The 2018 Michigan 4-H Goat Project Youth Workshop is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on September 22, 2018 at the Ionia Fairgrounds, 317 South Dexter Street, Ionia, MI 48846.  This workshop is open to any youth between the ages of 13 and 19 as of Jan. 1, 2019 and will be limited to the first 80 youth registered.  Participants in the 2018 Michigan 4-H Goat Project Teen Workshop will have the opportunity to rotate through hands-on educational sessions that cover topics such as parasite management, exploring the digestive system, dairy goat judging, and make it, take it, use it goat equipment!  At the conclusion of the day, participants will be invited to compete in a goat judging contest. The cost is $35 per youth and includes  all session supplies, lunch, and a workshop t-shirt.  Adult volunteers may audit the sessions and receive lunch and a workshop t-shirt for $20.  Register and pay online at https://bit.ly/2OuAoK8  by September 12th. For more information contact Katie Ockert at (517) 432-5270 or ockertka@ anr.msu.edu .  

Michigan 4-H AmeriCorps program, 4-H STEAM Corps, recruiting members

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of young people while giving back to your community? Join 4-H STEAM Corps! 4-H STEAM Corps will place 30 active, engaged national service members in county 4-H offices across Michigan to build and facilitate 4-H SPIN clubs focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math programming.

4-H STEAM Corps members will serve 11 month terms from September 2018 to August 2019 and will receive a living stipend, deferment for qualified student loans, childcare assistance, food assistance and healthcare. Upon successful completion of 1,700 service hours, members will receive an education award to be applied towards future tuition costs or existing student loans. Interested candidates should contact Rachel Puckett at pucket21@msu.edu or 517-676-7296 for more information.

 

To learn more about the benefits of being an AmeriCorps member, visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/news/service-work-can-make-a-difference-in-community-and-career.

 

Swine Influenza: Animal safety at fair

Keeping animals and people healthy during fair season is imperative. Each summer we see animal health situations emerge. In early July, MSU Extension received notification that swine flu (H2N3) was identified at a fair in Indiana. This is a great opportunity to refresh your memory about all of the resources that exist to help you from Extension.

Please review the resources available at  www.msue.msu.edu/swineinfluenza . This page contains fair and event resources such as fact sheets, guides, and signage that is ready for use. There is also good information for youth and families about preventative tips for keeping both humans and animals healthy. Lastly, this page has links to the most current swine influenza MSU Extension news articles.

Remember good biosecurity practices this county fair season

County fair season is a fun and exciting time but it is also a time of high risk for biosecurity. Whether you're headed to or returning from your local fair, the following simple and effective tips can help protect your animals, local farms and community.

 

1. Keep your distance : Restrict animal access to people, wildlife and other domestic animals that could potentially be carrying disease. Keep animals that were at the fair separate from animals that were not for 28 - 30 days. If possible, do not allow nose-to-nose contact and provide as much distance between animals.

2. Keep it clean: Washing your hands, clothes and footwear thoroughly before and after working with animals and regularly cleaning and disinfecting your equipment is essential to preventing disease on any farm. Disinfect all buckets, feeders, tools and footwear used at the fair along with throwing away all feed or hay that was at the fair.

3. Don't bring in disease: Think twice before sharing equipment or supplies with neighbors. If you decide to share equipment with others, always clean and disinfect equipment before and after sharing. Disinfect boots, vehicles and other items after returning from another farm or the fair. Take care of animals that stayed home from the show first, and animals that were at the show second. Do not go back and forth between animals as this increases the risk of cross-contamination.

4. Recognize a sick animal: Early detection of unhealthy animals can help prevent the spread of the disease among your animals and in your community. Observe animals daily for signs and symptoms of illness, such as obvious pain or discomfort, decrease in appetite and water intake, fever, lethargy, diarrhea or changes in consistency in manure, discharge from nasal cavity or eyes, or overall weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately.

 

Michigan 4-H exhibitors have many responsibilities year-round, but taking time out to practice good biosecurity protocols can keep everyone healthy and safe. Learn more about biosecurity practices for 

4-H livestock projects that are awaiting an upcoming fair at  http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/biosecurity_easy_as_123  and learn more about biosecurity for animals returning home from fair at http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/biosecurity_tips_for_animals_that_went_to_the_county_fair .

 

Participate in the 2018 National 4-H Congress November 23 to 27 in Atlanta, Georgia!  Michigan 4-H youth ages 14-19 are invited to apply for this leadership, citizenship and community service event.   In this capstone 4-H youth leadership event, 4-H youth from across the U.S. will come together to experience an exciting program, full of educational, service and leadership opportunities as well as local cultural tours and experiences. The event includes outstanding community leaders, speakers and educators.  The exact cost will be determined based on the number of delegates and airfare, but will be around $1500.  Fees include registration, hotel, airfare, and most meals.  For more information, contact  Macomb County MSU Extension at 586-469-6431 or  macomb.4h@macombgov.org. Be sure to check out the website at  http://national4-hcongress.com.

Macomb County 4-H Events

August 2

Practice Showmanship classes for wool breeds sheep and goats that are not market goats

7 p.m., 13566 Bryce Road, Capac

August 8

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Max Thompson Family Resource Center, Warren

August 9

Practice Showmanship classes for wool breeds sheep and goats that are not market goats

7 p.m., 13566 Bryce Road, Capac

August 20-24

Sparty Kids Summer Camp

9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Max Thompson Family Resource Center, Warren

September 1

2018-2019 4-H club enrollment begins

October 1

4-H County Awards application deadline

Other Local Events

August 12-19

Armada Fairgrounds, Armada

August 14-November 20

Master Gardener Training

5:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesdays

September 9

Farmada

Advantage Living Center, Armada

Statewide 4-H Events

Other Statewide Events