Foods/Healthy Lifestyles Workshop

For those interested in the food and nutrition and/or healthy lifestyles projects, a workshop is being conducted on Monday, October 10, 2011. 9:00 a.m. at the Travis County Extension Office. Check out the flyer below. Topics to be covered include; food show, food challenge, nutrition quiz bowl and healthy lifestyles project.
Workshop Flyer

Travis County 4-H on Twitter

For those who Tweet...you can follow Travis County 4-H on Twitter @TravisCounty4H

Cole Lindgren Benefit

New Recordbook Keeping System Workshop

Recordbooks have changed for the 2011-2012 4-H year! The District 10 4-H Program is hosting a Recordbook Workshop at the Hays County Extension Office located at 1253 Civic Center Loop in San Marcos on November 1^st at 6:30pm. The program is open to all counties. If you want to get a jump start and find out about the new recordkeeping system and preview what they will look like please attend! You are welcome to bring a laptop if you have one.

Dairy Goats Need a New Home

Three male goats born April 11, 2011; Half Nubian and half Alpine, these dairy goats are ready for a new home, no cost.  They have been de-horned but have a couple of small scars.  They have not yet been castrated.  If interested, please contact jgrigsby@austin.rr.com.

Prospect Shows

As prospect show announcements are received, the flyers are posted at travis4h.com. Look under the tab "4-H Animal and Livestock Information" to find out all the details.

September 26, 2011 - County Council Meeting

Howdy Fellow 4-H'ers!
The Travis County 4-H Council is inviting all interested 4-H'ers to attend the first meeting of the year!  Anyone who was elected to serve as a council delegate for your club is encouraged to attend. This meeting's theme is tailgating so wear a favorite t-shirt supporting your favorite team and bring a snack to share.
Where: 4-H Office - 1600 B Smith Rd, Austin, 78721
When: September 26th, 7:00 p.m.
Hope to see all of you there!

    ~ Meredith Masi - Travis County 4-H Council Membership/Programs Chair

Food Show Information

For those involved in the Foods and Nutrition Project, the county food show information has been posted to the website at www.travis4h.com. Information may be found under the "Forms" page. This year, the food show will be conducted on a Wednesday afternoon/evening to hopefully avoid a bulk of other school activities that are on the weekends.

2012 TCYS Junior Superintedent

Applications may be found on the TCYS website - Junior Superintendent Application
Apps are due to the TCYS Office by October 3rd - NO EXCEPTIONS

Volunteers Needed for Cat Show

The Austin Cat Fanciers Annual Championship Cat and Household Pet Cat Show, Oct 8-9, 2011 is being held at the Palmer Events Center.  Ring Stewards are needed for the show.  6 Stewards each day. The preferred Steward age is 12 years and older.  Each Steward receives $15 and a free lunch each day.  They assist the Ring Clerk and Judge with cleaning the Ring cages and managing the placement of Cat Number cards between classes of cats being judged.

Exhibitors bring their show kittens and cats to the Show from all over the USA and other countries.  Our Judges are also from various states in the USA and sometimes from other countries as well.

Here is our Club’s website:  http://www.austincatfanciers.com

More information on “What is a Cat Show?” can be found here:   http://www.austincatfanciers.com/Spectator_Information.html

Please contact Allan Seils at:  aseils@earthlink.net

This would be a great opportunity for those in the companion animal project. 

2011 Varous Shooting Sports Results

Dylan Lee - Shotgun - Whiz Bang  "C" Class, Senior 2 - 2nd Place
Sam Eickenhorst -Shotgun - America Trap "d" Class Junior - 2nd Place
Anna Koscielniak - Archery Postal League- Bare Bow - Senior 1 "A" Class- 3rd Place
Heather Smith -  Archery Postal League - Bare Bow - Intermediate "A" Class - 2nd Place
Kevin Vaughn - BB Gun Postal League - Junior "A" Class - 3rd Place
Benjamin Eickenhorst - BB Gun Postal League - Intermediate "B" Class - 3rd Place
Kevin Vaughn - Archery Postal League - Bare Bow - Junior "A" Class - 1st Place
Cameron Boecker - Archery Postal League - Compound Junior "A" Class - 1st Place

If there are additional results that need to be included, please email Cory at cmtalley@ag.tamu.edu

Quality Counts - Livestock Test

If you are exhibiting livestock at TCYS or at a major show, click on the link below to be directed to the Quality Counts website.
Clarifications: Texas Trail is a training module - not the actual test
                      Verification - click this link to take the test.

Quality Counts

Please complete the test by November 1st. The Extension Office can check the status of completion at any time.

TCYS - Character Counts Test - Youth Fair Participants Only

For those who plan to enter youth fair items only in the Travis County Youth Show, you need to complete the test on the link below. Your answers will be dropped into a spreadsheet for Cory and John to review. If you do not pass with a 90% you will need to retake the test until you do. An email will be sent to you to confirm your status.
For an overview of the Six Pillars of Character, check out the following website:
Character Counts Information
TCYS Character Counts Test
Please complete the test by November 1st.
If you have any questions, please contact Cory

Donations for Fire Victims

Donations are being accepted by our office for items to be distributed to those displaced by the fire. One of the Travis County AgriLife Extension Staff members house was lost as well as a former 4-H family who are still supporters of the 4-H program. Help us help them as they begin to rebuild and get back on their feet.

Items asked to be donated:
Linens
Kitchen Items/Appliances
Other household items
Gift Cards

other items will be accepted as we know we will be able to donate all items accepted.

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.