Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving!!

 Just wanted to take a second to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope everyone enjoys some much needed time with family, and wonderful food! I am very thankful for Travis County 4-H members, families, and volunteers!

I hope everyone has a very blessed holiday.

All the best,
Mikayla



TCYS & Travis County 4-H - Consumer Decision Making Contest!

 

Consumer Decision Making Contest:

  • Tuesday, December 7th @ the Extension Office (1600B Smith Rd. Austin, TX)
  • Orientation begins at 5:30 pm, followed by the contest starting at 6:00 pm.
  • If planning to participate, please complete the Google Form by 5:00 pm on November 30th (need time to complete eligibility with schools).
  • If participating on a team, I will also need the Team Designation Form completed and emailed to me by 5:00 pm on November 30th. Please note, in this case, checks will need to be made to TCYS.
  • Cost of contest will be $10 per individual. Exact cash and checks (made to TCYS) will be accepted at the door.
  • Please note that parents will be asked to stay outside or in their cars during the contest, but will of course be invited inside for awards.
  • REGISTER HERE


Quality Counts or Character Counts DUE SOON!

 Reminder!! Quality Counts or Character Counts MUST be completed by December 1st for all TCYS participants!!

Quality Counts: required if you are showing a livestock project.
Character Counts: required if have Youth Fair entries only.

Refer to prior Blog post for details on Quality Counts vs. Character Counts.
Contact me with any questions, mikayla.herron@ag.tamu.edu



Monday, November 8, 2021

TCYS Quality Counts VS. Character Counts

 

Quality Counts and Character Counts Information

 

Quality Counts: If you plan to exhibit a livestock project at the Travis County Youth Show, or a livestock project at any of the major shows (Fort Worth, San Angelo, San Antonio, Houston, Austin, etc.), all youth are required to complete Quality Counts.

Quality Counts will need to be completed at three different times during an exhibitor’s livestock involvement: Junior level (3rd – 5th grade), Intermediate level (6th – 8th grade), and Senior level (9th – 12th grade). All exhibitors must have an active Quality Counts number in the correct age division, or they will be disqualified. It is very important that during registration, you put BOTH your 4-H and FFA information, regardless of which you think you will show through so that all needed parties have access to your Quality Counts information. Enrollment instructions and FAQ’s will be distributed as well, and I highly encourage you to check with me that your Quality Counts information is accurate and correct.

Each exhibitor must make 80% or higher to pass the test and receive your ID number. You may take the test as many times as necessary.

-          Website with information: https://agrilife.org/qualitycounts/

-          Quality Counts Enrollment Information and Steps: https://texasyouthlivestock.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/QC-Enrollment-INSTRUCTIONS-Exhibitors-2021.pdf

-          Quality Counts FAQ’s: https://texasyouthlivestock.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Quality-Counts-FAQ-Updated-11.19.pdf

 

 

Character Counts: If you only exhibit Youth Fair projects at TCYS (no livestock), all exhibitors are required to complete the Character Counts (Six Pillars of Character) exam, through the County level. At this time, not all records from past years are available, therefore everyone will need to take or re-take the exam. Each exhibitor will need to make a 90% or higher to pass. After you have submitted your test, you can view your results immediately to determine if you need to re-take. You will also receive an email if a re-take is necessary within a few days.

-          Website containing all content: https://charactercounts.org/character-counts-overview/six-pillars/

-          Link to the Google Form Exam: https://forms.gle/dMchq7EZSEAhYdhe8

 

All of the following exams need to be completed by 11:59 on December 1, 2021. Any exhibitors that have not completed and passed their needed exam, will be disqualified from participating in TCYS.

* Please note that if you entered any major livestock show, you already had to have your Quality Counts information to me by time of entry. *

Please also know that we have a LOT of 4-H names on our roster that do NOT have an up-to-date Quality Counts Number.... some never completed or passed the test, and others never re-took the exam when they moved up into the next age division. Please don't hesitate to verify information with me!

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Travis County 4-H Food Show & Food Challenge!

Last week, we had an amazing group of kids participate in the Travis County 4-H Food Show! I am always amazed at their abilities to create such elaborate dishes, while also having the courage and confidence to speak in front of the judges!

Participants include: Sarah Shaw, John Paul Whitaker, Anna-Laura Whitaker, Clare Whitaker, Luke Whitaker, Rachel Sheguit, Scout Goldsmith, and Rachel Pflum! Congrats to all of our first place winners advancing to District, and to our Slice and Dice Food Challenge Team advancing to District as well!
Our Slice and Dice team includes Sarah Shaw, John Paul Whitaker, Anna-Laura Whitaker and Clare Whitaker!

GREAT job to all participants, and best of luck at District!










Monday, November 1, 2021

Major Livestock Show Entry Deadlines!

 Major Livestock Show entry deadlines are right around the corner!

Please get signed up for your Turn-In slot!

Entry Turn-In Sheet

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Mikayla.herron@ag.tamu.edu