Genetic Edge Pig Sale

The Genetic Edge Pig sale will be held Saturday, March 27th at the Eugene Dill Riding Arena 2408 Still Road, Wyoming, DE 19934. Project pigs appropriate for the market and purebred classes at the 2021 Delaware State Fair consigned by multiple breeders will be sold. Preview is 9-11 am, a seminar to cover feeding and rearing will be 11 am-12 pm and the auction will begin at noon. Masks will be required of all attendees. For more information please contact John or Karen Tigner by email tignerfarms@yahoo.com or phone (302)242-4315 or (302)632-4250

 

Eastern Shore Classic Pig Sale

The Eastern Shore Classic Show Pig Sift and Sale will be held on Saturday, April 10th at the Queen Anne’s County Fairgrounds100 Dulin Clark Rd. Centreville, MD 21617. Project pigs appropriate for the market and purebred classes at the 2021 Delaware State Fair will be sold at auction following the sift. The sift begins at 10:00 am. Breeders represented include DoubleKShowpigs, P&K Acres, Wheaton Trio Showpigs; Francis Family Showpigs, Johnston Family, NF ShowPigs, Jandon Showpigs, POPS Showpigs, Tucker Family, D&B Farms, Burnite Mill Showpigs, Deitzal Family; NF Showpigs, Ludwig Family Showpigs, Waddie Robertson and Family. Masks and social distancing will be required of all attendees and COVID health mandates will be strictly enforced. For more information please contact Amanda Fabi (302)382-5443 or Kayla Kemp (302) 531-6973.

 

Tagging Dates for 2021 Delaware State Fair Market Animals and Feeder Calves-

Saturday, May 8th- Cook Family Farm Newark, Delaware 9-11 am

Saturday, May 22nd- Delaware State Fairgrounds- 9-11 am

Tuesday, May 25th- Delaware State Fairgrounds- 5-8 pm

We will again be using the COVID tagging protocol used in 2020- tagging will occur on trailers and no weighing of livestock will be performed at the time of tagging. Mask wearing will be required of any and all participants at tagging events. Participants should do their best to respect social distancing. There is no tagging date for Georgetown this year. The 4-H and FFA Rate of Gain Contest sponsored by the Delaware Farm Bureau will be suspended for 2021.

 

2021 YQCA Certification Information

All Delaware State Fair junior exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) are required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair. The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2021 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2021 DSF are:

· Ages 5-6- A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings or parents can either attend a YQCA classroom training session(email Susan directly to register) with their 5-6 year old to obtain a valid QA certification to meet the DSF requirement. Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-6. An email address is required.

· Ages 7-18- The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.

· Ages 19-21- The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

In order for youth ages 7-21 to participate in either an online or in person classroom YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org For youth age 7-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. Once registered select the appropriate class you plan to attend. Fees will be charged at the time of registration and can be paid by credit card.

The YQCA classroom training costs $3.00 and the online training costs $12.00. These fees are paid online and go directly to YQCA even if you are attending an in person training. This should be completed prior to coming to the in person training. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

In order to be able to comply with COVID health protocols and allow sufficient space, in person training classes will be held at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in 2021. Mask wearing and social distancing between family groups will be enforced during training classes. The following YQCA in person class training dates have been scheduled for this spring:

· Thursday, May 27- Delaware State Fairgrounds 6:30-8:00 pm- registration required in advance- must register by May 25

· Wednesday, June 9- Delaware State Fairgrounds 6:30-8:00 pm- registration required in advance- must register by June 7

Additional date(s) may be added as interest warrants. If you plan on attending any of these sessions, you must register in advance so that we can ensure enough space and training materials. Please contact Susan Garey truehart@udel.edu or (302)242-1510 if you have any questions or concerns in regards to Quality Assurance/YQCA certification

 

2021 Delaware State 4-H Horse Bowl- Virtual

The 2021 Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl will be occurring in a virtual format during the week of spring break April 4-11th! The contest will have both individual and team divisions and will be

conducted online using the Qualtrics platform. Awards will be presented for the top placing individuals and teams. Danish system awards will also be presented to all participants. Teams must be comprised of 3-4 members. Preregistration and a valid email address are required to participate and there is no entry fee this year. Registration for the 2021 Horse Bowl is online and will be open from March 22- April 2. https://www.pcsreg.com/virtual-delaware-4-h-horse-bowl-contest

For more information please visit the State 4-H Animal Science webpage.

 

2021 4-H and FFA Spring Dairy Show Cancelled

After consulting with the leadership of the Delaware Holstein Association, it has been determined that it is best to not hold the Spring Dairy Show this year.

 

Delaware Junior Dairy Leasing Agreements Due May 1

The Junior Dairy Leasing Agreement is available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage

Completed dairy leases can be mailed to Susan Garey 69 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901 faxed to (302)735-8130 or scanned and emailed to truehart@udel.edu Please no cell phone photographs of completed lease agreements unless you mail a hard copy as follow up. Dairy leasing agreements will be compiled and provided to the Delaware State Fair for verification of leased fair entries.

 

2021 Delaware State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections

We are hopeful to be able to hold an in person 4-H Avian Bowl during the Delaware State Fair this year. If a face to face event is not possible, the contest will be converted to a virtual one and be run online utilizing the Qualtrics platform at the beginning of August. In the meantime, 4-H members can begin to prepare for it! The national study sections have been released and are as follows:

All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

· Raising waterfowl (Sources through General Breeding Management) – pages 26-30

· Avian systems (The Feather) – page 43

· Growing Blue Ribbon Pullets (All) – pages 57-65

· Breeds, Varieties, and Strains (Introduction, Bantams, Americans, and Asiatics) – pages 69-73

· Eggcyclopedia (Curdling through It’s All in an Egg) – pages 118-136

· Ratites (All) – Pages 171-173

· Commercial Poultry Industry (All) – Pages 175-176

· Embryology (Parts of the Egg through Candling) – Pages 186-192

Note: The above study material came from the National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual revised in 2016.

Clemson University, Bulletin Room – Room 82 96 Poole Agricultural Center

Clemson, SC 29634-0129 (864) 656-3261 (phone); (864-656-0742 (fax); Attn: Mick Smith

They no longer accept checks https://secure.touchnet.net/C20569_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=1587&SINGLESTORE=true

 

The Clover Quest Trail Challenge

New for 2021 the Clover Quest Trail Challenge- ride or drive the First State with the Delaware 4-H Horse Program between June 1 and August 15th! Log your miles in the saddle as an individual, a as part of a team or both! A full team consists of 4 members, teams of three may also compete. Teams must include at least 1 4-H member. A family unit can be considered a team. Clubs may participate as a team and clubs may submit multiple teams. Miles can be counted in the area or on the trail.

Training/Conditioning and recreational hours/mileage count. Hours/mileage logged during any form of competition do not count. Both hours riding and hours driving may count towards this challenge. Teams do not have to ride together. Your miles and hours can be logged separately. When riding, please keep safety measures such as riding helmets, proper footwear, trail etiquette and social distancing protocols in mind.

Top placing individuals and teams will be recognized. All participants will receive a participation certificate at the end of the challenge no matter your accrued hours, mileage or participation level. Entry is made online via a Google Form. For those competing as a team, submit one (1) completed team entry form via an online Google Form with team captain identified.

Individual Entry Google Form

Team Entry Google Form

Entry will not be considered eligible for awards until your entry form and log form have been received. Mileage and team captain log sheets must be turned in no later than August 23, 2021

For more information please visit the State 4-H Animal Science page.

 

Delaware 4-H Virtual Equine Art Contest- New Online Gallery for Viewing

The Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest will be held via an online virtual art gallery. Participants will upload images of their artwork to Padlets organized by class between June 1- June 15th. Judging will be completed and awards will be announced by the end of June. Awards for 1st-6th place will be presented for each category in each age division. A Best in Show Champion and Reserve Champion will also be chosen and presented with rosettes and medallions. Cloverbuds will receive participation awards only. For technical questions or if you have trouble uploading images of artwork please contact Caroline DelVecchio at cadv@udel.edu Guidelines and classes can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage.

 

The Delaware Livestock Expo is Moving…to a New Date in 2021- NEW Dairy Division!

The Delaware Livestock Expo is moving to a new date in 2021- September 11-12th at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. This junior exhibitor show is open to youth up to age 21 as of January 1, 2021 from around the region and offers showmanship and breeding classes for beef, sheep, swine and meat goats. New for 2021 will be a dairy division for our junior dairy exhibitors! Entries and entry fees will be accepted online this year via the Showman app and will be due by August 20th. Stay tuned for information about our outdoor fundraiser with a benefit auction, live music and food trucks being held at the Delaware Ag Museum May 8 from 5-9 pm! Sign up for our newsletter at www.delawarelivestockexpo.com

Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity

As per the revised show schedule for the 2020 Delaware State Fair, the Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity is currently scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd at 6:00 pm at the Delaware State Fair. If you have entered the futurity, you will be receiving an email with a questionnaire about the exhibitor so that we can complete the script for the event. Please return this completed document to Susan Garey truehart@udel.edu by July 10th.

National 4-H Dairy Conference Canceled

The planning committee for the 2020 National 4-H Dairy Conference has determined that in the interest of health and safety, it is best to cancel the National 4-H Dairy Conference that was scheduled for the end of September. This follows the announced cancelation of the World Dairy Expo which is one of the highlights of a conference delegate’s week. This marks the first cancellation of National 4-H Dairy Conference since its inception in 1954. The conference planning committee looks forward to seeing delegated again in September of 2021.

DSF Livestock Exhibitors- Note Schedule Changes for the 2020 DSF

Changes to All Show Schedules, Animal Arrival and Departure Schedules, Weigh-Ins and Barn Meetings – All dates and times have been modified so that only one species is in the barn at one time. Please check the schedules very carefully as the duration of livestock presence on the grounds is being shortened thus creating the need for new and in the case of some species several move-in and move-out dates. Every department is impacted so please review the department pages for each species that you plan to show and compete.

• • To view the updated Beef Cattle premium book click here
• • To view the updated Dairy Cattle premium book click here
• • To view the updated Goats premium book click here
• • To view the updated Horse & Pony premium book click here
• • To view the updated Sheep premium book click here
• • To view the updated Swine premium book click here

Market Animal Exhibitors- DSF Junior Livestock Auction Photos Due July 10th

The 2020 DSF Junior Livestock Auction will be conducted in a virtual format from Friday, July 31 at 9:00 AM and lots will begin to close on Friday, July 31 at 6:00 PM.

There are two VERY important tasks you as a market animal exhibitor must accomplish to do your best at the 2020 Junior Livestock Auction.

Contact Potential Buyers. CLICK HERE to view buyer instructions that you can share with your potential buyers. Please note that all buyers MUST pre-register prior to the auction regardless if they have been a buyer in the past. This is a new system and new information is needed for ALL buyers.

You are required to upload 3 digital photos and 1 60 second video of your animal. CLICK HERE to view how to upload your photos and video. You must upload your photos and video by Friday, July 10 at 5:00 PM or your lot will image will be blank. Please make sure to put the animals’ ear tag number in the entry description when uploading so we know which animal that

is a picture/video of. If you tagged more than 2 market animals per species please take your best guess at which two you think you might show and email the premiums staff with the photos and videos of the additional animals so we have them to swap out for you if needed.

The following are the logistics of how the Junior Livestock Auction will be held:

1. The auction will be held virtually only, there will not be a live in-person auction like we are accustomed to attending.
2. For ease of computation and on-line auction presentation, all sales will be by the head and not by the pound.
3. Each species will have a minimum bid amount and minimum bid increments as follows

Steers: $750 Minimum Bid and $50 Increments

Swine: $500 Minimum Bid and $25 Increments

Lambs: $300 Minimum Bid and $25 Increments

Goats: $300 Minimum Bid and $25 Increments

4. Each lot will close 1 ½ minutes apart. If there is a bid placed within the last 30 seconds of the lot closing all lots will extend for 1 minute.
5. On their first bid for each lot they bid on, buyers will have to select one of the following destinations:

Buyer Takes Possession of the Animal

Donate the Animal 50% to the 4-H Foundation ad 50% to the FFA Foundation

Donate the Animal to the 4-H Foundation

Donate the Animal to the FFA Foundation

If you have questions please contact the fair office at 302-398-3269 ext. 7002 or email at premiums@thestatefair.net.

There was a Zoom webinar held on Thursday June 25th that explained the virtual auction process in more detail as well as the buyback process for this year. If you were unable to participate, the recording of this webinar will be posted to the state fair Livestock webpage for viewing on demand.

Harness Racing Activity Boxes Available from HHYF

While the Harness Horse Youth Foundation may have canceled their summer programs for 2020, the opportunity to learn about harness racing and the care of harness horses is still available to interested youth. Nothing replaces braiding a foretop, sweeping the aisle, or jogging a horse on the track – we know that! But, in an effort to still provide some education and a whole lot of fun, HHYF will be offering “Activity Boxes” this summer – four boxes in all. These boxes can be ordered individually or as a set.

The boxes contain games and to-do projects all related to horses and harness racing. The activities have each been carefully intertwined with the usual subjects of art, math, science, language arts, history, social sciences and even some vocabulary words.

Because the usual audience of campers is usually 10-year-olds and older, the box content is geared for ages 10 to 13 but, of course, older teens will find most of the material entertaining too.

Box 1- “Harness Racing 101”- This activity box includes all of the basics of Harness Racing! Learn about all aspects of the sport, and the career opportunities involved.

Box 2- “Before the Track”- This activity box focuses on young horses – from the time they are foaled through training for their first race. Learn how to successfully bring a baby along to their first start behind the gate.

Box 3-“At the Track”- This activity box focuses on the excitement of actually racing a Standardbred! Learn what happens on race day – and a sneak peak at the winner’s circle! Plus, you will receive your own lucky horseshoe!

Box 4- “It’s All Related”- This activity box explores the variety of careers and related businesses that make up the racing world – how great would it be to combine a love of horses with your future job? Dream big…it can happen!

For more information on these activity boxes and to order please visit: https://hhyf.org/activity-boxes/

NEW AQHA Learn- FREE Online Learning Modules for Youth Ages 8-18

The American Quarter Horse Foundation and the American Quarter Horse Youth Association have partnered on these virtual programs to support the education of youth! AQHLearn is a free educational platform for ages 8-18 and the connected knowledge contest AQHAchieve will award $15,000 in scholarships plus prizes!

AQHLearn has been developed to provide free resources for youth to learn more about horses from the comfort of their own home, anywhere in the world. The knowledge and resources from this program will allow youth to grow as horse enthusiasts and young equine leaders without horse ownership or previous experience being a barrier to participation.

The educational materials will feature topics that pertain to all aspects of horses, including horse health, history and basic knowledge. These topics will have materials for beginner, intermediate and advanced learning levels to allow all different ages to gain the most knowledge from these resources.

Youth have the opportunity to brush up on their skills by taking quizzes at the end of each section to prepare for AQHAchieve, a new online knowledge contest launching July 1, the registration deadline is July 15. This contest will test the horse knowledge of AQHYA members, including some of the information contained in the AQHLearn program. View the rules and guidelines for the contest before entering.

The AQHAchieve contest consists of two age divisions, Senior (ages 14 to 18) and Junior (ages 8 to 13). AQHAchieve will award $15,000 in scholarships and prizes to the winners of the

contest. All participants in the AQHAchieve contest must be AQHYA members. If you aren’t a member, join AQHA or renew your membership at www.aqha.com/join.

Visit www.aqhlearn.com to sign up today!

Horse101 – Basics of the Horse- Free Online Course from the University of Nebraska Lincoln

Check out this new online offering from UNL Equine Extension: Horse 101 – Basics of Horses! This is a three “Part” online course covering everything from history, breeds, conformation, behavior, nutrition, exercise, health, reproduction, genetics and more! Each of the three “parts” has 4 to 5 Units and each unit has two lessons. If you want, you can check what you’ve learned and get a certificate for each course! Even better, as an introductory offer – the course is at NO CHARGE initially! Check it out at: https://go.unl.edu/pbnu For more information, contact Kathy Anderson at kanderson1@unl.edu.

Note: You will need to make a “free” account on https://campus.extension.org/ to access the course. Just follow the instructions under “Is it your first time here?”

Part One

Unit 1- Horses Then and Now

Unit 2- Horse Breeds and Uses

Unit 3- Horse Identification

Unit 4- Horse Conformation and Selection

Part Two

Unit 5 -Horse Senses, Behaviors and Body Language

Unit 6 – Horse Nutrition – Part 1

Unit 7 – Horse Nutrition – Part 2

Unit 8 – Equine Exercise Physiology

Part Three

Unit 9 -Horse Health Part 1

Unit 10 – Horse Health Part 2

Unit 11 – Horse Reproduction and Breeding

Unit 12 – Genetics

Unit 13 – Environmental Management

Animal Related State 4-H Judging Contest Going Virtual

The Delaware 4-H judging contests in the areas of poultry, dairy, livestock and horse will be held online via the livestockjudging.com website in late July through mid-August in conjunction with the Delaware FFA Program. The Danish system will be utilized to provide recognition of

individual performance in these judging contests. Participation will be open to any who wish to try these contests this year. Please stay tuned for additional details.

 

Summer 4-H Activities Inclusive of Animal Science Events Cancelled or Postponed

There will be no in-person summer programming offered by the university through the end of July. This announcement encompasses all in-person, Delaware 4-H related activities both on and off campus. This is inclusive of YQCA trainings, livestock shows and judging contests, Harness Racing Camp and Cow Camp all scheduled in June, and will also involve 4-H related animal science activities at the Delaware State Fair. This decision and any future revisions to this action will stay aligned with ongoing guidance and direction provided by our State government and public health authorities. This does not include livestock, dairy and horse shows and associated activities that fall under the umbrella of the Delaware State Fair.

We share the same disappointment you are likely feeling regarding this news. Our summer camping programs as well as the 4-H State Fair activities have been highlights of our 4-H year for decades, and the opportunities for personal growth, mentorship and learning are sources of pride for generations of Delaware 4-H members. Please remember that this difficult decision was made with one priority in mind: the safety of our youth, volunteers and staff. During this process, please know we are reviewing any and all options as to how any of these activities can be held or provided in a virtual or any other alternative environment. We are in discussions with staff and volunteers who are also very interested in reviewing all potential options.

2020 State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections- POSTPONED- NEW DATE TO BE DETERMINED

The Avian Bowl is a knowledge based quiz bowl style competition that focuses on poultry and eggs and poultry industry topics. The 2020 Delaware 4-H Avian Bowl will be Saturday August 1st at 1:00 pm in the Centre. All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

· Raising waterfowl (Sources through General Breeding Management) – pages 26-30

· Avian systems (The Feather) – page 43

· Growing Blue Ribbon Pullets (All) – pages 57-65

· Breeds, Varieties, and Strains (Introduction, Bantams, Americans, and Asiatics) – pages 69-73

· Eggcyclopedia (Curdling through It’s All in an Egg) – pages 118-136

· Ratites (All) – Pages 171-173

· Commercial Poultry Industry (All) – Pages 175-176

· Embryology (Parts of the Egg through Candling) – Pages 186-192

Note: The above study material came from the National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual revised in 2016.

For more information on the Avian Bowl please consult the contest rules and guidelines which can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/Delaware-4-H-Avian-Bowl-Rules-and-Guidelines-2020—Susan-Garey.pdf

Online Resources to Support Continued Horse Project Learning

While we may not be able to meet face to face there are still lots of good resources to support horse project learning experiences during this time.

· Consider joining our Facebook Delaware 4-H Horse Project Leaders group where we share learning and project support resources in real time.

· Free download and print horses inside and out coloring activity pack for children. This children’s activity pack contains several anatomical colouring activities, some skeletal and muscular system facts, pictures to colour, a word search and a quiz. This is something to keep a pony mad youngster happily occupied. Although designed for children, the labelled diagrams could also be of interest to anyone starting out on an anatomical journey or who just enjoys mindful colouring. Visit: https://www.horsesinsideout.com/shop?fbclid=IwAR3jALIO4ZUxY3_Mh6AK-OHEU2WZJVDu9DgnXYMHXT776y6FAkZeCMAeZFE

· Free webinar on horse digestion and forage by Standlee Hayspecifically for youth equine organizations. Register and access the recording: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5437420756623255309?source=Promoboxx

· Join the Louisiana Master Horseman Page on Facebook for free access to webinar recordings on Pasture, Hay, Navicular Disease, Manure Management, Deworming and much more. https://www.facebook.com/groups/157870920897902/

· Affordable online youth horse courses($10.00 each) from colleagues at the University of Nebraska!

o BEGINNING HORSEMAN: 4-H LEVEL 1

o INTERMEDIATE HORSEMAN: 4-H LEVEL 2

o HORSEMAN: 4-H LEVEL 3

To get access to courses, please visit: Level 1: https://marketplace.unl.edu/extension/programs/horseman-1.html?fbclid=IwAR3ZsyJhBMbHcsppDtE24ggWRnRWnmkDDQRzl0gAYO2RSgt6lO41u5gPtEI Level 2: https://marketplace.unl.edu/extension/programs/horseman-2.html?fbclid=IwAR0YsapgnJC1VVNc-bKXmHBF-Bq8NcNEbG4O9X7PikLaaaOuq_blVvm9sI4 Level 3: https://marketplace.unl.edu/extension/horseman-3.html

· Visit My Horse University for free online learning modules and courses from university equine experts! https://www.myhorseuniversity.com/

· The Connecticut 4-H Program put together a great online resource page to help 4-H Youth continue to learn for 4-H Horse Judging and Hippology since their contests will not be held. These resources are organized into age appropriate modules and can be found here: https://blog.extension.uconn.edu/4-h_horses/?fbclid=IwAR0LMTqWXWp_64LqfbjAEuvMbU2dVJ52-9kr4jP1iN–DoUa2ii43RKxpoI# · Another online resource for practicing horse judging skills is www.livestockjudging.com They have free online classes, including the horse judging classes from the National 4-H Horse Judging Contest.

Final Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Payment Extended May 22

The third payment for futurity animals entered for the 2020 Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity is due May 22 to volunteer Charmayne Busker. Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor. Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 22, 2020. For more information please consult the 2020 entry form posted on the State 4-H animal science page at https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/2020-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry.pdf or email Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com

Dairy Leasing Agreements Due to County Offices – Revised Deadline May 22

2020 Delaware Youth Dairy Leasing Agreements must be turned in to county offices for county agent signatures or to Susan Garey by May 22. Copies of dairy leases will be forwarded on to the Delaware State Fair. The leasing agreement is posted on the state 4-H webpage under the “Dairy” heading. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/personal-economic-development/4H-youth-development/project-information/animal-science/ This is the only version of a leasing agreement that is accepted for Delaware shows. You may also scan and email completed leases to Susan Garey truehart@udel.edu if you wish.

National 4-H Dairy Conference Application Due- Revised Deadline May 22

The 2020 National 4-H Dairy Conference is September 27-30, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. The conference is for 15 to 18 year-olds who have participated in the 4-H Dairy Program for at least three years, who are currently enrolled in 4-H and have an interest in the dairy industry. The Delaware 4-H Foundation provides funding for two delegates and one chaperone each year.

The conference will be held concurrently with the World Dairy Expo. National 4-H Dairy Conference delegates may not participate in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest or exhibit cattle at the World Dairy Expo due to time constraints. You may not have previously attended National 4-H Dairy Conference. For more information on National 4-H Dairy Conference please visit https://national4hdairyconference.org

The updated application is available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage under the “Dairy” heading https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/personal-economic-development/4H-youth-development/project-information/animal-science/ and is due to Susan Garey by May 22.

Quality Assurance Certification Requirement for All Delaware State Fair Market Animal Exhibitors- YQCA Face to Face Trainings Canceled

All Delaware State Fair junior livestock exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) are required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair. The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2020 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Current options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2020 DSF are:

· Ages 5-6- A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings. Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-7. An email address is required.

· Ages 7-18- The youth exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.

· Ages 19-21- The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

In order for youth ages 7-21 to participate in an online YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org For youth age 8-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. The YQCA online training costs $12.00. This fee are paid online and go directly to YQCA. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

Due to COVID-19 in person YQCA training classes have been canceled and youth must utilize the online YQCA certification option at http://yqca.org

If you have trouble accessing these training resources or have questions about fulfilling your Quality Assurance certification requirement, please contact Susan Garey (302)242-1510 or truehart@udel.edu

1st State Livestock Jackpot Show Canceled for 2020

The Kent County 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee regrets to have to announce that due to challenges and issues related to COVID-19 and group gatherings in the coming weeks, the 2020 1st State Livestock Jackpot Show is canceled. Other shows associated with the new East Coast Livestock Association points circuit may still possibly occur based on the guidance in other states and rescheduled dates. Please follow the East Coast Livestock Association (ECLA) on Facebook for the latest updates. Look for our return in 2021!

2020 Delaware State Fair Livestock Tagging Dates- REVISED

Tagging dates for market lambs, market hogs, market goats, market steers and feeder calves for the 2020 Delaware State Fair are:

· Saturday May 2- CANCELED

· Saturday, May 16, 8 am-12 pm – Delaware State Fairgrounds

· Saturday, May 23, 8 am- 12 pm – Delaware State Fairgrounds

· Tuesday May 19, 5 pm- 8 pm- CANCELED

· Sunday, May 31, 8 am- 12 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County) REVISED FINAL TAGGING DATE

These dates may possibly be subject to change based on our constantly evolving community health issues and the Governor’s State of Emergency

Online Resources to Support Continued Livestock and Dairy Project Learning

While we may not be able to meet for face to face learning right now, there are plenty of good online resources to support livestock project learning.

· University of Wisconsin Virtual Farm tours- these are current farm tours done during the month of April at the beef, sheep and swine units on the University Wisconsin. Videos are posted on YouTube and have accompanying activity sheets. https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/youthlivestock/2020/04/15/virtualfarmtours/

· University of Wisconsin online learning webinars. Wisconsin Youth Livestock Program did these videos in 2014 for beginning project members and 2016 for older members (Beef, Sheep, Swine and Meat Goats). If you have limited internet, you can acquire the audio file and a copy of the slides to follow along here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl3EqGUag9cyb6E_-R0Sfj7syeme0g0Ch

· Animal U is a new online virtual livestock learning space for beginners developed by Iowa State University. This is a brand new fun and engaging online learning resource that was in production prior to COVID-19 and will at some point have a cost associated with it. Use it now while it is free! https://www.extension.iastate.edu/animalu/?fbclid=IwAR3BmUnEexTrph5Y_cakdlxzA8Pyn3I-Aj-sXw3NmjXyPgWHPt10CkK9sig

· Travel for farm tours without leaving your home- Online Virtual Farm trips to Beef, Swine and Dairy Operations in Ohio, NY and Indiana. https://virtualfarmtrips.com/free-virtual-farm-trip-recordings-available-for-students-teachers-affected-by-covid-19/?fbclid=IwAR3C_eIzIjkyS95u4HHlaHdQNQPbUyQEoOgznh45frp832F6500R618ZoVw

· Stock Show U Online- offered by Sullivan’s Supply for beef cattle exhibitors. Video series covering current trends for grooming and presenting cattle. https://www.sullivansupply.com/stock-show-u/online/

· Livestock related activity sheets that can be downloaded from Ranch House designs for our younger youth (3rd grade and under). https://ranchhousedesigns.com/free-agricultural-education-downloads/?email=irishwoman0%40gmail.com

· The Stock Show classroom videos by Show Rite are particularly relevant to those getting project animal right now. They cover topics such as selection and evaluation of livestock and giving your young animal a good start once you bring them home. They have been continually adding to this content over the last month. Everyone can learn something from these industry experts! The video series can be found here on demand: https://go.alltech.com/showrite-stock-show-classroom?fbclid=IwAR1BOtR6tmOGQjYDzZLVv1p4qOlCPq-WKoUY21rtQnObpeRHuKgI_1qPXnQ

· Sure Champ also has an excellent resource library covering topics like selection, nutrition and feeding, and show equipment and also have interactive activities such as quizzes and puzzles. https://surechamp.com/sc-classroom-resources/?fbclid=IwAR1gs0Hzkj212bPB19KAykrKw0hqMa3fAaVuaxWsUWDiUpraiTMiLYD4iPk&utm_campaign=SC+in+the+Classroom&utm_content=March+2020&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook

In addition, they also offer online judging classes for youth to practice their evaluation and selections skills and a series of how to videos for pigs and cattle covering things like tying animals safely, how to read an ear notch, how to build pig pen and how to clip your animals. https://surechamp.com/blog/category/judging/ https://surechamp.com/preptowinvideos/

· Another online resource for practicing livestock judging skills is www.livestockjudging.com They have free online classes and are currently running a weekly online judging contest through May 29 where youth can be eligible to win cash and prizes for entering the virtual judging contest. Excellent examples of oral reasons for classes are also shared here.

DPI Offers College Scholarships

DPI is accepting applications for its 2020 College Scholarship Program. Applications are being accepted for undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are available in the amount of $1,500 or more.

Undergraduate applicants must be a Delmarva resident and a student in good standing at any accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States or in the case of graduating high school seniors, accepted to an accredited, degree-granting institution within the United States. Individuals must have an academic major in a subject matter relevant to Delmarva’s chicken industry and be planning a career in a segment of this industry. An academic transcript must accompany each application.

Graduate student applications must meet the above criteria, with the exception of Delmarva residency. In addition, the individual must be engaged in research that positively could benefit Delmarva’s chicken industry.

Applications must be completed and received at the following address on or before 4:30 pm on April 3, 2020: DPI College Scholarship Program, 16686 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947. Applications and additional scholarship information are available from the DPI website at http://www.dpichicken.org/scholarship/ Late, incomplete, or handwritten applications will not be considered. DPI membership on the part of the applicant or his/her family is not required and has no effect on the selection process.

2020 State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections

The Avian Bowl is a knowledge based quiz bowl style competition that focuses on poultry and eggs and poultry industry topics. The 2020 Delaware 4-H Avian Bowl will be Saturday August 1st at 1:00 pm in the Centre. All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

· Raising waterfowl (Sources through General Breeding Management) – pages 26-30

· Avian systems (The Feather) – page 43

· Growing Blue Ribbon Pullets (All) – pages 57-65

· Breeds, Varieties, and Strains (Introduction, Bantams, Americans, and Asiatics) – pages 69-73

· Eggcyclopedia (Curdling through It’s All in an Egg) – pages 118-136

· Ratites (All) – Pages 171-173

· Commercial Poultry Industry (All) – Pages 175-176

· Embryology (Parts of the Egg through Candling) – Pages 186-192

Note: The above study material came from the National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual revised in 2016.

For more information on the Avian Bowl please consult the contest rules and guidelines which can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/Delaware-4-H-Avian-Bowl-Rules-and-Guidelines-2020—Susan-Garey.pdf

Equine Art Contest- Please Hold Your Horses for Now!

Now is a great time to work on your Equine Art Contest entries. With categories encompassing painting, pastels, charcoals, photography, pencil, pen and ink and even crayons and markers for younger youth there is something for everyone in the Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest. Entries were originally due to county offices mid-April but we will be sharing a new entry deadline once we have a better idea of when we can accept entries at our county offices. Contest guidelines and entry information is https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2020Delaware4-HEquineArtContest-SusanGarey.pdf posted here.

2020 Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year

Congratulations to Abby Mast of the On Target 4-H Club in Kent County! Our panel of 6 judges selected her essay about her pony Sting as the Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year. Abby will be receiving a custom made model of Sting donated by Peter Stone Horses later this year. Look for the updated contest guidelines for 2021 in September for your chance to apply!

Online Resources to Support Continued Horse Project Learning

While we may not be able to meet face to face there are still lots of good resources to support horse project learning experiences during this time.

· Consider joining our Facebook Delaware 4-H Horse Project Leaders group where we share learning and project support resources in real time.

· Visit My Horse University for free online learning modules and courses from university equine experts! https://www.myhorseuniversity.com/

· The Connecticut 4-H Program put together a great online resource page to help 4-H Youth continue to learn for 4-H Horse Judging and Hippology since their contests will not be held. These resources are organized into age appropriate modules and can be found here: https://blog.extension.uconn.edu/4-h_horses/?fbclid=IwAR0LMTqWXWp_64LqfbjAEuvMbU2dVJ52-9kr4jP1iN–DoUa2ii43RKxpoI# · Another online resource for practicing horse judging skills is www.livestockjudging.com They have free online classes, including the horse judging classes from the National 4-H Horse Judging Contest.

Harness Racing Camp at Harrington Raceway June 30-July 2, 2020

HHYF Summer Programs Schedule & Applications Now On-Line

The Harness Horse Youth Foundation’s 2020 summer schedule is now available – from Ohio to Delaware to New Jersey to Pennsylvania to New York to Virginia and Indiana! Here’s the link for all the dates and application process! https://hhyf.org/schedule-applications/

“Each year HHYF strives to improve elements of our programs and this year’s is effort is streamlining the registration process making it easier for potential applicants. Assistance from Topline Media has allowed us to create an online registration process which means applications

can now be completed and registrations fees paid in one step through our website. Of course, we still have printable applications available too” explained HHYF President Adam Bowden.

All applications (both online and those that will be mailed) must be received no later than June 10, 2020.

HHYF summer programs are conducted in 1-, 3- and 5-day formats. One day programs provide an overview of harnessing, hitching, and driving. Participants must be 10 and up; registration fee is $25 which includes lunch.

Three day programs allow for more hands on learning and track time to jog members of the HHYF stable. Participants must be ages 11 and up; registration fee is $250 which includes all meals and lodging (except for the Gaitway Farm event is not a sleepover with a registration fee of $150).

The 5-day Leadership Program is designed for those who have either previously attended a HHYF event or who have some experience with Standardbreds. Participants must be at least 12 years old; registration fee is $350 which includes all meals and lodging.

Additional questions concerning the 2020 HHYF schedule may be directed to Ellen Taylor, HHYF Executive Director 317.908.0029 or ellen@hhyf.org.

The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing young people and their families educational opportunities with harness horses in order to foster the next generation of participants and fans. The Foundation has been making a difference in young people’s lives since 1976; its programs include interactive learning experiences with racehorses as well as offering scholarships and creating and distributing educational materials relating to harness racing.

Final Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Payment Still Due May 1

The third payment for futurity animals entered for the 2020 Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity is due May 1 to volunteer Charmayne Busker. Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor. Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 1, 2020. For more information please consult the 2020 entry form posted on the State 4-H animal science page at https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/2020-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry.pdf or email Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com

Dairy Leasing Agreements Due to County Offices – Revised Deadline May 22

2020 Delaware Youth Dairy Leasing Agreements must be turned in to county offices for county agent signatures or to Susan Garey by May 1. Copies of dairy leases will be forwarded on to the Delaware State Fair. The leasing agreement is posted on the state 4-H webpage under the “Dairy” heading. https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/personal-economic-development/4H-youth-development/project-information/animal-science/ This is the only version of a leasing agreement that is accepted for Delaware shows.

National 4-H Dairy Conference Application Due- Revised Deadline May 22

The 2020 National 4-H Dairy Conference is September 27-30, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin. The conference is for 15 to 18 year-olds who have participated in the 4-H Dairy Program for at least three years, who are currently enrolled in 4-H and have an interest in the dairy industry.

The Delaware 4-H Foundation provides funding for two delegates and one chaperone each year.

The conference will be held concurrently with the World Dairy Expo. National 4-H Dairy Conference delegates may not participate in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest or exhibit cattle at the World Dairy Expo due to time constraints. You may not have previously attended National 4-H Dairy Conference. For more information on National 4-H Dairy Conference please visit https://national4hdairyconference.org

The updated application is available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage under the “Dairy” heading https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/personal-economic-development/4H-youth-development/project-information/animal-science/ and is due to Susan Garey by May 22.

Quality Assurance Certification Requirement for All Delaware State Fair Market Animal Exhibitors!

All Delaware State Fair junior livestock exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) are required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair. The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2020 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2020 DSF are:

· Ages 5-6- A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings or parents can either attend a YQCA classroom training session with their 5-7 year old to obtain a valid QA certification to meet the DSF requirement. Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-7. An email address is required.

· Ages 7-18- The youth exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.

· Ages 19-21- The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

In order for youth ages 7-21 to participate in either an online or in person classroom YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org For youth age 8-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. The YQCA classroom training costs $3.00 and the online training costs $12.00. These fees are paid online and go directly to YQCA even if you are attending an in person training. This should be completed prior to coming to the in person training. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

The following YQCA in person class training dates have been scheduled for this spring:

May 21, 2020- NCC YQCA Classroom Training- New Castle County Extension Office 6:30-8:00 pm

May 27, 2020– Sussex County YQCA Classroom Training- Carvel Center 6:30-8:00 pm

June 2, 2020 – FINAL YQCA Classroom Training- Kent County Extension Office- 6:30-8:00 pm

If you choose a classroom training option, you may attend class in any of the locations. If you plan on attending any of these sessions, please RSVP to Susan Garey (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu at least three days prior so that there will be adequate materials. If there are no registrations in advance, the class will be canceled. Please contact Susan Garey if you have any questions or concerns in regards to PQA/YQCA certification needs.

1st State Livestock Jackpot Show Cancelled for 2020

The Kent County 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee regrets to have to announce that due to challenges and issues related to COVID-19 and group gatherings in the coming weeks, the 2020 1st State Livestock Jackpot Show is canceled. It would be irresponsible to bring exhibitors from multiple states into Delaware at this time. Look for our return in 2021!

The Kent County 4-H Livestock Advisory committee is working on plans and alternative plans to still hold a Kent County 4-H Livestock Show despite the cancellation of the Jackpot Show. Entry information for the Kent County Livestock Show will be released in a few weeks once we have a better idea of what the coming months will bring.

2020 Delaware State Fair Livestock Tagging Dates

As it stands currently, tagging dates for market lambs, market hogs, market goats, market steers and feeder calves for the 2020 Delaware State Fair are:

· Saturday, May 2, 8 am-11 pm – Cook Family Farm 3300 Frazer Rd. Newark (NC County)

· Saturday, May 2, 8 am- 11 am – Georgetown Research and Education Center (Sussex County) Georgetown is not capable of weighing steers or feeder calves but can still tag. If you wish to compete in Sussex Rate of Gain and weigh your cattle you must go to a Kent tagging date.

· Saturday, May 9, 8 am- 11 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County)

· Sunday, May 17, 8 am- 12 pm- Delaware State Fair (Kent County 4-H Livestock Show)

· Tuesday May 19, 5 pm- 8 pm- CANCELLED

· Sunday, May 31, 8 am- 12 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County) REVISED FINAL TAGGING DATE

These dates may possibly be subject to change based on our constantly evolving community health issues.

If you choose to participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest sponsored by the Delaware Farm Bureau, you need to attend the tagging/weigh in for your county. If you choose not to

participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest you may tag at any of the three locations regardless of what county you are enrolled in.

New Gate Pass Policy for DSF Livestock Exhibitors

The Delaware State Fair will be implementing a new gate pass policy for livestock exhibitors. The policy change being implemented is designed to provide a fair and equitable means of distributing exhibitor passes and to be more convenient for exhibitors by eliminating the issuing of temporary gate passes to move livestock on the grounds. Livestock exhibitors will instead be receiving their regular parking and gate admission passes in the mail in advance of the 2020 State Fair. The new pass distribution policy being implemented is as follows:

1. GATE ADMISSIONS

a. Each livestock exhibitor will receive a 10-Day gate admission badge.

b. If the livestock exhibitor needs assistance of another non-

credentialed family member to assist in the care and maintenance of

his or her animal(s) at the fairgrounds, certain criteria were adopted to

allow the exhibitor the opportunity to self-certify that they meet all three

criteria at the time of entry (in the ShoWorks platform) and upon doing

so, they will receive an additional 10-day gate admission pass. The

criteria are the following:

i. The exhibitor is 21 or younger; AND

ii. The exhibitor’s parent or guardian rendering assistance to the

exhibitor is not camping on the grounds; AND

iii. No adult member of the exhibitor’s immediate household has

access to any free forms of gate admission (i.e. shareholders’ or

Director gate passes or gate passes issued by any other Fair

departments (i.e. another livestock department, 4-H, FFA, etc.)

c. Beyond the exhibitor badge and additional gate pass identified in Par. 1

(a) and (b) above, if unique circumstances exist, which in the opinion

of the credential-issuing superintendent (as determined by the Fair

administered departmental hierarchy for pass issuance) justifies the

need to issue another 1 or 10-day admission pass for a household

member to be in a position to assist in the care and maintenance of the

exhibitor’s animals, the superintendent may issue a voucher to the

exhibitor which may be exchanged for an admission pass at the

credentials trailer. This pass shall permit the essential additional

household member to access the grounds during paid gate operating

hours to assist in the care and maintenance of the exhibitor’s livestock.

d. An Exhibitor or their family may purchase additional 5-Day gate pass

for $30 through the Fair’s website.

e. Credential badges and gate passes shall be mailed out by the Entries

and Credentials Departments prior to the Fair.

2. PARKING HANGTAGS

a. Farms or households with up to 2 exhibitors will receive one (1)

Combination Exhibitors’ Gate 2/Exhibitors’ Parking Lot Hangtag.

b. Farms or households with 3 or more exhibitors will receive two (2)

Combination Exhibitors’ Gate 2/Exhibitors’ Parking Lot Hangtags.

c. Beyond the hangtags distributed under Par. 2 (a) and (b) above, if unique

circumstances exist, which in the opinion of the credential-issuing

superintendent (as determined by the Fair administered departmental

hierarchy for pass issuance) justifies the need to issue another hangtag

for a household member to be in a position to assist in the care and

maintenance of the exhibitor’s animals, the superintendent may issue a

voucher to the exhibitor which may be exchanged for a hangtag at the

credentials trailer. The hangtag shall permit the essential additional

household member to access the grounds during authorized hours and to

park on a space available basis in the exhibitor parking lot to assist in the

care and maintenance of the exhibitor’s livestock.

d. Exhibitor parking is designated for daily in and out use by exhibitors. It is

not intended to be used for long-term parking during the 10 days of Fair.

Access to the Exhibitors Parking Lot shall be monitored and

hangtags will be scanned upon entry during certain hours. Parking is

not guaranteed to any hangtag holder. Parking will only be permitted

when space is available.

e. Gate 2 hangtags admit the vehicle and driver to the grounds. All

passengers on board must display for scanning either a credential badge

or gate pass in order to be admitted.

f. Hangtags will be mailed out by the Entries Department prior to Fair.

Temporary hangtags will no longer be issued.

For question regarding the implementation of the new livestock exhibitor pass policy for the 2020 Delaware State Fair, please contact Mr. Bob Moore, Delaware State Fair Livestock Exhibits Committee Chairman at Robert.Moore@delaware.gov or (302)698-4500.

Online Resources to Support Continued Livestock Project Learning

While we may not be able to meet for face to face learning right now, there are plenty of good online resources to support livestock project learning.

· The Stock Show classroom videos by Show Rite are particularly relevant to those getting project animal right now. They cover topics such as selection and evaluation of livestock and giving your young animal a good start once you bring them home. Everyone can learn something from these industry experts! The video series can be found here on demand: https://go.alltech.com/showrite-stock-show-classroom?fbclid=IwAR1BOtR6tmOGQjYDzZLVv1p4qOlCPq-WKoUY21rtQnObpeRHuKgI_1qPXnQ

· Sure Champ also has an excellent resource library covering topics like selection, nutrition and feeding, and show equipment and also have interactive activities such as quizzes and puzzles. https://surechamp.com/sc-classroom-resources/?fbclid=IwAR1gs0Hzkj212bPB19KAykrKw0hqMa3fAaVuaxWsUWDiUpraiTMiLYD4iPk&utm_campaign=SC+in+the+Classroom&utm_content=March+2020&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook

In addition, they also offer online judging classes for youth to practice their evaluation and selections skills and a series of how to videos for pigs and cattle covering things like tying animals safely, how to read an ear notch, how to build pig pen and how to clip your animals. https://surechamp.com/blog/category/judging/ https://surechamp.com/preptowinvideos/

· Another online resource for practicing livestock judging skills is www.livestockjudging.com They have free online classes and are currently running a weekly online judging contest through May 29 where youth can be eligible to win cash and prizes for entering the virtual judging contest. Excellent examples of oral reasons for classes are also shared here.

2020 Spring 4-H/FFA Dairy Show

The Spring 4-H and FFA Dairy Show will be held on April 4, 2020 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds.  Entries are due to 4-H volunteer Charmayne Busker by March 13, 2020.  The show is open to all Delmarva Residents who are owners or lessors of Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Guernsey and Brown Swiss cattle. The show will include both a Junior Division (age 21 & under as of January 1, 2020) and an Open Division which will run concurrently.  For show information and an entry form please visit the state 4-H website https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2020-Spring-Dairy-Show—Susan-Garey.pdf  The entry form can be found here https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2020-Spring-Dairy-Show-Entry-Form—Susan-Garey.pdf

 

We are always looking for additional show sponsors.  If you are interested in sponsoring the 2020 show, please contact Charmayne by March 13 to be featured on the Spring Show t-shirt.

 

Delaware Livestock Exposition Benefit Oyster Dinner March 14^th– Felton Fire Hall

Mark your calendar for the 2020 Delaware Livestock Exposition, October 10-11 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.  The show is a junior breeding show for beef cattle, sheep, swine, and Boer goats and is open to exhibitors from across the country.  Entry and registration information is available via our new website at www.delawarelivestockexpo.com  Premiums are paid to the top placing animals in each class.  Sponsors and donors support the Expo financially however we still need your help too!  This show has returned over $250,000 in premiums to our young livestock exhibitors.

The show committee is hosting a benefit Fried Oyster and Chicken Salad dinner and auction at the Felton Fire Hall on March 14th.  Tickets are $30 each and are available for purchase at the Kent County Extension office beginning in February.  Doors open at 5:30 pm with dinner bring served at 6:30 and the live auction begins at 7:30 pm.   Please contact Kristin Cook kristin@udel.edu  or 730-4000 to reserve your tickets by March 2.  All proceeds are used towards Livestock Exposition premiums and expenses.  We are also actively looking for donations of unique items for our silent and live auctions that evening.  Please join us for a fun filled evening to support our livestock youth!

Quality Assurance Certification Requirement for All Delaware State Fair Market Animal Exhibitors!

All Delaware State Fair junior livestock exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) are required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair.  The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2020 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2020 DSF are:

• Ages 5-6– A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings or parents can either attend a YQCA classroom training session with their 5-7 year old to obtain a valid QA certification to meet the DSF requirement.  Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-7. An email address is required.
• Ages 7-18– The youth exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.
• Ages 19-21– The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

In order for youth ages 7-21 to participate in either an online or in person classroom YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org  For youth age 8-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. The YQCA classroom training costs $3.00 and the online training costs $12.00.  These fees are paid online and go directly to YQCA even if you are attending an in person training.  This should be completed prior to coming to the in person training. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

The following YQCA in person class training dates have been scheduled for this spring:

May 21, 2020- NCC YQCA Classroom Training- New Castle County Extension Office 6:30-8:00 pm

 May 27, 2020– Sussex County YQCA Classroom Training- Carvel Center 6:30-8:00 pm

June 2, 2020 – FINAL YQCA Classroom Training- Kent County Extension Office- 6:30-8:00 pm

If you choose a classroom training option, you may attend class in any of the locations. If you plan on attending any of these sessions, please RSVP to Susan Garey (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu at least three days prior so that there will be adequate materials. If there are no registrations in advance, the class will be canceled. Please contact Susan Garey if you have any questions or concerns in regards to PQA/YQCA certification needs.

 

2020 Youth Livestock Conservationist Program

Sponsored by the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

Youth interested in applying for the 2020 Youth Conservationist Program-

• Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
• Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2020 that includes:
  • An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain, in detail where it will resideand what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answer the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.”
• Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from their 4-H Advisor, FFA Advisor, veterinarian, teacher or clergy.
• The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length.
• The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a specific breed or for any of the breeds available.
• The application must include address, phone and if available, email address.

Interested young people should contact Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, then submit their letter of application/essay to:

Elaine Ashcraft, 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, OH 43812

740.622.1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com *please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

ALL ESSAYS MUST BE MAILED, WILL NOT ACCEPT EMAILED ESSAYS!

Requirements if selected:

• Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday

May 3, 2020.

• Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2020 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
• Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2020, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
• Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
• Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar (2021) to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
• Must submit a one to two-page report, with pictures, to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2021 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival which is then given back to the youth.

Any questions please contact Elaine Ashcraft 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, Ohio 43812

1-740-622-1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com *please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

Donors choose the recipients from the essays submitted by the youth.

 

Tufts University Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Camp

Do you know an aspiring veterinarian? Discover if this exciting career is for you! Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) is a fun and engaging career exploration program for middle and high school students who are interested in pursuing a veterinary career.  AVM attendees will explore the wide variety of opportunities available within veterinary medicine and see first-hand what attending veterinary school is really like. Sessions include lectures by Tufts faculty and vet students, interesting laboratories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities with animals. AVM is held on the beautiful campus of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, located about 40 minutes west of Boston in North Grafton, MA.

 

Applications for summer 2020 are now available! For more information on the program, including dates, eligibility, and tuition please visit the AVM website or contact us at AVM@tufts.edu.

 

DPI Offers College Scholarships

DPI is accepting applications for its 2020 College Scholarship Program.  Applications are being accepted for undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are available in the amount of $1,500 or more.

Undergraduate applicants must be a Delmarva resident and a student in good standing at any accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States or in the case of graduating high school seniors, accepted to an accredited, degree-granting institution within the United States.  Individuals must have an academic major in a subject matter relevant to Delmarva’s chicken industry and be planning a career in a segment of this industry.  An academic transcript must accompany each application.

Graduate student applications must meet the above criteria, with the exception of Delmarva residency.  In addition, the individual must be engaged in research that positively could benefit Delmarva’s chicken industry.

Applications must be completed and received at the following address on or before 4:30 pm on April 3, 2020:  DPI College Scholarship Program, 16686 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.  Applications and additional scholarship information are available from the DPI website at http://www.dpichicken.org/scholarship/  Late, incomplete, or handwritten applications will not be considered. DPI membership on the part of the applicant or his/her family is not required and has no effect on the selection process.

 

2020 State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections

The Avian Bowl is a knowledge based quiz bowl style competition that focuses on poultry and eggs and poultry industry topics.  The 2020 Delaware 4-H Avian Bowl will be Saturday August 1st at 1:00 pm in the Centre.  All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

• Raising waterfowl (Sources through General Breeding Management) – pages 26-30
• Avian systems (The Feather) – page 43
• Growing Blue Ribbon Pullets (All) – pages 57-65
• Breeds, Varieties, and Strains (Introduction, Bantams, Americans, and Asiatics) – pages 69-73
• Eggcyclopedia (Curdling through It’s All in an Egg) – pages 118-136
• Ratites (All) – Pages 171-173
• Commercial Poultry Industry (All) – Pages 175-176
• Embryology (Parts of the Egg through Candling) – Pages 186-192

Note: The above study material came from the National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual revised in 2016.

For more information on the Avian Bowl please consult the contest rules and guidelines which can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/Delaware-4-H-Avian-Bowl-Rules-and-Guidelines-2020—Susan-Garey.pdf

 

Equine Art Contest

Calling all young artists!  With categories encompassing painting, pastels, charcoals, photography, pencil, pen and ink and even crayons and markers for younger youth there is something for everyone in the Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest. Entries are due to county offices on or before April , 2019.  Entries will be put on display the second week in May at Chick’s retail store in Harrington, Delaware.  Contest guidelines and entry information is attached and available from county offices.

2020 Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest info and registration form

Dairy Leasing Agreements Due to County Offices May 1

2020 Delaware Youth Dairy Leasing Agreements must be turned in to county offices for county agent signatures or to Susan Garey by May 1.  Copies of dairy leases will be forwarded on to the Delaware State Fair.  The leasing agreement is posted on the state 4-H webpage under the “Dairy” heading.  https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/personal-economic-development/4H-youth-development/project-information/animal-science/ This is the only version of a leasing agreement that is accepted for Delaware shows.

 

National 4-H Dairy Conference Application Due May 1

The 2020 National 4-H Dairy Conference is September 27-30, 2020 in Madison, Wisconsin.  The conference is for 15 to 18 year-olds who have participated in the 4-H Dairy Program for at least three years, who are currently enrolled in 4-H and have an interest in the dairy industry.  The Delaware 4-H Foundation provides funding for two delegates and one chaperone each year.

 

The conference will be held concurrently with the World Dairy Expo.  National 4-H Dairy Conference delegates may not participate in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest or exhibit cattle at the World Dairy Expo due to time constraints.  You may not have previously attended National 4-H Dairy Conference.  For more information on National 4-H Dairy Conference please visit https://national4hdairyconference.org

The updated application is available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage under the “Dairy” heading https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/personal-economic-development/4H-youth-development/project-information/animal-science/ and is due to Susan Garey by May 1.

 

Harness Horse Youth Foundation Camp- June 30- July 2

Harness Horse Youth Foundation camp returns to Harrington Raceway June 30- July 2.  This overnight camping experience is for youth ages 11-17 and offers significant hands on learning opportunities to work with Trottingbred ponies.  Campers learn skills such as harnessing, jogging, hoof and leg care and general horse care. Professionals involved in the local harness racing industry participate in camp by helping with jogging and serving as guest speakers during camp. Overnight accommodations are provided in the State Police barracks located on the grounds of the training center.  For more information and to complete a camp application, please visit https://hhyf.org/schedule-applications/

 

 

 

New Gate Pass Policy for DSF Livestock Exhibitors

The Delaware State Fair will be implementing a new gate pass policy for livestock exhibitors.  The policy change being implemented is designed to provide a fair and equitable means of distributing exhibitor passes and to be more convenient for exhibitors by eliminating the issuing of temporary gate passes to move livestock on the grounds. Livestock exhibitors will instead be receiving their regular parking and gate admission passes in the mail in advance of the 2020 State Fair.  The new pass distribution policy being implemented is as follows:

 

1. GATE ADMISSIONS
2. Each livestock exhibitor will receive a 10-Day gate admission badge.
3. If the livestock exhibitor needs assistance of another non-

credentialed family member to assist in the care and maintenance of

his or her animal(s) at the fairgrounds, certain criteria were adopted to

allow the exhibitor the opportunity to self-certify that they meet all three

criteria at the time of entry (in the ShoWorks platform) and upon doing

so, they will receive an additional 10-day gate admission pass. The

criteria are the following:

1. The exhibitor is 21 or younger; AND
2. The exhibitor’s parent or guardian rendering assistance to the

exhibitor is not camping on the grounds; AND

iii. No adult member of the exhibitor’s immediate household has

access to any free forms of gate admission (i.e. shareholders’ or

Director gate passes or gate passes issued by any other Fair

departments (i.e. another livestock department, 4-H, FFA, etc.)

1. Beyond the exhibitor badge and additional gate pass identified in Par. 1

(a) and (b) above, if unique circumstances exist, which in the opinion

of the credential-issuing superintendent (as determined by the Fair

administered departmental hierarchy for pass issuance) justifies the

need to issue another 1 or 10-day admission pass for a household

member to be in a position to assist in the care and maintenance of the

exhibitor’s animals, the superintendent may issue a voucher to the

exhibitor which may be exchanged for an admission pass at the

credentials trailer. This pass shall permit the essential additional

household member to access the grounds during paid gate operating

hours to assist in the care and maintenance of the exhibitor’s livestock.

1. An Exhibitor or their family may purchase additional 5-Day gate pass

for $30 through the Fair’s website.

1. Credential badges and gate passes shall be mailed out by the Entries

and Credentials Departments prior to the Fair.

 

2. PARKING HANGTAGS
3. Farms or households with up to 2 exhibitors will receive one (1)

Combination Exhibitors’ Gate 2/Exhibitors’ Parking Lot Hangtag.

1. Farms or households with 3 or more exhibitors will receive two (2)

Combination Exhibitors’ Gate 2/Exhibitors’ Parking Lot Hangtags.

1. Beyond the hangtags distributed under Par. 2 (a) and (b) above, if unique

circumstances exist, which in the opinion of the credential-issuing

superintendent (as determined by the Fair administered departmental

hierarchy for pass issuance) justifies the need to issue another hangtag

for a household member to be in a position to assist in the care and

maintenance of the exhibitor’s animals, the superintendent may issue a

voucher to the exhibitor which may be exchanged for a hangtag at the

credentials trailer. The hangtag shall permit the essential additional

household member to access the grounds during authorized hours and to

park on a space available basis in the exhibitor parking lot to assist in the

care and maintenance of the exhibitor’s livestock.

1. Exhibitor parking is designated for daily in and out use by exhibitors. It is

not intended to be used for long-term parking during the 10 days of Fair.

Access to the Exhibitors Parking Lot shall be monitored and

hangtags will be scanned upon entry during certain hours. Parking is

not guaranteed to any hangtag holder. Parking will only be permitted

when space is available.

1. Gate 2 hangtags admit the vehicle and driver to the grounds. All

passengers on board must display for scanning either a credential badge

or gate pass in order to be admitted.

1. f. Hangtags will be mailed out by the Entries Department prior to Fair.

Temporary hangtags will no longer be issued.

 

For question regarding the implementation of the new livestock exhibitor pass policy for the 2020 Delaware State Fair, please contact Mr. Bob Moore, Delaware State Fair Livestock Exhibits Committee Chairman at Robert.Moore@delaware.gov or (302)698-4500.

 

Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Second Entry Deadline

 The second entry deadline for the 2020 Delaware Junior Dairy futurity is February 3, 2020.  The entry form can be found here: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/2020-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry.pdf  To participate in the 2020 Futurity for Summer Calves, a calf must be nominated by May 1, 2020.  All calves, born June 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019 inclusive, of any dairy breed are eligible to enter the Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity. Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor.  Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 1, 2020.

1st payment of $5.00 due on or before November 11, 2019

2nd payment of $10.00 due on or before February 3, 2020

3rd payment of $15.00 due on or before May 1, 2020

Late entries are permitted but if you do not enter the animal on the first due date, the payment will be doubled.  If your first entry is made on February 1, your entry fee will be $30.00.  If you do not enter until May 1, your entry fee is $70.00 on May 1.

Entry questions can be directed to volunteer Dairy Futurity co-chairs John Hickey or Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com

 

2020 Spring 4-H/FFA Dairy Show

The Spring 4-H and FFA Dairy Show will be held on April 4, 2020 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds.  Entries are due to 4-H volunteer Charmayne Busker by March 13, 2020.  The show is open to all Delmarva Residents who are owners or lessors of Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Guernsey and Brown Swiss cattle. The show will include both a Junior Division (age 21 & under as of January 1, 2020) and an Open Division which will run concurrently.  For show information and an entry form please visit the state 4-H website https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2020-Spring-Dairy-Show—Susan-Garey.pdf  The entry form can be found here https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2020-Spring-Dairy-Show-Entry-Form—Susan-Garey.pdf

We are always looking for additional show sponsors.  If you are interested in sponsoring the 2020 show, please contact Charmayne by March 13 to be featured on the Spring Show t-shirt.

 

Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl

The Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl will be held on March 14, 2020 at Lake Forest North Elementary.  Divisions are available for Ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14-19 as of January 1 of the 2020 4-H year.

Questions may come from:

• 4-H Horse Manuals(blue cover 2015 version):

“Giddy Up and Go”, “Head, Heart and Hooves”, “Stable Relationships”,

“Riding the Range,” “Jumping to New Heights,” “Horse Project Helper’s Guide.,”

and 4-H Horse curriculum corrections found on-line at www.n4hccs.org.

• In addition to the 4-H Horse Project manuals:

Age 8-10: Horse Care for Kids, by Cherry Hill

Age 11-13: Your Horse, a step-by-step guide to horse ownership, by Judy Chapple (and age 8-10 material).

Horses and Horsemanship – by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council-

Age 14 and older: Storey’s Horse-Lover’s Encyclopedia, edited by Deborah Burns (and age 8-10 and 11-13 material).

Horse Science- by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council

Complete contest rules and guidelines will be posted on the State 4-H Animal Science page.  A copy of the entry form is included in this blog. The 2020 Horse Bowl entry deadline is February 14, 2020.

 

Quality Assurance Certification Requirement for All Delaware State Fair Market Animal Exhibitors!

All Delaware State Fair junior livestock exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) are required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair.  The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2020 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2020 DSF are:

• Ages 5-6– A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings or parents can either attend a YQCA classroom training session with their 5-7 year old to obtain a valid QA certification to meet the DSF requirement.  Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-7. An email address is required.
• Ages 7-18– The youth exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.
• Ages 19-21– The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

In order for youth ages 7-21 to participate in either an online or in person classroom YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org  For youth age 8-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. The YQCA classroom training costs $3.00 and the online training costs $12.00.  These fees are paid online and go directly to YQCA even if you are attending an in person training.  This should be completed prior to coming to the in person training. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

The following YQCA in person class training dates have been scheduled for this spring:

May 21, 2020- NCC YQCA Classroom Training- New Castle County Extension Office 6:30-8:00 pm

 May 27, 2020– Sussex County YQCA Classroom Training- Carvel Center 6:30-8:00 pm

June 2, 2020 – FINAL YQCA Classroom Training- Kent County Extension Office- 6:30-8:00 pm

If you choose a classroom training option, you may attend class in any of the locations. If you plan on attending any of these sessions, please RSVP to Susan Garey (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu at least three days prior so that there will be adequate materials. If there are no registrations in advance, the class will be canceled. Please contact Susan Garey if you have any questions or concerns in regards to PQA/YQCA certification needs.

 

2020 Youth Livestock Conservationist Program

Sponsored by the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

Youth interested in applying for the 2020 Youth Conservationist Program-

• Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
• Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2020 that includes:
  • An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain, in detail where it will resideand what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answer the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.”
• Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from their 4-H Advisor, FFA Advisor, veterinarian, teacher or clergy.
• The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length.
• The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a specific breed or for any of the breeds available.
• The application must include address, phone and if available, email address.

Interested young people should contact Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, then submit their letter of application/essay to:

Elaine Ashcraft, 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, OH 43812

740.622.1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com *please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

ALL ESSAYS MUST BE MAILED, WILL NOT ACCEPT EMAILED ESSAYS!

Requirements if selected:

• Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday

May 3, 2020.

• Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2020 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
• Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2020, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
• Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
• Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar (2021) to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
• Must submit a one to two-page report, with pictures, to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2021 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival which is then given back to the youth.

Any questions please contact Elaine Ashcraft 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, Ohio 43812

1-740-622-1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com *please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

Donors choose the recipients from the essays submitted by the youth.

 

Tufts University Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Camp

Do you know an aspiring veterinarian? Discover if this exciting career is for you! Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) is a fun and engaging career exploration program for middle and high school students who are interested in pursuing a veterinary career.  AVM attendees will explore the wide variety of opportunities available within veterinary medicine and see first-hand what attending veterinary school is really like. Sessions include lectures by Tufts faculty and vet students, interesting laboratories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities with animals. AVM is held on the beautiful campus of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, located about 40 minutes west of Boston in North Grafton, MA.

Applications for summer 2020 are now available! For more information on the program, including dates, eligibility, and tuition please visit the AVM website or contact us at AVM@tufts.edu.

 

DPI Offers College Scholarships

DPI is accepting applications for its 2020 College Scholarship Program.  Applications are being accepted for undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are available in the amount of $1,500 or more.

Undergraduate applicants must be a Delmarva resident and a student in good standing at any accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States or in the case of graduating high school seniors, accepted to an accredited, degree-granting institution within the United States.  Individuals must have an academic major in a subject matter relevant to Delmarva’s chicken industry and be planning a career in a segment of this industry.  An academic transcript must accompany each application.

Graduate student applications must meet the above criteria, with the exception of Delmarva residency.  In addition, the individual must be engaged in research that positively could benefit Delmarva’s chicken industry.

Applications must be completed and received at the following address on or before 4:30 pm on April 3, 2020:  DPI College Scholarship Program, 16686 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.  Applications and additional scholarship information are available from the DPI website at http://www.dpichicken.org/scholarship/  Late, incomplete, or handwritten applications will not be considered. DPI membership on the part of the applicant or his/her family is not required and has no effect on the selection process.

 

Delaware Livestock Exposition Benefit Oyster Dinner March 14^th– Felton Fire Hall

Mark your calendar for the 2020 Delaware Livestock Exposition, October 10-11 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.  The show is a junior breeding show for beef cattle, sheep, swine, and Boer goats and is open to exhibitors from across the country.  Entry and registration information is available via our new website at www.delawarelivestockexpo.com  Premiums are paid to the top placing animals in each class.  Sponsors and donors support the Expo financially however we still need your help too!  This show has returned over $250,000 in premiums to our young livestock exhibitors.

The show committee is hosting a benefit Fried Oyster and Chicken Salad dinner and auction at the Felton Fire Hall on March 14th.  Tickets are $30 each and are available for purchase at the Kent County Extension office beginning in February.  Doors open at 5:30 pm with dinner bring served at 6:30 and the live auction begins at 7:30 pm.   Please contact Kristin Cook kristin@udel.edu  or 730-4000 to reserve your tickets by March 2.  All proceeds are used towards Livestock Exposition premiums and expenses.  We are also actively looking for donations of unique items for our silent and live auctions that evening.  Please join us for a fun filled evening to support our livestock youth!

 

2020 State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections

The Avian Bowl is a knowledge based quiz bowl style competition that focuses on poultry and eggs and poultry industry topics.  The 2020 Delaware 4-H Avian Bowl will be Saturday August 1st at 1:00 pm in the Centre.  All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

• Raising waterfowl (Sources through General Breeding Management) – pages 26-30
• Avian systems (The Feather) – page 43
• Growing Blue Ribbon Pullets (All) – pages 57-65
• Breeds, Varieties, and Strains (Introduction, Bantams, Americans, and Asiatics) – pages 69-73
• Eggcyclopedia (Curdling through It’s All in an Egg) – pages 118-136
• Ratites (All) – Pages 171-173
• Commercial Poultry Industry (All) – Pages 175-176
• Embryology (Parts of the Egg through Candling) – Pages 186-192

Note: The above study material came from the National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual revised in 2016.

For more information on the Avian Bowl please consult the contest rules and guidelines which can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/Delaware-4-H-Avian-Bowl-Rules-and-Guidelines-2020—Susan-Garey.pdf

 

Delaware Pork Producers Annual Dinner- February 8th

The Delaware Pork Producers Association will be holding their annual dinner and banquet on Saturday, February 8^th at the Felton Fire Hall.  Dinner will be served family style beginning at 6:30pm.  The menu will consist of Felton’s famous fried oysters, delicious pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, dumplings, green beans, dessert and beverages.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Please call Karen Tigner at (302)632-4250 for more information or to purchase dinner tickets.  The Delaware Pork Producers Association has graciously provided support to Delaware 4-H Livestock programs for many years.

Hippology Results:

Individual

Intermediate (11-13 year olds)

1^st place- Clara Gulick- Tails N Trails 4-H Club

Senior (14-19 year olds)

1^st place- Carly Mekulski- Tails ‘n Trails 4-H Club

 

Team

Intermediate (11-13 year olds)

2^nd place- Magic Mustangs- Dublin Hill/Bridgeville Mustangs 4-H Clubs- Members: Devon Allen, Kaitlyn Grant, Clara Gulick, Abby VanVorst

Senior (14-19 year olds)

1^st place- No Name-

Members: Carly Mekulski, Zoe Probert, Daisy Timney

 

Delaware 4-H Animal Science Calendar for 2019-2020

The calendar of statewide animal science related events and deadlines is available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage.  Tagging dates, camps, trainings, contests and more are listed.  To download your copy please visit:

https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2019-2020-Delaware-4-H-ANSC0-calendar-Susan-Garey.pdf

For a listing of equine events only:

https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2019-2020-Delaware-4-H-Equine-Events-Calendar-Susan-Garey.pdf

 

Delaware Equine Council Foundation Scholarship- $1500

Eligibillity:

• Must be a U.S. citizen and a Delaware resident or Delaware Equine Council member. ($10.00 to become an individual member)
• Must be enrolled and in good standing in an agriculture, equine, veterinary or vet tech program in the United States.
• Must submit a typewritten 400-word essay :

“How I plan to use this course of study to further the equine or agriculture industry.”

• Must complete a typed application and include a transcript of a minimum of one full semester’s grades from an accredited college or university.

All awards are given without discrimination as to race, sex, or creed. All awards are given without discrimination as to race, sex, or creed.  Application postmark deadline is January 31, 2020. Winners will be notified in February and awarded at the scholarship dinner on the evening of March 14, 2020 at the Harrington Moose Lodge.  To download the application or for more details please visit:https://delawareequinecouncil.org/scholarships.php

 

Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl

The Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl will be held on March 14, 2020 at Lake Forest North Elementary.  Divisions are available for Ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14-19 as of January 1 of the 2020 4-H year.

Questions may come from:

• 4-H Horse Manuals(blue cover 2015 version):

“Giddy Up and Go”, “Head, Heart and Hooves”, “Stable Relationships”,

“Riding the Range,” “Jumping to New Heights,” “Horse Project Helper’s Guide.,”

and 4-H Horse curriculum corrections found on-line at www.n4hccs.org.

• In addition to the 4-H Horse Project manuals:

Age 8-10: Horse Care for Kids, by Cherry Hill

Age 11-13: Your Horse, a step-by-step guide to horse ownership, by Judy Chapple (and age 8-10 material).

Horses and Horsemanship – by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council-

Age 14 and older: Storey’s Horse-Lover’s Encyclopedia, edited by Deborah Burns (and age 8-10 and 11-13 material).

Horse Science- by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council

Complete contest rules and guidelines will be posted on the State 4-H Animal Science page.  A copy of the entry form is included in this blog. The 2020 Horse Bowl entry deadline is February 14, 2020.

 

Delaware Ag Week

Delaware Ag Week programs, along with an agricultural trade show and exhibits by the First State Antique Tractor Club, are being held January 13-16, 2020 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware.  Sessions focused on beef cattle production, small ruminants and hay and pasture are among the events being held.  For the complete schedule of events and individual session schedules please visit http://sites.udel.edu/delawareagweek/

Delaware Ag Week Seminar for Beef Cattle Producers

January 13, 2020- 6:00-9:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Board Room

6:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.  “The Basics of Beef Quality Assurance on Your Farm” Courtney Gray, Pennsylvania Beef Council

6:30 p.m.         DINNER- Burger Bar- Sponsored by the Delaware Beef Advisory Board

7:00 p.m.—8:15 p.m. “Understanding the Importance of Beef Quality Assurance for Producers and Consumers”  Chase DeCoite, NCBA, Director—Beef Quality Assurance

8:15 p.m.—8:45 p.m. “Animal Disease Traceability” Dr. Karen Lopez, Delaware Deputy State Veterinarian, Delaware Department of Agriculture

Please RSVP by January 4 to Dan Severson or call  (302) 831-2506 if you plan on attending so we can make the necessary arrangements for food and materials.

 

Delmarva Pasture and Hay Conference

MD/DE Forage Council

Commodities Building

January 14, 2020

 

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.- Welcome and Housekeeping Details– Dan Severson, University of Delaware Extension Agriculture Agent

 

9:15 a.m.—10:00 a.m. “Weed Control and What Are We Missing?” Dr. Mark VanGessel, Extension Weed Science Specialist and Quintin Johnson, Extension Weed Science Associate, University of Delaware

 

10:00 a.m.—10:45 a.m. “Soil Health in Grazing Systems” Brian Campbell, Grazing Specialist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

 

10:45 a.m. Break/visit with Exhibitors

 

11:00 a.m.—11:45 a.m. “Making the Most of Adaptive Grazing in Building a Productive Pasture-Based Livestock System” Matt Poore, Animal Science Department Extension Leader and Ruminant Nutrition Specialist, North Carolina State University

 

11:45 a.m.—12:00 p.m. “Words from the Maryland-Delaware Forage Council” Dr. Jarrod Miller, President, MDFC, and Extension Agronomy Specialist, University of Delaware

 

12:00 p.m. LUNCH IN DOVER BUILDING 

 

Session Summary: DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  2.0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  1.5  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  2.0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits: PM: 0.5, SW: 0.5 CM: 0.5

 

1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. “Building a Balanced and Resilient Forage System Using Perennials and Annuals”
Matt Poore, Animal Science Department Extension Leader and Ruminant Nutrition Specialist, North Carolina State University

 

2:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. “Putting the Punch Back in Your Pastures With Pasture Renovation”
Amanda Grev, Pasture Management Extension Specialist, University of Maryland

 

3:00 p.m. ADJOURN

 

Session Summary: DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits: 0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  2.0  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  2.0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits: CM:2.0

 

Small Ruminant Program

January 14, 2020- 6:00-9:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Board Room

 

6:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m. “Past and Future Plans of the Small Ruminant Program” Delaware Small Ruminant Team (Dr. Kwame Matthews, Daniel Severson and Susan Garey)

 

6:30 p.m.         DINNER Sponsored by Steve Breeding, Shepherd’s Hope Farm

 

7:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m. “Animal Disease Traceability in Small Ruminants” Dr. Karen Lopez, Delaware Deputy State Veterinarian, Delaware Department of Agriculture

 

7:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m. “Animal Husbandry, Regulation and Marketing of Sheep Dairy and Cheese Production” Michael and Colleen Histon, Shepherds Manor Creamery

 

9:00 p.m. QUESTIONS/ADJOURN

 

Please RSVP by January 3, 2020 to Dr. Kwame Matthews at kmatthews@desu.edu or 302-857-6540 if you plan to attend so we can plan accordingly for meals, materials and accommodating any special needs.

 

Session Summary:  DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  0  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits:  0

 

Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Second Entry Deadline

The second entry deadline for the 2020 Delaware Junior Dairy futurity is February 3, 2020.  The entry form can be found here: https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/2020-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry.pdf  To participate in the 2020 Futurity for Summer Calves, a calf must be nominated by May 1, 2020.  All calves, born June 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019 inclusive, of any dairy breed are eligible to enter the Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity. Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor.  Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 1, 2020.

1st payment of $5.00 due on or before November 11, 2019

2nd payment of $10.00 due on or before February 3, 2020

3rd payment of $15.00 due on or before May 1, 2020

Late entries are permitted but if you do not enter the animal on the first due date, the payment will be doubled.  If your first entry is made on February 1, your entry fee will be $30.00.  If you do not enter until May 1, your entry fee is $70.00 on May 1.

Entry questions can be directed to volunteer Dairy Futurity co-chairs John Hickey or Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com

Delaware 4-H Animal Science Calendar for 2019-2020

The calendar of statewide animal science related events and deadlines is available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage.  Tagging dates, camps, trainings, contests and more are listed.  To download your copy please visit:

https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2019-2020-Delaware-4-H-ANSC0-calendar-Susan-Garey.pdf

For a listing of equine events only:

https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2019-2020-Delaware-4-H-Equine-Events-Calendar-Susan-Garey.pdf

 

Delaware Equine Council Foundation Scholarship- $1500

Eligibillity:

• Must be a U.S. citizen and a Delaware resident or Delaware Equine Council member. ($10.00 to become an individual member)
• Must be enrolled and in good standing in an agriculture, equine, veterinary or vet tech program in the United States.
• Must submit a typewritten 400-word essay :

“How I plan to use this course of study to further the equine or agriculture industry.”

• Must complete a typed application and include a transcript of a minimum of one full semester’s grades from an accredited college or university.

All awards are given without discrimination as to race, sex, or creed. All awards are given without discrimination as to race, sex, or creed.  Application postmark deadline is January 31, 2020. Winners will be notified in February and awarded at the scholarship dinner on the evening of March 14, 2020 at the Harrington Moose Lodge.  To download the application or for more details please visit:https://delawareequinecouncil.org/scholarships.php

 

Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl

2020 Horse Bowl Contest Information

The Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl will be held on March 14, 2020 at Lake Forest North Elementary.  Divisions are available for Ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14-19 as of January 1 of the 2020 4-H year.

Questions may come from:

• 4-H Horse Manuals(blue cover 2015 version):

“Giddy Up and Go”, “Head, Heart and Hooves”, “Stable Relationships”,

“Riding the Range,” “Jumping to New Heights,” “Horse Project Helper’s Guide.,”

and 4-H Horse curriculum corrections found on-line at www.n4hccs.org.

• In addition to the 4-H Horse Project manuals:

Age 8-10: Horse Care for Kids, by Cherry Hill

Age 11-13: Your Horse, a step-by-step guide to horse ownership, by Judy Chapple (and age 8-10 material).

Horses and Horsemanship – by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council-

Age 14 and older: Storey’s Horse-Lover’s Encyclopedia, edited by Deborah Burns (and age 8-10 and 11-13 material).

Horse Science- by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council

Complete contest rules and guidelines will be posted on the State 4-H Animal Science page.  A copy of the entry form is included in this blog. The 2020 Horse Bowl entry deadline is February 14, 2020.

 

Delaware Ag Week

Delaware Ag Week programs, along with an agricultural trade show and exhibits by the First State Antique Tractor Club, are being held January 13-16, 2020 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware.  Sessions focused on beef cattle production, small ruminants and hay and pasture are among the events being held.  For the complete schedule of events and individual session schedules please visit http://sites.udel.edu/delawareagweek/

 

Delaware Ag Week Seminar for Beef Cattle Producers

January 13, 2020- 6:00-9:00 pm, Exhibit Hall Board Room

6:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.  “The Basics of Beef Quality Assurance on Your Farm” Courtney Gray, Pennsylvania Beef Council

6:30 p.m.   DINNER- Burger Bar- Sponsored by the Delaware Beef Advisory Board

7:00 p.m.—8:15 p.m. “Understanding the Importance of Beef Quality Assurance for Producers and Consumers”  Chase DeCoite, NCBA, Director—Beef Quality Assurance

8:15 p.m.—8:45 p.m. “Animal Disease Traceability” Dr. Karen Lopez, Delaware Deputy State Veterinarian, Delaware Department of Agriculture

Please RSVP by January 4 to Dan Severson or call  (302) 831-2506 if you plan on attending so we can make the necessary arrangements for food and materials.

 

Delmarva Pasture and Hay Conference

MD/DE Forage Council, Commodities Building, January 14, 2020

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.- Welcome and Housekeeping Details– Dan Severson, University of Delaware Extension Agriculture Agent

9:15 a.m.—10:00 a.m. “Weed Control and What Are We Missing?” Dr. Mark VanGessel, Extension Weed Science Specialist and Quintin Johnson, Extension Weed Science Associate, University of Delaware

10:00 a.m.—10:45 a.m. “Soil Health in Grazing Systems” Brian Campbell, Grazing Specialist, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

10:45 a.m. Break/visit with Exhibitors

11:00 a.m.—11:45 a.m. “Making the Most of Adaptive Grazing in Building a Productive Pasture-Based Livestock System” Matt Poore, Animal Science Department Extension Leader and Ruminant Nutrition Specialist, North Carolina State University

11:45 a.m.—12:00 p.m. “Words from the Maryland-Delaware Forage Council” Dr. Jarrod Miller, President, MDFC, and Extension Agronomy Specialist, University of Delaware

12:00 p.m. LUNCH IN DOVER BUILDING 

 

Session Summary: DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  2.0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  1.5  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  2.0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits: PM: 0.5, SW: 0.5 CM: 0.5

1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. “Building a Balanced and Resilient Forage System Using Perennials and Annuals”
Matt Poore, Animal Science Department Extension Leader and Ruminant Nutrition Specialist, North Carolina State University

2:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m. “Putting the Punch Back in Your Pastures With Pasture Renovation”
Amanda Grev, Pasture Management Extension Specialist, University of Maryland

3:00 p.m. ADJOURN

Session Summary: DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits: 0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  2.0  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  2.0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits: CM:2.0

 

Small Ruminant Program

January 14, 2020- 6:00-9:00 pm, Exhibit Hall Board Room

6:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m. “Past and Future Plans of the Small Ruminant Program” Delaware Small Ruminant Team (Dr. Kwame Matthews, Daniel Severson and Susan Garey)

6:30 p.m.         DINNER Sponsored by Steve Breeding, Shepherd’s Hope Farm

7:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m. “Animal Disease Traceability in Small Ruminants” Dr. Karen Lopez, Delaware Deputy State Veterinarian, Delaware Department of Agriculture

7:30 p.m.—9:00 p.m. “Animal Husbandry, Regulation and Marketing of Sheep Dairy and Cheese Production” Michael and Colleen Histon, Shepherds Manor Creamery

9:00 p.m. QUESTIONS/ADJOURN

Please RSVP by January 3, 2020 to Dr. Kwame Matthews at kmatthews@desu.edu or 302-857-6540 if you plan to attend so we can plan accordingly for meals, materials and accommodating any special needs.

Session Summary:  DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  0  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits:  0

Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity- 1^st Entry Deadline November 11

The first entry deadline for the 2020 Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity is November 11.  The futurity is open to all breed summer calves born between June 1, 2019 and August 31, 2019.  Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor. Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 1, 2020. The entry form and official rules can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/2020-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry.pdf

 

Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year- Deadline November 11, 2019

Have you ever wished that you could have a model of your own favorite horse or pony to cherish forever? Here’s your chance!

Peter Stone of Stone Model Horses (www.stonehorses.com) has volunteered to create a model horse to honor the great horse or pony selected as Delaware’s “4-H Horse of the Year”. The winning 4-H member will be announced at the Horse Bowl contest and awarded their horse/pony model horse at the winning member’s county achievement banquet in fall of 2019.

Any currently enrolled traditional Delaware 4-H member (Cloverbuds are not eligible), can nominate their beloved horse/pony by completing these steps:

1. Complete the Nomination Form 2020.
2. Provide Four (4) 4×6” full color photos of your horse/pony in natural light (not in the barn): front, back, left side and right side. Attach to the provided page. These photos will not be returned so make sure you have copies.
3. Add an essay of 500 to 1000 words written by the 4-H’er (age of 4-H’er will be considered in writing quality). The award will be chosen based on how well the 4-H member can answer the following topic:

“The Outside of a Horse is Good for the Inside of a 4-H’er…”

1. 1. Should be a horse or pony you have owned or worked with in some way.
   2. Do NOT include your name or the horse/pony’s registered name in the essay.
   3. Use the horse’s unregistered nick name or pet name in the essay.
   4. Not required to own the horse or pony being nominated.
   5. The nomination with the essay must be postmarked by November 11, 2019.

Nomination forms, the scoring rubric used by judges https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/Delaware-Horse-of-the-Year-Scoring-Rubric.pdf and more details are available on the state 4-H animal science webpage and/or from your county office.

https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/animal-science/2020-horse-of-the-year-application.pdf

 

State 4-H Hippology Contest for Horse Project Members- Contest December 7

The State 4-H Horse Advisory Committee will be holding a Hippology Contest for statewide 4-H Horse Project Members at Heartland Equestrian Center in Frederica on December 7 from 9:00am -1:30 pm. What is Hippology?  Hippology is an activity that can enhance learning for 4-H members by letting them exhibit their knowledge and understanding of equine science and husbandry in a competitive setting. The term “Hippology” comes from the Greek “hippo”, meaning horse, and “ology”, meaning “the study of”. Participants will be able to demonstrate their experience and knowledge gained in their horse projects, horse judging, horse bowl, demonstrations, and practical horse management.  Contests are typically set up in a station format where participants are asked to complete tasks such as identifying feeds, judging hay, matching body parts with the correct names, putting together a bridle, bandaging a leg, etc.  The contest guide and entry form can be found at https://www.udel.edu/content/dam/udelImages/canr/pdfs/extension/4H/2019-Delaware-4-H-Hippology-Contest-Final.pdf

Entries are due November 11^th. We are always looking for adult volunteers to help facilitate the contest as station monitors, timers, and scoring.  Please contact Susan Garey for more information.

 

Delaware Equine Council Scholarship- $1500

Eligibillity:

• Must be a U.S. citizen and a Delaware resident or Delaware Equine Council member. ($10.00 to become an individual member)
• Must be enrolled and in good standing in an agriculture, equine, veterinary or vet tech program in the United States.
• Must submit a typewritten 400-word essay :

“How I plan to use this course of study to further the equine or agriculture industry.”

• Must complete a typed application and include a transcript of a minimum of one full semester’s grades from an accredited college or university.

All awards are given without discrimination as to race, sex, or creed.

Application postmark deadline is January 31, 2020. Winners will be notified in February and awarded at the scholarship dinner on the evening of March 14, 2020 at the Harrington Moose Lodge.  To download the application or for more details please visit:

https://delawareequinecouncil.org/scholarships.php

 

Adult National Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training Offered November 16^th

What: Beef Quality Assurance Training

When:  Saturday, November 16, 2019

Where: UD Kent County Cooperative Extension Office

69 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Lunch: Lunch will be served

Join your fellow producers and the Delaware Extension team for Beef Quality Assurance training.  Following the workshop, producers will have the opportunity to take the National Beef Quality Assurance exam and become BQA certified.  This is one option for parents of Cloverbud age (5-7 years old as of January 1) to fulfill the requirement for a current Quality Assurance/YQCA certification for their child to exhibit a market animal at the 2020 Delaware State Fair.

We will wrap up with lunch that is sponsored by the Delaware Beef Advisory Board.

The meeting is free and everyone interested in attending is welcome.  If you have special needs in accessing this program, please call the office two weeks in advance.

To register or request more information, please call the extension office at (302)831-2506.  For questions related to Delaware State Fair Quality Assurance certification requirements, please call Susan Garey 730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu.

2019 Rate of Gain Contest

Entries for the 2019 Delaware Farm Bureau 4-H and FFA Rate of Gain contest are due to Susan Garey no late than August 16, 2019.  This contest is open to traditional age 4-H and FFA members who have exhibited a market animal at the 2019 Delaware State Fair.  To qualify, animals must have been exhibited, must have met the minimum and maximum weight allowances for their respective species and must meet the minimum daily rates of gain for each species in addition to turning in a completed entry form by the August 16 deadline.  Winners are recognized at their respective county farm bureau fall banquets.  For additional contest guidelines please visit:

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/31105517/2019-Rate-of-Gain.pdf

For printable entry forms:

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/31105714/2019-Rate-of-Gain-Contest-entry-form.pdf

MAIL ENTRIES TO:

SUSAN GAREY

69 TRANSPORTATION CR. DOVER, DE 19901
DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 16, 2019

Final Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Classroom Training June 12^th

 

The final opportunity for YQCA classroom training to obtain a certification to show a market animal during the 2019 Delaware State Fair is June 12th from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Kent County Extension Office.  To register or for more information, please contact Susan Garey at (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu

 

2019 Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year Winner Announced

 

Congratulations to Kent County 4-H’er Caroline Allen who is the winner of the 2019 Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year essay contest sponsored by the Delaware 4-H Horse Advisory Committee and Peter Stone horses.  Caroline is a member of the Westville 4-H Club and nominated Steeling Magnolias, aka “Maggie”, a 17 year old Appendix mare.  In her essay Caroline shared her story of how Maggie, a retired polo horse who ended up at a local rescue, has helped Caroline do a better job of living the 4-H’s and making the true meaning of the 4-H pledge come alive.  In the fall, Caroline will receive a custom painted model of Maggie generously created and donated by Peter Stone horses.  For more information on Peter Stone horses please visit their website https://www.stonehorses.com/

 

Delaware Cow Camp 2019- Registrations Due June 7^th

 

Youth and adult dairy volunteers are beginning to plan for Cow Camp 2019 which will be held on Saturday, July 6^th and Sunday July 7^th at the Delaware State Fairgrounds.  The day will begin with registration at 9:30 am. Participants should bring their own calf if they have one.  If a child wishes to participate and does not have access to a calf, one may be provided for them.  The schedule will provide ample opportunities for great hands on learning experiences as well as time for socializing and fun.  Activities will be scheduled throughout the camp to give participants experiences with fitting and showmanship as well as an introduction to some dairy science related topics.

 

Participants of all skill levels are welcome.  Campers and their calves will work in small groups, each led by a former Cow Camp Champ.  There will be time for fitting of individual animals and showmanship practice.  These activities will be age and experience appropriate with some doing more clipping and others just giving it a try.

 

Participants should bring a bag lunch for Saturday.  Dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday are included in the registration fee.  Participants are not required to stay overnight if they do not wish to.  Sunday’s planned activities include a small show and will conclude with a family picnic.   Please indicate on your registration form how many family members will be attending the Sunday picnic so we can plan accordingly.

 

A current 4-H Health/Code of Conduct Form is required for participation.  If you are enrolled in 4-H through 4-H Online, there is no need to send an additional health form.  If you are an FFA member or junior dairy exhibitor you must fill out and submit a 4-H Health and Code of Conduct Form.  Cloverbuds are welcome to participate; however, an adult needs to attend with them.  Any parent wishing to stay overnight with their child must have completed the Delaware 4-H volunteer screening process.  We are always in need of overnight parent chaperones so please consider volunteering.

 

Registration forms and the $15.00 registration fee are due by June 7^th.  Please make checks payable to the Delaware Holstein Association.  Please mail registration form, Health Form, and fee to Cow Camp, 69 Transportation Circle, Dover, DE 19901.  For more information, please contact Susan Garey truehart@udel.edu or (302)730-4000.  Additional funding for this activity is being provided by a grant from the Chuck Busker Endowment with the Delaware 4-H Foundation and the Delaware Holstein Association.  Once you have registered, additional information will be provided.

 

 

2019 Cow Camp Registration Form – FIRM DEADLINE June 7th.

 

 

Child’s Name____________________________ Age ____ Phone number_________________

 

Mailing Address______________________________ City/Zip __________________________

 

Please indicate T-Shirt Size: __Youth S  __Youth M  __Adult S  __Adult M  __Adult L  __

Adult XL  __Adult 2XL

 

I will be bringing a calf _______   I need a calf _______  Email:__________________________

 

Number attending covered dish picnic_____  Staying overnight? _______Y  _______ N

 

Is there anything we should be aware of about your child that is not covered on the 4-H Health Form?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

 

PLEASE INCLUDE THIS FORM, $15, AND HEALTH/CODE OF CONDUCT FORM (IF YOU ARE NOT ENROLLED IN 4-H) TO:

COW CAMP

69 TRANSPORTATION CIRCLE

DOVER, DE 19901

Invitational Livestock Judging Contest Friday, June 7^th– 6:30 pm

 

The Kent County 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee along with the NCC 4-H Livestock Show Committee will be hosting an invitational livestock judging contest Friday, June 8^th beginning at 6:30 pm in the Kent building on the Delaware State Fairgrounds. New Castle, Kent and Sussex County 4-H will be using this as their county qualifier for livestock judging at the Delaware State Fair.  If you are from another 4-H group or an FFA Chapter you are welcome to come and utilize the classes as a workout.  Official placings will be provided to everyone but you must bring your own judging supplies and provide your own listener for oral reasons if you are from FFA or an outside 4-H group.

 

Stars and Stripes Livestock Show

 

The Stars and Stripes Livestock Show will be held on Sunday, June 30th in Moorestown, New Jersey.  Classes are available for exhibitors 21 and under in sheep, dairy goats, poultry and waterfowl, and small animals ranging from rabbits and cavys to lizards and snakes!  Please check their website for entry information and directions. http://www.starsandstripeslivestock.com/  Entries must be postmarked by June 24th.  For questions please contact Robin Bruins at 609-259-2347 or Bruinsjr@optonline.net

 

Delaware Pork Producers Association Looking for Delaware State Fair Volunteers

 

The Delaware Pork Producers Association is looking for volunteers to staff their booth and greet visitors to the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Commodities Building during the Delaware State Fair.  Shifts are available every day of the fair 11-3pm and 3-7pm.  This is a great opportunity to earn community service hours or have an activity for your livestock record book.   Booth volunteers earn a dinner ticket to the Delaware Pork Producers annual dinner.  The Delaware Pork Producers Association has always been a great supporter of youth livestock events and donates all of the showmanship trophies awarded in the Swine Department each year at the Delaware State Fair.  For more information or to sign up, please contact Karen Tigner at (302)632-4250.

 

54th State 4-H Horse Show

 

The 54^th Annual State 4-H Horse Show will be held on Friday, July 26, 2019 in the Quillen Arena during the Delaware State Fair.  All participants must have been enrolled as a 4-H member by March 1.  Horses do not need to be stabled on the fairgrounds and may ship in just for the day.  Horses and ponies need to have proof of a current negative Coggins test as well as proof of vaccination for Equine Influenza and Rhino (EHV) within the last 180 days.  All exhibitors are required to wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet whenever mounted or driving.  A complete class list is available on the State 4-H Animal Science website. https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/31133644/2019-StateHorse-Show.pdf  Entries can be made in advance or the day of the show.  If you wish to enter in advance, entry forms will be available on the State 4-H Animal Science website.

The 4-H Horse Show Rulebook and the Delaware 4-H Horse Advisory Committee pattern book are also posted on the State 4-H Animal Science website https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/24100005/Delaware_4-H_Horse_Show_Rulebook_-2018.pdf

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/24081728/Delaware-4-H-Horse-Advisory-Committee-Pattern-Book1.pdf

For more information, please contact Susan Garey (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu

 

Delaware Farm Bureau Rate of Gain Contest Forms Due August 16^th

 

All 4-H and FFA Rate of Gain Contest forms are due to the Kent County Extension office postmarked by August 16, 2019.  Complete rules and entry forms are available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage.

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/31105517/2019-Rate-of-Gain.pdf

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/31105714/2019-Rate-of-Gain-Contest-entry-form.pdf

NEW Quality Assurance Certification Requirement for All Delaware State Fair Market Animal Exhibitors!

Beginning with the 2019 Delaware State Fair, all junior exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) will be required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair.  The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2019 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2019 DSF are:

 

• Ages 5-7– A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings or parents can either attend a YQCA classroom training session with their 5-7 year old to obtain a valid QA certification to meet the DSF requirement.  Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-7. An email address is required.

 

• Ages 8-18– The youth exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.

 

• Ages 19-21– The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

 

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

 

In order for youth ages 8-21 to participate in either an online or in person classroom YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org  For youth age 8-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. The YQCA classroom training costs $3.00 and the online training costs $12.00.  These fees are paid online and go directly to YQCA even if you are attending an in person training.  This should be completed prior to coming to the in person training. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

 

The following YQCA in person class training dates have been scheduled for this spring:

 

May 23, 2019– Sussex County YQCA Classroom Training- Carvel Center 6:30-8:00 pm

May 29, 2019- NCC YQCA Classroom Training- New Castle County Extension Office 6:30-8:00 pm

June 12, 2019 – FINAL YQCA Classroom Training- Kent County Extension Office- 6:30-8:00 pm

 

If you choose a classroom training option, you may attend class in any of the locations. If you plan on attending any of these sessions, please RSVP to Susan Garey (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu at least three days prior so that there will be adequate materials. If there are no registrations in advance, the class will be canceled. Please contact Susan Garey if you have any questions or concerns in regards to PQA/YQCA certification needs as we transition to this new quality assurance certification requirement for all market animal exhibitors.

 

Stock Show University- Coming to Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park in May!

Presented by Sullivan Supply, Stock Show University is a FREE, educational program open to all stock show youth and adults, compliments of Sullivan Supply. Stock Show University offers different types of clinics for cattle, sheep, goats and hogs. Clinic types that are offered: one or two hour demos, one-day grad programs and the more intensive, two-day grad programs.  The best and most talented ‘professors’ in the industry will focus on all areas needed to achieve the championship look such as: daily care, clipping and fitting, showmanship, nutrition and selection. Stock Show University hosts clinics at numerous locations and shows across the United States, Canada and Australia. Stock Show U is coming for a two day program at the Queen Anne’s County Park- May 4 and 5^th for beef, sheep, goats and hogs. More information and registration is available online https://www.sullivansupply.com/event/maryland-two-day-4-species-grad-program/ For questions please contact Taylor Harrison taylor@sullivansupply.com

 

 

2019 Delaware State Fair Livestock Tagging Dates

Tagging dates for market lambs, market hogs, market goats, market steers and feeder calves for the 2019 Delaware State Fair are:

 

• Saturday, May 4, 9 am-11 pm – Steve Cook’s Farm 3300 Frazer Rd. Newark  (NC County)
• Saturday, May 4, 9 am- 11 am – Georgetown Research and Education Center (Sussex County) Georgetown is not capable of weighing steers or feeder calves but can still tag. If you wish to compete in Sussex Rate of Gain and weigh your cattle you must go to a Kent tagging date.
• Saturday, May 11, 9 am- 11 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County)
• Friday, May 17, 6 pm- 9 pm- Delaware State Fair (Kent County Jackpot Show and County 4-H Show Participants Only)
• Tuesday, May 21, 5 pm- 8 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County)

 

If you choose to participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest sponsored by the Delaware Farm Bureau, you need to attend the tagging/weigh in for your county.  If you choose not to participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest you may tag at any of the three locations regardless of what county you are enrolled in.  Please see the guidelines for the 2019 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Educational Contest for further details. http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/

 

2019 Youth Livestock Conservationist Program

Sponsored by the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

 

Youth interested in applying for the 2019 Youth Conservationist Program

• Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
• Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2019 that includes:
  • An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain, in detail where it will reside and what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answer the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.”
• Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from
  • Their 4-H Advisor, FFA Advisor, veterinarian, teacher or clergy.
• The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length. The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a specific breed or for any of the breeds available.
• The application must include address, phone and if available, email address. Interested young people should contact Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, then submit their letter of application/essay to:

Elaine Ashcraft, 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, OH 43812

740.622.1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

 

ALL ESSAYS MUST BE MAILED, WILL NOT ACCEPT EMAILED ESSAYS!

 

Requirements if selected:

• Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday

May 5, 2019.

• Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2019 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
• Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2019, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
• Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
• Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
• Must submit a one to two-page report, with pictures, to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2020 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival which is then given back to the youth.

 

Any questions please contact Elaine Ashcraft 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, Ohio 43812

1-740-622-1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

Donors choose the recipients from the essays submitted by the youth.

 

DPI Offers College Scholarships

DPI is accepting applications for its 2019 College Scholarship Program.  Applications are being accepted for undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are available in the amount of $1,500 or more.

 

Undergraduate applicants must be a Delmarva resident and a student in good standing at any accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States or in the case of graduating high school seniors, accepted to an accredited, degree-granting institution within the United States.  Individuals must have an academic major in a subject matter relevant to Delmarva’s chicken industry and be planning a career in a segment of this industry.  An academic transcript must accompany each application.

 

Graduate student applications must meet the above criteria, with the exception of Delmarva residency.  In addition, the individual must be engaged in research that positively could benefit Delmarva’s chicken industry.

 

Applications must be completed and received at the following address on or before 4:30 pm on April 5, 2019:  DPI College Scholarship Program, 16686 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.  Applications and additional scholarship information are available from the DPI website at http://www.dpichicken.org/scholarship/  Late, incomplete, or handwritten applications will not be considered. DPI membership on the part of the applicant or his/her family is not required and has no effect on the selection process.

 

Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest- Entries Due April 15^th-

Calling all young artists!  With categories encompassing painting, pastels, charcoals, photography, pencil, pen and ink and even crayons and markers for younger youth there is something for everyone in the Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest. Entries are due to county

offices on or before April 15, 2019.  Entries will be put on display by May 10th at Chick’s retail store in Harrington, Delaware.  Contest guidelines and entry information is posted on the State 4-H website. https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/28151743/2019-Delaware-4-H-Equine-Art-Contest.pdf

 

Dairy Leasing Agreements Due to County Offices May 1

2019 Delaware Youth Dairy Leasing Agreements must be turned in to county offices for county agent signatures or to Susan Garey by May 1.  Copies of dairy leases will be forwarded on to the Delaware State Fair.  The leasing agreement is posted on the state 4-H webpage under the “Dairy” heading. http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/ This is the only version of a leasing agreement that is accepted for Delaware shows.

 

National 4-H Dairy Conference Applications Due May 1

The 2019 National 4-H Dairy Conference is September 29- October 2, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin.  The conference is for 15 to 18 year-olds who have participated in the 4-H Dairy Program for at least three years, who are currently enrolled in 4-H and have an interest in the dairy industry.  The Delaware 4-H Foundation provides funding for two delegates and one chaperone each year.

 

The conference will be held concurrently with the World Dairy Expo.  National 4-H Dairy Conference delegates may not participate in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest or exhibit cattle at the World Dairy Expo due to time constraints.  You may not have previously attended National 4-H Dairy Conference.  For more information on National 4-H Dairy Conference please visit https://national4hdairyconference.org

The updated application is available on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage at http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/ and is due to Susan Garey by May 1.

 

Final Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Payment Due May 1

The third payment for futurity animals entered for the 2019 Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity is due May 1 to volunteer Charmayne Busker.  Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor. Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 1, 2019.  For more information please consult the 2019 entry form posted on the State 4-H animal science page at https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/21084712/2019-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry-Form.pdf or email Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com

 

 

1^st State Livestock Jackpot Show- entries due May 1

Entries are open for the 1^st State Livestock Jackpot Show. In its 22 year, this is an open market preview show so there are no age limits on participation.  Grand Champions of each species are awarded $500 and reserve is $250 with breed champions paid $100 and reserves paid out at $50. Put on annually by the Kent County 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee, proceeds from this show are used to fund Kent County livestock educational activities such as livestock judging, the county livestock show and the livestock overnighter. Early entry postmark deadline is May 1 and late entries including the day of the show are double fee.  For complete rules and entry information please visit:

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/30103913/Jackpot-show-entry-form-2019.pdf

 

Tufts University Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Camp

Do you know an aspiring veterinarian? Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) is a fun and engaging career exploration program for middle and high school students who are interested in pursuing a veterinary career.  AVM attendees will explore the wide variety of opportunities available within veterinary medicine and see first-hand what attending veterinary school is really like. Sessions include lectures by Tufts faculty and vet students, interesting laboratories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities with animals. AVM is held on the beautiful campus of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, located about 40 minutes west of Boston in North Grafton, MA.

 

Applications for summer 2019 are now available! For more information on the program, including dates, eligibility, and tuition please visit the AVM website or contact us at AVM@tufts.edu.

 

2019 State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections

The Avian Bowl is a knowledge based quiz bowl style competition that focuses on poultry and eggs and poultry industry topics.  The 2019 Delaware 4-H Avian Bowl will be Saturday July 27th at 1:00 pm in the Centre.  All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

• Avian systems (Only Circulatory, Nervous, Excretory, Muscle and Skeletal) – pages 39-40
• Breeds, varieties, and strains (AOSB and Miscellaneous only) – Pages 79-80
• Raising game birds (All) – pages 81-99
• Eggcyclopedia (Eggs from A-Z through Chantilly Meringue) AND (Sabayon sauce through Zeaxanthin) – pages 103-110 and 145-151B
• Raising your home flock (All) – Pages 151C-161 • Contributions of poultry to the development of science (All) – Pages 169-170
• Avian influenza (All) – Pages 181-182

For more information on the Avian Bowl please consult the contest rules and guidelines which can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage:

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/10135448/Delaware-4-H-Avian-Bowl-Rules-and-Guidelines-2019.pdf

 

New Castle County Summer Classic Livestock Show

The New Castle County 4-H and FFA 18^th Annual Summer Classic livestock show will be held on Saturday June 8^th at the Delaware State Fairgrounds and includes market and showmanship classes.  Entry information https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/26102722/Current-Class-List.pdf and an entry form https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/26102724/Entry-Form-2019.pdf are posted on the State 4-H animal science webpage.

 

The entry fee is $8.00/head and postmark entry deadline is Friday May 10. Late entries are accepted at double fee but no entries will be after May 31.

 

Invitational County 4-H Livestock Judging Contest Qualifier- June 7

The Kent County 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee along with the NCC 4-H Livestock Show Committee and Delaware FFA will be hosting an invitational livestock judging contest Friday, June 7^th beginning at 6:30 pm in the Kent building on the Delaware State Fairgrounds. New Castle, Kent and Sussex County 4-H will be using this as their county qualifier for livestock judging at the Delaware State Fair.  Delaware 4-H members must participate in this contest in order to be eligible to judge at the 2019 State 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at the Delaware State Fair. If you are from another 4-H group or an FFA Chapter you are welcome to come and utilize the classes as a workout.  Official placings will be provided to everyone but you must bring your own judging supplies and provide your own listener for oral reasons if you are from FFA or an outside 4-H group.  Please come dressed appropriately and prepared with a clip board, paper and a pencil. Ice cream social to follow.  Awards will be presented prior to the start of the livestock show on Saturday morning.

 

Harness Racing Camp at Harrington Raceway- June 15-17, 2019

This camping program is designed to give young people aged 11 to 17 the opportunity to work with race horses. Through a partnership with the Harness Horse Youth Foundation (HHYF) and Harrington Raceway, participants will be provided lots of hands-on activities as well as the chance to learn about the sport of harness racing and the racing industry.  This camping experience will held at Harrington Raceway and overnight accommodations are provided in the State Police Barracks located on the Delaware State Fairgrounds. The registration fee is $250 per participant and includes meals and expenses for the camp.  Registration deadline is May 15, 2019.  For more information and a registration form please visit:

https://www.hhyf.org/schedule-applications.html

 

There are additional summer learning opportunities being offered through HHYF at other locations.  If you are a past Harrington Camp participant interested in the HHYF Leadership program, please visit the HHYF website above for more information. The Harness Horse Youth Foundation is a charitable 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to giving young horse lovers the opportunity to learn about driving and Standardbred horses. The Foundation has been making a difference in young people’s lives since 1976 and our programs include interactive learning experiences with race horses, equine scholarship administration, and creation and distribution of educational materials related to harness racing.  For more information on the HHYF and its programs please visit https://www.hhyf.org

 

 

2019 Spring 4-H/FFA Dairy Show

 

The Spring 4-H and FFA Dairy Show will be held on April 6, 2019 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds.  Entries are due to 4-H volunteer Charmayne Busker by March 15, 2019.  The show is open to all Delmarva Residents who are owners or lessors of Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Guernsey and Brown Swiss cattle. The show will include both a Junior Division (age 21 & under as of January 1, 2019) and an Open Division which will run concurrently.  For show information and an entry form please visit the state 4-H website http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/

 

We are always looking for additional show sponsors.  If you are interested in sponsoring the 2019 show, please contact Charmayne by March 15 to be featured on the Spring Show t-shirt.

 

4-H Dairy Project Group Meeting Opportunity- Delaware Holstein Annual Meeting

 

The Delaware Holstein Association Annual meeting will be held on Saturday March 30^th.  The Open House and tour will be hosted by the Cook and Morris families on Frazier Road in Newark from 10:00 am -12:00 pm followed by a meal and business meeting.  The meal and business meeting will begin at 12:30 pm and will held at Middletown High School in conjunction with the 2019 Delaware Dairy Princess Contest.  For more information please contact Charmayne Busker, cpbusker@gmail.com

 

 

Team Felton Open House- Offering January Crossbred and Purebred Pigs

 

Saturday March 23, 10:00 am -1:00 pm  164 Hayfield Road, Felton, DE 19943

All pigs are pre-priced and sold via private treaty.  For questions or directions please contact Kayla Kemp (302)531-6973, Matt Galloway (302)242-5045 or Amanda Fabi (302)382-5443.

 

 

Genetic Edge Showpig Sale

 

The Genetic Edge Sale will be held on Saturday March 30 at the Eugene Dill Riding Arena at 2408 Still Rd. in Wyoming, DE. Preview will begin at 9:00 a.m., there will be a short seminar at 11:00 a.m. and the auction will begin at 12 noon.   Lunch will be available on site.  If you have any questions, please contact John Tigner at 242-4315, Karen Tigner 632-4250 or Tignerfarms@yahoo.com

NEW Quality Assurance Certification Requirement for All Delaware State Fair Market Animal Exhibitors!

Beginning with the 2019 Delaware State Fair, all junior exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) will be required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair.  The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2019 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2019 DSF are:

 

• Ages 5-7– A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings or parents can either attend a YQCA classroom training session with their 5-7 year old to obtain a valid QA certification to meet the DSF requirement.  Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-7. An email address is required.

 

• Ages 8-18– The youth exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.

 

• Ages 19-21– The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

 

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

 

In order for youth ages 8-21 to participate in either an online or in person classroom YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org  For youth age 8-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. The YQCA classroom training costs $3.00 and the online training costs $12.00.  These fees are paid online and go directly to YQCA even if you are attending an in person training.  This should be completed prior to coming to the in person training. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

 

The following YQCA in person class training dates have been scheduled for this spring:

 

May 23, 2019– Sussex County YQCA Classroom Training- Carvel Center 6:30-8:00 pm

May 29, 2019- NCC YQCA Classroom Training- New Castle County Extension Office 6:30-8:00 pm

June 12, 2019 – FINAL YQCA Classroom Training- Kent County Extension Office- 6:30-8:00 pm

 

If you choose a classroom training option, you may attend class in any of the locations. If you plan on attending any of these sessions, please RSVP to Susan Garey (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu at least three days prior so that there will be adequate materials. If there are no registrations in advance, the class will be canceled. Please contact Susan Garey if you have any questions or concerns in regards to PQA/YQCA certification needs as we transition to this new quality assurance certification requirement for all market animal exhibitors.

 

Stock Show University- Coming to Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park in May!

 

Presented by Sullivan Supply, Stock Show University is a FREE, educational program open to all stock show youth and adults, compliments of Sullivan Supply. Stock Show University offers different types of clinics for cattle, sheep, goats and hogs. Clinic types that are offered: one or two hour demos, one-day grad programs and the more intensive, two-day grad programs.  The best and most talented ‘professors’ in the industry will focus on all areas needed to achieve the championship look such as: daily care, clipping and fitting, showmanship, nutrition and selection. Stock Show University hosts clinics at numerous locations and shows across the United States, Canada and Australia. Stock Show U is coming for a two day program at the Queen Anne’s County Park- May 4 and 5^th for beef, sheep, goats and hogs. More information and registration is available online https://www.sullivansupply.com/event/maryland-two-day-4-species-grad-program/ For questions please contact Taylor Harrison taylor@sullivansupply.com

 

 

2019 Delaware State Fair Livestock Tagging Dates

Tagging dates for market lambs, market hogs, market goats, market steers and feeder calves for the 2019 Delaware State Fair are:

 

• Saturday, May 4, 9 am-11 pm – Steve Cook’s Farm 3300 Frazer Rd. Newark  (NC County)
• Saturday, May 4, 9 am- 11 am – Georgetown Research and Education Center (Sussex County) Georgetown is not capable of weighing steers or feeder calves but can still tag. If you wish to compete in Sussex Rate of Gain and weigh your cattle you must go to a Kent tagging date.
• Saturday, May 11, 9 am- 11 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County)
• Friday, May 17, 6 pm- 9 pm- Delaware State Fair (Kent County Jackpot Show and County 4-H Show Participants Only)
• Tuesday, May 21, 5 pm- 8 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County)

 

If you choose to participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest sponsored by the Delaware Farm Bureau, you need to attend the tagging/weigh in for your county.  If you choose not to participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest you may tag at any of the three locations regardless of what county you are enrolled in.  Please see the guidelines for the 2019 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Educational Contest for further details. http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/

 

2019 Youth Livestock Conservationist Program

Sponsored by the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

 

Youth interested in applying for the 2019 Youth Conservationist Program

• Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
• Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2019 that includes:
  • An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain, in detail where it will reside and what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answer the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.”
• Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from
  • Their 4-H Advisor, FFA Advisor, veterinarian, teacher or clergy.
• The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length. The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a specific breed or for any of the breeds available.
• The application must include address, phone and if available, email address. Interested young people should contact Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, then submit their letter of application/essay to:

Elaine Ashcraft, 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, OH 43812

740.622.1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

 

ALL ESSAYS MUST BE MAILED, WILL NOT ACCEPT EMAILED ESSAYS!

 

Requirements if selected:

• Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday

May 5, 2019.

• Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2019 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
• Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2019, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
• Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
• Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
• Must submit a one to two-page report, with pictures, to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2020 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival which is then given back to the youth.

 

Any questions please contact Elaine Ashcraft 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, Ohio 43812

1-740-622-1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

Donors choose the recipients from the essays submitted by the youth.

 

DPI Offers College Scholarships

DPI is accepting applications for its 2019 College Scholarship Program.  Applications are being accepted for undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are available in the amount of $1,500 or more.

 

Undergraduate applicants must be a Delmarva resident and a student in good standing at any accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States or in the case of graduating high school seniors, accepted to an accredited, degree-granting institution within the United States.  Individuals must have an academic major in a subject matter relevant to Delmarva’s chicken industry and be planning a career in a segment of this industry.  An academic transcript must accompany each application.

 

Graduate student applications must meet the above criteria, with the exception of Delmarva residency.  In addition, the individual must be engaged in research that positively could benefit Delmarva’s chicken industry.

 

Applications must be completed and received at the following address on or before 4:30 pm on April 5, 2019:  DPI College Scholarship Program, 16686 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.  Applications and additional scholarship information are available from the DPI website at http://www.dpichicken.org/scholarship/  Late, incomplete, or handwritten applications will not be considered. DPI membership on the part of the applicant or his/her family is not required and has no effect on the selection process.

 

Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest- Entries Due April 15^th-

 

Calling all young artists!  With categories encompassing painting, pastels, charcoals, photography, pencil, pen and ink and even crayons and markers for younger youth there is something for everyone in the Delaware 4-H Equine Art Contest. Entries are due to county

offices on or before April 15, 2019.  Entries will be put on display by May 10th at Chick’s retail store in Harrington, Delaware.  Contest guidelines and entry information is posted on the State 4-H website. https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/28151743/2019-Delaware-4-H-Equine-Art-Contest.pdf

 

Delaware Pork Producers Annual Dinner- March 23rd

The Delaware Pork Producers Association will be holding their annual dinner and banquet on Saturday, March 23^rd at the Felton Fire Hall.  Dinner will be served family style beginning at 6:30pm.  The menu will consist of Felton’s famous fried oysters, delicious pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, dumplings, green beans, dessert and beverages.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Please call Karen Tigner at (302)632-4250 for more information or to purchase dinner tickets.  The Delaware Pork Producers Association has graciously provided support to Delaware 4-H Livestock programs for many years.

 

Tufts University Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Camp

Do you know an aspiring veterinarian? Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) is a fun and engaging career exploration program for middle and high school students who are interested in pursuing a veterinary career.  AVM attendees will explore the wide variety of opportunities available within veterinary medicine and see first-hand what attending veterinary school is really like. Sessions include lectures by Tufts faculty and vet students, interesting laboratories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities with animals. AVM is held on the beautiful campus of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, located about 40 minutes west of Boston in North Grafton, MA.

 

Applications for summer 2019 are now available! For more information on the program, including dates, eligibility, and tuition please visit the AVM website or contact us at AVM@tufts.edu.

 

2019 State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections

The Avian Bowl is a knowledge based quiz bowl style competition that focuses on poultry and eggs and poultry industry topics.  The 2019 Delaware 4-H Avian Bowl will be Saturday July 27th at 1:00 pm in the Centre.  All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

• Avian systems (Only Circulatory, Nervous, Excretory, Muscle and Skeletal) – pages 39-40
• Breeds, varieties, and strains (AOSB and Miscellaneous only) – Pages 79-80
• Raising game birds (All) – pages 81-99
• Eggcyclopedia (Eggs from A-Z through Chantilly Meringue) AND (Sabayon sauce through Zeaxanthin) – pages 103-110 and 145-151B
• Raising your home flock (All) – Pages 151C-161 • Contributions of poultry to the development of science (All) – Pages 169-170
• Avian influenza (All) – Pages 181-182

For more information on the Avian Bowl please consult the contest rules and guidelines which can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage:

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/10135448/Delaware-4-H-Avian-Bowl-Rules-and-Guidelines-2019.pdf

 

Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Second Entry Deadline

The second entry deadline for the 2019 Delaware Junior Dairy futurity is February 1, 2019.  The entry form can be found here https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/21084712/2019-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry-Form.pdf  To participate in the 2019 Futurity for Summer Calves, a calf must be nominated by May 1, 2019.  All calves, born June 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018 inclusive, of any dairy breed are eligible to enter the Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity. Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor.  Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 1, 2019.

 

1st payment of $5.00 due on or before November 13, 2018

2nd payment of $10.00 due on or before February 1, 2019

3rd payment of $15.00 due on or before May 1, 2019

 

Late entries are permitted but if you do not enter the animal on the first due date, the payment will be doubled.  If your first entry is made on February 1, your entry fee will be $30.00.  If you do not enter until May 1, your entry fee is $70.00 on May 1.

 

Entry questions can be directed to volunteer Dairy Futurity co-chairs John Hickey or Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com

 

2019 Spring 4-H/FFA Dairy Show

The Spring 4-H and FFA Dairy Show will be held on April 6, 2019 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds.  Entries are due to 4-H volunteer Charmayne Busker by March 15, 2019.  The show is open to all Delmarva Residents who are owners or lessors of Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Guernsey and Brown Swiss cattle. The show will include both a Junior Division (age 21 & under as of January 1, 2019) and an Open Division which will run concurrently.  For show information and an entry form please visit the state 4-H website http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/

We are always looking for additional show sponsors.  If you are interested in sponsoring the 2019 show, please contact Charmayne by March 15 to be featured on the Spring Show t-shirt.

 

Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl

The Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl will be held on March 9, 2019 at Lake Forest North Elementary.  Divisions are available for Ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14-19 as of January 1 of the 2019 4-H year. Entry fees have increased this year to $15 per team but prize money has also been increased.

Questions may come from:

• 4-H Horse Manuals(blue cover 2015 version):

“Giddy Up and Go”, “Head, Heart and Hooves”, “Stable Relationships”,

“Riding the Range,” “Jumping to New Heights,” “Horse Project Helper’s Guide.,”

and 4-H Horse curriculum corrections found on-line at www.n4hccs.org.

• In addition to the 4-H Horse Project manuals:

Age 8-10: Horse Care for Kids, by Cherry Hill

 

Age 11-13: Your Horse, a step-by-step guide to horse ownership, by Judy Chapple (and age 8-10 material).

Horses and Horsemanship – by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council-

 

Age 14 and older: Storey’s Horse-Lover’s Encyclopedia, edited by Deborah Burns (and age 8-10 and 11-13 material).

Horse Science- by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council

 

Complete contest rules and guidelines are posted on the State 4-H Animal Science page at https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/03154738/2019-HORSE-BOWL-CONTEST.pdf  The 2019 Horse Bowl entry deadline is February 11, 2019.

 

NEW Quality Assurance Certification Requirement for All Delaware State Fair Market Animal Exhibitors!

Beginning with the 2019 Delaware State Fair, all junior exhibitors showing a market animal (steer, market lamb, market goat or market hog) will be required to have a current quality assurance certification in order to exhibit in a market class at the Delaware State Fair.  The Swine Department will accept either an existing Youth PQA certification that is still valid through July of 2019 or a current Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) certification. The Youth PQA program no longer exists to train new youth or recertify. The YQCA program is a national certification that now covers all livestock species with a single certification for all youth ages 8-21 nationwide. Program ages are calculated as of January 1 of the current year. Options for obtaining a qualifying quality assurance certification in order to be able to show a market animal at the 2019 DSF are:

 

• Ages 5-7– A parent, guardian or responsible adult must have a current quality assurance certification. Options to fulfill this requirement include PQA(Pork Quality Assurance) or BQA (Beef Quality Assurance https://www.bqa.org/certification/online-certification) adult online trainings or parents can either attend a YQCA classroom training session with their 5-7 year old to obtain a valid QA certification to meet the DSF requirement.  Please contact Susan Garey if you would like to be granted access to the online Adult PQA certification training to cover youth ages 5-7. An email address is required.

 

• Ages 8-18– The youth exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification obtained either through an YQCA classroom training session or YQCA online.

 

• Ages 19-21– The youth market exhibitor must have a current YQCA certification that can only be obtained online as per the YQCA program rules.

 

Youth YQCA certification is valid for one year.

 

In order for youth ages 8-21 to participate in either an online or in person classroom YQCA training session, they must register and create a profile at http://yqca.org  For youth age 8-12, parents are required to register their youth on the YQCA website. The YQCA classroom training costs $3.00 and the online training costs $12.00.  These fees are paid online and go directly to YQCA even if you are attending an in person training.  This should be completed prior to coming to the in person training. Youth completing the online YQCA training will take the online module that corresponds to their age as of January 1 of the current year.

 

The following YQCA in person class training dates have been scheduled for this spring:

 

May 23, 2019– Sussex County YQCA Classroom Training- Carvel Center 6:30-8:00 pm

May 29, 2019- NCC YQCA Classroom Training- New Castle County Extension Office 6:30-8:00 pm

June 12, 2019 – FINAL YQCA Classroom Training- Kent County Extension Office- 6:30-8:00 pm

 

If you choose a classroom training option, you may attend class in any of the locations. If you plan on attending any of these sessions, please RSVP to Susan Garey (302)730-4000 or truehart@udel.edu at least three days prior so that there will be adequate materials. If there are no registrations in advance, the class will be canceled. Please contact Susan Garey if you have any questions or concerns in regards to PQA/YQCA certification needs as we transition to this new quality assurance certification requirement for all market animal exhibitors.

 

2019 Delaware State Fair Livestock Tagging Dates

Tagging dates for market lambs, market hogs, market goats, market steers and feeder calves for the 2019 Delaware State Fair are:

 

• Saturday, May 4, 9 am-11 pm – Steve Cook’s Farm 3300 Frazer Rd. Newark  (NC County)
• Saturday, May 4, 9 am- 11 am – Georgetown Research and Education Center (Sussex County) Georgetown is not capable of weighing steers or feeder calves but can still tag. If you wish to compete in Sussex Rate of Gain and weigh your cattle you must go to a Kent tagging date.
• Saturday, May 11, 9 am- 11 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County)
• Friday, May 17, 6 pm- 9 pm- Delaware State Fair (Kent County Jackpot Show and County 4-H Show Participants Only)
• Tuesday, May 21, 5 pm- 8 pm – Delaware State Fair (Kent County)

 

If you choose to participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest sponsored by the Delaware Farm Bureau, you need to attend the tagging/weigh in for your county.  If you choose not to participate in the 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Contest you may tag at any of the three locations regardless of what county you are enrolled in.  Please see the guidelines for the 2019 4-H/FFA Rate of Gain Educational Contest for further details. http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/

 

2019 Youth Livestock Conservationist Program

Sponsored by the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

 

Youth interested in applying for the 2019 Youth Conservationist Program

• Must be between 9 and 18 years old.
• Submit an application postmarked by April 1, 2019 that includes:
  • An essay which introduces you, your experience with animals, if for any reason, the animal is not being kept at your own home, explain, in detail where it will reside and what exactly your responsibilities will be, your essay should explain your interest in sheep, and answer the question: “Why I would like to help preserve a heritage breed of sheep.”
• Each applicant must include a letter of recommendation from
  • Their 4-H Advisor, FFA Advisor, veterinarian, teacher or clergy.
• The total application/essay should be no more than 2 pages in length. The applicant should indicate if they wish to be considered for a specific breed or for any of the breeds available.
• The application must include address, phone and if available, email address. Interested young people should contact Elaine for an updated list of breeds available, then submit their letter of application/essay to:

Elaine Ashcraft, 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, OH 43812

740.622.1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

 

ALL ESSAYS MUST BE MAILED, WILL NOT ACCEPT EMAILED ESSAYS!

 

Requirements if selected:

• Must be present to receive the ewe at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on Sunday

May 5, 2019.

• Must exhibit the ewe at least twice in 2019 at: 1) a county fair or local sheep show and 2) the State Fair in the state where the recipient lives.
• Must breed the ewe to a registered ram (of her breed) in the fall of 2019, should consult the donor breeder for their recommendations.
• Must either use the ewe’s fleece to personally make a wool item or sell the fleece to a spinner, felter or weaver.
• Must submit an article the following Feb/Mar to their local newspaper covering their year and including information concerning the next year’s YCP program.
• Must submit a one to two-page report, with pictures, to the Donor Breeder by April 30, 2020 and provide a scrapbook to be used at the Maryland Festival which is then given back to the youth.

 

Any questions please contact Elaine Ashcraft 46118 CR 58 Coshocton, Ohio 43812

1-740-622-1573 tankewe_cr58@yahoo.com

please note the underscore between tankewe and cr58!

Donors choose the recipients from the essays submitted by the youth.

 

Tufts University Adventures in Veterinary Medicine Camp

Do you know an aspiring veterinarian? Adventures in Veterinary Medicine (AVM) is a fun and engaging career exploration program for middle and high school students who are interested in pursuing a veterinary career.  AVM attendees will explore the wide variety of opportunities available within veterinary medicine and see first-hand what attending veterinary school is really like. Sessions include lectures by Tufts faculty and vet students, interesting laboratories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities with animals. AVM is held on the beautiful campus of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, located about 40 minutes west of Boston in North Grafton, MA.

 

Applications for summer 2019 are now available! For more information on the program, including dates, eligibility, and tuition please visit the AVM website or contact us at AVM@tufts.edu.

 

DPI Offers College Scholarships

DPI is accepting applications for its 2019 College Scholarship Program.  Applications are being accepted for undergraduate and graduate scholarships that are available in the amount of $1,500 or more.

 

Undergraduate applicants must be a Delmarva resident and a student in good standing at any accredited, degree-granting institution in the United States or in the case of graduating high school seniors, accepted to an accredited, degree-granting institution within the United States.  Individuals must have an academic major in a subject matter relevant to Delmarva’s chicken industry and be planning a career in a segment of this industry.  An academic transcript must accompany each application.

 

Graduate student applications must meet the above criteria, with the exception of Delmarva residency.  In addition, the individual must be engaged in research that positively could benefit Delmarva’s chicken industry.

 

Applications must be completed and received at the following address on or before 4:30 pm on April 5, 2019:  DPI College Scholarship Program, 16686 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947.  Applications and additional scholarship information are available from the DPI website at http://www.dpichicken.org/scholarship/  Late, incomplete, or handwritten applications will not be considered. DPI membership on the part of the applicant or his/her family is not required and has no effect on the selection process.

 

 

Delaware Livestock Exposition Benefit Oyster Dinner March 9^th– Felton Fire Hall

Mark your calendar for the 2019 Delaware Livestock Exposition, October 12-13 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington.  The show is a junior breeding show for beef cattle, sheep, swine, and Boer goats and is open to exhibitors from across the country.  Entry and registration information is available via our new website at www.delawarelivestockexpo.com  Premiums are paid to the top placing animals in each class.  Sponsors and donors support the Expo financially however we still need your help too!  This show has returned over $250,000 in premiums to our young livestock exhibitors.

 

The show committee is hosting a benefit Fried Oyster and Chicken Salad dinner and auction at the Felton Fire Hall on March 9th.  Tickets are $30 each and are available for purchase at the Kent County Extension office beginning in February.   Please contact Kristin Cook kristin@udel.edu  or 730-4000 to reserve yours now.  All proceeds are used towards Livestock Exposition premiums and expenses.  We are also actively looking for donations of unique items for our silent and live auctions that evening.  Please join us for a fun filled evening to support our livestock youth!

 

2019 State 4-H Avian Bowl Study Sections

The Avian Bowl is a knowledge based quiz bowl style competition that focuses on poultry and eggs and poultry industry topics.  The 2019 Delaware 4-H Avian Bowl will be Saturday July 27th at 1:00 pm in the Centre.  All questions and answers will come from the following material in the 2016 version of the Avian Bowl Manual:

• Avian systems (Only Circulatory, Nervous, Excretory, Muscle and Skeletal) – pages 39-40
• Breeds, varieties, and strains (AOSB and Miscellaneous only) – Pages 79-80
• Raising game birds (All) – pages 81-99
• Eggcyclopedia (Eggs from A-Z through Chantilly Meringue) AND (Sabayon sauce through Zeaxanthin) – pages 103-110 and 145-151B
• Raising your home flock (All) – Pages 151C-161 • Contributions of poultry to the development of science (All) – Pages 169-170
• Avian influenza (All) – Pages 181-182

For more information on the Avian Bowl please consult the contest rules and guidelines which can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science webpage:

https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/10135448/Delaware-4-H-Avian-Bowl-Rules-and-Guidelines-2019.pdf

 

Delaware Pork Producers Annual Dinner- March 23rd

The Delaware Pork Producers Association will be holding their annual dinner and banquet on Saturday, March 23^rd at the Felton Fire Hall.  Dinner will be served family style beginning at 6:30pm.  The menu will consist of Felton’s famous fried oysters, delicious pork roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, dumplings, green beans, dessert and beverages.  Tickets are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Please call Karen Tigner at (302)632-4250 for more information or to purchase dinner tickets.  The Delaware Pork Producers Association has graciously provided support to Delaware 4-H Livestock programs for many years.

Delaware Equine Council Foundation Scholarship- $1500

Eligibillity:

• Must be a U.S. citizen and a Delaware resident or Delaware Equine Council member. ($10.00 to become an individual member)
• Must be enrolled and in good standing in an agriculture, equine, veterinary or vet tech program in the United States.
• Must submit a typewritten 400-word essay :

“How I plan to use this course of study to further the equine or agriculture industry.”

• Must complete a typed application and include a transcript of a minimum of one full semester’s grades from an accredited college or university.

All awards are given without discrimination as to race, sex, or creed.

Application postmark deadline is January 31, 2019. Winners will be awarded on April 6, 2019.  To download the application or for more details please visit: http://delawareequinecouncil.org/scholarships.html

 

Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl

The Delaware 4-H Horse Bowl will be held on March 9, 2019 at Lake Forest North Elementary.  Divisions are available for Ages 8-10, 11-13, and 14-19 as of January 1 of the 2019 4-H year. Entry fees have increased this year to $15 per team but prize money has also been increased.

Questions may come from:

• 4-H Horse Manuals(blue cover 2015 version):

“Giddy Up and Go”, “Head, Heart and Hooves”, “Stable Relationships”,

“Riding the Range,” “Jumping to New Heights,” “Horse Project Helper’s Guide.,”

and 4-H Horse curriculum corrections found on-line at www.n4hccs.org.

• In addition to the 4-H Horse Project manuals:

Age 8-10: Horse Care for Kids, by Cherry Hill

Age 11-13: Your Horse, a step-by-step guide to horse ownership, by Judy Chapple (and age 8-10 material).

Horses and Horsemanship – by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council-

Age 14 and older: Storey’s Horse-Lover’s Encyclopedia, edited by Deborah Burns (and age 8-10 and 11-13 material).

Horse Science- by Ray Antoniewicz, National 4-H Council

Complete contest rules and guidelines are posted on the State 4-H Animal Science page at https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/03154738/2019-HORSE-BOWL-CONTEST.pdf  The 2019 Horse Bowl entry deadline is February 11, 2019.

 

Delaware Ag Week

Delaware Ag Week programs, along with an agricultural trade show and exhibits by the First State Antique Tractor Club, are being held January 14-18, 2019 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware.  Sessions focused on beef cattle production, small ruminants and hay and pasture are among the events being held.  For the complete schedule of events and individual session schedules please visit http://sites.udel.edu/delawareagweek/

 

Delaware Ag Week Seminar for Beef Cattle Producers

January 14, 2019- 6:00-9:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Board Room

6:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.- What’s in the Color? Managing Diseases for High Quality Forages
Sudeep Mathew, Agronomic Service Representative, Mid-Atlantic, Syngenta

6:45 p.m. – DINNER- Sponsored by the Delaware Beef Advisory Board

 7:30 p.m.—8:00 p.m.- Strengthening Health and Farm Vitality- Maria Pippidis, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Educator and Laurie Wolinski, Director, Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center, University of Delaware  

8:00 p.m.—8:45 p.m.- Feeding Lower Quality Hay- Dr. Jessica Williamson, Extension Forage Specialist, Penn State University 

8:45 p.m. QUESTIONS/ADJOURN

Please RSVP by January 4 to Susan Garey or call  (302) 730-4000 if you plan on attending so we can make the necessary arrangements for food and materials.

—

Session Summary: DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  0 MD Nutrient Management Credits:  0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits:  PM: 0.50

Delmarva Pasture and Hay Conference

MD/DE Forage Council

Commodities Building

January 15, 2019

9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.- Welcome and Housekeeping Details– Dan Severson, University of Delaware Extension Agriculture Agent

9:15 a.m.—10:00 a.m.-What’s in the Color? Managing Diseases for High Quality Forages- Sudeep Mathew, Agronomic Service Representative, Mid-Atlantic, Syngenta 

10:00 a.m.—10:45 a.m.- Feeding Lower Quality Hay- Jessica Williamson, Extension Forage Specialist, Penn State University 

10:45 a.m.       Break/visit with Exhibitors 

 11:00 a.m.—11:45 a.m.- Are Clovers Worth It and are Phytoestrogens in Clover Good or Evil?- Dennis Hancock, State Forage Specialist, University of Georgia 

11:45 a.m.—12:00 p.m.- Words from the Maryland-Delaware Forage Council- Les Vough, President MDFC and Forage Crops Extension Specialist Emeritus, University of Maryland

12:00 p.m. LUNCH IN DOVER BUILDING 

Session Summary: DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  2.0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  0  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits: PM:.50, CM:.50

1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.- Advancements in Alfalfa Production and Management- Dennis Hancock, State Forage Extension Specialist, University of Georgia

2:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.- To Be Announced- Roeland Kapsenberg, Vice President Agricultural Division, DLF PickSeed

3:00 p.m. ADJOURN

Session Summary: DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  1.0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  4.0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  0.50  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  1.0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits: CM:1.0

 

Small Ruminant Program

January 15, 2019- 6:00-9:00 pm

Exhibit Hall Board Room

6:00 p.m.—6:45 p.m.- Exploring “Ethnic” Markets for Lamb and Goat Meat- Dr. Tatiana L. Stanton, Small Ruminant Extension Specialist, Cornell University

6:45 p.m.- DINNER- Sponsored by Delmarva Feeds 

7:15 p.m.—7:30 p.m.- Past and Future Plans of the Small Ruminant Program- Delaware Cooperative Extension Small Ruminant Team 

7:30 p.m.—8:15 p.m.- Lambing and Kidding- Dr. Tatiana L. Stanton, Small Ruminant Extension Specialist, Cornell University 

8:15 p.m.—8:45 p.m.- Apps to the Rescue- Delaware Cooperative Extension Small Ruminant Team 

8:45 p.m. QUESTIONS/ADJOURN 

Please RSVP by January 4, 2019 to Susan Garey or call 302-730-4000 if you plan to attend so we can plan accordingly for meals and materials and accommodating any special needs.

Session Summary:  DE Pesticide Certification Credits:  0  MD Pesticide Certification Credits:  0
DE Nutrient Management Credits:  0  MD Nutrient Management Credits:  0
Certified Crop Advisor Credits:  0

 

Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Second Entry Deadline

The second entry deadline for the 2019 Delaware Junior Dairy futurity is February 1, 2019.  The entry form can be found here https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/21084712/2019-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry-Form.pdf  To participate in the 2019 Futurity for Summer Calves, a calf must be nominated by May 1, 2019.  All calves, born June 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018 inclusive, of any dairy breed are eligible to enter the Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity. Calves MUST be exhibited by a Delaware State Fair Junior Dairy Exhibitor.  Leased animals are eligible and an exhibitor must be named on the last entry on May 1, 2019.

1st payment of $5.00 due on or before November 13, 2018

2nd payment of $10.00 due on or before February 1, 2019

3rd payment of $15.00 due on or before May 1, 2019

Late entries are permitted but if you do not enter the animal on the first due date, the payment will be doubled.  If your first entry is made on February 1, your entry fee will be $30.00.  If you do not enter until May 1, your entry fee is $70.00 on May 1.

Entry questions can be directed to volunteer Dairy Futurity co-chairs John Hickey or Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com