Routt County 4-H news & updates
February 15, 2023
Upcoming Events
Click here to access the Routt County 4-H Google Calendar!
February 15, 6pm, Junior Leader Meeting, Trout Creek Room - Are you interested in being an ambassador of Routt County 4-H? This is your LAST CHANCE!
Our Junior Leaders help put on all 4-H Events in the county, while learning new leadership skills along the way. All senior aged (14-18 year old) members are encouraged to come and learn more about the Jr. Leadership Program. The Jr. Leaders meet monthly!
March 1, 6pm, Parli Pro Training at Council Meeting - All members are encouraged to join us as Mr. Wellman goes over Parliamentary Procedure. All are encouraged to attend IN PERSON to get the most out of the training.

Everyone attending the meeting will use the parking lot/entrance by the athletic fields.
March 4, 9am, Routt County 4-H Ski Day - join Routt County 4-H as we hit the slopes of Mount Werner. Members must meet at the top of the Gondola for a picture at 11am!
  • Current 4-H Members Ski Free
  • 4-H Parents/Family Members ski for 1/2 priced ticket
  • Rentals are available at 1/2 Price
  • Christy Sports Gondola (Skis)
  • Powder Tools (Snowboards)

A huge THANK YOU to Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation for helping make this happen for our Routt County 4-H Kids!

RSVP to Tami by February 27th to reserve your ticket and rentals!
March 7, 6pm, 4-H Monthly Moos Call - join Tami and Millie as they discuss the topic: Guiding myself through 4-H (Zoom information).

Do you have any questions that you would like covered in the latest Monthly Moo? Please email Millie any questions you would like addressed!
March 8, 6pm, New Member Orientation Dinner - join us at the Steamboat Springs Community Center as we discuss important events for the upcoming year. We will also go over the basis of Routt County 4-H and what we offer. There will be time at the end to ask any and all questions you may have.
  • Please RSVP using this form!
  • This is a MANDATORY dinner. If you cannot make it, please contact the extension office to arrange a one-on-one meeting with Tami or Millie.
March 7, TBD, Cake Decorating Workshop at the Routt County Extension Office. Interested in attending? Sign up today for the Cake Decorating Project
March 19, 2pm, Snow Sculpture Building at Casey's Pond - All Steamboat and North Routt 4-H members are encouraged to join us to build snow sculptures for the residents of Casey's Pond!
March 31-April 2, District Retreat - Join us in Glenwood Springs as we meet up with the District 9 Counties for District Retreat. Registration opens February 6th on 4-H Online!
  • Routt County Leadership funds will cover all but $50/member. This includes all travel, hotel, and partial registration costs.
  • Elk River Wranglers and Fairplay 4-H Clubs have voted to cover the remaining $50 for their club members wanting to attend.
  • Sign Up ASAP! Registration closes March 6th
  • Cancellations after March 6th will need to reimburse the full registration, travel, and hotel costs.
  • We are collecting old jeans, fleece, and flannel for the community service project. These materials will be used to create toys and blankets for the local animal shelters! Do you have any of this material laying around, please drop it by our office!
April 4, 6pm, 4-H Monthly Moos Call - join Tami and Millie as they discuss the topic: Animal IDs (Zoom information)

Do you have any questions that you would like covered in the latest Monthly Moo? Please email Millie any questions you would like addressed!
April 19, 5:30pm, Horse Classroom - join us in the Trout Creek Room, as we invite Cassidy Perricone to discusses Horse Safety and Basic Horse knowledge. Pizza will be provided.
April 26, 5pm, Meat Quality Assurance Training - MQA (Meat Quality Assurance Training) is required for all 1st 4-H animal members and 1st year senior animal members. We will conduct the MQA training first followed up by a Livestock 101 for all livestock members.
May 1, Add/Drop/Change Deadline - members must complete the projects they are signed up for in order to remain in good standing. Members must be enrolled in at least 1 project to be considered a member in good standing. No changes can be made after this deadline.
May 1, Horse and Dog Animal IDs due in 4-H Online. Questions, please attend the April 4th Monthly Moos Meeting, or refer to our website for detailed instructions!
May 3, County Council Meeting - join us at the Soroco High School for a County Council Meeting. All are encouraged to attend.
May 8, 4-6pm, Sheep & Goat Weigh-In at the Routt County Fairgrounds.

Cost is $5 per animal. Please have the Weigh In Form completed before arriving at the scale. You must be enrolled with all fees paid (including past due fees).

Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins
May 9, 3-6pm, Swine Weigh-in at the Routt County Fairgrounds.

Cost is $5 per animal. Please have the Weigh In Form completed before arriving at the scale. You must be enrolled with all fees paid (including past due fees).

Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins
4-H News
The Routt County 4-H Member Handbook, Policy and Procedures is updated and approve. All members must abide by the Routt County 4-H Member Handbook, Policies and Procedures while enrolled in the Routt County 4-H Program.
4-H Enrollment is Open!
Here is a LINK on how to enroll, clubs, projects and much more.
  • If you are attending club meetings and other 4-H Events, you MUST be enrolled and paid!
  • All returning members who have not enrolled/paid before January 1 will receive a $30 late fee!
  • New to 4-H? Mark your calendar for the New Member Dinner, March 8, 6pm at the Steamboat Community Center.
  • RSVP using this Google Form!
When would you like to do Achievement Night this year? Fill out this survey to help us pick a date that works best for members and their families!
Would you like to enter a 'Thank You' ad into the 2023 Routt County Fair Book? 4-H Members will receive a 25% discount on all ads a quarter page size or larger!

Parents/Guardians, are you interested in sponsoring the Routt County Fair? Visit the Routt County Fair website to learn more about fair book ads and sponsorship packages!

Advertising deadline is March 15th!
Are you looking at filling out scholarships for continuing education? Colorado 4-H Scholarships are now posted on the website!
  • The scholarship process is open through March 1, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be announced in late April/early May 2023. There are opportunities available for all kinds of students, including those attending CSU or other universities, trade schools or junior colleges, transfer students, and continuing students. https://co4h.colostate.edu/about-us/scholarships/.  

The Routt County 4-H High School and Continuing Education Scholarship Applications are OPEN! Visit our website for instructions on how to apply. Applications close on April 1st at 5pm!
2022-2023 Record Books are now posted! Find them here!
  • Livestock members - scroll down for some helpful record book tips!
We have a few extra t-shirts for sale at the Extension Office. $20/shirt. Stop by today to pick one up!
Club Reports
Ranch House 4-H Club
January 9, 2023
We discussed ideas for making Valentine Centerpieces for the residents at the Haven at our February 13th meeting 
Kristen passed out End of the Year Awards: 
  • 4H is about "Learning by Doing" Members were to vote for a JUNIOR member they thought learned the most by doing! Bransyn Estes
  • "To Make the Best Better" Members were to vote for a SENIOR member they thought made the best of everything! Tessa Booco
  • "I Pledge my HEAD to clearer thinking" Members were to vote for a member they thought best used their HEAD to think through their personal project, our club projects or any other issues that arises. Payton Baker
  • "I Pledge my HEART to greater loyalty" Members were to vote for a member they thought had the most heart or is the most loyal to Ranch House 4H Club and Routt County 4H. Payton Estes
  • "I Pledge my HANDS to larger service" Members were to vote for a member they thought did the most "service" for the club or other 4H member. JD Case
  • "I Pledge my HEALTH to better living" Members were to vote for a member they thought made the overall health of our club or Routt County 4H better. Makayla Iacovetto
We held elections: 
  • President - Makayla Iacovetto
  • Vice President - JD Case
  • Treasurer - Conley Valora
  • Secretary - Kelsey Stewart
  • Historian - Makayla, Kiley, Alexis and Josie Iacovetto
  • Council Reps - Brody and Treysen Frentress and Nevayla Layman
Submitted by Lexi Iacovetto
Elk River Wranglers
January 8, 2023
Hello all! In January's meeting we began by discussing the great response to our Christmas baskets in which we received many thank you messages and even a $500 check from Vic Taylor. On January 11th, there was the Music Fest Chicken Poop bingo held at Gondola square. There were youth volunteers needed but I believe it all worked out well. Four days later on the 16th was the Cowboy Downhill and alongside this event our club held a petting zoo at the base of the mountain. On January 18th, there was a junior leader meeting which helps and guides up and coming 4H members. Today, February 12th, the beef weigh in is being held at the Routt County fair grounds from 12:30 to 2:30. Cost is $5 per animal. On March 4th, there will be a 4H ski day at Mount Werner! Those attending need to be at the top of the gondola by 11:00. If you would like to attend, please contact Tami by February 27th. March 8th we will be hosting a new members dinner to fill in and introduce our joining members. This dinner will be mandatory and if you can not attend please let the extension office know and a private meeting will be set up with either Tami or Millie to discuss the 4-H year ahead.
Submitted by Anna Schumacher
Flat Top 4-H Club
February 5, 2023
On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Flat Top 4-H Club held their monthly meeting at South Routt Elementary School. During the meeting we discussed the senior citizens appreciating the canned food drive. Olivia completed her demonstration. The Valentine's gifts will be delivered to the seniors in South Routt. Before the meeting, South Routt clubs gathered to build snowmen in front of peoples homes. The next meeting is planned for March 12, 2023 at South Routt Elementary.
Submitted by Gavin Ahlgrim
Community Events
Thanks to all of the South Routt 4-H Members who gathered the beginning of the month and built snowmen throughout their community!
Did you see us in the Winter Carnival Parade? Thanks to everyone who came out and represented Routt County 4-H at the Winter Carnival!
Several members of the Extension office Staff participated in the Winter Carnival Snow Sculpture contest! Check out this fun sculpture to honor 100 years of the Historic Court House!
Courtesy Posts
Are you interested in learning more about sheep shearing? Moffat County Extension is hosting a 3 day Sheep Shearing School! Scholarships are accessible to 4-H and FFA members wanting to attend. Contact Megan for more info!
Apple the Hedgehog - We are looking for a loving home for Apple, our 3 year old female hedgehog. We have had Apple since she was 3 months old. She is pretty easy to take care of, she just needs more attention, out of her cage play time, than we are able to give her right now.

We have a nice cage for her, heat lamp and all other accessories that she needs. Everything for free. We just want to know that someone will love her and spend time with her! Hedgehogs in captivity typically live 5 to 7 years.

Please contact Stacey if interested, or with questions 970-846-6175.
HPAI is still surging in Colorado. Please educate yourself on the risks of your backyard flock mingling with wild birds, and introducing new birds to your flock.
FREE ROOSTER - Year old rooster looking for a new coop. Light Brahma who is generally nice to hens. Free to good home! Please contact Brooke if interested.
FREE LAYING HENS - 27 laying hens looking for a new place to roost. Current owner would like them to go to a new place all together. Hens are all 3 and under. Contact Mandy, 816-668-7928, if interested.
New Member Information
4-H Enrollment is Open! Here is a LINK to how to enroll, clubs, projects and much more. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!

Learn more about Routt County 4-H on our WEBSITE.
  • See a list of our 4-H clubs and when they meet.
  • Learn about all the projects 4-H has to offer.
  • The Colorado 4-H WEBSITE also offers project information and record book links. Click on the area of a project of interest (word on picture square), then click on the project you want to learn more about.

March 8, 6-7pm - Mandatory New Member Dinner at the Steamboat Community Center. Come join us as we discuss important dates, outline the importance of 4-H, and answer any questions you may have regarding the Routt County 4-H Program.
4-H Monthly Moos - Do you have questions about the Routt County 4-H Program? Starting in January, Tami and Millie will be holding monthly Zoom Calls to help with all things 4-H! Monthly meetings will try to have a specific topic, but all questions are welcome anytime. 4-H Monthly Moos will start January 3th and will run on the first Tuesday of the month (besides July) at 6pm through August 1st. Zoom Link Here!
  • March 7 - How can I guide myself through my project? But wait, I want to do more! Adding/Dropping Projects
  • April 4 - Animal IDs - What's needed, how do I do it, when are they due by?
  • May 2 - Test our knowledge!
  • June 6 - Yay! Record Books!
  • July 11 - Completion Weekend and Exhibit Day
  • August 1 - Fair 101
4-H Project Area Information
Practice Schedules - Practice Start Dates are Tentative

Important Shooting Sports Dates -
  • May 1 - Add/Drop deadline for all projects
  • July 6 - Completion Weekend Registration Due
  • July 16 - Shooting Sports Completion Weekend for Air Rifle, Air Pistol & .22 Pistol
  • July 22-23 - Shooting Sports Completion Weekend for .22 Rifle, Archery & Shotgun
  • July 26 - Exhibit Day

Leader Trainings - All workshops are tentative and may be cancelled or adjusted for reason including but not limited to low registration numbers, inclement weather, state health department restrictions, etc.

  • March 3-5, Morgan County - (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun) OPENS: 1/20/23 CLOSES: 2/17/23 See attached flyer!
  • March 10-12, Weld County – (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun) OPENS: 1/27/23 CLOSES: 2/24/23
  • March 17-19, Pueblo County – (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Hunting & Outdoor Skills, Western Heritage) OPENS: 2/3/23 CLOSES: 3/3/23
  • March 24-26, Garfield County - (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Western Heritage) OPENS: 2/10/23 CLOSES: 3/10/23
Livestock Judging -
  • Practice starts on March 9th.
  • Practices will be held on Thursdays from 5-6:30pm through State Conference in June!

Livestock Notes -
  • Colorado State Fair Nomination forms are available for pick-up at the Extension Office. Please make sure you understand all competition rules and requirements for the Colorado State Fair!
  • Thinking about choosing your animals for this year? Email Millie for a webinar highlighting how to pick out your perfect animal!
Beef Members -
  • Beef Weigh-In results are posted on our Website. Please look over this document and make sure that everything is correct. You have until February 27th to make any changes, or else it will all be final.

Sheep Members -
  • There has been some question in the past as to what we meant by “extreme docking” in our member handbook. This year, with help from the FFA Advisors, Sheep Superintendents, and us here at the Extension Office, we decided to update the wording in the member handbook to make this rule more clear. The wording that we are using is coming straight from the Colorado State Fair Rulebook!
  • Extreme docking of lambs: (complete tail removal) is not an acceptable animal husbandry practice. We will be using the same rule for the Colorado State Fair regarding docking. Market Lambs shall show no evidence of surgical docking, prolapses, purse strings, sutures, etc. If any of these are evident in any sheep, that animal will be disqualified from the show
  • There will be a team of people checking lambs at spring, and fair weigh-ins

Goat Members -
  • This year, there will no longer be a separate meat breed and non-meat breed showmanship class for goats. There will be one showmanship class regardless of the breed of goat. The showmanship class will be judge on how you show and present your animal based on their breed standards.
Poultry Members -
Livestock Dates -
  • April 19 - Routt County Horse Classroom (Horse Safety and Basic Horse Knowledge)
  • April 26 - Meat Quality Assurance and Livestock 101. All first year seniors and first year animal members are required to attend.
  • May 1 - Animal IDs due for Dog and Horse
  • May 1 - Add/Drop Date for all projects
  • May 8 - Sheep and Goat Weigh In at the Routt County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5/animal. Please have all your weigh in forms completed before arriving at the scale.
  • May 9 - Swine Weigh In at the Routt County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5/animal. Please have all your weigh in forms completed before arriving at the scale.
  • May 24 - Routt County Horse Classroom (Conditioning and Proper Feeding)
  • June 1 - Animal ID deadline for market beef, swine, sheep, and goat
  • June 12-13 - Northwest Colorado 4-H Expo Horse and Dog
  • June 15-16 - Northwest Colorado 4-H Expo Livestock, Poultry and Rabbit
  • July 1 - Animal ID deadline for ALL breeding animals
  • July 11 - Registration deadline for Fair
  • August 9 - Fair Clean-Up/Set-Up Day
  • August 11-20 - Routt County Fair
  • September 19 - Animal/Livestock Record Books Due
Jackpots, Shows, and Expos -
These are shows we are sharing from other counties for members to participate in. The postings are for your information. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Routt County Extension.
  • April 1st - Beef Blow N Go Show in El Paso County. More information here!
  • August 24th-27th - Colorado State Fair 4-H Championship Horse Show in Pueblo Colorado.
2022-2023 Record Books can be downloaded here!

Pages that can be completed NOW -
Pages to be working on through project -

Record Book Tips -
  1. Keep columns Consistent
  2. Add more pages as needed
  3. Dates need to be in chronological order
  4. Read all page directions completely and carefully
  5. NEVER leave a page blank

Important Record Book Dates -
  • October 1 - Start of 4-H Year
  • June 6 - Monthly Moo Topic: Yay! Record Books!
  • June - Record Book Check from Club Leaders
  • September 19 - Animal/Livestock Record Books Due
Robotics Schedule - All members must be enrolled and attending practices by January 26th in order to participate in the Routt County Robotics Program!

Beekeeping Workshops - Routt County Beekeeping Association will be holding a workshop series for our Beekeeping Members. Schedule will be released soon! Interested in attending these workshops? Enroll in our Beekeeping Project today!

Knitting Workshops - Routt County 4-H has a knitting leader this year. Are you interested in joining and learning more about knitting this year? Enroll today in our Knitting Project!

Cake Decorating Workshops - Cake Decorating workshops for enrolled members will be held in March. Sign up for the Cake Decorating project and join us for some fun cake decorating workshops.

Important Dates -
  • May 1 - Add/Drop Date for all projects
  • July 11 - Registration deadline for Exhibit Day
  • July 26 - Exhibit Day
Routt County 4-H Leadership Opportunities

Routt County 4-H Council - Did you know that you can hold 4-H officer positions at the club, county, district and state level? Our 4-H council meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month (every other month) across Routt County. At these meetings county wide information is shared including updates to the handbook, voting on the buckle/reserve champion awards, sale committee updates, upcoming events and more. All members are encouraged to attend the 4-H Council meetings and at least two representatives from each club attend each meeting.
  • March 1 - 4-H Council meeting 6pm at Exhibit Hall in Hayden
  • May 3 - 4-H Council meeting 6pm at Soroco High School
  • July 5 - 4-H Council meeting 7pm at Exhibit Hall in Hayden

Routt County Jr. Leader - Are you interested in being an ambassador of Routt County 4-H? Our Junior Leaders help put on all 4-H Events in the county, while learning new leadership skills along the way. All senior aged (14-18 year old) members are encouraged to come and learn more about the Jr. Leadership Program. The Jr. Leaders meet monthly in the Trout Creek Room!
  • February 15 - 6pm
  • March 15th - 6pm
  • May 24th- 6pm
  • June 14th- 6pm
  • July 12- 6pm

Leadership Conferences - attend different conferences around the state!
  • March 31-April 2 - District Retreat in Glenwood Springs for ages 10-18. Register online! Registration opens February 6th, closes March 6th!
  • Routt County Leadership funds will cover all but $50/member. This includes all travel, hotel, and partial registration costs.
  • Elk River Wranglers and Fairplay 4-H Clubs have voted to cover the remaining $50 for their club members wanting to attend.
  • Sign Up ASAP! Registration closes March 6th
  • Cancellations after March 6th will need to reimburse the full registration, travel, and hotel costs.
  • We are collecting old jeans, fleece, and flannel for the community service project. These materials will be used to create toys and blankets for the local animal shelters! Do you have any of this material laying around, please drop it by our office!

Routt County 4-H Fun Day - June 7th at the Kvol's Ranch for ages 8-13. Your Jr. Leaders have a fun packed day of STEM activities, games, crafts, dancing and great food.
Leaders
Important Updates -
  • We are looking for ideas for the FM Light and Son's Ag Experience. Please discuss with your clubs about new interactive pieces that we can add.
  • Please include Tami and Millie in all 4-H Club related correspondence.
  • Enrollment is OPEN on 4-H Online!
  • Please Re-enroll as a 4-H Leader ASAP!
  • Any members attending meetings and/or holding club officer positions must be enrolled in the current 4-H Year.
Routt County CSU Extension - 4-H