One Day 4-H - Statewide Community Service

Travis County 4-H will be assisting with the NAMI Walk again this year on Saturday, October 8, 2011. This partnership was developed two years ago and 4-H supplies the water and bowls for the dogs that are in attendance with their owners. 4-H families planning to participate need to bring a gallon of water and plastic bags to have on hand for the dog owners to utilize for clean up purposes. Those who assist are also allowed to participate in the walk. Email Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu if you plan to participate.

The walk takes place at: W. Riverside Drive at S. 1st Street, Austin and starts at 8:00 a.m. and will be done between 10:30 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.


Need a cool and fun t-shirt to wear as you make a difference? Order your 2011 one day 4-H shirt between today and September 25, 2011. For information on ordering download the one day 4-H t-shirt ordering instructions. http://texas4-h.tamu.edu/library/files/community_oneday_t-shirt_order_instructions.pdf

Horses Available - Possible 4-H Projects

Like all Texans, we are drought stricken and have a situation that I thought could possibly give a chance to several young horses and help out 4-H kids in their horse project. We have about 50 young horse ranging in age from yearlings to 5 yr. old. They are registered foundation quarter horses. My son was in Tarrant and Parker 4-H in his younger years and would like to offer back something of value to help keep kids interested in animals. He has worked 15 years developing this line of horses and except for the dried up water tanks and no hay, these horses would not be leaving our place. I thought possibly you could get the word out to all 4-H, even in other states if possible, that these horses need homes and we are willing in this devastating horse economy to let these animals go at very low cost. You can check out their quality on our website:  www.gurskyhorsecompany.com. It is not updated with all their photos but if you check out the "life on the ranch" you can see the quality mares and babies we raise.  There are grays, bays, roans, palomino, buckskin, sorrel and duns. All of the horses being offered were born and raised on our ranch in Bryson, TX. These are healthy, well developed animals just waiting to get a good home. If they call Kevin @940-351-6025 or 940-664-2020 be sure and say they are from 4-H looking for prospect to get the very best deal.
 

2012 Roundup Logo and Theme Contest

Get your creative juices flowing to design the 2012 Roundup Logo and and Theme as Texas 4-H embarks on a new adventure and heads to Lubbock. Submissions are due October. Check out the following website for more information. Contest Rules for 2012 Logo and Theme

Lamb and Goat Validation - Volunteers Needed

Adult and a handful of youth volunteers are needed to assist with lamb and goat validation on October 18, 2011 at the EXPO Center. Volunteers should arrive at 11:00 a.m. If interesting in assisting, please contact Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu.

Operation Supply Drop

Texas 4-H is coordination Operation Supply Drop to support our Firefighters. Check out the flyer for donation information.
Operation Supply Drop Flyer

You may bring your items to the Travis County Extension Office - 1600 B Smith Road - Austin, TX 78721

Travis 4-H Facebook Page

For those who prefer to not check email regularly or check the blog, but are an avid Facebook user, be sure to like the Travis County 4-H page. It would also be a good idea to like the Texas 4-H and Youth Development page.

This will aide you in being apprised of upcoming events and activities in very timely fashion.

Texas 4-H Standard Newsletter

The September 2011 Edition of the monthly state-wide 4-H newsletter is now available for viewing on your 4-H CONNECT homepage.  To view the Texas 4-H Standard, log on to your 4-H CONNECT account and click on this month's newsletter located in the newsletter section of your screen.
The newsletter is also available online through the Texas 4-H and Youth Development website at the following location:
Texas 4-H Standard Newsletter
This month's newsletters features articles on:

• No One's On the Bench by Dr. Chris Boleman
• one day 4-H and National 4-H Week Information and Resources
• Important Annoucement on 2012 Texas 4-H Roundup Contest Changes
• Food Challenge Resource Update
• 4-H Doodle Contest
• Billboards Across Texas Campaign
• Junior Leadership Retreat at the Texas 4-H Conference Center
• Foundation Alliance Updates
• 2011-2012 Texas 4-H Calendar

Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo - Calf Scramble - Big Changes

- New format for 2012 – Ultimate Scramble Championship

- Purchase certificate value of at least $1000 while others could be awarded $1,500, $2,000, $2,500, or $5,000

- Certificates used to purchase market steer, market lamb, market goat, market barrow, breeding heifer, or breeding goat.

- Must show the animal in the 2013 Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo.

- Entries begin January 15, 2012 directly to the show.

- Entry fee is $25.

Quality Counts Verification for TCYS and All Major Livestock Shows

If you plan to exhibit a youth fair or livestock project at the Travis County Youth Show or a livestock project at any of the majors (Fort Worth, San Antonio, San Angelo, Houston or Star of Texas) you are required to complete the newly mandated Quality Counts Verification. Below is a link to information about the new mandate. Once you have read the information page, if you have questions please email Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu


Information Page About Requirements

Clovers and Cameras Workshop

Check out this link for the photography workshop opportunity - Clovers and Cameras Workshop.

Pedernales Electric 2012 Youth Tour Contest

For the 30th year, Pedernales Electric is joining other electric cooperatives across the country to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour program. For PEC's 2012 Youth Tour Contest, we are asking area high school students to write essays considering green initiatives for their school, community or favorite organization. Applications and essays are due October 24.
Click here to apply online »

Your family must be PEC account holder.

2012 Swine Validation Tag Orders

The form has been posted on the Travis 4-H Website and can be found by clicking this link  - Tag Order Form

Manor FFA Lamb and Goat Prospect Show

Check out the following link for the pdf flyer for the show - Manor FFA Prospect Show flyer

2011 Sportsman Soiree Wild Game Dinner!

2011 State Fair of Texas "Quality Counts" Photo Contest

New this year is the “Quality Counts” photo contest. Youth from around the state can submit up to five photos, one in each category. This contest gives students the opportunity to showcase their photography skills and the beauty of agriculture in the state of Texas. The categories are: Texas Livestock, Texas Agriculture, Best Practices in Animal Husbandry, Youth Helping Youth, and Texas Youth Show Ring. Photos must be submitted online by midnight on September 6. 

More information may be found on the State Fair Website

Cowboy Country Bash

2012 Broiler Order for SALE/HLSR/STFR

If you plan to exhibit broilers at the following major stock shows; San Antonio, Houston or the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo, the order form is due to the Travis County Extension Office by October 6th. The form may be found at this link - Broiler Order Form - Please remember that this is not the set that will be used for the Travis County Youth Show.

Fryer Order for 2012 Travis County Youth Show

If you plan to exhibit chickens at the 2012 Travis County Youth Show, the order form has been posted on the Travis County Youth Show website - Show Link. Please note that if you are familiar with the process in the past, this is a new process this year.The birds you buy for TCYS will NOT be able to be used for any of the major shows. These birds are for TCYS use only.

The order form is due to the Travis County Extension Office by Thursday, September 29th. Form and money must physically be in the office. If you have any questions, please email Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu

Clovers and Cameras - Workshop

Find out how to make the most of your 4-H Photography project during this five series workshop! 4-H’ers,
leaders, and volunteers will learn from the pros. All participants must be at least 11 years of age and
have their own camera to bring to the workshops. The five Workshop Package
is $125 and includes lunch and a educational booklet from all workshops. While individual workshops are $30 each and includes lunch and educational materials for a individual workshop. Registration will open on August 15th on 4-H CONNECT and each workshop is limited to the first 30 registrations.
Session Dates and Topics will be:
September 10th: Photography 101
October 2nd: Portraits
October 15th: Photojournalism
October 22nd: Landscapes
November 6th: Beyond the Photos with Design
For more information contact Amy Dromgoole at 979- 458-4227 or by email at amy.dromgoole@tamu.edu. To download an informational pamphlet visit: http://texas4-h.tamu.edu.

Texas 4-H Is Looking For A New Theme Song

Do we have an opportunity for an inspiring youth song writing and performer. Two years ago, former 4-H
member, Brison Bursey wrote and performed the theme for the one day 4-H community service project. We are looking for the next Brison Bursey! Entries are now being accepted by any active Texas 4-H member for a  theme song that highlights what Texas 4-H is all about. Entries must be the original work of the person/group entering the song. Entries will be evaluated on the words, music score, and audience appeal. Score can be performed by individual or a band and can follow any genre. Entries must be submitted by September 15, 2011 and the winner will be announced on Monday of National 4-H Week (October 3, 2011). The winning entry will be awarded a $200.00 prize and be featured throughout the
week and year at events and activities hosted by Texas 4-H. Entries will need to be sent via e-mail (t-lepley@
tamu.edu) or by mail on a CD/flash drive to Texas 4-H Office c/o Toby Lepley, 4180 State Hwy 6 South, College Station, TX 77845. Entries need to include the county where members are from, song writers name, names of all performers, and ages. Song writers and singers must be 4-H members, but can use adults as band members. The winning entry becomes the property of the Texas 4-H and Youth Development Program for use in 4-H programming with credit and recognition given to the 4-H member/band.