Routt County 4-H news & updates
February 29, 2024
Upcoming Events
Click here to access the Routt County 4-H Google Calendar!
February 29 (TONIGHT), 5pm, Routt County Livestock Judging Team Practice. Join the Routt County Livestock Judging Team every Thursday from 5-6:30pm for practice. Practices are typically held in the Trout Creek Room.
March 1, Routt County 4-H Award Sponsorship Drive Begins. The sponsorship drives runs through May 1st.
  • Members are encouraged to gather at least 2 sponsorships
  • First right of refusal goes to previous year's sponsor. All forms and payment must be received by May 1st in order to keep their award spot.
March 2, Ski Day at Mount Werner. Registration for this event is closed. Meet at the top of Thunderhead for a picture at 11am. This is an unsupervised event, please plan accordingly.
March 4, March 13, March 25, April 2, April 10, 5:30pm, Leathercraft Workshops in the Trout Creek Room. Leathercraft workshops are optional. Please click here for the full schedule.

RSVPs are Required 48 Hours prior to the workshop. Please click HERE to RSVP.
March 6, 6pm, Parliamentary Procedure Training in the Hayden FFA Ag Room. All Club Officers are highly encouraged to attend this fun training taught by Eric Wellman.
March 9, 10am, Swine Workshop at the Routt County Fairgrounds. Join us for a great market swine workshop.
Topics Include:
  • Market Swine Selection
  • Nutrition
  • Basic Care
BONUS - all members in attendance will be entered in a drawing for a market pig provided by Todd Morris!
March 11, April 11, April 17, 4-5pm, Gardening Workshops in the Trout Creek Room. Gardening workshops are optional, but highly encouraged for anyone enrolled in the project.

RSVPs are Required 48 Hours prior to the workshop. Please click HERE to RSVP.
March 12, 5:30pm, Routt County 4-H Dog Classroom. Join the Cathy every Tuesday at 5:30pm to explore the dog project.. Classroom sessions to be held in the Trout Creek Room.
March 12, 5:30pm, Junior Livestock Sale Committee Meeting in the Alpine Bank Conference Room and on Webex (link in calendar invite).

The JLS Committee is looking for more volunteers. Join the meeting to learn more about the committee, and how you can help!
March 15th, 5pm, Thank Yous and Ads are due. Please submit your Thank Yous and Ads for the Routt County Fair Book.
March 17, 11am-1pm, Ag Week Petting Zoo at Howelson Hill. Join Routt County 4-H and the Community Ag Alliance as we kick off Ag Week with a petting zoo at Ski Free Sunday.

Please RSVP to Routt County 4-H, by March 8th at 5pm, if you are able to provide an animal.
March 17, 2 pm, Casey's Pond Snow Sculpture Building. All Steamboat and North Routt 4-H members are encouraged to join us as we make some snow sculptures for the residents at Casey's Pond to enjoy.
March 20, 6pm, Mandatory New Member Dinner at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. Come join us as we discuss important dates, outline the importance of 4-H, and meet the faces behind Routt County 4-H!

All first year members and their families are required to attend! RSVP HERE by Friday, March 15th at 5pm.
March 27, April 3, May 29, June 26 5pm, Cloverbud Workshops. Please click here for the full schedule of Cloverbud Workshops.

RSVPs are Required 48 Hours prior to the workshop. Please click HERE to RSVP.
April 1, 6:30pm, Vet Science Meetings begin at the Steamboat Springs Veterinary Hospital. Meetings will be held on Mondays through July 22.

Members must be enrolled in the Vet Science Project in order to participate in these workshops. A full list of workshops can be found here.
April 3, May 29, 6pm, Jr Leader Meetings. Click here for a full outline of the Jr Leader Program.
April 5-7, District Retreat in Glenwood Springs. Registration is open on 4-HOnline. Registration closes TOMORROW, MARCH 1. Members will be responsible for paying the $70 Registration Fee, and Routt County 4-H Leadership Fund will cover the hotel costs. If a member has to cancel any time after the registration deadline, they will be responsible for the $70 Registration fee AND the $75 hotel cost.
April 12, 6pm, Sheep Workshop in the Trout Creek Room. Join us for a great market sheep workshop.
Topics Include:
  • Market Lamb Selection
  • Nutrition
  • Basic Care
BONUS - all members in attendance will be entered in a drawing for a market lamb donated by the Whaley Lamb Company!
April 17, May 22, 5pm, Horse Workshop in the BCC Room. All horse members are encouraged to attend.
April 24, 6pm, Meat Quality Assurance Training in the Routt County Community Room. All 1st year livestock members and 1st year senior livestock members are required to attend this training.
May 1, Add/Drop/Change Deadline. After this date, you are committed to all projects that you are enrolled in. Double check all projects you are enrolled in before May 1st. All members must be enrolled in at least 1 project.
May 1, Horse and Dog IDs are due on 4-HOnline. Instructions on completing animal IDs can be found on our website.
May 5, 12pm, Sheep/Goat/Swine Weigh-In at the Routt County Fairgrounds in Hayden. Cost is $5 per animal. Please have the Weigh In Form (Sheep/Goat) or (Swine) completed before arriving at the scale. You must be enrolled in Routt County 4-H with all fees paid (including any past due fees). Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins.
General 4-H News
Email your Reserve Champion Award ideas to Routt County 4-H!
The Routt County 4-H Member Handbook, Policy and Procedures is updated and approved. All members must abide by the Routt County 4-H Member Handbook, Policies, and Procedures while enrolled in the Routt County 4-H Program.
2023-2024 Record Books available for download on the Colorado 4-H website.
  • Google Drive Record Books pilot program.
  • Please let us know any comments, suggestions, issues, etc. on these record books.
  • Livestock Members, scroll down to your section for record book tips and tricks!
  • More information on Record Books (including club books) can be found on our website.
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!
  • Interested in specific projects? Check out the sections below for project workshops!
  • Are you new to 4-H? Have questions? Mark your calendar for the New Member Dinner, March 20.
  • Enrollment and Add/Drop/Change deadline is May 1st. Members must be enrolled in at least one project to remain in good standing.
Sponsorship Drive
Routt County 4-H Award Sponsorship Drive begins March 1 and runs through May 1st.
  • Members are encouraged to gather at least 2 sponsorships
  • First right of refusal goes to previous year's sponsor. All forms and payment must be received by May 1st in order to keep their award spot.
Stay up to date on all things Routt County 4-H. Follow, like and share our Facebook page(s)!
Looking for ways to thank all of your supporters? Consider submitting a Thank You Ad in the 2024 Routt County Fair Book. Payment and ads are due no later than March 15th!

Interested in Advertising or sponsoring a fair event? Check out the Routt County Fair Advertising and Sponsorship page on the Routt County Fair Website!
Financial Opportunities
Routt County 4-H Scholarship Applications are open. Scholarship Applications close on April 1st at 5pm.

You can access the scholarship applications here.
Please email your completed application to Christine Epp by May 15th.
Applications can be found here.
Club Reports
Ranch House
February 12, 2024
Ranch House's meeting was called to order at 6:30pm on February 12th.
The Secretary and Treasurer reports were given.
Under old business we held elections. Officers are as follows:
President – Brody Frentress
Vice President – JD Case
Treasurer – Logan Vannoy
Secretary – Cecilia Gregory
Council Reps – Fabian and Gabriel Frentress and Cecilia Gregory
Historian – Makayla, Kiley, Alexis and Josie Iacovetto

Under new business the purchase of the supplies for the Valentine Center Pieces were approved. Goodtimes and Ranch House will make Snow Sculptures for the residents at the Haven March 10th at 2:30pm. Kristen stated the Beef Weigh In results were emailed out to Beef members and on the website, she encouraged members to get familiar with the 2024 handbook as it has been posted, record books are ready and, on the website, most project manuals were handed out and Kristen will pick up the remaining from the office and record book tips for livestock are on the website.
 
The meeting ended at 7pm.
 
After the meeting ended the club made Valentine Center Pieces for the residents at the Haven which will be delivered Tuesday the 13th.
 
Submitted by Kelsey Stewart
Flat Top
February 11, 2024
On Sunday, February 11, 2024, Flat Top 4-H Club held their monthly meeting at the Elementary school. Allie Ahlgrim gave a Valentine's Day presentation where the team made gifts for the seniors in Oak Creek. We will deliver the gifts on Monday, February 12, 2024. The team gave updates on upcoming meetings and events. Our next meeting is to be held on March 10, 2024 at 5:30pm.


Respectfully submitted by Gavin Ahlgrim
Project Highlight
Interested in raising an animal? Contact Millie for more information.
Enroll in the Routt County Gardening project today!
Visit our website for more information.
Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in becoming a leader? Reach out to Tami ASAP!
Are you interested in being a Small Animal Superintendent? Contact Millie.
Courtesy Posts
  • 2024 Routt County Fair Theme: Blue Jeans Country Dreams
  • Fair Operations and Grounds Manager - you can find out more on this position and the requirements here. Applications are due March 11th.
  • Do you want to show off your creative skills? Sign up for the first annual Recycled Runway Showdown at the Routt County Fair! This event is open to all!
  • Looking at ways to become involved with the Routt County Fair Advisory Board? No need to wait for a vacancy, submit your application TODAY!
  • Need more information? Find out more on the Routt County Fair and Fairgrounds website! These meetings are open to the public. Every second Wednesday of the month at 6pm in Hayden.
Registration can be found here.
New Member Information
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 20, 2024, 6-7pm, Mandatory New Member Dinner. Come join us as we discuss important dates, outline the importance of 4-H, and meet the faces behind Routt County 4-H!
4-H Project Area Information
Are you interested in becoming a leader? Reach out to Tami ASAP!
Leader Training Dates -   All workshops are tentative and may be cancelled or adjusted for reason including but not limited to low registration numbers, inclement weather, etc.
  • March 1-3, Morgan County - (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun)
  • March 8-10, Pueblo County – (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Hunting & Outdoor Skills, Western Heritage)
  • March 15-17, Weld County – (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun)
  • March 22-24, Garfield County - (Rifle, Pistol, Archery, Shotgun, Muzzleloader, Hunting & Outdoor Skills, Western Heritage)

Practice Schedule - All members attending practices must be enrolled and paid in the specific discipline. No Exceptions!
  • SoRoCo Air Rifle and Air Pistol - Sundays at 4pm in the SoRoCo Elementary School Gym. Practices started February 18th.
  • Steamboat Air Rifle - practice is to start late winter/early spring. Schedule to be posted soon.

Project Requirements - please make sure that you are aware of the requirements for your project. You can find a complete list of the requirements on the Colorado State 4-H Website.

Important Shooting Sports Dates -
  • May 1 - Project Add/Drop/Change Date
  • July 6 - Completion Weekend Registration Due
  • July 10 - FairEntry Registration Due
  • July 14 - Air Rifle, Air Pistol, and .22 Pistol Completion Day at the Kirby Ranch
  • July 20-21 - Shotgun, Archery, and .22 Rifle Completion Weekend at the Routt County Rifle Club
  • July 27 - Exhibit Day
Project Dates - check out the following links for important project dates!
  • Cattle
  • Swine - please note, the Spring Weigh-in date is May 5th
  • Sheep - please note, the Spring Weigh-in date is May 5th
  • Goat - please note, the Spring Weigh-in date is May 5th
  • Horse
  • Horse members, please check your email for a recap on the February 12th Horse Meeting. Please take 10 minutes to fill out this survey to help with the scheduling of horse rides this summer.
  • Poultry
  • Rabbit
  • Dog
Are you interested in being a Small Animal Superintendent? Contact Millie.
Town Kid Project Locations - Routt County 4-H has secured 2 new places for Town Kids to raise livestock projects.

  • Steamboat Location (NEW) - Stout and Padgett Place located on your way to Strawberry Park near Butcher-Knife Trail.
  • South Routt Location (NEW) - CR 179 and HWY 131 located just a mile up the road on 179 off of 131.
  • Hayden Location - Routt County Fairgrounds

Are you interested in getting connected with one of these facilities? Contact Millie for more information!
Swine Workshop - March 9
Join us for a great market swine workshop.
Topics Include:
  • Market Swine Selection
  • Nutrition
  • Basic Care
BONUS - all members in attendance will be entered in a drawing for a market pig provided by Todd Morris!
Dog Classroom Sessions - Tuesdays starting March 12
Join Cathy, 4-H Dog Leader, to learn all about the dog project.
Topics include:
  • Breeds
  • Careers
  • Grooming
  • General Knowledge
Sheep Workshop - April 12
Join us for a great market sheep workshop.
Topics Include:
  • Market Lamb Selection
  • Nutrition
  • Basic Care
BONUS - all members in attendance will be entered in a drawing for a market lamb donated by the Whaley Lamb Company!
Horse Workshops - April 17 and May 22
Join us for two great horse workshops presented by Cassidy Perricone.

Topics Include:
  • Horse 101
  • Nutrition
  • Conditioning
  • and MORE!
Pre-Fair Weigh-Ins -
  • Cost is $5 per animal.
  • Please have the Weigh In Form(s) completed before arriving at the scale.
  • Sheep/Goat Weigh-In Form
  • Swine Weigh-In Form
  • You must be enrolled in Routt County 4-H with all fees paid (including any past due fees).
  • Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins.
Weigh-In Results -
Colorado State Fair Information - it is the member's responsibility to educate themselves on the items needed, and deadlines for the Colorado State Fair. We will have nomination forms available at each Pre-Fair weigh-in. Please visit the Colorado State Fair website for deadlines, schedules, and DNA Kits.
Livestock Dates -
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 6, 2024 - Annual Beef Blow N Go Show in El Paso County. More information and registration can be found here.
  • April 7, 2024 - 4-H Dog Expo at The Ranch in Loveland. Registration is open on 4-HOnline.
  • April 27-28, 2024 - Spring Gather Open Ranch Horse Show and Clinic in Grand Junction. More info and registration can be found here.
  • June 14-16, 2024 - Kirk Stierwalt Market Beef Clinic in El Paso County. For more information and to register, click here. Payment is due here.
2023-2024 Record Books are posted on the Colorado 4-H website. Need help finding your record book, or would you like it printed out? Shoot us an email.

Pages that can be completed NOW -
Pages to be working on through project -
Pages that are completed at the END of your project -
Project Workshops - Click on the following links to see the tentative schedule for the following workshops. All members must be fully Enrolled in Routt County 4-H before attending these workshops.
Project Requirements - please make sure that you are aware of the requirements for your project. You can find a complete list of the requirements on the Colorado State 4-H Website.
Important Dates -
  • May 1 - Project Add/Drop/Change Date
  • July 10 - FairEntry Registration Due
  • July 27 - Exhibit Day
Routt County 4-H Leadership Opportunities
Routt County Junior Leaders - become an ambassador for the Routt County 4-H Program. Are you interested in promoting county, district, and state events? Plan meetings, events, activities and more. Join the Routt County Junior Leader program to work with like-minded peers to host and plan fun activities!

District Retreat will be April 5th-7th, in Glenwood Springs.
  • Registration is open on 4-HOnline. Members must be registered by, TOMORROW, MARCH 1.
  • Members will be responsible for paying the $70 Registration Fee, and Routt County 4-H Leadership Fund will cover the hotel costs.
  • If a member has to cancel any time after the registration deadline, they will be responsible for the $70 Registration fee AND the $75 hotel cost.

Youth Fest is April 26-28, at the Colorado State Fairgrounds.
  • Registration opens tomorrow, March 1 on 4-HOnline.
  • Members must pay $115 to attend this conference.
  • There are no registration refunds after the registration deadline.
  • Members must arrange their own transportation to and from Youth Fest.
Leaders
THANK YOU all for the help that you pour into our Routt County 4-H youth each and every year. We could not do what we do without all of you!


4-H Enrollment is Open!
  • Please Re-Enroll as a leader ASAP!
  • Remind members that they must be enrolled and paid by May 1st in order to participate in the Routt County 4-H Program.
  • Members have until May 1 to add/change/drop projects
  • Members must be enrolled if they are attending meetings
Routt County 4-H Cloverbuds
What is a Cloverbud? Cloverbuds are members from 5-7 years old who are not quite ready to participate in many of the projects and activities that the rest of the older 4-H members participate in.

What can Cloverbuds do? The Cloverbud program is focused on participation, teamwork, and learning (not so much on competition). Several of our clubs host Cloverbud events during their regular monthly meetings, and our Routt County 4-H Junior Leaders host 5 Cloverbud workshops throughout the spring and summer to get our youngest members excited about 4-H.

Enrollment - $15/Cloverbud Member
Here is a LINK to how to enroll, and much more. Cloverbud members are not required to attend monthly meetings, but any member wanting to join the Cloverbud workshops must be enrolled as a Cloverbud member. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!

Cloverbud Workshops- See a list of workshops here. RSVP for workshops Here.
Routt County CSU Extension - 4-H