Author: Bruce Zimmer

How and Why to Test for Forage Quality

Interested in testing your forage quality? OSU Extension, Washington County has a hay probe you can borrow.

The forage probe requires their own drill, “1/2” drill works best”, or a 3/8” drill with adapter

Requires a $25 deposit and a signed form acknowledging financial responsibility for damage etc.  Laymen’s terms, you brake it, you bought it.

Forage Analysis (dry samples only) prices: https://u.osu.edu/forageanalysis/sample-page/

Sample Submission: https://u.osu.edu/forageanalysis/sample-submission/

 

How and Why to Test for Forage Quality

Upcoming Project Clinics

4-H Offering Summer Clinics

Washington County 4-H is offering a variety of project clinics for local interested youth. The clinics are open to all youth, regardless if  enrolled in 4-H or taking the 4-H project. Clinics are for youth ages 8 and up.

  • 4-H Cake Decorating Clinic—Monday, June 9 starting at 9:00 am at the OSU Extension Office. Beginner and Intermediate sessions. Taught by Sloane Matics. Register by clicking here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094EADA72CA1FD0-20222
  • Food Fun Adventure Clinic—Friday, June 13 starting at 9:00 at the OSU Extension Office. Cooking how-tos and snack making. Taught by 4-H Home Economics Committee (Joyce Kronberg & Darlene Burke-Ogletree). Register by calling OSU Extension at 740-376-7431
  • 4-H Outdoors, Trees, and Birds Project Clinic—Tuesday, June 17 starting at 9:00 am at the Barlow Fairgrounds. Taught by Hannah Swope & Alexis Lane from Soil & Water Conservation. Register by clicking here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094EADA72CA1FD0-49711504-4hgardening
  • 4-H Gardening Project Open House & Clinic—Wednesday June 25 starting at 9:00 am at the OSU Extension Teaching Gardens. Taught by OSU Extension Master Gardeners. Register by clicking here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094EADA72CA1FD0-57035453-4hgardening

Families can register their children by contacting  OSU Extension at 740-376-7431 or finding more information at Washington.osu.edu

Camp Counselors Attend Retreat

4-H Summer camps are just around the corner and your camp counselors are busy planning for your arrival at Camp Hervida. The counselors will be attending Counselor’s Camp soon at Hervida and they recently attended a evening retreat at Erb n Roots Farm. The counselors enjoyed some down time before camp kicks off with an evening of gathering, hiking, games, and leadership building activities. Thanks Erb n Roots for hosting us!

Funds for the registration expense were provided by Foundation for Appalachia – Kevin F Arnold Endowment

Monroe County Multi-specie Clinic – June 28

A multi-species animal clinic we held in Monroe County on June 28th at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. This is a nice event that offers hands-on practice and grooming demonstrations as well as many great door prize giveaways. They welcome participation from other counties, so please share the flier with your members or on your social media accounts.

Clinics Include:

  • Beef
  • Sheep
  • Goats
  • Swine
  • Poultry
  • Rabbits

Ohio State Fair Skillathons

In-Person & Virtual Ohio Youth Skillathons

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, 2025, and FFA members. 4-H and FFA members turning 19 on or before December 31, 2024, are too old to participate in skillathons.

Find all the details and rules here: https://ohio4h.org/animalsciences/ohio-4-h-animal-sciences-program/ohio-4-h-skillathons

RULES:

  • There is no pre-registration for any of the 2025 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
  • 2025 In-Person & Market (OME) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 3.26.2025)
  • 2025 Virtual Proctored Breeding (OBE) Ohio Youth Skillathon Rules (posted 3.26.2025)
  • Outstanding Exhibitor Rules (OME and OBE)
  • Record Book Rules 
  • 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, 2025, and FFA members.
  • You do not have to exhibit a particular species to participate in that species Skillathon (EXCEPT FOR BREEDING SKILLATHON).
  • Any specific rules for an individual species will be outlined on the testing site.
  • Virtual participation skillathons will be delivered through Qualtrics. You must have access to a computer with the ability to access the internet.
    • Even though virtual Skillathons are online, each Skillathon must be taken by the youth only without assistance from family or friends.
  • (OBE) Breeding Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair for Beef, Sheep, and Swine.
    • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Breeding Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species OBE skillathon
  • In-person Skillathons will be held during the youth livestock shows at the Ohio State Fair
    • Note: To be eligible for Outstanding Market Exhibitor, youth MUST compete in their species in-person skillathon
  • 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.
    • Youth will be required to show proof of Winning 4-H Plan, IEP, or other appropriate and current documentation to receive accommodations. 
  • Results will be posted for each age category, age division, and overall after the Skillathon is completed.

How to Register for Virtual Skillathons:

  • Open from May 26th – October 13th, Online.
  • There is no pre-registration for any of the 2025 Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
  • This is intended to serve as practice for youth interested in the Ohio State Fair Skillathons.
  • This may also replace requirements for county fair skillathons (please check with your fair for requirements).
    • If you are using this skillathon for credit at your county fair, check for specific completion requirements with your fair.
  • Species Links Below:

4-H Gardening Project Open House & Clinic

Date: Wednesday, June 25

Time: 9:00 – 11:00 am

Topics: Explore the OSU Extension Teaching Garden, View the Raised Beds, Learn About the Teaching Garden, Question & Answer Time

Who: 4-H Members with Gardening Projects or interest in gardening

Where: OSU Extension Teaching Gardens, Address: 342 Muskingum Dr, Marietta, OH 45750 (beside the parking lot)

Taught by: OSU Extension Master Gardeners

Registration: Use this Link! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094EADA72CA1FD0-57035453-4hgardening

Questions: Call the Extension Office at 740-376-7431

What to Bring: 4-H Gardening Project Book, pen/pencil, clipboard, water to drink

4-H Outdoors, Trees, and Birds Project Clinic

Date: Tuesday, June 17

Time: 9:00 – 11:30 am

Topics: Tree ID, Hiking, Common Bird ID, Stream Exploration (macro sampling & water quality), Animal Skins & Skulls, Plant ID, Animal Track ID, Make & Take an Animal Track, Build a bird box for the Barlow Fairgrounds

Who: 4-H Members with Outdoor, Tree, and Birds projects or youth interested in these topics

Where: Barlow Fairgrounds – meet at the pavilion on the hill

Taught by: Hannah Swope and Alexis Lane from Washington County Soil & Water Conservation. Assisted by Bruce Zimmer, OSU Extension

Registration: Use this Link! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094EADA72CA1FD0-49711504-4hgardening

Questions: Call the Extension Office at 740-376-7431

What to Bring: 4-H Project Book, pen/pencil, clipboard, water to drink, snack if desired

4-H Club Poster Contest – Due June 16

Make sure your club is represented in the 2025 4-H Club Poster Contest!!

  • Entries are due Monday, June 16 to the OSU Extension Office
  • Full sized poster board (22 x 28)
  • One entry per club
  • Posters will be shared online and public will vote on the following awards
    • Overall favorite 4-H poster
    • Best message to join 4-H
    • Most artistic design
    • Best use of 2025 4-H Theme (4-H – The Recipe to Opportunities)
  • Posters and awards will be posted at the Washington County Fair!

Noble County Woof Classic – July 1

July 1, 2025
6 :00 P M ( Registration at 5:30 PM)
Noble County Fairgrounds

Pre-registration due June 24

2025 Woof Classic

Classes:

  • Showmanship A
  • Showmanship B
  • Pee-Wee Showmanship
  • Adult Showmanship
  • Beginner Novice A
  • Beginner Novice B
  • Novice A
  • Novice B
  • Grad Novice A
  • Grad Novice B
  • Preferred Novice
  • Pre Novice
  • Agility Course Runs

Preregistration at https://go.osu.edu/2025woofclassic

Ohio State Fair Livestock Information

Ohio State Fair Livestock Schedule: July 13 – August 3, 2025

Market animals – (ownership Dates)

  • Market beef – January 1
  • Market swine – May 23
  • Market lambs – May 23
  • Market goats – May 1
  • Dairy feeders – June 1
  • Market rabbits – June 1
  • Market poultry – within 5 days of hatch

Breeding animals – (ownership Dates)

  • Breeding Beef – May 22
  • Breeding Swine – May 22
  • Breeding Sheep – May 22
  • Breeding Goats – May 16
  • Breeding Poultry – May 31
  • Breeding rabbits – May 31
  • Dairy Cattle – May 22