Enrollment Time

Clubs should have been meeting for some time, now, and hopefully, you've had a chance to complete your member enrollment, project selection and project manual order forms. A few things have changed this year, so remember to:

· Mark on your enrollment form if you PREFER to receive your newsletter by MAIL or by EMAIL. Selecting the email option will help us save money, but ANYONE who wants a mailed copy of the newsletter is WELCOME to receive it. We want EVERYONE to be as informed as possible about the 4-H program.

· You may also need to have a copy of the newsletter sent to a relative who assists children in their 4-H projects.

· You should order only the manuals you want to have on the Project Manual Order Form. Each member will receive up to $5 worth of manual FREE. If you choose to order more than the $5 limit, just write a check to cover the rest. You must have signed up for the project to order the manual. This $5 credit is part of what you receive from your $20 program fee.

· Remember, program fees need to be paid as you enroll (or as soon as possible with your enrollment).

Inside is information about lots of NEW programs in Effingham County and some happening in other counties you may also like to try. There are also reminders about deadlines for livestock exhibits.... Some which happen by Jan. 1, so be sure to read through everything carefully.

The staff at the Extension Office wishes your family a happy holiday season. The office will close at 4:30 on Friday, Dec. 23 and reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3.

Jr. High Leadership Training

The second meeting of the new Effingham County Jr. High Leadership Club will be held at 5:30 PM Thursday, Jan. 26. Any 4-Her in 7th or 8th grade is welcome to attend. Please email Judy Bingman at jmbingma@illinois.edu to register.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

JAN. 1, 2012 Dairy cows must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JAN. 1, 2012 Dairy goat in milking classes must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

FEB. 1, 2012 Beef steers must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

MAY 1, 2012 Horse Ownership Papers due

MAY 1, 2012 Dog Ownership Papers due

MAY 1, 2012 Member & Project Enrollments Due

MAY 1, 2012 Sheep must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

MAY 1, 2012 Swine must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JUNE 1, 2012 Exhibition entries due (except rabbits)

JUNE 1, 2012 Beef females must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JUNE 1, 2012 Calf and yearly classes must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JUNE 1, 2012 Dairy goat kids, dry yearlings and wethers must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JUNE 1, 2012 Llamas must be owned or leased and personally cared for by exhibitor and a copy of the lease form on file with the office

JUNE 1, 2012 Poultry (excluding broiler/fryer/market) must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JUNE 1, 2012 Pygmy goats must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JUNE 1, 2012 Rabbits must be owned and personally cared for by exhibitor

JUNE 15, 2012 Swine exhibitors must indicate health certificate numbers for each entry on the show entry form

*tentative dates are subject to approval

Upcoming Events

Our county is part of a 4-county unit, including Clay, Effingham, Fayette and Jasper counties. 4-Hers are welcome to attend events in any county within the unit with permission by the sponsoring county.

Dec. 29 JASPER COUNTY FEDERATION PARTY, 7 - 11 PM, Connie's home

Jan. 6-7 JASPER COUNTY Ambassador Training, Effingham Hotel

Jan. 10 JASPER COUNTY Parent & Leader Meeting, 6:30 PM Newton

Jan. 12 FAYETTE COUNTY Livestock Meeting, 6:30 PM, Vandalia

Jan. 16 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Youth Ambassador Meeting, 5:15 PM

Jan. 24 JASPER COUNTY Meetings That Matter, 6:30 PM, Newton

Jan. 26 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Jr. Leaders Meeting, 5:30 PM, Effingham

Jan. 31 FAYETTE COUNTY Leadership Council, 6 PM, Vandalia

Feb. 1 JASPER COUNTY Enrollment Deadline

Feb. 4 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Steer Weigh In, 9:30 - 11:30 AM, Fairgr.

Feb. 4 CLAY COUNTY Steer Weigh In, 8 - 11 AM, Clem Hilmes Farm

Feb. 4 FAYETTE COUNTY Steer Weigh In, 9 AM, Fairgrounds

Feb. 6 FAYETTE COUNTY New to 4-H Meeting, 6 - 7 PM, Vandalia

Feb. 20 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Leadership Council, 5:30 PM, Effingham

Feb. 28 JASPER COUNTY Leadership Council, 6:30 PM, Newton

Feb. 9 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Livestock Meeting, 5:30 - 7 PM, Effingham

Feb. 9 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Foundation Meeting, 7:30 PM, Effingham

March 5 EFFINGHAM COUNTY Meetings That Matter, 6:30 PM, Effing.

March 6 CLAY COUNTY Livestock Meeting, 6 PM, Flora

March 8 FAYETTE COUNTY Livestock Meeting, 7 PM, Vandalia

March 8 FAYETTE COUNTY Award Training, 7 PM, Vandalia

March 12 FAYETTE COUNTY Meetings that Matter, 6:30 PM, Vandalia

March 19 CLAY COUNTY Meetings That Matter, 6:30 - 7:30 PM, Flora

March 29 FAYETTE COUNTY Leadership Council, 6:30 PM, Vandalia

April 2 FAYETTE COUNTY New to 4-H Meeting, 6 - 7 PM, Vandalia

April 21 CLAY COUNTY Barrow Tag/Weigh In, 8 - 11 AM, Fairgrounds

April 21 FAYETTE COUNTY Swine/Sheep/Goat Weigh In, 9 AM, Fairgrd.

May 10 FAYETTE COUNTY Livestock Meeting, 8 PM, Vandalia

June 23 FAYETTE COUNTY Fairground Cleanup, 9 AM, Brownstown

PQA Training will be held in March. Watch for dates. Each county will have its own training. Those training dates will be coordinated by Connie Elliott, Jasper County.

Beef Steer Weigh In

Beef Steer Weigh in will be held 9:30 - 11:30 AM Saturday, Feb. 4 at the fairgrounds.

Meetings That Matter

Kids are busy, we know that, so they choose which activities they do based on what is MOST IMPORTANT to them.

So how do you make 4-H MATTER?

The second meeting of 4-H for Grown-Ups will focus on improving the local club meeting:

·Make the most of your club meeting time

·Roles of club officers

·Using youth as teachers

·Great programs, great people to invite to your meeting

·Clubs are like PBJ Sandwiches

·Organization, a must to keep 4-H families happy

·Recreation ideas for club meetings

·Great ideas for helping your community

IMAGINE a club where kids have fun and want to come to monthly club meetings. This training will get you moving in the right direction! Feel free to attend whatever county's training fits best for your schedule. Youth from each county will be assisting with the training.

Our new JR. HIGH TEEN LEADERSHIP CLUBS will be providing some of the training for the meeting.

Repeated 3 Times

PICK YOUR LOCATION

EFFINGHAM COUNTY

6:30 - 7:30 PM

Monday, March 5

U of I Extension Building

FAYETTE COUNTY

6:30 - 7:30 PM

Monday, March 12

U of I Extension Building

CLAY COUNTY

6:30 - 7:30 PM

Monday, March 19

U of I Extension Building

Call your local Extension Office 1 week prior to each meeting to register. Although designed for adults, youth may attend with an adult.

Effingham County Livestock Committee meeting highlights

A tentative schedule for the 2012 Effingham County 4-H Livestock Exhibitions was made at the last meeting and will be announced in February.

Other changes or enforcements made at the meeting include:

· The 4-H swine show will all be held on Monday, with the 4-H junior show all held on Tuesday.

· Swine animals must be owned and in the 4-Her's possession by May 1. Members must have their health tests completed by June 15. The health certification number must be listed on the 4-H show entry form.

· At least 5 members must be enrolled in the carcass contest by June 15 to hold the contest.

· All entries in the fowl show will be single-bird entries except for the meat pen.

Please remember, all these are SUGGESTED changes which will get final consideration by the Leadership Council. If you have suggestions, please contact the superintendent for that species.

The next meeting of the Effingham County livestock committee will be 5:30 PM Thursday, Feb. 9.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY 4-H FOUNDATION: A new look to a faithful organization

· The foundation board of directors will consist of one representative from each club in addition to no more than three directors at large from the community who have been invited and approved by the board.

· Clubs will set their own method for appointing their Foundation representative.

· The directors will serve a two-year term and may be re-appointed for one additional two-year term. No director may serve more than two consecutive two-year terms.

· For 2012, staggered two-year terms will be established by draw of lots.

· When necessary, clubs may appoint a replacement board member if their member is unable to fulfill their responsibilities.

· A quorum will consist of a majority of the board of directors.

· The funds of the Foundation will be held in deposit with the University of Illinois Foundation (UIF), a 501c3 non-profit organization.

The 2012 Board of Directors include:

Bob Westendorf, Country Cousins

Lisa Hill, Daisy Dolls & Guys

Tammy Quast, Easy Riders

Michelle Loy, ECYA

Trish Purcell, Llama Leaders

Michelle Perkins, Lit'l Bit Country

Becky Doty, 4-H Outback Explorers

Gina Blair, Shumway Eagles

Terry Esker, Summit Seekers

Cleo McManaway, Sunshine Pals

Sarah Hewing, T-Town Wranglers

Jessica Lotz, Top Dog Club

Ron Voelker, Tractor Club

Lori Camp, Western Rooters

Sara Wendling, At Large

We also thank the following members who completed their service to the foundation: Kara Berg, Lisa Brackney, Jan Westendorf, Cindy Mathis and Ranae Brackney.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be 7:30—8:30 PM Thursday, Feb. 9.

Congratulations to some of our winners from Achievement Night

Wayne Marquart Memorial Secretary's Award

Ranae Brackney, Shumway Eagles

Treasurer's Award

Mary Perkins, ECYA/Lit'l Bit Country

Reporters Award

Elizabeth McCammon, Hannah Tappendorf, and Maria Kuhns, Daisy Dolls & Guys

Lori Voelker Award $100 Savings Bond

Michael Goldstein, ECYA/Summit Seekers

Newlin Martin Scholarship

Jesse Haarmann, ECYA/Lit'l Bit Country

Abby Westendorf, ECYA/Country Cousins

Effingham County 2010-11 Top 4-H Members

Valerie Westendorf, Country Cousins

Desteny Willenborg, Country Cousins

Ranae Brackney , Shumway Eagles

Michael Goldstein, ECYA/Summit Seekers

Paul Schumacher, ECYA/T-Town Wranglers

Kory Willenborg, Country Cousins

Allison Schmidt, Daisy Dolls & Guys

Carol Schumacher, T-Town Wranglers

Allison Whitacre, 4-H Llama Leaders

Nathan Hill, Daisy Dolls & Guys

Craig Logan, Lit'l Bit Country

New leadership council will guide Effingham County 4-H program decisions

Several groups work to make the Effingham County 4-H program run smoothly and successfully. At times, these groups make decisions which impact other parts of the overall program.

The Effingham County 4-H Leadership Council has been formed to provide overall leadership to the entire 4-H Extension Program. The group will meet three to four times a year to approve committee recommendations, determine county priorities and set policies for membership, exhibition and participation.

The first meeting of the council will be 5:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 20 at the Extension Office.

· Every club leader is invited to represent their club at each meeting

· Every club is asked to appoint one parent volunteer to serve a 1-year term.

· Every club is asked to appoint one youth volunteer to serve a 1-year term.

Terms of the parent and youth volunteers should last one year. At the end of the year, clubs are asked to appoint different volunteers for the coming year. For more information, one may contact Judy Bingman at jmbingma@illinois.edu. Clubs are asked to provide the name of the parent & youth representative by Feb. 15.

T-Town Wranglers learn about electrical safety

At this meeting the club had Jim Myers from Norris Electric to come and talk about electricity safety. Jim gave a demonstration as to the dangers of electricity & showed the members & their families what to do if they came across a downed power line. We also had 2 members, Ellen Schumacher and Alicia Wente, talk about the many memorials close to the Effingham area and in Washington D.C. in honor of Veterans Day. Grace, Paul, and Carol Schumacher did their talk and demonstrations. The leaders then asked for volunteers to do the bell ringing for the Salvation Army and to go Christmas Caroling. In November the club went to Isaac's Family Fun in Mattoon to play mini golf & Laser Tag. Everyone that went cheered.

Next the officers and leaders handed out county awards for both Service & Projects. The door prize was drawn with Dustin Hartke winning and the meeting was adjourned.

Next Training Set for Speaking For Illinois

Saturday, March 3

Breese, IL

9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

The Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team has designed SFI4-H to train 4-H members in advanced public speaking skills and business etiquette to effectively promote the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. The ultimate goal is to offer a cadre of polished teen speakers across the state that are available to speak to civic groups, potential donors (county or state), and elected officials on the local, state, and federal level. Whether the topic be recruitment of potential 4-H volunteers, fund-raising, or budgets, we need 4-H members who are trained and qualified to share the 4-H vision and get the job done!

Current 4-H members ages 14-19 must have the approval of their Extension office in order to participate in this program.

Approved candidates must register on-line for training by Wednesday, February 22 for the March 3 training. Registration for the training is $10.00. Registration must be done on-line via the SFI4-H page: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/leadership_sfi4h.cfm .

2012 4-H Day With the Cardinals

Reserve the date now

The 11th Annual 4-H Day with the Cardinals will be Saturday, May 12. The game will begin at 6:15, but 4-Hers should plan on arriving by 4 PM to enjoy the pre-game activities. The World Series Champion Cardinals are facing the Braves. Ticket information to come soon.

Apply for these 4-H Scholarships

At the current time, the Illinois 4-H program offers the following scholarship programs.

Illinois 4-H Legacy of Leadership Scholarship

The Illinois 4-H Legacy of Leadership Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, offers six, $1,000 scholarships each year. Currently enrolled 4-H members who are seniors in high school or already college age may apply. Five years of 4-H members are required. Applications are due March 1.

Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship

NEW -- The Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, offers $1,000 scholarships. Currently enrolled 4-H members who are seniors in high school or already college age may apply. Three years of 4-H enrollment in 4-H livestock projects and focus on an agricultural degree and career are required. Applications are due postmarked by March 1 of the year applying.

State Fair Junior Horse Show Scholarship

The State Fair Junior Horse Show Scholarship Program is open to 4-H and FFA members who are in their last year of membership eligibility and who have exhibited at the State Fair Jr. Horse Show at least once in the last three years. Applications are available at the Horse Show or by clicking on the link below. Applications, recommendation letters, and high school/college transcripts are due postmarked no later than September 15.

Superior Young Producer Scholarship Program

The Superior Young Producer Scholarship Program is offered by the Illinois State Fair to 4-H and FFA members who are exhibiting in any of the following species at the State Fair: Beef, Sheep, Swine, Dairy, and Horses. This contest-driven scholarship requires that the youth be a current exhibitor at the State Fair in the species for that contest. Registration is due by July 1; forms are available on the Illinois State Fair website.

ACCESS THESE APPLICATIONS AT:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/recognition_scholarships.cfm

Citizenship Washington Focus is trip of lifetime

Late registration for this trip MAY be allowed. Call your local office. Citizenship Washington Focus is a weeklong program that will provide you with many insights into the workings of our federal government. Through small group sessions at the National 4-H Center you'll learn about federal legislation, the political parties, the Bill of Rights, and how to make a positive impact in your community.

You'll have appointments to meet with some of our Illinois Congressmen and share information with them about 4-H and University of Illinois Extension.

Target Audience: CWF is open to 4-H and Extension-related youth delegates ages 14-18 by May 1, 2012.

Dates and Location: Illinois delegates travel to Washington, D.C. in even-numbered years only. The next trip is scheduled for Saturday, July 7 through Saturday, July 14, 2012. Delegates stay at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MD.

Get help for your club meeting

Online volunteer courses offer lots of suggestions from the convenience of your own home phone

This winter the University of Illinois 4-H Youth Development Program will be offering a series of six VALUED Volunteer Orientation and Training Sessions via the University toll-free teleconferencing network. This means that you can participate in the program by calling in from the comfort of your own home. All 4-H volunteers are welcome to attend but these sessions are particularly targeted to first, second, and third year leaders.

For more information on any of these programs please contact your local Extension office or Sheri Seibold at sseibold@illinois.edu or 217.333.0910.

Each of the six topics will be offered once. Each session will begin with check in at 6:50 p.m. and start promptly at 7:00 p.m. They will last one hour. Space is limited to 50 lines so it will be important to register early.

Participants should sign up for each topic. There will be no fee for participation. Registration deadlines are important so that mailings can be sent in a timely fashion.

Once you have registered, you will receive a packet of printed materials directly from the State 4-H Office to be used in the teleconference. This packet will also include the instructions for accessing the toll-free teleconferencing system. The packet will arrive prior to the session for which you register.

January 24

Positive Youth Development/BIG-M

February 2

Communications within a 4-H Club

February 8

Behavior Management

February 13

Risk Management

February 28

Parental Involvement

March 6

Community Service

Check here to register for the first session and for more information on the other workshops. Register for the first workshop by Jan. 13.

https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/default.cfm?RegistrationID=6088

2012 Illinois 4-H Junior Leadership Conference

February 25-26, 2012

Holiday Inn, Urbana, IL

Registration is now open for the Illinois 4-H Jr. Leadership Conference. Current 4-H members in the 7th and 8th grade are eligible - and they can bring a non-4-H friend along!

The registration fee is $125 for all individuals. More information and the on-line registration link can be found at:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/ events/juniorleadership.cfm.

We can only accept the first 90 junior high youth who register!! Online registration must be completed by Tuesday, Jan. 31 and required forms and payment must be postmarked by Feb. 2.

A limited number of 4-H scholarships are available. The application can be downloaded from the website above and is due (with your registration paper-work) by Jan. 9, 2012.

The following workshops will be just a part of the activities.

I Scream in the Kitchen!

Have you ever wondered what makes food so delicious? It's be-cause it has special ingredients that create its own personal & powerful flavor. Leaders are born the same way! We all are made of a little different ingredients, but we are all leaders just the same. Discover the hidden ingredients YOU are made of while learning how to create something sweet as a treat and as special as you.!

The Act in the Conservatory

Find the clues of acting in the

Conservatory. Get ready to get the magnifying glass out to examine what the theatre arts can do for you and your club. You might even find the inner actor in you! There will be much activity in the Conservatory, so come ready to hunt for the clues and solve the mystery of theatre arts!

Searching for Leadership

Search for clues that are characteristic of a leader, but often

hidden. Reveal the secret leader inside you by building your confidence in problem-solving and speaking in public.

Clues in the Community

Learn the importance of serving others, an important part of being a 4-H member. We'll focus on the needs of animals, creating dog and cat toys for a local animal shelter. Let's make an impact for some furry friends! If you can, start now by collecting old denim and/or baby socks to bring to make the toys.

Happy Tales in the Library

Learn the basics of animal care and about the products from animals that are used everyday. Hands-on activities will keep you busy while studying production agriculture and other careers related to animal science.

Finding the Missing Pieces

Test your investigative skills! Learn to lift prints and analyze handwriting samples. Once you've learned the key skills to become a real CSI, put your new skills to use in a live crime scene to find the missing pieces!

Win $100 with poster

Students ages 9 to 14 are eligible to enter the annual National Radon Poster Contest. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can reach dangerous levels in buildings. The contest aims to raise awareness so that families can protect themselves. The University of Illinois Extension is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to sponsor the Illinois portion of the contest. The winning poster will be distributed during National Radon Action Month in January 2013. The FIRST place winner in the nation will receive $1000. There are additional cash prizes for national and Illinois winners.

Posters are due to Cindy Ladage at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency on or before March 1, 2012. For more information, visit

http://takeactiononradon.illinois.edu/resources/contest

e-mail cindy.ladage@illinois.gov

or call 800-325-1245.

The University of Illinois Extension radon web site includes rules, submission forms and fact sheets on radon to educate students.

Abby Westendorf is YLT leader for Unit 21 Youth

Abby Westendorf is the youth member of the state's Youth Leadership Team which will serve 4-Hers in Clay, Fayette, Jasper and Effingham counties. Abby lives in Effingham and is a member of the Country Cousins 4-H Club and the Effingham County 4-H Youth Ambassadors. The 17-year-old is a senior at Teutopolis High School.

Abby won the 2011 Governor's Volunteer Service Award and was a delegate to National 4-H Congress this year for her award-winning community service projects, including work at the ARC program.

Abby is willing to assist local clubs and counties to improve their club meetings. She has lots of ideas and programs she could do at your monthly club meeting. To contact Abby, email: abidale@live.com .

Clay County 4-Her wins Horse Bowl Contest

The Illinois 4-H Horse Project state winners in Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Speech continued to display their knowledge of equine subject matter by earning recognition in two National Contests. The Illinois 4-H'ers competed at the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, OH on October 18-19, 2011 and at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup on November 5, 2011 as part of the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky.

Besting a field of twelve, Josie

McAllister of Flora talked her way to the champion medal at Congress with her captivating formal speech entitled Fire Horse. The activities of the State 4-H Horse Bowl, Hippology, and Speaking contestants are supported by the Illinois 4-H Foundation.

Young coeds invited to 4-H House Sorority

Are you a female member of 4-H, interested in attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign next year? If so, 4-H House Cooperative Sorority could be the perfect home-away-from-home for you while attending college! 4-H House provides an economical, fun, relaxed living environment with other girls who, like you, have been active in 4-H related activities. If 4-H House sounds like it would be a great fit for you, do not hesitate to contact our Interviewing Chair, Hannah Henkel, at (217)344-4784 or by email at henkel1@illinois.edu. Also, check us out at www.4hhouse.com! We look forward to hearing from you!

Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Show

In the know...

Note the following ownership & weigh dates for the 2012 Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock Show. These are ONLY rules for those exhibiting at the State Fair. Please remember, individual counties have different ownership dates for your county exhibit, so check with your local county Extension office for local program.

STEERS:

· Calved on or after January 1, 2011

· Owned & personally cared for by exhibitor since – February 1, 2012

· Tattooed on or between January 28, 2012 and March 15, 2012.

· In addition to tattooing, steers are to be tagged with the electronic ID tags. Cost to exhibitor, $3.00 per tag.

REGULAR BARROWS:

· Farrowed on or after January 15, 2012 and must be the property of the exhibitor by June 1, 2012.

· No weighing and tattooing required but must submit ear notches when making entry for ISF

PREMIERE BARROWS:

· Farrowed on or after February 10, 2012 and must have been the property of the exhibitor by June 1,

· Weighed and Tattooed February 10 to April 15, 2012

· Tattooed within 35 days of birth and not weigh more than 1.0 lbs/day

· Junior exhibitors can purchase nominated barrows

SHEEP WETHERS:

· Both Premiere & Live Show Wethers

· Lambed on or after January 1, 2012

· Ownership Date – May 15, 2012

· Weighed & Tattooed – between March 15 and May 15, 2012

All lambs and meat goats to be exhibited at the State Fair MUST be taken to one of the statewide locations for weighing and tattooing. Each lamb will be tagged with an electronic ID tag at a cost of $2/tag.

MEAT GOATS:

· Wethers – Born on or after October 1, 2011

· Registered and tattooed in name of exhibitor only by May 15, 2012

· Ownership dates for Kids & Yearlings not in milk – May 15, 2012

BREEDING ANIMALS

Beef – Heifers and Cows

· Age requirement is from September 1, 2010 to March 31, 2012 (w/ addition of Senior Yearling class)

· Owned and personally cared for by exhibitor since June 1, 2012

Performance Cows

· Cows must be born before September 1, 2010 (Cow-Calf Class only)

· Owned and personally cared by exhibitor since January 1, 2012

Swine – Gilts:

· Age requirement is farrowed on or after January 1, 2012

· Owned by exhibitor since June 1, 2012

Sheep – Ewes & Rams:

· Age requirement for yearling ewes is from January 1, 2011 to August 31, 2011

· Age requirement for ewe lambs is after September 1, 2011

· Age requirement for ram lambs is after January 1, 2012

· Owned and personally cared for by exhibitor since June 25, 2012

Dairy – Cows and Heifers:

· No age requirements

· Calves and Heifers – Owned since June 1, 2012

· Cows – Owned since January 1, 2012

Horse and Pony:

· May 1 – Place on file in Extension Office or w/ FFA Advisor copies of ownership and/or lease papers for all animals that the member plans to exhibit at the ISF Junior Horse Show.

· MAY 15 – Copies of the ownership and/or lease papers and one set of photos sent to Durinda Kirby at State Fair for entry verification.

Dogs

· Dogs must be owned or leased by June 1, 2012

· At this time, no paperwork is required to be on file.

Dairy Goats

· Kids and Yearlings not in milk must be owned by exhibitor only by June 1, 2012.

· Milking Does must be owned by exhibitor only by January 1, 2012.

Meat Goats

· All meat goats (wethers and all breeding animals) are to be owned by exhibitor only by May 15, 2012.

Rabbits, Pygmy Goats & Poultry

· Animals in these species that are to be exhibited at the ISF Jr. Show must be owned by the exhibitor as Indicated

· Does -- By June 1 of the year exhibiting All others -- Out of stock owned by the exhibitor prior to June 1.

This list is only a NOTICE of changes that have been made regarding various animal exhibits at the State Fair. Local Extension staff, Vocational Agriculture instructors, and exhibitors and their families should read complete rules and regulations included in the 2011 ISF Jr. Department Premium book once printed copies are received or the book is posted on the ISF website:

http://www.illinoisstatefair.info/.

JUNIOR SHOW ENTRIES FOR THE 2012 ILLINOIS STATE FAIR MAY BE SENT

DIRECTLY TO THE FAIR FROM THE EXHIBITOR. All junior exhibitors will need to pay entry fees for any/all animals entered. Fees will be due with class entries – June 9 for Horses; July 1 for all other livestock; August 1 for Dogs. Fees are allocated as follows:

· Beef, Dairy, Horses -- $10 per head

· Sheep, Swine, Goats -- $2.50 per head

· Dogs -- $2 per dog

· Poultry, Rabbits -- $1 per head

SAVE THE DATE HORSE LOVERS

The East Central Regional Horse Bowl/Hippology Contest will be held at Lake Land College on March 31, 2012. More details will follow closer to the date of the contest.

State Quality Assurance Certification Optional

Quality Assurance & Ethics Certification is no longer mandatory for State Fair exhibition. However, the website should be available February 1, 2012. All State Fair beef, sheep, swine, horse, dairy, meat goat and poultry exhibitors are encouraged but not required to complete QA&E Certification via this site. We still strongly encourage that counties keep this as a requirement.

CHECK YOUR COUNTY RULES TO KNOW WHETHER YOUR COUNTY REQUIRES ITS OWN SEPARATE QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM.

Award Deadline Approaches for Illinois 4-H Scholarship & Key Award

The University of Illinois Extension 4-H Key Award. recognizes older 4-H members who exhibit outstanding 4-H leadership, community service, and service as a mentor. A member may receive this recognition once during their 4-H career. Applicants must be 4-H members, 16 to 18 years of age by September 1 of the 4-H year in which they are applying. Each Extension unit may submit a maximum of three applications for award consideration each year. A maximum of 30 4-H members will receive the Illinois 4-H Key Award annually. Awards are presented at the Illini Summer Academies in June. Local Extension offices must submit applications to the State 4-H Office, postmarked no later than March 1.

Clover Challenge

Older 4-H members sometimes get bored with the various projects and feel there is nothing new. If you are 15 years of age and older, you can take a "Clover Challenge" project. The Clover Challenge is an opportunity for members to explore advanced topics within a specific project area. If you are interested in a Clover Challenge project you need to indicate this on your enrollment form.

SAVE MARCH 23 & 24 for THE GREAT DEBATE

4-H Great Debate is an opportunity for high school aged 4-H members to participate in a mock debate in the Illinois House of Representatives Chambers. Participants will select up to three bills (predetermined by the committee) that they will debate either for or against during the debate. This is an excellent opportunity for youth interested in learning more about the Illinois legislative process and hands-on experience researching a particular topic of interest. During the event participants will hear from a legislative consultant and a current member of the Illinois House of Representatives.

Registration material will be available after the first of the year. Check out the county's website in 2012 for the latest registration information.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/cefj/