1 http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/green/4h/newsletterflash.html January/February 2016 Inside This Issue: All Committee Night 3 Animal Science 5-6 Arts & Communications 9-10 Arts Festival 13-14 Beef 6 Calendar 15-16 Cats & Rabbits 7 Club Happenings 11 Congratulations 2 Dairy 6 Day of Arts Reg. Form 17 Dog 8 Family, Home, Health 8 General Leader Reminders 2 Horses 8 Insurance Information 12 Natural Sciences 9 New Volunteer Orientation 3 Odds & Ends 11-12 Photography 11 Scholarships 2 Sheep & Goats 7 Swine 6-7 Thank You’s 2 Youth & Adult Ldrshp Opps 3-4 Youth Leadership 10 Hello Green County Members and Families! What makes 4-H so great? One of many reasons…we’ve got over 60 project areas that you can try, discover and learn things about. Members: Whether you are in 3 rd grade or 13 th grade, or somewhere in between, I strongly encourage you to take a few minute this month to jot down your reflections to two important questions that will assist you in your 4-H project goal setting for 2016 (oh, and it will help with your record book too!). For each project… 1. What do you want to know, learn, try or discover about this project year? 2. Who can help you learn what you want to know? Where can you find more information about what you want to know? Project Leaders (Youth & Adults): As an organization, we are so appreciative of your willingness to step up and be a leader. Whether you’ve got a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular project area OR are just willing to go on the learning and discovery journey with our youth, we thank you for stepping up! As you plan your project meetings for the year, I encourage you to consider… How can you use your club members’ project goal setting to inform your project meeting or activity planning? How are you going to engage youth in planning, leading and sharing their knowledge and experiences with other youth? Would you be interested in opening up your project meeting(s) to 4-H youth from across the county, in efforts to promote more sharing of leaders and learning opportunity countywide? REMINDER to ALL 4-H ADULT LEADERS (Project, Activity, etc.): The Green County 4-H Adult Leaders Association has set an expectation that to be considered an active 4-H Adult Leader, a volunteer must offer or contribute to a minimum of 1 face-to-face (club or county) meeting or activity with 4-H members annually, prior to the County Fair. Whether you offer a project meeting(s) or work with a committee to plan a community service or recreation activity, your ACTIVE participation as a 4-H leader is critical. As an acknowledgement of your commitment, the Green County Fair Board will again offer in 2016 a reduced price season fair pass to all ACTIVE 4-H adult leaders. Look for a letter and email in late March asking you to self-report how you have/will be an ACTIVE 4-H leader prior to the county fair. Sincerely, Ellen Andrews – 4-H Youth Development Educator Green County UW-Extension – Justice Center 2841 – 6 th Street, Monroe, WI 53566 Phone: 608.328.9440 http://green.uwex.edu Ellen Andrews 4-H Youth Development Educator
What makes 4-H so great? One of many reasons…we’ve got over 60 project areas that you can try, discover and learn things about.
Members: Whether you are in 3rd grade or 13th grade, or somewhere in between, I strongly encourage you to take a few minute this month to jot down your reflections to two important questions that will assist you in your 4-H project goal setting for 2016 (oh, and it will help with your record book too!). For each project…
1. What do you want to know, learn, try or discover about this project year? 2. Who can help you learn what you want to know? Where can you find more
information about what you want to know?
Project Leaders (Youth & Adults): As an organization, we are so appreciative of your willingness to step up and be a leader. Whether you’ve got a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular project area OR are just willing to go on the learning and discovery journey with our youth, we thank you for stepping up! As you plan your project meetings for the year, I encourage you to consider…
How can you use your club members’ project goal setting to inform your project meeting or activity planning?
How are you going to engage youth in planning, leading and sharing their knowledge and experiences with other youth?
Would you be interested in opening up your project meeting(s) to 4-H youth from across the county, in efforts to promote more sharing of leaders and learning opportunity countywide?
REMINDER to ALL 4-H ADULT LEADERS (Project, Activity, etc.): The Green County 4-H Adult Leaders Association has set an expectation that to be considered an active 4-H Adult Leader, a volunteer must offer or contribute to a minimum of 1 face-to-face (club or county) meeting or activity with 4-H members annually, prior to the County Fair. Whether you offer a project meeting(s) or work with a committee to plan a community service or recreation activity, your ACTIVE participation as a 4-H leader is critical. As an acknowledgement of your commitment, the Green County Fair Board will again offer in 2016 a reduced price season fair pass to all ACTIVE 4-H adult leaders. Look for a letter and email in late March asking you to self-report how you have/will be an ACTIVE 4-H leader prior to the county fair.
Sincerely, Ellen Andrews – 4-H Youth Development Educator
Green County UW-Extension – Justice Center 2841 – 6th Street, Monroe, WI 53566 Phone: 608.328.9440
The Green County 4-H Executive Board for all their hard work in 2015. We extend a special thank you to those leaders who completed their term on the Executive Board: Krista Bethke and Sharon Buri.
4-H Volunteer of the Year (less than 10 years): Debbie Myers, Next Generation 4-H club
4-H Lifetime Volunteer Award (10 or more years): Cindi Miller, Juda Jolly Juniors
Friend of 4-H Award Recipient: Bruni-Miller Construction, Inc.
Thank you to the family of Cindi Miller for the extremely generous creation of two annual $1,000 college scholarships in loving memory of Cindi, a long time and extremely active 4-H leader.
Thank You to all of the Clubs and Families that donated food or money towards the Helping Hands Food Boxes for the Meals on Wheels program. Thank you to everyone that volunteered their time to help pack these boxes on December 8th.
Congratulations!!!
To our new Adult Leader Executive Board members: President - Deb Myers, Vice President - Roxanne Klossner, Secretary - Brenda Rowe, Treasurer - Kristin Klossner, and Members-at-Large - Josh Montgomery and Mike Marean.
Additional Awards Not Recognized at the 2015 Recognition Program. Congratulations to these individuals.
o Sarah Bennett – 5 Year Leader Award o Taylor Rufer – Arts & Communication Project
Category Award (Arts&Crafts, Photography. &
Home Environment)
o Linnea Tabaka – Arts & Communication Project Category Award (Arts&Crafts,
Photography. & Home Environment)
o Marissa Vosberg – Arts & Communication Project Category Award (Arts&Crafts,
Photography. & Home Environment)
General Leader’s Reminders
Each club is strongly encouraged to send both adult and youth leaders who work with the Cloverbuds in their club to the FREE training on Thursday, February 11, 6:30-8:00pm, Room 2-3.
Green County 4-H Ambassadors are available to speak at your club meetings about the 4-H program, which includes activities, events, record books, the Ambassador Program and more! Contact the Ambassador Advisors, Vallie Brauer (934-5678) & Connie Heimann (934-5377), for more information!
The 4-H Calendar is available as a Google Calendar. The link is available on the Green County 4-H Webpage (http://green.uwex.edu/4-h-youth-development/calendar-news/). Please note that, on occasion, a program may need to be changed due to some unforeseen circumstances. If this should happen, you will receive an email about the change and these changes will be made on the 4-H Google Calendar, as well.
Please make sure to check your club mailbox located in the Justice Center WisLine Room.
Green County 4-H Adult Leaders, Inc. is for ALL certified adult leaders who are in 4-H. Meetings are typically the first Monday of each month at 7:30 pm. Each 4-H club is strongly encouraged to have at least one adult leader in attendance at each meeting. Meetings cover general business and give up to date 4-H announcements that miss the Alphorn! It is also a time of sharing, learning and connecting with other leaders, AND making decisions that affect future Green County 4-H programming.
Scholarships A list of available scholarships can be found on our website at http://green.uwex.edu/4-h-youth-development/scholarships/.
Deadline to turn in articles for the March-April 2016 Alphorn is
February 15.
Cash You County Fair Premium Checks!
A reminder from the Green County Fair Board that all premium checks not cashed on or before February 1st, following the fair, shall be voided.
Youth & Adult Leadership Opportunities 4-H Cloverbud Leader Training
Date: Thursday, February 11th Time: 6:30-8:00pm Place: Monroe Justice Center RSVP: Pre-registration is requested by Monday, February 8th.
Cloverbuds isn’t just a project area, it is a critical point of entry for many of our new 4-H members. The characteristics and needs of Cloverbuds are unique and important for us to understand, if we want to have an engaging, meaningful and fun experience for our 4-H families. For these reasons, this is an area where we always want to be looking to “make the best better.”
On Thursday, February 11th, from 6:30-8:00pm, the WI 4-H Cloverbud Specialist will be coming to Monroe to co-offer a training with Ellen specifically for Green County 4-H leaders working with the Cloverbud project. Each club is strongly encouraged to send both adult and youth leaders who work with the Cloverbuds in their club to this FREE training. Come engage in a fun, active training, and gain practical ideas that you can take back to your club! Pre-registration is requested by Monday, February 8th.
“Encouraging the Heart E-Forum Series”
Archived Links & Chat Pods – Thank you to the many volunteers that attended one or more of the E-Forum series “Encouraging the Heart.” You can now access the archived recordings of each of the e-forums at http://fyi.uwex.edu/ncrvd/4-h-volunteer-e-forum/ . Within the next couple weeks, the chat pods will also be posted to this site.
Co-ops YES! Youth Leadership Conference March 7-8, 2016, Eau Claire, WI
This event brings together high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across Minnesota and Wisconsin to collaborate and connect while learning about the cooperative business model. Attendees will learn from the experts! From the local electric cooperative to Fortune 100 companies, students will discover what makes the cooperative business model successful and different. Registration cost is $230, but Landmark is willing to sponsor 5 youth!! The registration deadline is January 26th, but if you are interested in a sponsorship, you could contact Shannon Horstmeyer at [email protected] ASAP! For more information about this conference go to: http://www.cooperativenetwork.coop/wm/education/youthprograms/web/coopsyes.html.
Junior Leaders November Meeting Our meeting was called to order by Auburn Von Kaenel on November 28th at 7:18 p.m. We discussed the Adult Leaders/Junior Leaders Christmas get together. We also discussed our plans for the Junior Leaders Christmas party. The Adult Leaders/Junior Leaders get together will be on December 7th. The Junior Leaders Christmas party will be on December 28th. Both events will have food and games. These plans were motioned by Kelsey and seconded by Royce Brauer. The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m. Motioned by Isabella Carnes and seconded by Dawson Bethke. The next meetings will be:
Mon., Dec. 28th from 7-9 p.m. (Holiday Party)
Mon. Feb. 28th, from 7:00-8:30pm, Justice Center Submitted by: Jozy Anderson
County 4-H All-Committee Night
All adult and youth leaders current serving on a county project or activity committee or interested in joining a committee are encouraged to attend our Committee Kick-off Night, Wednesday, January 13th 7:00-8:30pm, at the Green County Justice Center, room 2-3.
Committees will get important updates for the coming year, plus we discuss we’ll discuss what we can do together as a county program to encourage youth participate on our committee and support the overall efforts of all the committees.
New 4-H Volunteer Orientation This Orientation is for any adult who on an ongoing basis leads or assists with 4-H activities or projects. The next opportunities to complete the 4-H New Volunteer Orientation are scheduled for:
Thursday, January 28th, 7-9pm, Room 1 (Justice Center Lower Level)
Friday, January 29th, 1-3pm, Room 1 (Justice Center Lower Level)
Pre-registration with the UW-Extension Office is requested by January 16th. Benefits of becoming an enrolled 4-H Volunteer include:
Improved knowledge and skills to provide a safe and supportive environment for 4-H youth
Covered by Green County’s Liability Insurance and Accident Insurance Policies
Recognition for your time and efforts volunteering
Date: Monday, February 28th Time 6:00-6:55pm Place: Justice Center, rooms 2&3
Interested in applying for a 4-H camp position or a 4-H trip, award or scholarship, but not sure how to write a cover letter or resume? Let us help you get started! Come to our workshop on Monday, February 28th, 6:00-6:55pm, Justice Center, rooms 2&3.
This workshop will help you “get started” on the document writing and give you the “skeleton” of what you will need to build upon once you leave the session. You are encouraged to bring some recent 4-H record books to help you get started with the writing.
4-H Trips, Awards & College Scholarships
One of my many benefits of being 4-H member is the opportunity to apply for outstanding 4-H Trips, Awards & College Scholarships. Check out these great opportunities and share them with a 4-H friend! Further details and application packets are available on the Green County 4-H forms website (http://green.uwex.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-forms/), see “Older Youth Opportunities – Overview 2016.” Applications are due March 10, 2015, and interviews are Wednesday, March 23rd. Contact the UW-Extension office for additional details.
Wisconsin 4-H & Youth Conference – UW-Madison, June 20-23, 2016 – Gr. 7th-10th 4-H members from across WI come together to experience hands-on learning in a university campus atmosphere, gain skills to share back home, and form new friendships from around the state. For more information, see: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/events/youthconf/index.cfm. The registration cost for this trip is approx. $235 (includes lodging and meals). Some option seminars may cost extra. Trip Scholarship: Four (4) scholarships for 2/3 of trip registration cost is budgeted.
4-H Key Award – Gr. 11th-13th This award is the highest award a 4-H member can receive in Wisconsin 4-H, and recognizes members who have shown consistent growth in their 4-H program, developed their leadership ability, and been helpful to other members in their club and community. A limit of only 3-4 members from Green County can be selected for this annual award.
4-H Adult Leaders Scholarship – Gr. 12th-13th Applicants must be enrolled in Green County 4-H at the time of application, have been enrolled in Green County 4-H for at least three (3) years, and be enrolled or planning to enroll at a university, college or technical school during the 2016-2017 academic school year. Annually there are three $500 scholarships available.
4-H Junior Leaders Scholarship – Gr. 12th-13th Applicants must be enrolled in Green County 4-H at the time of application and be enrolled or planning to enroll at a university, college or technical school during the 2016-2017 academic school year. Applicants must also have been active in the Junior Leaders organization for a minimum of one (1) year, with preference given to youth who have been active in Junior Leaders for three (3) or more years. Annually there are three $500 scholarships available.
Cynthia Miller Memorial Scholarship – Gr. 12th-13th Applicants must be enrolled in Green County 4-H at the time of application and be enrolled or planning to enroll at a university, college or technical school during the 2016-2017 academic school year. Annually there are two $1,000 scholarships available.
4-H Camp Youth Staff Needed! – DEADELINE – March 10th The 2016 Green/Iowa/Lafayette 4-H camp will be held June 13-15 at Upham Woods in WI Dells.
Attention older youth grades 9-13: Do you enjoy working with younger youth (gr. 3-8)? Do you enjoy having fun in the outdoors? Do you enjoy working with other youth to plan and lead activities? If “YES”, please consider applying to be a Youth Staff member of our 2016 4-H Camp. No previous 4-H camp experience is necessary, just a passion for leading other youth in the outdoors.
For details on positions and the application process, see the “Camp Youth Staff position description”, (http://green.uwex.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-forms/). Camp youth staff will be required to attend at least 3 these FREE staff trainings (all 4 strongly preferred):
Mon., March 21st, 6:30-8:00pm, GC Justice Center
Sat.-Sun., April 2nd-3rd, Upham Woods
Sat., April 16th, 9am-3pm, Dodgeville
Wed., May 18th, 6:30-8:30pm, GC Justice Center
Apply by March 10th, by submitting just a cover letter that addresses the two questions on the position description.
Cover letters can be submitted to Ellen Andrews at the UW-Extension office either by hard copy or electronically ([email protected]).
2016 WI 4-H Foundation Scholarships The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation will award more than $10,000 in scholarships to outstanding Wisconsin students pursuing higher education in 2016. Wisconsin 4-H Foundation scholarships are awarded to students based on demonstrated personal growth, development and leadership, academic performance and future educational goals.
To be eligible for Wisconsin 4-H Foundation scholarships, students must have been a 4-H member for at least one year, have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and be enrolled or planning to enroll at a university, college or technical school during the 2016-2017 academic school year.
To be considered for financial support, applications (cover letter, résumé, project list and digital photo) must be received via email by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation on or before March 15, 2016. For more details go to: http://wis4hfoundation.org/support-4-h/538-2/.
Animal Science
4-H Meats Judging Opportunity This Contest (Sat. Feb. 14th @ UW-Madison) tests the knowledge of youth in placement of carcass and retail cut classes, carcass grading, retail cut identification and a quiz.
Adult leaders are needed to work with this program. The UW-Extension office does have educational materials available to assist in the practices. Interested in volunteering?
Any youth in grades 3-13 interested in being on the Green County 4-H Meats Judging team should call or email Ellen at the UW-Extension office. If enough youth and adult interest is generated, workouts will be scheduled to prepare for the state contest.
4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl & Skillathon This competition (Sat. March 7th @ UW-Madison) encourages members, including those who may not own a project animal, to develop a more complete knowledge of livestock animals, as well as self-confidence.
Adult leaders are needed to work with this program. The UW-Extension office does have educational materials available to assist in the practices. Interested in volunteering?
Any youth in grades 3-13 interested in being on the Green County 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl & Skillathon team should call or email Ellen at the UW-Extension office. If enough youth and adult interest is generated, practices will be scheduled to prepare for the state contest.
Ag In the Classroom Essay Contest Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Insight FS, and WE Energies, are sponsoring an essay contest open to 4th & 5th grade students. This year’s essay contest topic is “Tell us about producing maple syrup in Wisconsin.” The contest is designed to help students learn how Wisconsin agriculture provides products and commodities that offer healthy food choices. Essays must be between 100 to 300 words in length and must be postmarked by April 1, 2016. For more information about the contest, contact the UW-Extension office or visit http://www.wisagclassroom.org.
Livestock Premise ID
Livestock Premise Registration Numbers must be obtained for the location(s) where your animals are housed. A Livestock Premise ID number must be obtained for all animal projects with the exception of cats, dogs, & rabbits. The livestock premise registration program is intended to protect animal health, as well as the security of the food chain. Any person who keeps one or more livestock animals at a location in Wisconsin is required to register that location. To “keep livestock” means to own, feed, house, confine or care for livestock, or to exercise legal or physical control over livestock. To register for a livestock premise ID number online, visit the website at www.wiid.org. If you have any questions, please contact the UW-Extension Office at 608-328-9440.
NOTE: NO FAIR ENTRY will be accepted at the fair office for showing without a premise ID number for all animal projects (excluding cats, dogs, & rabbits!) If you have any questions, regarding this rule, please contact the UW-Extension Office at 608-328-9440.
UW-Madison Farm & Industry Short Course Preview Days
Whether you are interested in operating your own farm, running an agricultural business, or gaining employment in the agribusiness sector, the Farm and Industry Short Course program might be a wise alternative to a four-year college degree program.
The Farm and Industry Short Course is a 15-week educational program uniquely designed to prepare students for exciting careers in agriculture. You can choose from about 50 courses in the areas of soils, crops, dairy, meat animals, agricultural engineering, farm business planning, agribusiness, human relations, and communications. You do not need to specialize or major in any particular area and can choose those courses that are
of greatest interest and value to you. If you wish to focus on a specific topic, six specialty certificates are offered.
Preview Days are set for February 19 & March 7, 2016 For more information, go to http://fisc.cals.wisc.edu/.
Livestock Project Leaders
We will be having a COUNTYWIDE 4-H Livestock Leaders meeting on Thursday, January 21st, 7:00-8:30pm, at the Justice Center. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. We'll be discussing topics such as:
Livestock Learning Webinars - Do we want to host any of these this year?
Livestock Judging & Area Animal Science Day What type of project learning opportunities do
members in your club need?
For more information on WI Youth Livestock programs and resources: http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock/.
Beef
2016 Green County Fair Steer Weigh-In
Date: Saturday, January 2nd
(Inclement Weather Date is Jan. 9th) Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Place: Equity Livestock on Hwy 69 south of Monroe
In case of inclement weather, the snow date will be Sat. Jan. 9th. An announcement will be made over WEKZ radio prior to 8 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 3rd if the weigh-in would need to be rescheduled.
If you have any questions call Mark Mayer, Agriculture Agent at the UWEX office at 328-9440.
Steer Performance Class to Replace Carcass Class at County Fair
A new steer performance class will be replacing the old steer carcass class in 2016. Steers entered in the performance class will be scanned for carcass merits this year and will not be sent for harvest during the fair. This change will allow youth to exhibit the same steer in both the performance and the market steer classes at the fair. However, they will not receive premiums for their live placings in the performance class. The grand and reserve champion performance steers will be selected based on their rate of gain, live show placing and scanned carcass data. This class will continue to be sponsored by the Green County Beef Producers.
Dairy
Dairy Project Leaders We will be having a COUNTYWIDE 4-H Dairy Leaders meeting on Thursday, January 14th, 8:00-9:30pm, at the Justice Center. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. We'll be discussing topics such as:
Dairy Judging & Area Animal Science Day What type of project learning opportunities do
members in your club need?
For more information on WI Dairy Youth programs and resources: http://fyi.uwex.edu/dairyyouth/
4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl & Management Contest Date: Saturday, January 30th Time: 9:45 am Place: UW-Madison, Sewell Social Science Building
4-H Dairy Bowl is a quiz competition that encourages a 4-H member to develop a more complete knowledge of dairy animals and related subjects. Sources and the official dairy bowl rules can be found on the Wisconsin Dairy Youth website at: http://fyi.uwex.edu/dairyyouth/. Any 4-H member in 3-13th grade interested in participating in the WI 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl can contact the UW-Extension office for more info and to register.
2016 James W. Crowley Scholarship Applications Attention Dairy Youth currently in Grades 10-12!!!
Green County needs to select ONE dairy youth who has been involved with the dairy project for a minimum of two years. Green County youth interested in applying for this scholarship must have their completed application turned into the UW-Extension Office by March 1st, 2016.
The county award winner will then compete at the state level and from there the finalists selected will be recognized at the WI State Fair. Applications are available at the UW-Extension office or online at the UW-Extension web page at http://www.green.uwex.edu. Please call 328-9440 for additional questions.
Swine
2016 Swine Identification Green County Fair Swine Exhibitors will be required to self-identify their pigs. Exhibitors will be required to tag their pigs and pull hair samples for DNA testing from each fair pig. The cost of the DNA test kits will be $5 per pig. Exhibitors will also be given two RFID ear tags for each animal at no additional cost.
Swine exhibitors will be required to pick up their DNA kits and tags, tag their pigs and return their hair samples to the UW-Extension Office between April 1st and 18th to exhibit their pigs at the 2016 fair. Hair samples will be pulled from the champion pigs along with several pigs at random at the fair this summer. DNA tests will then be run to ensure that the pigs are the same as those that were tagged by exhibitors this spring.
The Green County UW-Extension Office will again loan out ear taggers for exhibitors to use for tagging their pigs. The taggers must be returned to the UW-Extension office when and will be sanitized before being given to another farm to prevent the spread of disease. Exhibitors will be required to pay the $5 fee for each DNA testing kit when they pick them up. 4-H Leaders and Agriculture instructors will be allowed to pick up ID kits for their members. However, they will be required to sign and pay for all the kits that they pick up at the UW-Extension Office.
The kit will include an envelope for hair samples and two RFID ear tags. The DNA hair samples and the County of Origin Labeling (COOL) forms must be returned to the UW-Extension Office by April 18th. The hair samples and forms should be delivered directly to the UW-Extension Office and not be mailed.
Meat Animal Quality Assurance Again for the 2015-16 4-H Program Year, ALL SWINE PROJECT YOUTH (4-H & FFA) must to be certified through the Meat Animal Quality Assurance Program (MAQA) in order to exhibit their swine project at the 2016 Green County Fair. Swine project youth ages 8-19 will have to attend this program on a yearly basis. Youth ages 12, as of January 1, can attempt to test out of the program for certification, but must pass with a minimum of 70% to be waived from the training. Tests will be offered the same day as the training following the class.
Youth will need to select the MAQA date that they plan to attend by the Swine Identification dates (April 1-18). Tentative dates are: Thur. May 12th & Sat. May 14th (times & locations to be announced).
Beef and Sheep exhibitors may also participate in this program, but currently are not required to. For more information about the Meat Animal Quality Assurance program, please contact Ellen Andrews at 328-9440.
WPA Offers Youth Pig Project Scholarships
The Wisconsin Pork Association Youth Committee is once again offering Youth Pig Project scholarships. These scholarships are designed to assist 4-H and FFA members in establishing swine projects that can lead to
development of life skills and career opportunities in the Wisconsin pork industry.
4-H and FFA youth are eligible to apply for a $50.00 scholarship used to offset costs associated with their 2016 pig project. Scholarships will be awarded in three age divisions: Ages 9-12, 13-15, and 16-19 (as of Jan. 1, 2016). At least ten $50.00 scholarships will be awarded.
Interested youth may download the scholarship application form from the WPA website at www.wppa.org/youth-pig-project or call the WPA office at 800-822-7675 to have a copy mailed. Completed application forms must be submitted no later than February 1, 2016.
Sheep & Goats
Lamb Weigh-In Date: Saturday, April 23, 2016 Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm Place: Green County Fair Grounds, Barn #7
Each exhibitor can identify a maximum of five market lambs.
The maximum weight for all market lambs is 105 pounds at the pre-fair weigh-in on April 23. Market Lambs weighing more than 105 pounds at the pre-fair weigh-in will not be eligible to exhibit at the Green County Fair. There is no minimum weight for lambs at the weigh-in. There are no minimum or maximum weights at fair time to be able to exhibit market lambs at the Green County Fair. However, exhibitors are reminded that to be eligible to sell a lamb in the county fair auction they must weigh a minimum of 110 pounds.
Exhibitors will get paid up to a maximum weight of 150 pounds for lambs that sold in the auction. If you would like assistance in determining the ideal weight range for lambs to bring to the pre-fair weigh-in please contact your 4-H sheep project leader or Vo-Ag Instructor.
Cats Check out the State 4-H Cat webpage. http://fyi.uwex.edu/wi4haganimalscience/cats/
Rabbits Check out the State 4-H Rabbit webpage http://fyi.uwex.edu/wi4haganimalscience/rabbits/
4-H Horse & Pony Project Kickoff Date: Saturday, March 5th Times: Check-In = 12:30 pm Meeting = 1:00 pm Clinic = 2:00 pm (DO NOT BRING HORSES!) Place: Candace Benner’s Storybook Farm W2435 Greenbush Rd, Juda, WI This kick-off event will be critical to attend! Plan to get required paperwork, pay fees, and ask questions.
The Horse project committee is excited for 2016 and making plans for a great year! Mark your calendar for:
May 1st: Deadline for Horse ID forms & Coggins tests
July 16th: Junior Fair Horse & Pony Show
July 20th: Green County Fair Speed Show If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact a horse project committee member.
4-H Horse & Pony project members are also encouraged to “like” the Green County 4-H Horse and Pony Project Facebook page, to stay informed of key dates and upcoming clinics and events.
Horse Committee Leadership Team:
Chairs: Tara Gary (A) & Kate Krebs (Y)
Co-Chairs: Julie McGuire (A) & Emily Simpson (Y)
Secretaries: Marlie Nauta(A) & Rebecca Barr (Y)
Treasurers: Candy Benner (A) & Karly Ready (Y)
Calendar Chair: Debra Krebs
Member-at-Large: Kelly Butler & Mary Barr
4-H Horse Bowl Practices
2016 Horse Bowl Practices are scheduled for every Tuesday beginning January 5 through May 10. Practices will be from 7pm-8:30pm at the Justice Center Multi-Purpose Rooms. Any questions, please contact Roger Vogel at 608-558-1570 or [email protected].
WI 4-H Horse Association Handbook
This handbook is the go to place for information on all the State 4-H Horse events, including Horse Bowl, Gymkhana, and Expo, and even info about the Midwest Horse Fair Used Tack Sale. Check out this site!
2016 Dog Project Kick-Off Open House Date: Thursday, February 25th Time: 7:00-8:00 pm Place: Justice Center, Room #1
Plan now to attend this important Dog Project Kick-Off Open House. Plan on it taking approx. 20-30 minutes to take care of the required paperwork, pay fees, and ask questions and learn about project opportunities.
Contact Krista Bethke at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Family, Home & Health
The 4-H Clothing & Foods Committees are looking for additional membership to help plan events and organize for the upcoming 2015-16, 4-H project year. Membership can include 4-H youth as well as interested adults. If you are interested in joining these committees, please contact Bridget Mouchon-Humphrey at 608-328-9440.
In addition, if you have suggestions for workshops, tours, etc. for the Clothing or Foods Project areas, let us know! Or if you would like to work on a community service project with the HCE members, let us know! We are always looking for fresh ideas to do!
The Foods committee is asking clubs and interested members to host workshops – we can help pay for some supplies. Please see the 4-H website and look under the Foods Project to find the 2016 proposed fairbook entries. Workshops should be planned around these items. You can call or email Bridget with ideas and proposed dates, locations, and topics/lessons. The sooner we get these workshops on everyone’s calendars, the better! Keep watching for more details about upcoming Foods workshops!!
Foods Judging dates are tentatively set to be held in Rooms 2-3 of the Justice Center on the following dates.
Cake Revue– Saturday March 19th 9am-1pm
Foods Revue – Saturday May 7th 9am-12pm
THANK YOU… TO THE 4-H MEMBERS AND CLUBS THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE “4-H GIVING A HAND TO THE HOMEBOUND” COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT. WITH THE FOOD AND MONETARY DONATIONS, WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE OVER 100 BOXES FOR SHUT-IN RESIDENTS IN GREEN COUNTY.
Cash You County Fair Premium Checks!
A reminder from the Green County Fair Board that all premium checks not cashed on or before February 1st, following the fair, shall be voided.
2016 Clothing Project Events/Ideas: Please share your ideas for fun events or county activities for the clothing project by contacting Bridget Mouchon-Humphrey at [email protected] or Ellen Andrews at [email protected].
Natural Sciences
Shooting Sports Kick-Off & Open House
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2016 Time: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Place: Monroe Justice Center Plan now to attend the Shooting Sports Kick-Off & Open House. Permission Forms & Discipline Fees are due on March 10th, as well as, signing up for the Master Shooter Competition. Discipline training/practice dates, Fair Shoot dates, and the Annual Fun Day date will be announced. Also, be sure to check the Shooting Sports Project webpage at http://green.uwex.edu/4-h-youth-development/4-h-projects/shooting-sports/ . Please contact Peter & Theresa Bernstein at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Shooting Sports Leader Certification
A Wisconsin 4-H Shooting Sports Leader may be certified in archery, coordinator, muzzleloader, pistol, rifle and shotgun disciplines. Leaders may only teach in the discipline in which they are certified. An adult leader cannot provide hands-on or safety instruction without a certified leader supervising the range. 2016 Central Area Certification Workshop
April 8-9, 2016 – Eau Claire, WI – Disciplines: Archery, Rifle, Shotgun
April 15-16, 2016 – Green Bay, WI – Disciplines: Archery, Rifle, Shotgun
More Information about this training and other trainings around the state can be found at: http://fyi.uwex.edu/wi4hshootingsports/
December Wildlife & Forestry TRACKS Newsletter Available The Wildlife WHEP WI 4-H & Wisconsin 4-H Forestry newsletter is available: http://fyi.uwex.edu/whepwi4h/
Cloverbud & Exploring Projects (Open to all members Grades 5K – 4th)
“Super Saturday”
Date: Saturday, February 6th Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Where: Pleasant View Lunch Room (1st driveway, 2nd door) RSVP: Register by February 1 to Amy at the Extension Office at 328-9440 or [email protected] Join us for a fair project work day and have some fun with fellow Cloverbud and Exploring Project members. Please contact the Extension Office to register by February 1 so there are enough supplies on hand.
CABIN FEVER DAY
Date: Saturday, March 12 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (bring a sack lunch) Place: Pleasant View Nursing Home Lunch Room (1st Driveway, 2nd Door) RSVP: Register by March 1 to Amy at the Extension Office at 328-9440 or [email protected]
Upcoming Cloverbud & Exploring Project Member Workshops:
April 9 – Cloverbud & Exploring Projects Foods Fair May 7 – Exploring the Outdoors Workshop
Arts & Communication
2016 Ceramics Workshops These workshops will be hosted by Roxanne Klossner at RoxAnne’s Ceramics in Verona. The owner of this ceramics shop is very kind to let us use the shop at no charge. I encourage any youth with an interest in ceramics to attend. Workshop dates are:
March 19 – Saturday, 10am to Noon April 9 – Saturday, 10am to Noon May 21 – Saturday, 10am to Noon
Please register at least 48 hours prior to the worshop by contacting Roxanne Klosser at 608-513-6654 (Cell) or [email protected]. Thank You!
Cash You County Fair Premium Checks!
A reminder from the Green County Fair Board that all premium checks not cashed on or before February 1st, following the fair, shall be voided.
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Registration from 12:45 PM – 1:00 PM) Place: Green County Justice Center, Monroe
There’s been a crime against the arts and we need you to help us solve the mystery! Please help us by coming to the Green County 4-H Day of Arts! Learn how to use the arts to solve the problem. JOIN US AS WE BECOME A 4-H SLUETH! The day will consist of three sessions that each attendee will rotate through. We will be incorporating a mystery into the dramatic arts, visual arts as well as communication arts. The group also has a few other surprises in store!
Sessions are limited to 12 members each so be sure to register early! This event is open to all 4-H members in grades 3 - 7. Each family will be asked to bring a snack to share.
The cost per participant is $5 to help cover the cost of materials. Checks should be made payable to: Green County 4-H Adult Leaders. Please send this form (see pg 17) and your payment by January 29th, 2016 to: Green County UWEX, 2841 6th St, Monroe, WI 53566.
4-H Arts Festival
Date: Sunday, February 28th Time: Registration – 1:00 PM Begin Contest – 1:30 PM Place: Juda School Entry Deadline: February 1st (See pgs 13-14 for class list.)
Entries be completed online by following this link… https://docs.google.com/a/ces.uwex.edu/forms/d/12HpLZ3VGhsdxZVVufpGTBzAEFIHNVr-svfRXvZhvlUM/edit?uiv=1
4-H Art Beat!
Fri. March 18th, 7:00pm – Sat. March 19th, 3:00pm Camp Upham Woods, Wisconsin Dells WI Cost: $50.00 Registration Deadline: February 19, 2016
It’s time to break out to the new beat! The 4-H ArtBeat that is! Created for 4-H members in grades 3-5 and their parents and leaders, 4-H ArtBeat! is the introductory program for Wisconsin 4-H Arts and Communication! The weekend will feature a variety of arts projects including music, drama, visual arts, arts and crafts, and more!
4-H members will explore their own creativity while discovering the great variety of 4-H Arts & Communication experiences available to them. Session leaders will be 4-H
older youth, adult leaders and 4-H staff members with a wealth of experience to share. Youth and adult participants will rotate through a variety of sessions which are hands-on and active and held at various sites throughout camp, including outdoors. Both youth and adult participants stay in the cabins on cabin hill.
The $50.00 fee will include all materials and supplies, special snacks, overnight lodging and breakfast and lunch on Saturday.
Register early! This camp fills up fast! Go here for additional information & application forms: http://fyi.uwex.edu/wi4harts/artbeat/.
2016 4-H Art Lab A Statewide 4-H Arts Workshop
Open to Adults and Teens* (must be Grade 9 or older)
January 29-31 at the beautiful 4-H Camp Upham Woods in the Wisconsin Dells.
Sponsored by 4-H Arts and Communications
Cost: $80.00
Registration Deadline: Jan. 8, 2016
Participants will work on individual projects and in large groups for team building and sharing. Why not get a group of youth and adults together from your county for a weekend of intense 4-H ART!
The mission of the Art Lab is to provide an in-depth and focused experience in your “art track” of choice. This year, due to popular request, we are extending the length of Art Lab, so that we have more time to be creative! Tracks include Back to Basics Photography, Tae Kwon Do, Altered Clocks, Intermediate Photography, Film-Making, and Creative Writing. Each participant will choose one art track for the weekend. Registration information and required forms are at http://fyi.uwex.edu/wi4harts/art-lab/.
2016 WI 4-H Arts Groups – Apply Online
Attention all 4-Her’s in grades 9-13 interested in participating in one of Wisconsin’s State 4-H Arts Groups for 2016. 4-H Art Team, 4-H Drama Company and 4-H Communications Team can all be applied for on-line at: http://wi.4honline.com. Please note: 4-H Showcase Singers is on hiatus for 2016.
Information, Job Descriptions, Photos, Video and Timelines can all be found on our website at http://fyi.uwex.edu/wi4harts/state-art-groups/ .
Application forms and audition materials are due January 28, 2016, so please spread the word and encourage your friends to apply!
Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016 Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Place: Monroe Justice Center, Room 2-3
Discover the magic of capturing what you see.
Join us on an adventure though the lens, exploring the process of making your vision come alive - just in time for Green County Fair registration!
Malissabeth Friedly will be sharing some of the tips and tricks, she has learned over the years to help you make the most of you photographs. She will be also available to answer any questions or concerns. Part of the fun of learning photography is imagination and learning perspective of your child.
Bring you gear (what you use to take photographs), 3-4 of your favorite images printed, and curiosity to learn more to the Monroe Justice Center on Tuesday, March 15, 2015 from 7-8pm for a fun filled evening.
4-H Club Happenings Submitted by Super Secretaries! Club Secretaries & Reporters: Please email a brief report to the UWEX office so we can let everyone know what your club is up to. Share your good news and club activities! You can email to [email protected] or [email protected].
Browntown Busy Beavers: November - Our club held a fun potluck during our November meeting. Club members decorated holiday cheer bags with drawings, stickers, and a label with all of our club members listed. The bags will be filled with goodies donated by our club members and will be handed out to elderly at a nursing/retirement community in December.
Our club also baked cookies for the elderly residents of Browntown for their holiday party held on November 29th at the Browntown Civic Center. Our club also had a Pizza Hut fundraiser on November 30th it was a lot of fun!
Our December meeting was held at Twining Valley Retirement Community where we distributed the cheer bags and visited with the residents to spread holiday cheer!! The residents really enjoyed our visit and all the goodies. Our club members enjoyed the time socializing and spreading some holiday cheer. Submitted by: Aleta Broge
Clarence Bridge Pioneers: September - During the September meeting, Club officers were elected. President is Rebecca Strohmenger, Vice President: Jakob Bernstein, Secretary: Annika Bernstein, Treasurer: Anna Smith, Reporter: Abi Gratz, and Sunshine: Blake Doran. October - Our October meeting had a Fall Theme, including roll call as Name Your Favorite Fall Activity. After the meeting, we played fun fall games and had fall snacks.
Our club celebrated National 4-H week by some members visiting the local nursing home Woods Crossing and showing off some of their projects and enjoying a visit with the residents. We also donated a gift basket to the first baby born during 4-H week delivered by the Wilhite Family and Blake Doran Family. Submitted by: Abi Gratz, Club Reporter
Next Generation: October – Our club held its 2nd meeting of the new 4-H year on October 18th at 1:30pm at the Methodist Church Juda WI. Cloverbuds were dismissed to work on activities with our new cloverbud coordinator Maggie Paul and our Recreation leader Auburn Von Kaenel. They decorated small pumpkins, black cat wind chimes, colored holiday pictures, and made foam Halloween pumpkins for decorations. New members were introduced: Brad Grossen Family, Brian Drafall Family, Brandon Drafall Family, and Dan Meier Family. December - On Sunday December 13, our club held its 3rd Annual Christmas Party at the Zion United Methodist Church. There were 59 members and 31 guests in attendance. To kick off the day’s festivities, the club provided a cookie bar to those that attended morning service. Church goes helped themselves to dozens of different types of cookies along with fudge and punch. The club finished off the day’s events with a Christmas party which included a meal, crafts projects of wooden ornaments, snowman, holiday photo frames and a visit from Old Saint Nickolas himself. Every member received a gift from Santa, along with a sack of treats from his elves. On December 15, our club presented the Juda School Art Department a check for $50.00 to be used toward art supplies in the classroom. Along with the check, a gift of a painter's palette stand was given to the school’s art teacher, Ms Wyss, for all the help she has provided the club in some of our art projects throughout the year. Submitted by Harley Mandel
New Glarus: November - Last month's meeting was held at the village hall in New Glarus due to the conditions at the Home. New officers were installed during this meeting. President Karly Ready kicked the meeting off at 8:02 pm. As a club we came early to decorate holiday cards. Old business was reviewed. Also as a club, we agreed on donating some cases of water for the meals on wheels program. We will meet on December 6 at 11:30 in the green room, anyone is welcomed to come sing and bingo away! The first motion was made by Brennan, and the second was made by Michel. Meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm. Submitted by Alex Betthauser
Odds & Ends
2016 Tractor & Machinery Safety Program
Youth ages 12-16 are encouraged to attend this course to become certified to operate machinery. If you are interested in taking this course, email Ellen at [email protected] or call the Extension Office at 328-9440 to add your name to the mailing list. Registrations will begin in mid-January. Check the UW-Extension webpage http://green.uwex.edu/ for the 2016 schedule (coming soon!).
Green County UW-Extension will again be hiring a UW-Extension Summer Assistant for 13-weeks, starting in late May. This position provides valuable pre-professional experience for educational, agricultural, and community-based careers. A copy of the Summer Assistant position description, which includes qualifications and details on how to apply, is available on our Green County UW-Extension website, as part of the scrolling header on the front page. The application deadline is February 15th. Please help us get the word out about this position!
Green County Master Gardeners Symposium The Green County Master Gardeners Association is presenting their annual Gardening Inspirations For All Seasons Symposium. Join us on Saturday, March 12, 2016. For more information, contact the Green County UW-Extension office at 608-328-9440.
Host a 4-H International Teen Next Summer or School Year!
Each summer Wisconsin families have the opportunity to host a youth from Japan, Korea, Norway/Finland, Mexico, Costa Rica, or Argentina for one month. Times vary throughout the summer depending on the program.
Academic yearlong host opportunities are also available with students from Japan, South Korea, or FLEX high school programs.
For information about what it means to be a host family, and to learn more our 2016 Summer Inbound Exchange Programs or 2016-2017 Academic Year programs, go to: http://wi4hinternational.org/host/.
Upham Woods Environmental Education Center is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016.
To cap the celebration, an open house and program are planned for Sunday, September 18, 2016. Watch for more details about the celebration and the anniversary. Upham alums are challenged to make a gift in honor of their experiences at Upham. For more information and to see what's going on at Upham Woods, go to: http://fyi.uwex.edu/uphamwoods/.
4-H Co-Branding
New Extension Logos for use when creating any 4-H displays or handouts.
Please contact the Extension Office for Digital Versions of these logos when creating 4-H displays and handouts for your club. Your leader was given additional information at the November 4-H Adult Leaders Meeting.
Accident Insurance
Did you know that Green County 4-H provides accident insurance coverage for ALL of our 4-H members and leaders?
This insurance costs us only $1 per year, per regular member/leaders and $2 for horse members/leaders! This policy covers accidents that occur during, as well when travelling directly to/from individual 4-H clubs, projects, and country wide 4-H programs.
This is a primary insurance policy, meaning that you can use this policy before your personal insurance. You can also use this policy to cover deductibles, co-pays and other expense that your own insurance might not include. Two of the most commonly utilized coverages of this policy are:
Dental services (within 52 weeks of accident) - $500 Please note…this policy does not provide coverage for damaged eye glasses, and does not cover sledding, tobogganing, or downhill skiing, as part of a 4-H event.
For more information or to submit a claim, please contact Ellen Andrews at 328-9440 or for a table of benefits, go to: http://www.americanincomelife.com/who-we-serve/4-h-insurance#sthash.MAXuUZOm.dpuf.
The Alphorn is available in 2 different formats (pdf and word) so you can choose what works best for you!
Meet the UW-Extension Staff Here to Serve You!
Mark Mayer, Agriculture Agent/Department Head [email protected] Ellen Andrews, 4-H Youth Development Educator [email protected] Bridget Mouchon-Humphrey, Family Living Educator [email protected] Victoria Solomon, Community & Resource Development Agent [email protected] Lisa Messer, Nutrition Education Coordinator [email protected] Jayne Butts, Activity Assistant, Agriculture and CNRD Areas [email protected] Amy Krass, Activity Assistant, 4-H and Family Living Areas [email protected]
Office Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Our address is: UWEX Green County, Justice Center, 2841 6th St, WI 53566 (608) 328-9440
UW-Extension Green County 2841 - 6th Street
Monroe, WI 53566 Phone: 608-328-9440
Fax: 608-328-9519
The University In Your Community
The Alphorn Your Green County 4-H Family Newsletter
University of Wisconsin-Extension, United States Department of Agriculture, and Wisconsin Counties Cooperating “An EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA
Requirements. “Requests for reasonable accommodations or limitations should be made prior to the date of the program or activity for which it is needed. Please do so as early as possible prior to the program or activity so that proper arrangements can be made. Requests will be kept “confidential” If you need this material in alternative format, please contact the program coordinator or the UWEX Affirmative Action Office.
The following individuals serve on the Green County Agriculture and Extension Education Committee: Feel free to contact these individuals if you have any questions in regards to Extension Programs:
Ken Hodgson, (Chair), (608) 543-3006 N7005 County Rd. A, Argyle, WI 53504 Oscar Olson, (Vice Chair), (608) 325-2939 W7760 CTH P, Browntown, WI 53522 Betty Grotophorst, (Secretary), (608) 424-3353 N8841 Dayton Street, Belleville, WI 53508
Arthur Carter, (608) 325-5453 N2659 Richland Rd, Monroe, WI 53566 Kristi Leonard, (608) 523-4501 W9020 Yankee Hollow Rd, Blanchardville, WI 53516
