Category Archives: Uncategorized
Calendar dates for April through June
Ag Day 2017
Calendar Dates for March through May
Agent’s Letter
Dear 4-H Families, Leaders and Friends,
2017 is off to a great start!
Our New Castle County 4-Hers showed their creative skills with wonderful place settings and delicious recipes at the Favorite Foods Contest. See 4-H Flickr account for all the photos. www.flickr.com/delaware4h
Also on Jan. 21, the prestigious 2016 Joy Sparks Award was given to Brenda Ebling, a longtime volunteer leader. State 4-H Program Leader, Mr. Doug Crouse presented the award to a very surprised winner. It was a memorable moment indeed. Congratulations Brenda!
Kaitlin and I had the pleasure of chaperoning the State Teen Conference held at the UD campus recently. State Teen Council Officers led awesome workshops. Teens enjoyed a UD basketball game, dance, and a variety of physical activity opportunities at the “Little Bob” gymnasium.
Registration is now open for New Castle County Jr. Leader Weekend, March 3-5. 4-Hers age 13 and up, are invited to join us at Cape Henlopen Youth Camp for leadership training, workshops, planning younger member overnighter and day camps, recreation and healthy food.
The demonstration contest is March 23- but it is not too early to start thinking about a topic. A successful 4-H demonstration does not have to be complicated or difficult; instead, it can be a lot of fun! Demonstrations are a great opportunity to show your 4-H knowledge and skills to others.
Upcoming important deadlines:
Feb. 3: State 4-H Camp Scholarship and Mark Manno Day Camp Scholarship applications due
Feb. 6: Winter Workshops registrations due
Feb. 8: Link grant application due
Feb. 20: Jr. Leader Weekend registration due
March 1: Club Audits Due
Let us know if you have questions. We are here to help!
Yours in 4-H,
Betsy, Kaitlin and Serena
2017 National 4-H Conference
The 2017 National 4-H Conference will take place March 25-30 at the National 4-H Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD. This event is sponsored by the Delaware 4-H Foundation. Applications from teens that are 10th and 11th graders will be accepted until December 1. The application is attached and can be found at the State 4-H web site.
2017 National Conference Application
Click for more information about the National 4-H Conference.
Meet the 4-H Staff
Come out and meet the 4-H staff for New Castle County!
Public Speaking Contest
NCC 4-H Public Speaking Contest, Thursday, November 22 at 6:00 pm at the Brandywine Hundred Library
Because we hold our competition a little earlier than the rest of the state, we’ve altered the age requirement. Please pay careful attention to this change when filling out the form. Deadline for registration is November 14.
If you have any questions please contact the NCC 4-H office at 302-831-8965.
Kids Cook Off!
4-H Calendar
Starting a new 4-H year means the Start of a new Calendar!
You will be able to find the Calendar on the New Castle County 4-H page. If you have any questions please call the 4-H office at 302-831-8965.
Window Display and Banner Contest 2016
National 4-H Week provides a great opportunity to put New Castle County 4-H and your individual club in the spotlight! This year think about how your club can encourage others in the community to become a 4-H member. Believe it or not, there are still people who have never heard of 4-H! This is your opportunity to show your community all of the fun, exciting, and meaningful programs 4-H’ers take part in.
Window Displays: Clubs are encouraged to design a window display that will be placed in the community. Great locations include grocery stores, doctor’s offices, pet supply stores, local businesses, etc. Put your creativity to use and design an eye catching display that will spark public interest in 4-H.
Banners: Individual members of 4‐H clubs are encouraged to design and display a 4‐H banner in the community during National 4‐H Week.
Rules:
- Displays must be in place by 5:00pm Monday, October 3 and remain displayed until 5:00pm , Sunday, October 9.
- Window displays can be a maximum of 7’x 30”
- Banner must be 2 ’ x 3’ in dimension
- Registrations are due to the NCC Extension office by Monday, September 26
- Displays will be judged and the top three winners in each category will be announced at the New Castle County 4-H Achievement Night in October
*IMPORTANT NOTE*
If you submit a registration form, but your club is unable to participate in the contest, please contact Serena at (302) 831-8965 or serenac@udel.edu no later than Friday, September 30.
Haass’ 4th Annual BBQ Brawl
Calendar Pages – June through August 2016
Do More 24 Movement – June 2, 2016
United Way of Delaware is joining forces with local non-profit organizations (including 4-H) to sponsor Do More – 24. This campaign will take place on Thursday, June 2, 2016.
June 2 is your chance to GIVE where you LIVE. Visit the Do More 24 – Delaware website on June 2 to donate to 4-H. 100% of the proceeds from all donations will go to the non-profit of your choosing.
Here is more information about this campaign:
“Do More – 24 is a local movement that is leveraging the power of the crowd to support our state’s non-profits through focused, online giving. It is all happening on June 2 – one day only! Use this day as an opportunity to give to your favorite local non-profit agency. See how you can get involved and join in the community of people working together to make a difference.”
We hope you consider donating to Delaware 4-H through the Do More – 24 movement!
Animal Science Updates
Delaware State Fair Online Entries Open April 1
It’s that time already! Delaware State Fair online entries for all classes, including livestock open on April 1. Entries close on June 1.
Delaware State Fair Livestock Handbook Department Highlights for 2016
- Entry fees for beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, swine and goats will be $5.00 per class with the exception of showmanship and group classes. A sliding scale for premiums paid will be utilized starting with the 2016 fair.
- Beef cattle tie out times have been established starting in 2016. Tie out between the horse barns will be allowed from 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM. Clean out is required nightly and all manure is to be brought to the designated manure bins. All tie out areas must be cleaned completely out by Sunday July 31st at noon, Exhibitors who do not comply will forfeit premiums.
- Crossbred gilts and barrows for the open barrow show must be 200-300 lbs. Any hogs not making these weights for these classes must be removed immediately following weigh in on Saturday morning and may not be shown.
- A minimum weight for tagging of market hogs is in place again this year. If your hog does not meet the minimum requirement for that tagging date, it will not be tagged by fair officials. You may bring it back to another tagging date but must meet the minimum for that next date. The minimum weights are:
May 7, 2016- 75 lbs.
May 14, 2016- 80 lbs.
May 20, 2016- 85 lbs.
May 24, 2016- 85 lbs.
- Goat Exhibitors– beginning with the 2016 Delaware State Fair, all pygmy goats will be required to be registered. Registration papers will be checked beginning in 2016.
Delaware State Fair Livestock Tagging Dates for Market Animals
All market animals must be identified with a Delaware State Fair ear tag in order to be eligible. This applies to market steers, market lambs, market goats and market hogs. Feeder calves and breed animals do not need to be tagged.
May 7, 2016- New Castle County- Newark- Cook’s Farm- 9:00am- 11:00 am
May 7, 2016- Sussex County- Georgetown REC- 9:00 am-11:00 am**
May 14 2016- Kent County- DSF- 9:00 am- 11:00 am
May 20, 2016- Kent County- DSF- 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm- Tagging for Jackpot participants
May 24, 2016- FINAL TAGGING DATE- DSF- 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
**Sussex County does not have the ability to weigh steers so if you want your steer to be weighed at the time of tagging, it must be brought to one of the Delaware State Fair tagging dates. To be eligible for the Delaware Farm Bureau Rate of Gain Contest, you must weigh and tag at the location for your county.
Jackpot Show Entries Due May 2
The Kent County 4-H Livestock Advisory Committee is hosting its 19th Jackpot Show on May 21, 2016 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds. This is a market preview show for steers, market goats, market lambs, and market hogs. Entry information is posted on the State 4-H animal science page https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/28175022/Jackpot-show-entry-form-2016-final.pdf and entries must be postmarked by May 2 or entry fees double.
NCC Hosts 4-H/FFA Livestock Classic- ENTRY DEADLINE MAY 13- Late entry fees are double!
New Castle County 4-H and FFA Livestock Volunteers are hosting the 4-H and FFA Summer Livestock Classic on June 4, 2016 at the Delaware State Fair. This event is open to any 4-H or FFA member in Delaware and the eastern shore counties of Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Dorchester and Talbot counties. Classes offered include showmanship and market classes. Entry information and a class list are posted on the state 4-H animal Science website http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/
Please note entries must be postmarked by May 13.
PQA Certification
All Junior Market Hog Exhibitors are required to have a current PQA certification in order to exhibit a market hog at the Delaware State Fair. There are currently three options for obtaining PQA certification. The class certification option is open to any age but youth under the age of 8 (computed as of Jan 1 of the current year) must have a parent attend the class with them as national program guidelines do not permit a child under 8 to hold their own certification. Certification received through the classroom option is valid for one year.
Youth over the age of 12 (computed as of Jan 1 of the current year) have the option of taking a multiple choice test in lieu of attending classroom training. The benefit of the testing option is that certification may last for longer than one year, depending on the age of the youth at test time. Youth must score 70% or better to pass the test and can take versions of the test up to three times in one sitting to pass.
There is an online training, testing, and certification option. Delivered in the form of an engaging, interactive online module, the new online option allows participants to learn, test, and become certified in Youth PQA Plus. For youth age 12 and under, a parent log-in for security is required. Youth only need to complete one of these three options for obtaining certification.
Beginners who participate in the online module will receive a one year certification. Intermediate and senior youth, depending on their age at the time of completing the course and if they pass the exam, could receive a three year certification, or certification lasting until they age out of their division if it’s less than three years, and move into the next age division. If an intermediate or senior youth member does not pass their exam online, they will receive a one year certification. For more information and to complete your certification online, please visit http://www.pork.org/youth-pqa-plus/
The final PQA class training date remains:
June 6, 2016- FINAL PQA Classroom Training- Kent County Extension Office- 6:30-8:30 pm
The following PQA testing dates have been scheduled for this spring (walk in any time):
May 5, 2016- Sussex PQA Open Testing- Carvel Center- 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
May 10, 2016- NCC PQA Open Testing- New Castle County Extension office- 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
June 9, 2016- Kent County PQA Open Testing- Kent County Extension Office- 4:00pm-6:00 pm
You may attend class or testing 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. Please contact Susan Garey if you have any questions or concerns in regards to PQA certification needs.
Dairy Leasing Agreements Due to County Offices May 2
2016 Delaware Youth Dairy Leasing Agreements must be turned in to county offices for county agent signatures or to Susan Garey by May 2. 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 2
The 2016 National 4-H Dairy Conference is September 25-28, 2016 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 2.
Final Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity Payment Due May 2
The third payment for futurity animals entered for the 2016 Delaware Junior Dairy Futurity is due May 2 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 2, 2016. For more information please consult the 2016 entry form posted on the State 4-H animal science page at https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/29153235/2016-Delaware-Youth-Dairy-Futurity-Entry-Form1.pdf or email Charmayne Busker cpbusker@gmail.com
2016 Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year Winner Named
Jointly sponsored by the Delaware 4-H Horse Advisory Committee and the Peter Stone Model Horse Company, the Horse of the Year contest offered 4-H members the opportunity to nominate a horse or pony as the Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year. Participants were required to submit an essay of 500-1000 words on the topic of, “If Your Horse was a Superhero, Who Would it be and Why?” along with 4 photographs of the nominated horse or pony. Essays were scored based on the ability to answer the topic, the emotional impact and meeting the essay requirements by a panel of 6 judges with equine backgrounds and experience as 4-H volunteers. Nominators were not required to own the horses or ponies entered.
The 2016 winner of the Delaware 4-H Horse of the Year is Ms. Ashley Tilghman, age 14 of Dover, Delaware who nominate her 7 year old grey Thoroughbred named WaChacha. Ashley is a member of the Mane Squad 4-H Club. In her essay, Ashley wrote about how Chacha has the qualities of Wonder Woman; agile, lots of endurance, quick reflexes, very intelligent, honest and beautiful. She compared Wonder Woman learning to live amongst us and being a “normal” human being to Chacha adapting all that she knew from racing in order to become a show horse.
Ashley will be presented with a custom made and custom painted model of her horse WaChacha at the Kent County 4-H Achievement banquet in October, generously created and donated by Peter Stone Model Horses. For more information on the Stone Model horse company, please visit: http://www.stonehorses.com
The announcement and essay guidelines for the 2017 Delaware 4-H Horse of the year contest will be available in October with an entry deadline of November 15, 2016. For more information on how to enter, please visit the Delaware 4-H Animal Science web page at http://extension.udel.edu/4h/projects-activities-for-members/4-h-animal-science/
Free eXtension Recorded Webinar for Viewing- Spring Cleaning: Getting Your Horse Ready for the Show Season
The webinar focuses on current vaccination strategies, nutritional management, muscle conditioning, and other health considerations to ensure your horse keeps healthy during the most demanding time of the year: Spring, Summer and Fall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlRTfq7bIgQ
2016 4-H Horse Judging Contest at the Delaware State Fair
The two performance classes in the 4-H Horse Judging Contest this summer at the Delaware State Fair will be Western Pleasure and Reining. The Reining Pattern will be provided to contestants via your county extension office in advance of the contest and by June 15th. Participants may bring the pattern with them to the contest.
51st State 4-H Horse Show at the Delaware State Fair
The 51st State 4-H Horse will be held on July 29, 2016 in the Quillen Arena at the Delaware State Fair. The show program, with complete rules and a class list, can be found on the State 4-H Animal Science page at https://cdn.extension.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/21024156/2016-State-4-H-Horse-Show.pdf 4-H’ers must have been enrolled in the Delaware 4-H program by March 1 in order to participate in the show. Ship-ins for the day are permitted and all horse must have proof of a negative Coggins test and a certificate of vaccination for Equine Influenza and EHV in the past 180 days to show. Class entries are made the morning of the show in the Quillen Arena office.
Rain Barrel Contest
DNREC’s Division of Watershed Stewardship is now accepting applications from children and student groups in grades K-12 to participate in a rain barrel painting contest aimed at educating young Delawareans on the benefits of using rain barrels to reduce rainwater runoff and improve water quality. Selected children or groups will be invited to paint creative designs on rain barrels for later public display.
To enter the contest, young artists must complete and submit an application by Friday, March 18, with a description and preliminary sketch of their design. DNREC will choose contest participants based on their application and design ideas.
Once contest participants are selected, they will have five weeks to finish their painting and submit final photographs and information requested about their works.
Young artists who participate in the contest must be willing to give of their time and materials including paint and brushes or other application tools, and provide a short biography. In exchange, DNREC’s Watershed Assessment and Management Section will provide a fully-assembled 55-gallon plastic rain barrel with two coats of primer applied, plus top coat. This year’s barrels have been donated by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery and Coca-Cola.
The finished rain barrel designs will be posted online for public voting at www.delawarewatersheds.org, and also displayed at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village in Dover from June 1 through July 19. The top five painted entries as chosen by online voters will be displayed at the 2016 Delaware State Fair in Harrington from July 21-30, where they will be voted on again by fair visitors for best painted rain barrel. The five grand prize winners will also participate in the annual DNREC awards program on Governors Day, Thursday, July 28, at the Delaware State Fair.
Applications can be found at www.delawarewatersheds.org.
DNREC Nonpoint Source Program
C/O Sharon Webb
State Street Commons
100 West Water Street, Suite 6B
Dover, DE 19904
For more information, please contact Sharon Webb at sharon.webb@state.de.us or 302-739-9922.
4-H Interview Skills
Summer camp scholarships – Due February 15
The NCC Links and Leaders Association graciously donate scholarship funds each year to assist with the costs of state 4-H camp for NCC 4-Hers. The NCC Links also offers a $200 scholarship for Newark Day Camp, in honor of the late Mr. Mark Manno. Scholarship applications should be completed and turned in to the 4-H office by Monday, February 15.
State 4-H Camp Scholarship Application
Mark Manno Memorial Day Camp Scholarship Application
For questions, e-mail Serena Conner or call (302) 831-8965.
4-H CONTESTS FOR JANUARY 23 HAVE BEEN POSTPONED!
Good Morning, 4-Hers:
All contests originally scheduled for this Saturday, January 23, have been postponed due to the predicted snowfall. This includes:
- FAVORITE FOODS
- PHOTOGRAPHY
- ADULT CASSEROLE COMPETITION
- FOODS & NUTRITION JUDGING
These events have been rescheduled for Saturday, February 20 at Kirk Middle School!
Since we had to reschedule, we are now extending registration for all events. If you have not previously signed up for either the Photography contest or the Favorite Foods contest and would like to register, please contact the 4-H office at your earliest convenience. Registration has been reopened and will close on Wednesday, February 10!
4-H Healthy Living Summit, Applications being accepted
National 4-H Council has allotted monies to send 3 Delaware 4-H and Healthy Living Ambassadors to the National Youth Summit on Healthy Living. At the National Youth Summit on Healthy Living high school students develop the knowledge and skills to address today’s issues including nutrition education, physical fitness, wellness, and emotional well-being. National 4-H Council and National 4-H Conference Center have partnered with professionals in family consumer science and healthy living to host the National Youth Summit on Healthy Living – February 12-15, 2016 in Washington, DC. Students are trained to create action plans to implement in their communities and teach other youth about what they have learned. The structure of the summits maximizes the amount of hands-on learning experiences and translates that learning to direct outcomes.
This Summit is open to any high school student in grades 9-12 as of September 2015.
Delaware 4-H members and Healthy Living Ambassadors must fill out the Healthy Living Summit 2016 Application to be considered to attend the conference.
This application is due to Jill Jackson by Friday, January 8, 2016.
Mail or Fax application to:
Jill Jackson
16483 County Seat Hwy.
Georgetown, DE 19947
Fax: 302-856-1845