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:
- Another online resource for practicing horse judging skills is 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, 2020HHYF 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 … 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:
- GATE ADMISSIONS
- Each livestock exhibitor will receive a 10-Day gate admission badge.
- 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:
- The exhibitor is 21 or younger; AND
- The exhibitor’s parent or guardian rendering assistance to the exhibitor is not camping on the grounds; AND
- 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 Fairdepartments (i.e. another livestock department, 4-H, FFA, etc.)
- 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.
- An Exhibitor or their family may purchase additional 5-Day gate pass for $30 through the Fair’s website.
- Credential badges and gate passes shall be mailed out by the Entries and Credentials Departments prior to the Fair.
- PARKING HANGTAGS
- Farms or households with up to 2 exhibitors will receive one (1)
Combination Exhibitors’ Gate 2/Exhibitors’ Parking Lot Hangtag.
- Farms or households with 3 or more exhibitors will receive two (2)
Combination Exhibitors’ Gate 2/Exhibitors’ Parking Lot Hangtags.
- 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.
- Exhibitor parking is designated for daily in and out use by exhibitors. It isnot 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.
- 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.
- Hangtags will be mailed out by the Entries Department prior to Fair.
Temporary hangtags will no longer be issued.
For questions 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:
- 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.
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 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.