Sunday, March 31, 2019

REMINDER: State Fair Lamb & Goat Validation Tag orders due 4/10/19

In order to exhibit a market lamb or goat in the State Fair of Texas, that animal must first be validated!  Be sure to order your State Fair Lamb & Goat Validation Tags to let us know that you are validating an animal so you can participate and enter that animal in upcoming show!

All validation forms are available for download at: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/4-h-programs/4-h-livestock-information/

And are directly linked here:


Friday, March 29, 2019

REMINDER: 2019 District 10 Spring Roundup Registration Closes on April 2,2019

Image may contain: text

The District 10 Spring Roundup Guide has been posted!  It is currently available with additional paperwork for specific projects on the Travis 4-H Website under District Events (scroll down).

One of the NEW requirements is that we must submit 1-2 volunteers to assist with the contests in which youth are entered.  Please see the contests below with a link to sign up as a volunteer - this is a great opportunity to learn more about this contest and have a different perspective!

****COUNTY ROUNDUP NOTE: Please sign up on our County/District Signup Spreadsheet to let us know what contest you are planning on participating in at the District Level.  If we have at least 3 teams/individuals participating in contests we will host a County Contest/Roundup during the first or second week of April.  Paperwork will be due BEFORE registration closes in order to make sure we have all potential participants covered.  

2018-2019 District 10 Spring Round-Up
  • Contest Dates:                May 2-4, 2019
  • Locations:                       Fredericksburg, TX
  • Registration Dates:        Regular Registration is March 18-April 2, 2019
  •                                          Late Registration is April 3-4, 2019 ONLY for an additional $25 Fee
  • Paperwork Due Date:     All paperwork required for any contests are due at the County Extension Office by noon on Friday, March 30, 2019 so that we can get it in the mail as soon as possible on Monday, April 1, 2019.  

Contests included:
  • Range & Pasture ID
  • Range Evaluation
  • Mohair Judging
  • Wool Judging
  • Leaders 4 Life
  • Soil Judging
  • Fashion Show - limited to 2 contestants per category, per age group
  • Fashion Storyboards
  • Duds to Dazzle
  • Share-The-Fun
  • Livestock Judging (Moved to April 13, 2019 in Fredericksburg, TX)
  • Smallbore Rifle Contest (Floresville, TX)

2019 Spring Round-Up Guide2019 District 10 4-H Spring Round-Up Guide (as of 3/18/19)

2019 Spring Round-Up Volunteer Sign-Ups:
  • Travis County Google Spreadsheet – Link to sign up!
  • We are required to provide volunteers if we have participants in the following contests:
    • Range Evaluation and Pasture ID – 2 volunteers per county
    • Wool and Mohair Judging – 1 volunteer per county
    • Duds to Dazzle – 1 volunteer per county
    • Fashion Show – 2 volunteers per county
    • Share-The-Fun – 2 volunteers per county

Thursday, March 28, 2019

2019 State Horse Show Updates

2019 State 4-H Horse Show
Goat Tying and Freestyle Reining have been added to the class roster for the State 4-H Horse Show! Check out the complete 2019 Show Rules and Show Schedule at the links below. These resources will also be made available at horse.tamu.edu.

Vet Science Certificate Program Summer Camp applications OPEN! - DUE APRIL 5th


Exciting News received today! The Veterinary Science Certificate Program summer camps are now open. Attached is the survey link and flyer for interested 4-Her’s to complete. 

The survey needs to be completed for consideration no later than April 5th

The dates for the 2 camps are as follows: 
Texas A&M Vet Science Camp is June 17-19, 2019
West Texas A&M Vet Science Camp is July 8-10, 2019.  

Note the Texas A&M camp is no longer the week of State Round as it is the week after. 

We will notify each individual by April 30th whether they will be attending or not and to which camp they will be going to. If you have any questions feel free to contact Dr. Mask at or joe.mask@ag.tamu.edu or Tyler Vogle or tyler.vogel@ag.tamu.edu.





Wednesday, March 27, 2019

2019 Steer Validation Order Forms are now available - Due 4/16

In order to exhibit a steer in a major show, that steer must first be validated!  Be sure to order your Steer Validation Tags to let us know that you are validating an animal so you can participate and enter that animal in upcoming shows!

All validation forms are available for download at: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/4-h-programs/4-h-livestock-information/

And are directly linked here:



2019 State Fair Lamb & Goat Validation Tags Order Forms are due 4/10/19

In order to exhibit a market lamb or goat in the State Fair of Texas, that animal must first be validated!  Be sure to order your State Fair Lamb & Goat Validation Tags to let us know that you are validating an animal so you can participate and enter that animal in upcoming show!

All validation forms are available for download at: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/4-h-programs/4-h-livestock-information/

And are directly linked here:

2019 Heifer UIN # Order Forms are available!

In order to exhibit a heifer in a major show, that heifer must first be validated!  Be sure to order your heifer UIN # to let us know that you are validating an animal so you can participate and enter that animal in upcoming shows!

All validation forms are available for download at: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/4-h-programs/4-h-livestock-information/

And are directly linked here:


REMINDER: 2019 Salute to Excellence Volunteer Awards Nominations due April 1st!



https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/wp-content/themes/texas-4h/images/logo@2x.png

2019 Salute to Excellence Awards

Applications are due Monday, April 1st!


4-H youth succeed each year thanks to hardworking volunteers, employees, and supporters. Honor and thank those individuals and groups who have made an impact on yourself, your 4-H youth, or your program by taking a few minutes of your day to nominate them to be recognized for their service.


Each year, the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program provides awards and recognition for various individuals and groups that provide support to the 4-H program. All awards are presented at the Salute to Excellence Luncheon during Texas 4-H Roundup in
College Station, Texas. 

The 2019 luncheon is scheduled for Wednesday, June 12th during the 2019 Texas 4-H Roundup.


Nominations are open online through April 1st on Formsite to recognize volunteers, donors and AgriLife personnel for their continued commitment to the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program. The six recognition categories are:

·    Leader Legacy
·    Citation for Outstanding Service
·    4-H Alumni
·    Commendable Service
·    Meritorious Service
·    Salute to Excellence



A list of prior award winners is attached on the online application. Please review this list to ensure the person you are nominating has not been honored with the award previously. An award can only be presented one-time to an individual and/or supporter. Descriptions of each category can be found in the Volunteer Recognition Packet.

Please take a few minutes and nominate individuals or groups for their efforts. We all know the value of our volunteers and donors, don’t miss the opportunity to publicly recognize them.

Online nominations accepted: January 18, 2019 – April 1, 2019
Salute to Excellence luncheon: Wednesday, June 12, 2019 in College Station

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Jana Barrett at jcbarrett@ag.tamu.edu or 979.458.0910.

Texas 4-H Youth Development Program | 979.845.1211
1470 William D Fitch Pkwy College Station, TX 77845 | texas4-h.tamu.edu

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

2019 District 10 Spring Roundup Registration is OPEN until April 2!

Image may contain: text

The District 10 Spring Roundup Guide has been posted!  It is currently available with additional paperwork for specific projects on the Travis 4-H Website under District Events (scroll down).

One of the NEW requirements is that we must submit 1-2 volunteers to assist with the contests in which youth are entered.  Please see the contests below with a link to sign up as a volunteer - this is a great opportunity to learn more about this contest and have a different perspective!

****COUNTY ROUNDUP NOTE: Please sign up on our County/District Signup Spreadsheet to let us know what contest you are planning on participating in at the District Level.  If we have at least 3 teams/individuals participating in contests we will host a County Contest/Roundup during the first or second week of April.  Paperwork will be due BEFORE registration closes in order to make sure we have all potential participants covered.  

2018-2019 District 10 Spring Round-Up
  • Contest Dates:                May 2-4, 2019
  • Locations:                       Fredericksburg, TX
  • Registration Dates:        Regular Registration is March 18-April 2, 2019
  •                                          Late Registration is April 3-4, 2019 ONLY for an additional $25 Fee
  • Paperwork Due Date:     All paperwork required for any contests are due at the County Extension Office by noon on Friday, March 30, 2019 so that we can get it in the mail as soon as possible on Monday, April 1, 2019.  

Contests included:
  • Range & Pasture ID
  • Range Evaluation
  • Mohair Judging
  • Wool Judging
  • Leaders 4 Life
  • Soil Judging
  • Fashion Show - limited to 2 contestants per category, per age group
  • Fashion Storyboards
  • Duds to Dazzle
  • Share-The-Fun
  • Livestock Judging (Moved to April 13, 2019 in Fredericksburg, TX)
  • Smallbore Rifle Contest (Floresville, TX)

2019 Spring Round-Up Guide2019 District 10 4-H Spring Round-Up Guide (as of 3/18/19)

2019 Spring Round-Up Volunteer Sign-Ups:
  • Travis County Google Spreadsheet – Link to sign up!
  • We are required to provide volunteers if we have participants in the following contests:
    • Range Evaluation and Pasture ID – 2 volunteers per county
    • Wool and Mohair Judging – 1 volunteer per county
    • Duds to Dazzle – 1 volunteer per county
    • Fashion Show – 2 volunteers per county
    • Share-The-Fun – 2 volunteers per county

Archery Contest in Caldwell County


Freestone County Whiz Bang & Sporting Clays


Freestone County 4-H
Whiz Bang & Sporting Clays Shoot May 11, 2019 At Caney Creek in Teague. 
Registration form and information is below.







Monday, March 25, 2019

2019 East Austin Garden Fair - 4/13/19

Join us for the 2019 East Austin Garden Fair on Saturday, April 13, 2019!  Come see lots of fun gardening activities and visit our 4-H informational booth!!!

We also need some help promoting 4-H!

The East Austin Garden Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2019, at the Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center.  It will be open to the public from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, but we have created shifts from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM to allow y’all to help set up the display and pack it up. 

This experience counts as Promotional Leadership in your recordbook and is a great opportunity to share your 4-H Experience!  You can sign up for a shift on our sign-up genius for the East Austin Garden Fair

We ask you to bring with you:

  • chairs 
  • fun 4-H tokens or ribbons
  • positive attitude!

Please let Mellanie know if you have any questions at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu!  


REMINDER: State Livestock Ambassador Applications Due 5/15/19



The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program is coming off another groundbreaking year. In June 2018, 20 Ambassadors boarded a plane in Houston departing to South America to expand the worldviews of exceptional leaders in agriculture. Ambassadors engaged a valuable study abroad experience in the agriculturally-rich country of Argentina. With visits to family farms, historic ranches, feedlot tours and various production facilities, Ambassadors were able to immerse themselves in South America’s agricultural production systems. As fulfilling as it was for our Ambassadors to be recognized internationally, the program is successful only because of outstanding work you lead locally. In 2019, the program is continuing to expand to include South Texas. We are pleased to announce that we will offer a Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Course in Kingsville in collaboration with TAMU Kingsville. We would like to thank Mr. Kyle McManus for his leadership in getting this unique opportunity off the ground.

Below are the 2019 details and application link. 

2019 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses:
  •  Texas A&M University – Kingsville June 17-20, 2019   
  • Texas A&M University – College Station July 8-11, 2019  
  • Texas Tech University/West Texas A&M University – Lubbock/Canyon July 22-25, 2019 
  • Cost: $250.00 (includes food and lodging)

               
 Selection Criteria:
  • Senior age (14-18) 4-H youth that have exhibited a superior level of ambition regarding his/her livestock projects
  • Students with a profound interest in animal science, animal production and advocacy
  • Students have shown advanced leadership qualities and a willingness to help others
  • Top 25% class rank

Application Process:


  1. Applicant goes to: https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5C2PxJ597FTPIFL
    1. A two-minute YouTube video will be required (instructions can be found within the application)
  2. Student will complete the application and enter the contact information of supervising County Extension Agent
  3. CEA will be automatically emailed a recommendation survey
  4. A selection committee will review the applications and accept up to 25 participants per university
  5. Applications are due May 15, 2019
  6. Applicants will be notified by June 1, 2019 regarding application result

REMINDER: TCYS Auction Thank You Notes due 3/29 to CEO



Each 4-H member who receives a TCYS Buyers’ list must write an individual thank you note to each buyer on the list(s).  I know that many people include thank you notes with their gift baskets; however, there may be more than one buyer so each buyer listed will need to have a thank you note sent to them individually.  Thank you notes need to be at our office by 12:00 Noon Friday, March 29th, so we can verify them and ensure that they arrive at the TCYS Office by April 1st per the TCYS Rules.

Many of you are familiar with the process of thank you notes and checks regarding the TCYS Auction, but for those who may not be or who need a reminder, below are the requirements to keep in mind.
  • Thank you notes consist of the note, envelope, address, and appropriate postage
    • Thank you notes should be sealed in the envelope
    • Envelopes need to be sealed and stamped with the appropriate postage
    • The exhibitor’s return address and buyer’s address need to be written correctly and legibly on the envelope
  • Completed thank you notes need to be brought by members to the County Office (1600-B Smith Road; Austin, Texas) by 12:00 Noon Friday, March 29, 2019.
  • Please double check individual names as youth write them – For example, we have seen a lot of notes addressed to “last name, first name” such as “Mickelson, Mellanie” instead of “Mellanie Mickelson”.  Please help your kiddos as they are writing J
  • NEW this year: TCYS has also asked us to remind everyone that if anyone doesn’t follow this process in any capacity (including, but not limited to: not bringing the notes to the Extension Office, mailing them out personally instead of through the Extension office, not including a thank you note for some of the buyers, etc.), they will be required to rewrite the thank you notes and follow the process above in order to receive their check.


TCYS is hoping to have checks available in May 2019.  Please remember, according to the rules, if a bill is outstanding as of April 1st, the exhibitor will not receive any unpaid portion of the total purchase price from their auction sale lot. If received, a second check will be issued within the calendar year.  So, if TCYS has not received payment from a buyer, then TCYS can’t cut a check to the exhibitor(s) whose projects were purchased. 

Once received by our office, Auction Checks will be distributed to clubs who have completed all of their thank you notes.  Please remember that checks will NOT be distributed to anyone who has not brought their thank you notes to the Extension Office (this means that nobody should be mailing their notes directly).

If you have any questions, please let us know!  Happy writing!

Friday, March 22, 2019

REMINDER: Youth Leadership Program Registration is open

Our Youth Leadership Program is going to take place on June 3rd, 4th, & 6th this year!  Come join us as we will do some in-depth learning about public speaking, along with tips and techniques, as well as develop and present three, 3-5 minute speeches.

Please see the informational flyer below and be sure to register online at https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/4-h-programs/4-h-events/registrations/ 

If you need any type of accommodation to participate in this program or have
questions about the physical access provided, please contact Mellanie at
512-854-9600 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu at least 2 days prior to the program.