing

Market Broiler Orders: All Market Chickens must be purchased from our county order. Orders and payment are due April 15. Order your birds here: Broiler Order Form. Birds are $1.75/bird. You should order at least 6 for your project. Payment can be made via check or cash to OSU Extension and dropped off or mailed to our office. Pick up will be Thursday, May 20 from 2-6pm at the fairgrounds.

Pullorum Testing – May 1: Pullorum testing is required for poultry that do not have the NPIP paperwork from the hatchery (market chickens are not tested). Check with the hatchery where you get your birds to see if they already have this done. More info for the May 1 testing date will be sent out closer to. Individuals can also set up their own testing with a certified individual.

Fair Schedule and Rule Book

Coming soon! Watch the Madison County Fair website for the schedule and fair book for specific fair information. Fair week is July 10-17!

New Opportunity for Jr. Fair Sale

Beginning 2021, the Madison County Jr. Fair Livestock exhibitors will have the option to take their market livestock projects home versus sending the animal to the packer at the fair and still be allowed to be a part of the premium sale.  All project requirements must be met, such as showmanship, quality assurance, skill-a-thon, etc. as in previous years to sell in premium sale.

However, per state mandate, all Grand and Reserve Champion market animals MUST still go on to slaughter and cannot be taken home.  Furthermore, exhibitors that plan to take their animal/project home, must declare during entry at the June 1 deadline to allow the Madison County Fair Sale Committee time to supply the packer with shipping numbers.  Those exhibitors taking their projects home must also wait to be released before doing leaving with those animals.

Click here for more information: New Jr. Fair Sale Rule

Contact the Madison County Sales Committee at madisoncountysalescommittee@gmail.com with any questions. 

Livestock & Small Animal Committee Members Needed!

2021 is bringing some fresh changes to our Jr. Fair structure! In lieu of Livestock Key Leaders, the Jr. Fair Livestock program is moving to a committee structure to help encourage sustainability and limit the amount of work for the one person, creating a team effort!

If interested in being a part of this committee, contact madisoncountyjfb@gmail.com to learn more.

The 3 Committees will now consist of:

• Equine Committee (has been in place for several years, If interested, contact Colleen Martin at stephighatlfs@aol.com for information on meetings times, dates, etc.)
• Small Animal/Specialty: includes rabbit, poultry, dog, alpaca, and small animal
• Large Animal Committee: Includes beef, dairy, swine, goat, and sheep

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!

Stay Connected! – ohio4h.org/stayconnected

Now more than ever it’s time for 4-H’ers to make the best better! While youth are at home and staying safe, we still want you to stay connected. Below are links to activities for youth and resources for volunteers. Check back frequently for additional links and program updates!