2018 SALE Highlights - Week 1

2018 San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Highlights

2018 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program Applications are OPEN - DUE June 1, 2018

The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program is coming off another groundbreaking year. In August 2017, 20 Ambassadors boarded a plane in Dallas headed for the west coast. We traveled to California on an domestic agricultural experience. With visits to family farms, historic ranches, feedlot tours and various production facilities, Ambassadors were able to immerse themselves in the intense agricultural production systems of California. Ambassadors left the experience with a better understanding of dynamic agricultural production in a unique regulatory environment.

As Agents here in Travis County, we are looking for youth who are interested in learning more about the livestock industry through similar in-depth methods and who are interested in advocating for the livestock industry.  We want these individuals to serve in a leadership role in our County, as well as our State, assisting us with educational programs for 4-H members interested in showing livestock. 

Below are the 2018 application details and link for the State Level Ambassadorship.  Up to 25 applicants will be selected at the State Level.  The Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program booklet is available on the Travis County 4-H Website on the 4-H Livestock and Animal Information Page.

2018 Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Short Courses:

• Texas A&M University July 16-19, 2018 (Cost: $250)
• Texas Tech University/West Texas A&M University July 23-26, 2018 (Cost: $250)

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: http://tamuag.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3O9MuXE8KeGj1sh
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 June 1, 2018
6. Applicants will be notified by June 15, 2018 regarding application result

2018 Texas 4-H Congress

Texas 4-H Congress is a four-day mock legislative experience for 4-H members in grades 9^th to 12^th (at the time of the event).  During this time, 4-H members assume the roles of senators, representatives, lobbyists, press corps, and special interest groups to gain a first-hand understanding of how the legislative process works.  Bills that are written and sponsored by 4-H members focus on issues concerning Texas and Texas youth.  These bills are assigned to the appropriate committee, debated in committee meetings, and then on the floor of the House or Senate.  If a bill is successful in negotiation and the legislative debate in all three stages, it is delivered to the Governor of Texas 4-H Congress for his or her signature or veto.  Copies of all the bills that are signed into law during Texas 4-H Congress are provided to the Office of the Governor for review.

For any Travis County youth interested in participating in Texas 4-H Congress, please read the information below and make sure you fully understand the process by which youth will be selected to attend:

State Congress is a unique opportunity that comes with unique requirements to be eligible to participate. Travis County is guaranteed two (2) slots for youth to serve as a House of Representative Member or a Senate member. Youth do not apply for either of these two positions; they apply for the process of being selected to attend the event. House and Senate responsibilities are assigned later by the State 4-H office to the youth selected to attend from each county. Each youth who is accepted to attend Congress must submit a bill.

For youth to be considered for the two Travis County 4-H Slots, they must complete the application and submit it to Mellanie via email (MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu) by Wednesday, March 14, 2018. 

The applications will be judged and all applicants will be ranked. If not all slots are filled statewide, there is a possibility for others applicants to move up, but this is not a guarantee and is determined at the district level. This is why all applicants will be ranked based on their submitted application.

• Lobbyist – This option is designed for youth who have attended the previous Congress event (Summer 2016) and have met the grade requirement and must submit their online application in 4-H Connect by March 23rd.
•  Press Corp Member – This option is open to youth wanting to attend Congress and meet the grade requirement. Any youth wanting to attend should submit this application to better your chances in being accepted to attend Congress. Youth must also complete the Travis County 4-H Application in the event you are not selected as a Press Corp member. Must apply online on 4-H Connect by March 23rd.

Any 4-H member can submit a bill regardless if they are attending Texas 4-H Congress or not in order for them to be engaged in the legislative process and the 4-H citizenship project.  This will give all 4-H members the opportunity to participate in an exercise in civic engagement. To accomplish the writing and submission of legislative bills it is recommended that the County Extension Agent, or a volunteer, assist the youth in learning about what a quality bill is, how to write one, and then submitting the bill on-line. Refer to the Texas 4-H publication entitled “Understanding the Texas Legislative Process, A Guide for Participating in Texas 4-H Congress.”  This publication is located on the Texas 4-H website. 4-H members from the same county, or others counties, are not allowed to submit the same bill for meeting this requirement.  Bills must be submitted online by May 15th.

CHANGE FOR 2018:  A requirement for a 4-H member to participate in Texas 4-H Congress is that they submit a COMPLETE bill for consideration.  This includes Texas 4-H Council and Tech Team members. 

For more  information and forms, click here and scroll to State Events.

2018 Texas 4-H Center Summer Staff Opportunity for former 4-H'ers

The Texas 4-H Center in Brownwood, Texas is looking for 2018 4-H Camp Counselors! Are you a former 4-H member who is a great leader, energetic, loves playing games, and wants to gain valuable experience?  The application is on their website texas4hcenter.tamu.edu.

2018 Robertson County Invitational CDE Contest - Livestock, Vet Tech, & Wool

The Robertson County Invitational CDE Contest is scheduled for Thursday, March 29, 2018.  Both 4-H & FFA Teams are welcome.  

The official flyer is below.  Registrations is through https://www.judgingcard.com/.  Please contact the Extension Office to register.

2018 Robertson County Invitational Judging Contests - Livestock Judging & Wool/Mohair Judging

The Robertson County 4-H Judging Contest is scheduled for Friday, March 30, 2018.  The contests includes Livestock Judging with Reasons, as well as a Wool & Mohair Judging contest.  Both 4-H & FFA Teams are welcome.  

The official flyer is below.  Registrations is through https://www.judgingcard.com/.  Please contact the Extension Office to register.

2018 Texas 4-H Roundup Update - Hotel Room Blocks and Roundup Blog

There are 117 days until the 2018 Texas 4-H Roundup!!  EEK!!

The Texas 4-H Roundup Committees are trying something new this year - since everyone is so busy in the Spring, they are setting a goal to send out updates regarding Texas 4-H Roundup on Wednesdays on the newly created Texas 4-H Roundup blog area so that you can easily find information. The blog should allow for you to search and find what you may need, even from your mobile device.  Hopefully, this will help all of us keep up with deadlines and other information!

The blog is located at https://texas4hroundup.blogspot.com/

 Prior released information:

• Trade Show Registration Now Open
• Texas 4-H Roundup T-shirt Design Contest
• 2018 Texas 4-H Theme Reveal! Are You Ready?
• 2018 Texas 4-H Roundup Guideline and Contest Rules

New this week:

• Hotel Room Block Information

TCYS Scholarship Applications & 2019 Rules Change Form

TCYS Scholarship Applications:
For all graduating High School Seniors, the TCYS Scholarship Application is now available!  Applications are available on the TCYS website at http://traviscountyyouthshow.org/scholarship, along with the requirements and instructions.  Some things to remember:

• Please look very closely at the requirements - there are several documents you will need to submit with the application and they can take some time to obtain
• Applications are due by March 15, 2018 and must be signed by an Extension Agent or Ag Teacher.  
• Please remember to be as descriptive as possible and sell yourself!  You are more than welcome to send a digital copy to our office (MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu) or your Club Manager to review your application to help you with this.
• If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Violet Alexander at crusieralexander@sbcglobal.net

2019 TCYS Rules Change Form:
If you would like to submit feedback for a rules change for the 2019 Travis County Youth Show, you may submit your request on the 2019 Rules Change Form.  The TCYS Board will collect rules changes until March 21, 2018 at 5:00 pm.  You will need to reference the verbiage in the 2018 rules you would like to change; they are available here.

2018 District 10 Spring Roundup Guide is Available

The District 10 Spring Roundup Guide has been posted!  It is currently available with additional paperwork for specific projects on the Travis4-H Website under District Events.  

One of the NEW requirements is that we must submit 1-2 volunteers to assist with each contest in which youth are entered.  If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Mellanie at MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu by March 22, 2018

2018  District Spring Round-Up
April 19-21, 2018
Fredericksburg, TX

Contests included:

o   Range & Pasture ID

o   Soil Judging

o   Range Evaluation

o   Wool Judging

o   Mohair Judging

o   Leaders 4 Life

o   Fashion Show 

o   Fashion Storyboards

o   Duds to Dazzle

o   Livestock Judging

o   Smallbore Rifle Contest (Floresville, TX)

o   Share-The-Fun

Registration for these contests will be open in 4-H CONNECT from March 8-22, 2018.

February 2018 Travis County - 4-H Agent Schedules & Calendar of Upcoming Events

Hello everyone!!

As we enter into San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, and Rodeo Austin Shows I am working on sending out reminders to help families checking in as much as possible.  I have gotten all of the letters sent to each of the schools for San Angelo and San Antonio.

I will be working on Houston and Rodeo Austin reminders and eligibility letters over the next couple of weeks.  My February Schedule is a little hectic – I will be out of the office quite a bit; however, if anyone needs anything from the office – please have them email or call me ahead of time on my cell phone and I will do my best to have our staff accommodate them.  My cell phone will be on pretty much 24/7 with the livestock shows for families that have overnight stalling and unloading – if you do not get an answer and there is an issue, please call until I answer.

• February 7-8 – I will be in San Antonio at the show
• February 10-22 – I will be in San Antonio at the show
• February 19 – Monday Holiday – Extension Office is closed
• February 26 – I will be IN the office all day – we have a Club Manager meeting at 6:30 PM at the office
• February 27 – I will be in meetings during the morning hours and IN the office during the afternoon
• February 28 – I will be IN the office in the morning; I will be giving a program to schools in the afternoon

Please let me know if you need anything!!  Happy showing and good luck!!!
- Mellanie

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TRAVIS COUNTY EVENTS
Date of Event	Deadline to Apply	Name of Event
Monday, February 19, 2018	NA	Holiday - County Extension Office Closed
Sunday, February 26, 2017	NA	Club Manager Meeting - (6:30 PM at Extension Office)
Saturday, March 03, 2018	2/23	March Madness Invitational Shoot
Monday, March 26, 2018	NA	4-H FCH Coalition Meeting (5:00 PM)
Monday, March 26, 2018	NA	County Council Meeting (6:30 PM)
1st week of April	NA	Tentative County Roundup Contests TBD - by request
Monday, April 09, 2018		Tentative - Recordbook Workshop (6:00 PM)
April 15-21, 2018	NA	National Volunteer Week
Monday, April 16, 2018	NA	Club Managers Meeting (6:30 PM - WebEx)
Monday, April 30, 2018	NA	County Council Meeting (6:30 PM)
Friday, May 04, 2018	5/4	2018 Travis County Photography Contest
TBA	TBA	Validation Tag Orders Due - State Fair Swine, Lamb, and Goat
TBA	TBA	Validation Tag Orders Due - Major Steer and Spring Heider Validation
DISTRICT 10 EVENTS
Date of Event	Deadline to Apply	Name of Event
Monday, February 12, 2018	1/22 - 2/1	District 10 Photography Contest (in 4-H CONNECT)
Saturday, February 17, 2018	11/30	Tentative - District 10 CDM (SALE)
Thursday, April 19-21, 2018	TBA	District 10 Spring Roundup Events - be sure to see the contest changes!
EXTERNAL COUNTY, STATE,  AND NATIONAL EVENTS
Date of Event	Deadline to Apply	Name of Event
February 2-18, 2018	11/30	San Angelo Livestock Show
Friday. February 2-3, 2018	1/19	Montgomery County 4-H Dog Show
February 8-25, 2018	11/30	San Antonio Livestock Show (Mellanie in San Antonio 2/11-2/22)
Friday, February 9-11, 2018	1/26	2018 ReFashion Retreat - Brownwood
Wednesday, February 14, 2018	2/14	2018 State 4-H Dog Show T-Shirt contest entries due
Saturday, February 24-25, 2018	2/16	2018 D11 Shooting Sports Training - Victoria, TX
Sunday, February 18, 2018	2/18	2018 Beekeeping Essay Contest - Essays due
February 27-March 18, 2018	11/30	Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Mellanie in Houston 3/6-3/16)
Saturday, March 03, 2018	12/22	2017-2018 Gear Robotics Participation
Saturday, March 03, 2018	2/23	2018 March Madness Invitational Shoot
Saturday, March 3-4, 2018	2/19	2018 D6 4-H Spring Shooting Sports Coaches Training
Saturday, March 3-4, 2018		2018 Madison County 4-H Whizbang Shoot
Saturday, March 10-24, 2018	11/30	Rodeo Austin
Saturday, March 10-13, 2018	TBA	2018 Steve Lantvit Riding Clinic - Fort Stockton
Saturday, March 10-11, 2018	3/5	2018 D7 Shooting Sports Coach Training - Brownwood, TX
Thursday, March 15, 2018	3/15	Applications are due for 2018 Texas Youth Brigades
Friday, March 16-17, 2018	3/2	2018 Texas 4-H Indoor Archery Match (Fort Stockton Location)
Friday, March 16-17, 2018	3/2	2018 Texas 4-H Indoor Archery Match (Graham Location)
Tuesday, March 20, 2018	10/23	Youth in Action Awards Ceremony in Washington DC
Friday, March 23-24, 2018	3/2	2018 Texas 4-H Indoor Archery Match (Bay City Location)
Saturday, February 24, 2018	2/15	2018 Ellis County 4-H Open Invitational Archery Tournament
Saturday, March 31, 2018	3/1	2018 Henderson County Whiz Bang
Sunday, April 1-15, 2018	4/15	State Texas 4-H Photography Contest Rules & Guidelines
Thursday, April 05, 2018	NA	2018 Atascosa Calf Breeder's Sale
Friday, April 13-14, 2018	3/22	2018 Texas 4-H Indoor Archery Match (Carrizo Springs Location)
Sunday, April 15, 2018	4/15	2018 Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Applications are due
Sunday, April 15, 2018	4/15	State Photography Entries Due (Seniors only)
April 20- 22, 2018	TBA	Shooting Sports Extravaganza (Brownwood)
Tuesday, May 01, 2018	5/1	2018 Wildlife Conservation Camp (Applications DUE)
Friday, June 22-23, 2018	May 30, 2018	2018 Texas 4-H Outdoor Challenge (registration open 5/1/18 to 5/30/18)
Friday, July 13-15, 2018	TBA	State Texas 4-H Dog Show - Belton, TX
Monday, July 23-27, 2018	5/1	2018 Wildlife Conservation Camp (Applications)

New Veterinary Science Contest/Skill-a-thon Resource

The Veterinary Science Manual will be helpful when practicing and studying for the Texas 4-H Veterinary Science Skill-a-thon and the Veterinary Science contest held at several livestock shows.

The Veterinary Science Manual will be available next week at the following locations.

Instructional Materials Service (IMS) https://www.myimsservices.com/ product number 4335

Texas A&M AgriLife Bookstore https://www.agrilifebookstore.org/ item number VM-023 $55.00

2018 Texas 4-H Indoor Archery Contest registration is open in 4-H CONNECT

Entry into the Texas State 4-H Indoor Archery Contest is now open on 4-H Connect.  

There are 4 different venues and 3 different weekends in which this match will take place.

The information can be found at the Texas 4-H Shooting Sports webpage:  https://texas4-h.tamu.edu/projects/shooting-sports/  Go to “Events” then scroll down to the “Indoor Archery Match Info.”

You must be a 4-H member being coached by a certified 4-H Archery Coach in order to participate.

2018 D6 4-H Spring Shooting Sports Coaches Training - Fort Stockton - March 3-4, 2018

The District 6 4-H Youth Development program will be hosting a 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches Training in the four disciplines of archery, pistol, rifle, and shotgun, taking place at Fort Stockton on March 3-4.  See the attached flyer and letter for more details.

Individuals MUST be an active 4-H member or volunteer in 4-H Connect in order to register for the event.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

2018 Invitational Wool and Mohair Judging contest schedule

The District 7 Office will be providing Wool & Mohair for Invitational, District, State and National contests.  Here is a link to those contests:  https://sanangelo.tamu.edu/files/2018/01/2018-Wool-and-Mohair-Judging-Contests.pdf.

Contact the contest host for further details.

2018 TCYS Food Challenge and Consumer Decision Making Contest Results

Congratulations to all who participated! 

2018 Atascosa Calf Breeders Sale - 4/5/18

The Atascosa Club Calf Breeders are gearing up for the 2018 sale which is scheduled for Thursday April 5, 2018 – Monday April 9, 2018 on cattle in motion.   4-H and FFA families are invited to come and take a look at some of the cattle that will be offered during this years sale.

2018 Texas Brigades Summer Youth Camps - registration is open - DUE 3/15/18

Registration is now open for the 2018 Texas Brigades Summer Youth Camps.  Applications will be accepted until March 15, 2018.

The Texas Brigades, a series of seven youth leadership camps centered around various wildlife and natural resource subjects, are open for registration, organizers said.The all-inclusive tuition for each camp is $500 per cadet. Rollins said applications for tuition assistance are available.

To apply or for more information, go to https://www.texasbrigades.org or contact the Texas Brigades headquarters in San Antonio, at 210-556-1391 or camps@texasbrigades.org.

The 2018 camp dates and locations are: 

• June 2-6, Rolling Plains Bobwhite Brigade, Centennial Lodge, Coleman.
• June 17-21, South Texas Buckskin Brigade, Welder Wildlife Refuge, Sinton. 
• June 22-26, South Texas Bobwhite Brigade, Buckhorn Creek Ranch, McCoy. 
• July 6-10, Bass Brigade, Warren Ranch, Santa Anna.
• July 16-20, Ranch Brigade, Warren Ranch.
• July 17-21, Coastal Brigade, Sea Star Base, Galveston. 
• July 22-26, North Texas Buckskin Brigade, Warren Ranch. 

Each camp, limited to 30 participants, is an intense resource-focused leadership development program for youth 13-17 years-old. The programs, each with a single featured theme, include two quail camps and one each on deer, bass, redfish, waterfowl and ranching. 

2018 Brazos County 4-H Dog Show - 2/17/18

Youth in the Dog Project are invited to participate in the upcoming Brazos County 4-H Dog Show set for Saturday, February 17, 2018 to be held at Louis Pearce Pavilion in College Station.  The entry deadline is February 5, 2018.  

Please see the flyers below.  They are also available on the Travis 4-H Website.

Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Program Applications are open! - DUE 4/15/18

We are excited to release the application for the 2018 Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Short Course!!  This is a State-Level Ambassadorship.  For more information about the Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Program please visit https://texasyouthlivestock.com/equine-ambassadors/.  

Continuing in 2018:

The short course for Ambassadors will still be headquartered in Gainesville, however a portion of the training will be held in Oklahoma City in conjunction with the NRHA Derby. Selected applicants will be treated to a behind the scenes educational experience of this storied event. Due to the difficulty in selecting applicants based on written information, 2018 applicants will submit a 2 minute video introduction and justification video along with their application.

2018 Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador Short Course:

• Location: Gainesville, Texas
• Dates: June 24 – June 27, 2018
• Cost: $250

Selection Criteria:

• Senior age (14-18) 4-H youth that have exhibited a superior level of ambition regarding his/her horse projects
• Students with a profound interest in equine science and the horse industry in Texas
• Students who have shown advanced leadership qualities and a willingness to help others
• Top 25% class rank

Application Process:

• Applicant goes to http://tamuag.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_esuzimQvlFSJcVf
• Student will complete the application and enter the contact information of supervising County Extension Agent
• CEA will be automatically emailed a recommendation survey
• Applications are due April 15, 2018. Applicants will be notified by early June, 2018 regarding the application result

Please let Mellanie know if you have any questions at 512-854-9600 or MLMickelson@ag.tamu.edu.