2014 Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity
The entry form for the 2014 Delaware Youth Dairy Futurity has been posted to the State 4-H Animal Science webpage and the first entry deadline is November 30, 2013.

To participate in the 2014 Futurity for Summer Calves, a calf must be nominated by May 1, 2014. All calves, born June 1, 2013 to August 31, 2013 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, 2014.

1st payment of $5.00 due on or before November 30, 2013
2nd payment of $10.00 due on or before January 31, 2014
3rd payment of $15.00 due on or before May 1, 2014

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 January 31, 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

Upcoming Webinar: Health Concerns for the Overweight Horse

December 17, 2013 7:00 pm ET

This webcast will discuss health concerns for both under and overweight horses, with an emphasis on the overweight horse. Most horse owners understand the potential issues with horses being too thin, but may not be aware of the issues associated with the other extreme. Following this session, horse owners will be able to assess if their horse is over or underweight, and have strategies to manage their overweight horses.
This webinar is FREE and is brought to you by eXtension.org/Horses and My Horse University.  The presenter will be Dr. Colleen Brady, Purdue University. Dr. Brady is the Extension faculty member providing leadership for the 4-H Animal Sciences program, and a member of the departments Life Science Education Team that works toward developing innovative and effective programming for youth in formal and informal education areas. Dr. Brady focuses her research on measuring increases in science competency in youth due to participation in animal science based programming, as well as exploring motivating factors impacting youth decisions to participate in those program. Dr. Brady collaborated with extension educators across Indiana, as well as industry representatives, and Extension Specialists nationwide.

Participation does require a high speed internet connection.
To register for the webinar please visit:
http://www.myhorseuniversity.com/resources/webcasts/overweighthorse

Upcoming Webinar: Controlling Internal Parasites in Small and Backyard Poultry Flocks- January 9, 2014 7:00pm ET

Keeping happy chickens means keeping them healthy. Internal parasites can be a problem when chickens are allowed to roam. Dr. Donna Carver from North Carolina State University will discuss controlling internal parasites in backyard flocks.

Participation is free and brought to you by eXtension.org but requires a high speed internet connection. To participate, simply click on the link below and enter the virtual meeting room as a guest. You will be asked to type in your name. You may want to attempt to join 5-10 minutes in advance of the start time in case you need to download an abode connect add in or update your software. https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/poultry

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 13-17, 2014 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware. Sessions focused on beef cattle production, small ruminant production, equine management and hay and pasture are among the variety of programs being held. For the complete schedule of events and individual session schedules please visit http://sites.udel.edu/delawareagweek/

Delaware Ag Week Small Ruminant Program- January 14th 2014 6:00-9:00 pm
Delaware State Fair Exhibit Hall Board Room

6:00- Introduction and Welcome
6:05- 6:45 pm- Breeding Better Sheep and Goats Part 1: Genetics- Susan Schoenian, Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist, University of Maryland
Break for light dinner
7:00-7:35pm- Breeding Better Sheep and Goats Part 2: Selection- Susan Schoenian, Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist, University of Maryland
7:40- 8:45- CIDR Technology in Small Ruminant Reproduction: Use, Benefits and Management Considerations- Dr. Nelson Escobar, Assistant Professor, Small Ruminant Production and Management, University Maryland Eastern Shore
8:45 pm- Questions and Adjourn

Please RSVP to John Clendaniel (302)857-6425 or jclendaniel@desu.edu by January 10th if you plan on attending so we can make the necessary arrangements for food and materials

Delaware Ag Week Seminar for Beef Cattle Producers January 15, 2014- 6:00-9:00 pm

Delaware State Fair Exhibit Hall Board Room

6:05-6:30- Animal Traceability for Beef Cattle- Dr. Heather Hirst, D.V.M. State Veterinarian, Delaware Department of Agriculture
Break for light dinner
6:45- 7:30 pm- Adding Value through Herd Health- Phil Osborne, Marketing Specialist, West Virginia University
7:30- 8:30 pm- An Annual Management Calendar for Spring Calving Herds- Dean Bryant, Roseda Farm
8:30- 8:50 pm-Developing a Market Program- Phil Osborne, Marketing Specialist, West Virginia University
8:50- Questions and Adjourn

Please RSVP to John Clendaniel (302)857-6425 or jclendaniel@desu.edu by January 13th if you plan on attending so we can make the necessary arrangements for food and materials