Deadlines for applications & workshops fast approaching...
- March 20 – 4-H Crops Program Registration
- March 25 – Exploring Service Learning workshop
- March 25 – 4-H Leader Learn & Fun Day
- March 30 – Oh, the places you'll go…in 4-H!
- April 1 – IPPA Scholarship Applications
- April 13 – Radon Poster Contest (county)
- April 13 –4-H Day with the Cardinals Ticket Orders
- April 15 – Action Presentations at IL State Fair
- April 15 – Early-Bird for Illini Summer Academies
- April 17 – Team Youth Registration (Jr. Federation)
- May 1 – 4-H Enrollment (for fair exhibition)
- May 1 – 4-H Memorial Camp Registration
- May 1 – Horse & LlamaOwnership/Lease Forms
- May 1 – State Fair Jr. Department Assistance
- May 1 – Southdown Sheep Essay Contest
- May 26 – Illini Summer Academies Registration
Upcoming Events/Announcements...
Explore Service Learning, March 28, 2009, 9-Noon at ODC
Learn all about service learning and how to use it for your next community service activity at this hands on workshop. Wilbon Anthony, Prevention Educator will provide an overview of the service learning process, identify projects that are currently going on in the county and you will experience a hands on service learning opportunity. The cost is just $5 and will benefit the Occupational Development Center and Extension. Two $100 mini-grants will be drawn from those in attendance. Learn more about Global Youth Service Day – April 24-26 in McLean County. Register online by March 25: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2781
Oh, the Places you'll go…in 4-H! March 30, 2009
Want to go to National 4-H Congress? Travel the world? Win awards? Let 4-H take you there, by filling out 4-H project records & learn more about the Illinois 4-H Award Application! This hands-on workshop for parents, leaders and older members will get you excited about the possibilities! "Today is your day…register online by March 30: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2202
4-H Leader Learn & Fun Day, April 4, 8-Noon at COUNTRY Financial
Calling ALL Leaders: Please join experienced leaders and project area experts to learn how to set up and run project meetings and workshops, which will interest and engage your 4-H members while teaching them the basics in their project areas. This Learn and Fun Day for Leaders will focus on where to find resources, and on how project leaders can help strengthen a members' 4-H project experience. The workshop sessions will help you feel more at ease by giving you what you need to know to conduct your own club workshops. Thanks to the Planning Committee: Alisa Clary, Cathy Otto, Dawn Zimmerman, Rachael Johnson, Kathy Weinzierl. Register by March 25.
Flier: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/downloads/16013.pdf
Register online: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2757
Calling all 10-14 year olds! Team Youth is for YOU!, April 17 6:30 – 8 pm
4-H Jr. Federation is now 4-H Team Youth. The next meeting is on Friday, April 17th from 6:30 – 8 pm at the UNITY Community Center. Bring a friend as we explore service learning, and learn about each other in teambuilding exercises. Come with ideas for a service project to be completed in the summer. UNITY Community Center is at 632 Orlando Ave. Normal IL. Register online: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2823
Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) April 24-26, 2009
Report your service projects at: www.youthservicemcleancounty.org
During Global Youth Service Day, youth around the world organize community service projects to address local needs. GYSD is held during a weekend every April. In 2009, the event will be April 24-26. GYSD is celebrated in over 100 countries in every region of the world. Please have your club plan to be a part of this exciting event!
Friday April 24, 4-6 pm
- Service Fair & Celebration, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center, Illinois State University
- Has your club already completed a service project this year? If so, sign up to have a poster display and bring your 4-H club members to answer questions and see what other youth are doing to serve their communities in McLean County. Watch a presentation by State Farm CEO, Ed Rust and ISU President Al Bowman.
Saturday April 25 and/or Sunday – Your club's Service Project!
- Have your club choose to do a service activity, or ask club members to assist with pre-planned events that are in need of volunteers. A list of pre-scheduled events will be available as time gets closer.
Mclean County Week at 4-H Camp June 28-July 2
The deadline for registering for 4-H camp during McLean County week is May 1. All registrations for this week are turned in to us at the Extension Office. We have 90 spots available this year, and they are filled on a first come, first served basis. Registration forms are available online.
Registration forms: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/4hyouth482.html
4-H Memorial Camp site: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hmemorialcamp/memorialcamp.html
4-H Volunteer Orientation & Screening, May 12, 6:30 – 8 pm ---- NOTE Time Change!
Who? Parents, leaders, superintendents = 4-H VOLUNTEERS
When? May 12, 6:30-8 pm Where? Extension Office, 402 N Hershey Rd.
Why? To ensure that all 4-H youth in McLean County are with caring screened adults who are concerned about their safety. The U of I Extension State 4-H Office requires youth to be with screened volunteers at ALL times at 4-H events. Please help us protect our 4-H youth. You cannot be recognized as a 4-H leader if you have not gone through screening. This process involves CANTS screening (child abuse and neglect), criminal background check, and personal reference checks. Please RSVP online or call the Extension office. This is the final opportunity this 4-H year to become a screened volunteer.
4-H Volunteer Leader Update, April 30, 6:30 – 8 pm, Extension Office
April 30 marks the last chance to ask questions from staff about the upcoming fair and network with other leaders. Fairbooks "should" be available for pick-up. We'll talk about summer opportunities in 4-H. If you would like to assist with planning this leader update, please contact Theresa or Sandy. Jr. Leaders are welcome to attend.
Registration: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2827
4-H Club Challenge
Financial pressures continue for Extension and 4-H. We can relate to financial pressures with the state and national economy, not to mention personal finances in our homes. Our Extension Council, after study by the Expansion/Review Committee, has approved a "Club Challenge" goal to find $10 of support for each 4-Her in the club. Since 4-H does not technically charge "dues", it is our hope that we don't simply pass along this charge as a "membership fee", but rather that the clubs take on this challenge through regular club fund raising activities, sponsorships, or donations. Club members can learn that there are "costs" to our program, and as they say "For our Club" at the close of the 4-H pledge, they can work together to achieve this goal. We have for many years received "$2 Federation" donations from members; those will be discontinued with this new "club challenge."
More information regarding this is available at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/downloads/14964.pdf
Upcoming Opportunities for Members & Volunteers
IMPORTANT – opportunity! Heartland Community College – Use of Facilities by 4-H Clubs
Through a great relationship with HCC I am excited to announce that 4-H clubs have been given the opportunity to schedule a meeting at their facility for special programs/speakers. Have you ever wanted to have a speaker come, but they wanted to show a Power Point or needed an overhead projector? Want to use a computer lab to have your 4-Hers learn about Geospatial/Robotics project activities? Would you like to have an Extension Staff member teach your 4-Hers a workshop? This is a one or two time per year opportunity for your club to use an HCC classroom or computer lab for a 4-H meeting. IF your club would like to schedule a meeting at Heartland Contact Lisa Sleevar at 309-268-8016. You will need to contact her 4-6 weeks in advance.
4-H Day with the Cardinals
4-H Day with the Cardinals is set for Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. in Busch Stadium. The Redbirds are playing Kansas City that evening, and yes--it is Memorial Weekend! Please publicize the date and time NOW so your families can plan their Memorial Weekend vacation in the St. Louis area. Although order forms and additional information are not available yet, orders will need to be postmarked by April 13, and we'll mail tickets and T-shirts to families on
May 11. Registration form: http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/go/cards
Illini Summer Academies – June 29-July 1
We have expanded this 3-day event to provide Illinois teens new opportunities to explore the University of Illinois campus; study potential careers or leadership skills; and meet youth from across the state. Each academy will offer 15 hours of interactive activities and study in a specific field of interest. There will be at least six academies this summer (and hopefully more); each with limited enrollment that will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opened March 1.
List of Academies - Aerospace Engineering Academy, Agricultural & Biological Engineering Academy, Crop Sciences, Leadership Academy, Veterinary Medicine Academy, and Youth Community Informatics
Who can come?
This event is open to Illinois high school teens, incoming freshmen to graduating seniors for the fall of 2009. Youth must be 14 to 18 years of age (inclusive) by September 1, 2009 in order to participate. Some academies do place additional age restrictions on their programs; those will be designated on future promotional materials. 4-H membership is NOT required – have your 4-H members invite other friends to come along. School and other teen community groups are also welcome to attend.
Registration Information: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=2651
We will only be accepting on-line registrations this year! Early-bird registration will be available until April 15. To receive the early bird discount, mailed payments and medical forms must be received by April 24th. Registrations received after April 15 will be charged the regular registration fee as noted for each academy. Final registrations will close Tuesday, May 26. All mailed payments and medical forms for regular registration fees must be received by June 1 to confirm registration.
4-H Softball Day June 13, ISU Diamond on Gregory St.
The 4-H softball tournament will be held this year on June 28th. It will be at the ISU Diamond nearest the Motorcycle training school. It will begin at 9:00 in the morning. Register online by June 5.
https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2847
Go Green! – Environment & Natural Resources Activities
Nickelodeon's The Big Green Help, "Keeping it Green" shows how 4-H is bridging old ideas with new to teach youth environmental stewardship and connecting youth to science-related issues. The green theme also can showcase 4-H beyond the environmental focus as 4-H's green brand is a direct connection to the organization as a whole. Materials are available at www.4-HBrandNetwork.org.
Radon Poster Contest – Posters due to Extension Office April 13
University of Illinois Extension along with the American Lung Association of Illinois, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Radon Program are partnering with the National Safety Council and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sponsor the Illinois portion of the 2010 National Radon Poster Contest for youth ages 9-14.
Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Fifty percent of Illinois counties are at high risk. We hope you and the members of your club or organization will participate to learn about radon and reduce the risk of radon exposure. The National Radon Poster Contest brochure outlines the criteria for the contest and is on this website: http://www.TakeActionOnRadon.uiuc.edu/resources/contest .
4-H Million Trees Project – Good Service Learning Opportunity!
Members of the Pacifica (California) 4-H Club launched the 4-H Million Trees (4HMT) project, a large-scale service-learning project with the goal to plant 1,000,000 trees across the United States to beautify America, absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, and combat global climate change. www.4hmilliontrees.org
4-H Crops Plot Program Registration – by March 20
On behalf of the 4-H Crops committee, I would like to invite you to participate in the 2009 4-H Crops Plot Program. The program has been offered for more than 25 years with some excellent opportunities for 4-Hers. The seed companies involved furnish seed for a three to five acre plot and monetary support for our program. We need the commitment from you and your parents that you will plant it in the order we require, participate in a plot "interview", and furnish yield results as verified by a local unbiased witness. We also offer the opportunity to travel to exciting and interesting places during a program tour and educational event.
Some highlights of the benefits of this program are:
1) Spend quality family time together!
2) Participate in a hands-on agronomy project!
3) Attend our summer out of county educational trip!
4) Compete for lots of awards!
5) Conduct additional research on your own!
6) Attend our November Awards Banquet!
7) Compete in special Fair classes!
To sign up to participate in the 4-H Crops Activity, please use the online enrollment form by March 20, 2009.
Sign-Up Form: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2749
2009 GLOBE at Night campaign set for March 16- 28, 2009.
This is a fun and easy geospatial activity to engage kids of all ages. The website below provides information for families and teachers. Kids learn about light pollution by comparing their nighttime sky to the view reported from other kids around the world. Take a few minutes to report your nighttime view anytime between March 16-28 and the watch the results come in from other people. You can also see past datasets. These observations are all geographically marked by latitude and longitude. This is a great way to introduce kids to this basic geographic concept. More advanced youth might have fun mapping some of the differences they see in the dataset on the website! http://edcommunity.esri.com/gan
Five Easy Star-Hunting Steps:
1) Find your latitude and longitude.
2) Find Orion by going outside an hour after sunset
(about 7-10pm local time).
3) Match your nighttime sky to one of our magnitude charts.
4) Report your observation.
5) Compare your observation to thousands around the world.
Electricity, Robotics and Welding Skillathons set for April 25
4-H will be partnering with the College of Engineering, Department of Ag and Bio Engineering, and the Illini Mech Club to conduct three skillathons for 4-Hers enrolled in Electricity, Welding or Robotics. The skillathons will be held on Campus in the Ag and Bio Engineering Building on Saturday, April 25 and are open to 4-H members 14 years of age as of January 1, 2009. The Electricity and Welding are individual event opportunities while the Robotics will be a team event. Participants will demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in one of the three areas. These events will be used to select our representatives to the 2009 National 4-H Engineering Challenge scheduled for September 27-29 at Purdue University. Individuals interested in participating can obtain additional information and specific requirements for each skillathons from their local Extension Office. Registrations are due to the State 4-H Office by April 15. If you have members that are interested in this opportunity, please contact Theresa Chambers.
Robotics Training Opportunity
Clinton County will be having robotics training for interested volunteers on May 28th at their Extension Office in Breese, IL. The training will be all day long and lunch is provided. Our office is willing to pay the $20 fee for up to 5 volunteers to attend this training. If you know of some one who is interested please contact the Extension Office.
McLean County 4-H Horse Judging Team
The state horse judging contest is coming up in June. All 4-H members are welcome to be a part of this team, you do not have to be enrolled in horses or own a horse to participate in this contest. The McLean County team participated in the Illinois Horse Fair and won both the Jr. & Sr. levels!! Congrats!! If you are interested in learning more about Horse Judging please contact volunteer Coach Diane Wohlers at 309-531-9326. Practices are at Diane's home: 110 W Exchange Street, Danvers IL. Thank you Diane for coaching this year's team!
National Jr. Swine Association 2009 Swine Boot Camp, March 21, 2009 on the U of I Campus
Entry Form & Schedule: http://www.nationalswine.com/njsa/njsaShowsEvents/09_boot_camp.html
Equus 4-H Horse Show – Note Location Change
The 19th Equus 4-H Annual Open Horse Show is just around the corner, Friday June 12th, Saturday June 13th and Sunday June 14th at Rawlings Arena in Delavan, Illinois Exit 15 off of I 155 South. For registration information contact: Ron Taets II at equus4h@comcast.net.
Livestock Judging Contests coming soon!
If you are interested in Livestock judging there are several contests coming up. Rhonda Baer is our volunteer coach/contact if you are interested in practicing at contests being held in the area before the State Contests in June.
Interested members can contact Rhonda directly at brbaer@verizon.net or call 309-275-8451.
Community Service Opportunities
Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) April 24-26, 2009
Report your service projects at: www.youthservicemcleancounty.org
During Global Youth Service Day, youth around the world organize community service projects to address local needs. GYSD is held during a weekend every April. In 2009, the event will be April 24-26. GYSD is celebrated in over 100 countries in every region of the world. Please have your club plan to be a part of this exciting event!
Friday April 24, 3-6 pm, Service Fair & Celebration, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center, Illinois State University
Has your club already completed a service project this year? If so, sign up to have a poster display and bring your 4-H club members to answer questions and see what other youth are doing to serve their communities in McLean County. Watch a presentation by State Farm CEO, Ed Rust and ISU President Al Bowman.
Saturday April 25 and/or Sunday – Your club's Service Project!
Have your club choose to do a service activity, or ask club members to assist with pre-planned events that are in need of volunteers. A list of pre-scheduled events will be available as time gets closer.
Need an example of an activity for GYSD: Here you go…
B/N Cleanup Week – April 18-25
The City of Bloomington and Town of Normal are proud to be sponsoring the third annual community cleanup week in Bloomington-Normal. Local residents and organizations that are interested in helping in this effort are encouraged to volunteer their time and energy at anytime that is convenient throughout the cleanup week. Participants will be asked to help remove trash and debris from our local parks, neighborhoods, roadways and along the Constitution Trail. Volunteers may choose to request a specific area in the community to cleanup. If no preference is given then a location will be assigned to the group based on your registration information. Supplies, including disposable gloves and trash bags, are available upon request. All participants will receive a certificate of appreciation from the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal. Fill out this application by April 8 to receive supplies and certificate after the event. Weblink: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/4hyouth2733.html
Older 4-Hers & Leaders Leading Programs at UNITY
Katie Poppe and Cathy Troyer are leaders of UNITY Community Center's 4-H Club—"Future Leaders". They meet monthly with the children and are building a great relationship with them and the Center.
They are looking for 4-H members and/or Leaders to help them out. They would like to have weekly/biweekly meetings or workshops with the children. 4-H members need help with projects. Unfortunately, they are unable to commit to more than once a month. The meetings last from about 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm on Thursday evenings. This is a great opportunity for 4-Hers to gain volunteer and leadership credit for their records, job applications, and college applications. If you have interest, please contact Katie Poppe at Kpoppe24@aol.com or you can call Katie at (309)726-2301.
Favorite Recipes of Illinois 4-H Through the Years…
Remember snickerdoodles, wheat bread, funny cake, or chocolate crinkles? Do you remember these goodies from your 4-H experience? These and many more recipes from 14 University of Illinois Extension 4-H foods project books can be found in a new "favorites" cookbook available through the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
More than 150 of your old favorites from 4-H foods project books such as You Learn to Bake, ABC's of Food, Adventures in Cooking, It's Fun to Cook, Milk and Eggs, Meat in Your Meals, Pastry in Your Meals, and Yeast Breads in Your Meals are included in this 8 ½" x 11" spiral bound cookbook. Recipes are listed by 4-H project book, alphabetically, and by food category for easy reference.
Watch for more information on this exciting cookbook coming. Website: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hfoundation/. Proceeds from the cookbook will support current 4-H foods project resources and training for 4-H volunteers.
4-H CAMPaign
You can help improve the facilities at 4-H Memorial Camp! Construction has started on the kitchen at 4-H Camp. This is a great opportunity for your 4-Hers to support Camp. There are several ways your club can get involved with this CAMPaign!! http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/4hmemorialcamp/campaign.html
www.thinkb4youspeak.com (Pay special attention to the three video spots)
This is an interesting resource regarding the language we use and the impact it has on all of us. There are resources regarding how to talk with students about not using phrases like, "That's so gay," etc. Could be a helpful tool for those of us working and interacting with youth. . .
Illinois 4-H Ambassador Program
The Illinois 4-H Ambassador Program provides youth and adults the opportunity to become active partners in the marketing and promotion of their organization. Members that wish to attend Legislative Connection as an Ambassador need to apply by filling out the application at this link: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/opps/leg_ambassador_app.pdf Another opportunity on the state level as an ambassador is to help with the 4-H Can Make a Difference food drive at the Illinois State Fair.
County Fair Updates
Dog obedience classes will be offered again this year on Monday evenings beginning with registration on April 6, 6 pm, at the Interstate Center. There will be approximately 12 sessions. Cost is $10 and questions can be directed to Jody Hughes at the Extension Office, 663-8306, ext 218.
New and Improved Activities by the Timeless Clovers 4-H Alumni Association
Promote 4-H at the fair in the Mini Expo building!
4-H clubs AND cloverbud groups are asked to make a standard poster (22x24) with their club name and photos of some of the activities clubs participate in, with the same tag line of: INTERESTED IN JOINING 4-H? CALL 309-663-8306. The posters will be hung in different locations in the Mini Expo building, where the beef/pork producers food stand is.
Sundae Booth
Alumni will pay $50 to each 4-H club that provides members and adults to work a 2 hour shift in the sundae booth. No ice cream sundaes will be provided for workers at the end of their shift. Clubs will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and requests for more than one shift will be honored after all clubs have had the opportunity to request a shift. Open slots will then be filled with clubs requesting more shifts.
Lobby Activities
Alumni are also planning on building a small stage in the lobby with a "photo friendly" backdrop where:
- a 4-Her can have a photo taken with a project (rabbit, chicken, rocket, dress, Lego, flowers, etc.)
- a 4-Her can do a public presentation (practice) or other public speaking activity
- Master Gardeners can talk about gardening, etc.
- any other educational mini-programs can be presented – nothing heavily involved, just good, concise educational information
All of these will be scheduled and added to the "TODAY AT THE McLEAN COUNTY 4-H FAIR" handout that Alumni will produce (each day on a different color sheet, short brief, informative, available at the lobby booth and in Mini.)
If you have suggestions or wish to assist the Association with their activities at the fair and beyond, they meet on the second Thursday of each month. Contact Carol Pfoff, President for details.
State Fair Updates – General Projects
McLean County day at the Illinois State Fair is Saturday, August 15. A majority of projects will be judged on the 15th with the EXCEPTION of: Bicycle Rodeo, Electronics and Geospatial, which will be judged on Saturday, August 22.
- All projects will be conference-judged. Action-oriented exhibits (public presentations, bicycle rodeo, food demonstrations, and fashion revue) will again be competitively judged with special recognition being awarded to the top 5% each day.
- All other project exhibits will be judged on the assigned county days. There will only be judging on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and the last Saturday and Sunday of the Illinois State Fair. The Jr. Home Economics Building and the University of Illinois Extension Building exhibit areas will be closed Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21.
- Because of timing issues related to Public Presentation exhibits, judging will be in multiple locations and starting times may vary. Exhibitors should be made aware of this as it may involve walking to "new" locations on the fairgrounds for judging.
Action Presentations at the State Fair
If your club would like to host a hands-on activity during the fair please fill out this application by April 15. It must be signed by an Extension Staff member before submission. Clubs that participate can receive a premium of $100 for a shift. See application for details. This is a great way for your club to promote 4-H to the public and generate funds. Application link: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/mclean/downloads/16206.pdf
State Fair Jr. Department Assistance Needed! – from Adults/Parents/Leaders!
The State Fair 4-H show needs judges, and assistants! Conference judging, for those of you unfamiliar with the term, means that you would talk one-on-one with each exhibitor, asking them about their exhibit - what they learned, what they did, what they could improve on, etc. We would provide guidelines for the interview a Telenet orientation, and critique sheets. Depending upon the subject matter area, conference judging generally takes 5-12 minutes for each exhibitor. MOST daily judging can be completed within a 3-hour time frame; a few go longer. The Junior Department would be able to provide gate and auto pass(es) for the day(s) staff work, but we are asking that you volunteer your time for the day(s) and cover your own mileage or other expenses. That is the only way we can make the return to conference judging work for our limited budget provided by State Fair. If you are interested please contact Theresa for more information by May 1.
State Fair Performance Showcase
Do you like to perform? Are you gifted in music? Do you play a musical instrument? Do you like to tell jokes? Are you a dancer? Do you like to perform with a group of your friends? If you can answer yes to any of these questions then the
4-H Performance Showcase may be the opportunity you are looking for. University of Illinois 4-H Youth Development is seeking entries for the 2009 4-H Performance Showcase to be held on Sunday, August 16, at the Illinois State Fair. This annual event is held to spotlight the talented 4-H members across Illinois who enjoy performing in front of an audience. Entries are being accepted from soloists, musical groups, instrumentalist, comedians, and performance groups such as comedy skits, singers, or dancers. Applicants are to submit an audition tape (standard VHS or DVD format) for review by the showcase director. Entries must be postmarked by May 15. For additional information and/or to obtain an entry form, contact the McLean County Extension office.
4-H Livestock Exhibitor Update (county & state fair)
Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Training
The date was listed INCORRECTLY in the last 4-H Calendar handed out at the 4-H Volunteer Update on January 22. The correct date is: April 28 – Tuesday at 7 pm.
Registration is online: https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=2653
4-H/FFA Quality Assurance and Ethics Clinic Web Site – for State Fair Jr. Show Exhibitors
February 1st – Web Site Open Available until June 9 for Horses and Available until July 1 for Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, Goats & Poultry
The web certification is the only approved method for 2009 and future years as approved by the Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Advisory Committee. Participants are required to only take the training once for the Illinois State Fair.
Web Site = http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/qaec/
Horse exhibitors
Interested in Horse Judging??? Practices for horse judging team began in January. They would love to have new faces on the team – all ages, all 4-H clubs. The team will compete at the IL Horse Fair, the Hoosier Horse Fair and the State contest in June. If interested, please contact Diane Wohlers, 309-531-9326, wohlershorsemanship@gmail.com. Thanks to Diane for coordinating.
Swine exhibitors
Swine Exhibitors planning to show in the county or state Premiere Barrow class must be weighed and tattooed between Feb. 10 and Apr. 15 by the swine superintendents. Call Jody Hughes at the office to set up an appointment.
McLean County course date for PQA training is April 28, 7 pm in the Extension Office auditorium.
Sheep exhibitors
Sheep Tattoo Dates: April 18, 9a.m.-Noon and May 9, 9a.m.-Noon State Fair premiere or live show wethers must be weighed and tattooed on April 18th or May 9th at the Interstate Center, 9am-12pm. Animals will also be tagged with electronic ID tags at a cost to the owner of $2/tag.
Goat exhibitors
Meat goat wethers must be tattooed only by May 15.
State Fair
- Beef, dairy, sheep, swine, goats, poultry and horse exhibitors must complete the Quality Assurance & Ethics certification. This online course must be taken only ONCE in a lifetime in order to show at the State Fair. The website is http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/qaec/ and can be accessed after Feb. 1st, 2009.
- Swine exhibitors must take the Pork Quality Assurance course EVERY year to show at the State Fair. McLean County course date is April 28, 7 pm in the Extension Office auditorium.
- Entry fees are required again for Illinois State Fair junior exhibitors, payable with entry form. Fees are allocated as follows:
Beef, Dairy, Horses -- $10.00 per head, Sheep, Swine, Goats -- $2.50 per head, Dogs -- $2.00 per dog, Poultry, Rabbits -- $1.00 per head
Livestock Judging Opportunities
If you are interested in participating in the following contests please contact Rhonda Baer at 309-275-8451. *Black Hawk College contest, Mar.7, 8:00 am. *Multi-county contest at ISU Farm in Lexington. (date TBA, call Jody at the office, 309-663-8306)
Premise ID # Update
A Premise ID # will be required for State Fair entry for barrow entries only. Providing an ID number will be voluntary at the McLean County Fair again this year. If you would like to obtain a number, go to http://www.agr.state.il.us/premiseid/ or call 1-866-299-9256 for a paper form. There is no charge.
Internship, Grant & Essay Opportunities
Southdown Sheep Essay Contest
The Illinois Southdown Sheep Breeders Association is sponsoring its 16th annual essay contest and will be awarding a Southdown ewe lamb to the winner. The contest is open to Illinois 4-H or FFA members under the age of 16 and not currently raising Southdown sheep. The essay should describe why the contestant would like a Southdown ewe lamb, future plans for the lamb and how they will care for it. Essays will be judged on their content and age appropriateness. Entries should be sent to Betsy Meisenheimer, 5734 Palmyra Rd, Palmyra, IL 62674 by May 1, 2009. Please include the entrants name, address, phone number, age and 4-H club or FFA chapter name. Questions concerning the contest should be directed to Betsy Meisenheimer, Palmyra, IL, 217-436-2195 or meisen5@dtnspeed.net
Illinois Pork Producers Scholarships
The Illinois Pork Producers Association and the Illinois Purebred Swine Council are offering scholarships for youth. Please contact the Extension office for the applications. All applications are due April 1.
Please do us a favor...
When collecting enrollment forms, please be sure to check for signatures from the 4-Her, the Parent/Guardian and make sure a leader has signed each Enrollment Form. We do check them in the office and return them if they are not signed.
When Electing Officers in your club….
If your club Reporter or Secretary is interested in being an "author" on the 4-H Club Chatter Blog, please pass along their email to Theresa. They can then post their own articles on to the 4-H Club Chatter blog. It's really easy and fun! All posts will be monitored. Articles posted may be put in an Extension newsletter if there is space. If you have club reporters or other members that are into blogging send their names to the Extension office!
The website is up: http://mclean4-hclubchatter.blogspot.com/
New 4-H Projects!
Cooking 201, Computer Science, Dairy Goats and Welding are the new 4-H projects or 4-H projects with new manuals this year. See the Illinois 4-H Clover for more information: http://www.4-h.uiuc.edu/projects/clover.pdf
Watch for next year's Wind Energy Curriculum!
Read the Illinois Leader.
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