4-H Shooting Sports

Information about upcoming events for all disciplines will be published in the newsletter. We will not send cards. Parents are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and stay with their 4-H'er during shooting events. See below for a schedule of upcoming shooting sports events. Contact the office for enrollment and activity fee information. In case of bad weather, contact Rick Hawn (217-314-0709) to see if a scheduled event is being held.

· Shotgun

February 12 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Extension office

March 11 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Extension office

The December through March events will be classroom workshops to learn shotgun safety, cleaning, maintenance, etc. You must attend the classroom workshops to be eligible to take part in the shooting events.

· Archery and air rifle

February 25 9:00 a.m. to noon 4-H Fairgrounds

March 24 9:00 a.m. to noon 4-H Fairgrounds

Be sure to dress warmly. Portable heaters have been purchased but the buildings are not heated by a furnace. When not in line to shoot, you will be participating in sessions including safety on the range, how to clean/maintain air rifles and bows, etc.

4-H Federation

The next Federation meeting will be February 25, Victory Christian Center in Farmer City, at 6:00 p.m. This will be our movie and game night. Supper will be served. Everyone will be asked to supply either snack items or a drink for this event. We will contact you to let you know what to bring. Call the Extension office by February 17 to sign up. (If this meeting gets canceled we will only contact those who have signed up.)

Federation is open to anyone sixth grade and above. Come join the fun and meet other 4-H members that you might not know.

4-H T-shirt Contest

DeWitt County has not had a new 4-H t-shirt for several years……so send in your ideas for a design for the back of a t-shirt. You may only use two colors. The shirt will either be dark green or blue. All ideas must be into the Extension office by February 17.

4-H T-shirt Order

We will be ordering new 4-H t-shirts for DeWitt County. If you would like to order a t-shirt the cost will be $8.50 for youth and adult sizes up to XL. For XXL or bigger the cost will be $10.50. If you would like to order a shirt we need money and size turned in to the office by March 1. We need to order at least 20 shirts to receive this price.

4-H International Night

March 8; 6:00 p.m.; Victory Christian Center, Farmer City

Choose a country and make a display and two activities (games) native to that country. Then make some food from the country to share during the potluck. Attendees will visit the club booths and participate in the activities, then they will have their passport stamped from that club to move on to another country display. The program is open to clubs or families to participate.

So far we have the following clubs/countries signed up: Barnett Busy Bees - Puerto Rico, Farmer City Peppers - Denmark, Helping Hands - Russia; Lucky Whirlwinds - Mexico; Southern Explorers - Italy, Unstoppable Clovers - Africa.

4-H Leaders Meeting

March 12; 1:00 or 7:00 p.m.

Extension Office

We will discuss upcoming events including the 4-H fair. Your barbecue tickets will be distributed. Be sure to invite anyone who helps with your club.

4-H Dog Obedience Classes - Spring 2012

The obedience classes will be divided into two groups -- beginner and advanced. The beginner class is for those who are new or with one or two years of experience. The advanced class will be for those with three or more years of experience.

Upcoming dog events:

· Obedience classes for experienced handlers - March 13 and 20, 6:15 p.m. at the 4-H fairgrounds.

· Organizational meeting for dog project members - Extension office March 27, 7:00 p.m. Do not bring dogs to this meeting.

· If you are interested in receiving help with dog showmanship contact the Extension office.

Classes may be taken anywhere - you are not required to attend DeWitt County classes.

Member Project Lists

In March we will mail each 4-H member a list of projects they enrolled in. If you have changes, you may either call the Extension office and talk with Diana or Kim or give them to your leader. It is your responsibility to make sure you are enrolled correctly. The project add/drop deadline is April 1.

Great Debate

March 23 & 24

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. If you are interested in this event let the Extension office know. When we receive more information we will send it to you.

Q&A Portion Added to 4-H Horse Ride Nights

For the last few years Dan Enos has supervised a weekly ride night at the 4-H fairgrounds. This year's rides will begin April 5. This year, in addition to being able to practice in the arena every Thursday, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about classes offered at the show. The focus of these 20 to 30 minute sessions is to help everyone understand specific classes and the expectations from the judge during the 4-H horse show. Following the question and answer portion, additional help will be offered to those wanting to work on what they just learned in the arena with their horse.

The first topic will be discussed on April 12. All sessions will begin at 5:30 p.m. Before the show in July, each topic will be discussed twice. As an incentive, each 4-Her who attends will put his/her name into a drawing with the winner announced at the last session in July. The more often you come, the better your chances of winning! Listed below are the dates and topics to be covered:

• April 12 - Showmanship
• April 26 - Games
• May 3 - Trail
• May 10 - English/Equitation
• May 24 - Games
• May 31 - Horsemanship and Pattern Riding
• June 7 - Trail
• June 14 - English/Equitation
• June 28 - Showmanship
• July 5 - Horsemanship and Pattern Riding

Horse Coggins Testing

April 14, 2012; 4-H Fairgrounds

Coggins testing, teeth floating, vaccinations will be available. You must call Dan Enos (217/935-3877) to reserve a time slot. Appointments will be scheduled on a first come first served basis so call early. Costs have not yet been set but will be available soon.

4-H Goat Workshop

April 21, 2012; 10:00 a.m. to noon

4-H Fairgrounds

This workshop will touch on showmanship, grooming, and health/nutrition. Bring your own goat to the workshop. If you cannot bring one let Carrie know when you sign up. To register for this workshop e-mail Carrie Overmyer (overmyer@wirelessdatanet.net) by April 13. If you have anything you would like to learn about goats let Carrie know in your e-mail.

4-H Member Party

April 30; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

4-H Fairgrounds

This is for any member and parents wishing to find out more about 4-H. First and second year members are encouraged to attend. You will learn about the 4-H fair, completing entries, project judging, what is required to show a project, completing 4-H records, and much more. Call the Extension office by April 20 if you plan to attend.

Horse Papers and Pictures

If you plan to show at either the DeWitt County 4-H fair or state junior horse show, you must submit a copy of your horse lease, ownership or registration papers and 2 sets of color pictures (two of each side of the horse) to the Extension office by May 1. You will find a copy of the horse lease and ownership paper on the DeWitt County website. If papers are not turned in by May 1, you may not exhibit your horse.

ISA is Expanding!

Get ready for a shake -up at the 2012 Illini Summer Academies!! We're expanding the program by one day, starting on Sunday afternoon, June 24 and ending on Wednesday afternoon, June 27. ISA is open to any Illinois high school student, ages 14-18 by September 1, 2012 and offers youth a chance to explore college life, check out the University of Illinois, and get hands-on experience in classes and labs of a specific college department. So get the dates of June 24-27 on your calendar now. Academies are still being finalized, but registration opens March 1. Our website will be updated at that time with all the 2012 information: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/events/summeracademies.cfm.

4-H Camps

4-H Mini Camp

July 1-3; 4-H Memorial Camp, Monticello

Are you new to 4-H Memorial Camp? Or, would you rather try a shorter version of our week-long program? Get a taste of most everything offered at our regular week-long camp in a setting tailored for younger campers. 4-H mini-camp is open to all youth, but will focus on activities designed for kids 8-12 years of age. Swimming, boating, fishing, crafts, sports, games, songs, hikes, campfires, and lots more. Bring a friend and bunk together in a cool log cabin. Mini-camp fee is $120.00. (There are no scholarships available for mini-camp.) You must register for mini-camp through 4-H camp. Their web site is: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/4hmemorialcamp/

2012 4-H Camp

June 10 - 14

Registration for 2012 4-H camp is available on our website. If you need a printed copy please call the office. We will begin accepting registration on February 15. Registration is not complete until the office has received the form and payment. Make checks payable to University of Illinois. We will take registration for 4-H members only until March 1. After that we will accept registration from anyone within our county. Registration deadline is May 14.

County Scholarship Rules

4-H scholarships – Policies for 4-H'ers who cancel participation at any event for which Federation, Foundation and/or Extension contributed any portion of the registration fees:

• 4-H'ers are responsible for reimbursing the Federation, Foundation and/or Extension for their contributions if the member cancels registration after the event refund date.
• With prior Extension staff approval, the 4-H'er may ask another member to attend in their place. The attending 4-H member will reimburse the original participant.

To be eligible to receive activity scholarships from 4-H Federation and/or Foundation you must be a registered 4-H member (enrolled in a traditional 4-H club, carrying at least one project and attending club meetings) by January 1, 2012. You must also have helped with the previous year's chicken barbecue. First year members qualify for scholarships but must work at the barbecue. Scholarships will not be given the first year back to members who drop out and return later. SPIN club members are not eligible for scholarships unless they are also members of a community club.

DeWitt County 4-H Fair Book

The 2012 DeWitt County fair book will be posted online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/dewitt4h/ A printed reference copy will be available at the 4-H office and a printed copy will be supplied to each superintendent and 4-H club leader. If you do not have an internet connection, stop by the office to get a book. We will print a very limited amount of copies. If you are in need of printed information for a specific 4-H project please stop in the office and we will print those details for you. The goal is to have the book online by March 1. Check the county website beginning in March to view the fair book. Read all the fair rules and project areas that you will be exhibiting in as some have changes and updates.

4-H Newsletter

We are going to start sending newsletters by e-mail. You still will receive a copy in the mail for the rest of the 2011-2012 4-H year. Starting in September newsletters will be sent e-mail and put on the DeWitt County website. If you would like you newsletter to continue being received in the mail let us know.

Friday 4-H Mini Chat

Starting in February Kim will be sending a one page Friday update using e-mail to everyone who has given us their e-mail address. This will include updates that will be happening, special events taking place and club events.

Scholarship Opportunities

4-H Foundation Scholarship

• DeWitt County 4-H Foundation scholarship applications are available at the Extension office or on our website: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/dmp/. Each scholarship is $500. The application deadline is March 6, 4:00 p.m. Those who have applied will be contacted for interview, which will be Saturday, March 10.

Legacy of Leadership Scholarship

• This scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, offers six, $1000 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. For an application go to: http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/recognition_scholarships.cfm

Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship

• NEW -- The Illinois 4-H Livestock Scholarship, sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation, offers $1000 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. Application are available at : http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state4h/members/recognition_scholarships.cfm

Farm Credit Agriculture Scholarship

• This scholarship is available to current high school seniors who plan to enroll in an agriculture based college curriculum this fall to pursue a career in agriculture. Selection criteria include academic achievement, participation and leadership within school and community organizations, and a commitment to pursuing an ag based career. Application deadline is March 2. Visit www.fcsillinois.com for more information.

Babysitting Workshop

March 10; 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Extension Office; $5.00

Youth must be at least 12 years old to participate. Open to both 4-H'ers and non-4-H'ers. Learn how to make toys, prepare nutritious snacks, how to help children behave, what to do in an emergency situation and how to read to children. You must pre-register by March 1 by calling the Extension office.

Illinois State Fair Junior Livestock and DeWitt County 4-H Fair

In the know…..animal ownership and birth dates

Beef

- 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

- 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

- 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. Must have been 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

- Gilts:

• Age requirement is farrowed on or after January 1, 2012
• Owned by exhibitor since June 1, 2012

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

- 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

Goats

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

- 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

Dairy

- Dairy – Cows and Heifers:

• No age requirements
• Calves and Heifers – Owned since June 1, 2012
• Cows – Owned since January 1, 2012

Equine

- Horse and Pony:

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

Dogs

• Dogs must be owned or leased by June 1, 2012
• At this time, no paperwork is required to be on file

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

Exhibitors should read complete rules and regulations included in the 2012 DeWitt County 4-H fair book and the ISF Jr. Department Premium book once printed copies are received or the book is posted on the ISF website: http://www.illinoisstatefair.info/.

ISF Entries

Junior show entries for the 2012 Illinois State Fair must be sent directly to the fair from the exhibitor. 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

Fair Updates

DeWitt County 4-H Fair

4-H auction rule amendment - Effective immediately -- Members wishing to sell projects in the 4-H auction must attend at least six meetings. College members must attend at least three meetings to be eligible. Deadline for meeting attendance is July 1. You may attend another club's meeting to make up any missed meetings from your club. Attending a SPIN club or horse practice will not count as meeting attendance for the sale.

Overnight stays -- If a 4-H'er wishes to stay overnight, they must have a parent stay with them. Overnight stays will be by parent and 4-H member only.

Late arrival/early dismissal -- Anyone wishing to arrive late or leave early must receive approval from the Extension office or the fair superintendents listed in the front of the fair book. The only acceptable reason for late arrival or early dismissal will be participation in another fair.

Animal welfare - If an animal is dismissed by the judge (due to injury or illness), that animal will not be allowed to show in any other classes.

Bicycle rodeo - The bicycle rodeo is back at the county fair. You do not have to be enrolled in bicycles to take part in the rodeo. The rodeo will be held Saturday, July 14 at 2:00. More information listed in fair book.

Do Your Own Thing - Duct tape items must be entered in Do Your Own Thing. These projects are not state fair eligible.

Sheep ROG -- Rate of Gain class for sheep project has been dropped.

Goats -- If you do not own a goat you may lease one for the county 4-H fair. A signed lease and pictures (one of each side of the goat) must be submitted to the Extension office by May 15. Leases will be available on the county web site. This is for county fair only. You must own your goat to show at state fair.

Fairgrounds clean up -- July 12, 6:00 p.m. - 4-H fairgrounds clean up for livestock and general projects. Everyone is asked to come out and lend a hand in getting the fairgrounds ready. Superintendents will be assigning pens/stalls for livestock at this time. You must call the office with the number of animals you are bringing to the fair by July 5 or no pens will be saved for your animals. This will assist in knowing how many pens, etc. need to be set up.

Cake Decorating 4-H Fair Class -- Cake decorating will be changing. This year you will be able to decorate cookies, cake or cupcakes. Check the fair book for class descriptions.

State Fair

QAEC -- Quality Assurance & Ethics Cerification is no longer mandatory for state fair exhibition.

State Fair Entries -- To show at the Illinois State Fair you must complete and submit the entry required forms by July 1.