FEBRUARY 2025 4-H NEWSLETTER | |
*** Inclement Weather Policy ***
If schools are cancelled due to road conditions, 4-H events and activities are cancelled as well.
We will make the call before noon that day if county-wide or district-wide meetings are
cancelled. 4-H Families will be notified about cancellations via email through our
4H Online system and a post on Facebook if we need to cancel meetings
or activities at the county level.
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❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Feb 03 - MdC Livestock Judging Team
Feb 06 - LNCO Cloverbuds Meeting
Feb 10 - MICO Leadership Team
Feb 13 - MICO Cloverbuds Meeting
Feb 16 - LNCO Leadership Team
Feb 22 - Club Day @ PrairieView MS
Feb 25 - MdC Horse Judging Team
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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Linn County 4-H Council's next meeting is March 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
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Miami County 4-H Council's next meeting is March 10, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
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MdC District Cloverbuds
LNCO Cloverbud Meeting is February 6 from 5:30-6:30p.m. at the Linn Co. 4-H Building.
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MICO Cloverbud Meeting is February 13 from 5:30-6:30p.m. at the Paola Office.
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If you are a Cloverbud you are welcome to attend the meeting in either county, but the topic in both counties is the same so no need to go to both.
Topic for this months meeting is "Fiber Arts".
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Marais des Cygnes District Livestock Judging 2025
We have three new livestock judging coaches who will be working with our District members who would like to learn more about livestock judging. Our meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month. The first meeting was cancelled due to the weather in January. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 3 at 6pm in the Elliott Insurance Group Office in Paola.
So if you have an interest in learning about livestock judging now is the time to come see if livestock judging is for you. Email them with any questions you may have or come to the next meeting and ask your questions then.
The judging coaches are Chance Hager (Chance@elliottinsurancegroup.com), Kevin Hightower (dhtcattle@gmail.com), and Quinton Ford (Fordfarm15@gmail.com).
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2025 Insect Spectacular T-Shirt Design Contest
Calling all creative 4-Hers! Try your hand at creating a design to go on the
2025 Insect Spectacular T-shirts.
Theme: Scarab Beetles
Contest Dates: Contest will run from February 01 to March 03, 2025. Design must be submitted to Vicky Wallace by midnight March 03, 2025.
Mailing Address: 2447 40th Road, Humboldt, Kansas 66748
or
Email: vicky.wallace55@gmail.com
Design Size: Design must fit on an 8 ½” X 11” sheet of paper.
Colors: Maximum three colors plus one color for T-Shirt
Wording: Must include “Insect Spectacular 2025”. You can include something that goes with the theme if you like.
Description: You are creating the design for the graphic that will be on the T-shirts for participants at the 2025 Insect Spectacular. This is the State 4-H Entomology Workshop held each summer. You can use graphics of true scarab beetles or create your own artful images. No copyrighted clip art, photos or graphics may be used.
Prize: Winner will receive a $20 gift card to Sonic.
Leadership: This would be a great addition to your 4-H Record Book, especially for the Visual Arts, Entomology, and Leadership projects.
Information that must be on the back of your entry:
4-Hers Name, 4-H Age, County/District, Mailing address, Phone number, first and second choice of T-shirt color, Email (if you have one)
Questions: Contact Vicky Wallace at vicly.wallace55@gmail.com or (620)804-9170
Winning design will be selected by the State 4-H Entomology committee.
Anyone submitting a design for competition may not vote on the design selection.
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February Entomology Meeting
The SE Kansas Entomology group will meet at the Allen County Extension Office on Saturday, February 8th beginning at 1:00 p.m.
We will be working on pinning insects, so please bring 3 or 4 insects to pin. Make sure they have been in a relaxing chamber for at least 12 hours before the meeting.
We will also make an insect valentine craft - one for you to take home and one for the Senior Citizens Center. This will count as a Regional level community service project in your record books. Our lesson will be on insect legs.
Questions? Call Vicky at (620)804-9170.
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Horse Project Information
Horse ID Papers
Dear 4-H Horse Project Families:
The Kansas 4-H Horse ID Certificate (P1039) has been updated for the 2025 4-H program year.
Your Horse ID papers are due by June 1
Beginning with the 2025 4-H program year, please use the new form and destroy previously used 4-H Horse ID Certificates.
As a reminder, to properly identify your horse, complete the 4-H Horse ID Certificate, have your Extension Agent sign it and copy it. A COPY of the Horse ID Certificate is kept on file in the Extension Office and the 4-H Horse member maintains the ORIGINAL certificate. The original certificate is presented by the 4-H member to show staff for check-in at the local 4-H horse shows.
Additionally, The 4-H Horse Show Rule book (S133) is being revised. When it is complete K-State will send a message through 4-H online with the new rule book information and other info needed to show this season. This will not affect any deadlines within the 4-H Horse project. Supplemental educational materials will also be released throughout the year to assist 4-H members, leaders and Extension staff with the 4-H Horse program.
Horse ID papers for the 2024-25 year have been updated.
*** NOTE: OLD FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! ***
You will need to use the new form and follow the directions on that new form when you turn in your Horse Id's. You will need to start a new form this year for each horse you plan to use at events, county and state fair.
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State Fair Changes - Interior Design & Architecture Project
Kansas 4-H has completely revised the Interior Design & Architecture (formerly Home Environment) section in the State Fair Book. This change is a product of working with faculty members in the Interior Architecture Department the past several months to create new project materials and state fair classes that better align with design thought processes and learning activities.
Kansas 4-H will host several Virtual Project Meetings to help explain this new emphasis to 4-H members and parents on Feb. 12 and Mar. 12, both at 7:00 pm. If someone cannot join in person, the meetings will all be recorded for viewing at a later date.
Virtual meeting dates:
Virtual Project Meetings for 4-H Youth & Parents:
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 7:00 pm – 4-H Project Members & parents; Amy Collins, State 4-H Office and Interior Architecture faculty members will also join the call to answer questions and get youth started on projects.
Zoom Link: https://ksu.zoom.us/j/92487680063
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 7:00 pm – 4-H Project Members & parents; Amy Collins, State 4-H Office and Interior Architecture faculty members will also join the call to answer questions and get youth started on projects.
Zoom Link: https://ksu.zoom.us/j/98394057717
In person project experiences:
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Saturday, April 12, 2025 – All 4-H Interior Design & Architecture project members are invited to the K-State Open House; Interior Architecture Dept. in Seaton Hall. K-State students and faculty will be available to help 4-H members get started with the construction of a marble maze.
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June – Discovery Days Class with Interior Architecture Dept. – hands on learning experience.
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MICO Rabbit Club
The Rabbit Club meets the 2nd Wed.
bi-monthly. Our next meeting is
March 12, 2025
We will meet at the fairground at 7pm in building #3 or next to the show arena on the bleachers
Bunnies are welcome at any meeting. For questions please call or text one of the following Rabbit Club Leaders.
KaCasy (KC) Smotherman at (913)731‐8403,
Ashley Barnes at (913)605‐0422 or
Kandas Gainer at (913)709‐0618
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Shooting Sports Intro Letter
Shooting Sport Schedule 2024-2025
~ Notice ~
Before attending the Shooting Sports trainings, you must enroll in the Shooting Sports projects that you are planning to participate in. You will do this on 4H Online.
You must be 4-H Age of 8-18 to participate.
See the Schedule & Intro Letter for dates & times and requirements.
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Shooting Sports Project Requirements & Changes
You must attend safety training to participate.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Archery Project requires that you attend 3 of the 6 practices and attend the safety training to compete in Fair Competitions.
Air Rifle and BB Project require that you attend 8 of the 18 practices and attend the safety training to compete in Fair Competitions.
Age Requirements (4-H Age as of January 1)
BB Project - 8-15
Archery Projects - 8-18
Air Riffle Project - 12-18
Shotgun Project - 12-18
Small Bore Project - 12-18
(If offered, depending on instructor availability)
You can join the Shooting Sports Project Club when enrolling in 4HOnline. It can be an additional club to your primary (Community) Club or as your main club.
Check out the MdC District website for more information.
You will find it under shooting sports on the 4-H Project Information Page.
We are asking that 1 parent from each family attend the practices to help their 4-H Member. Thank You for your willingness to help your child!
For questions please contact Shannon Moser at 913-371-2197 or
email her at mdc4hshootingsports@gmail.com
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YQCA Launches New Senior/College Scholarship Program
YQCA is excited to announce the 2025 Scholarship Program available to high school seniors and students enrolled in a 2-4 year university or certification program. In order to be considered for this scholarship, youth must be a high school senior up to 21 years of age.
In order to be considered for this scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a high school senior or a high school graduate up to 21 years of age.
- Have an active YQCA certification at the time of application (2025).
- Have had active YQCA certification the previous two years (2023, 2024).
As a high school senior, the essay question regarding future plans to enter the agriculture industry or commitment to a university will be considered for eligibility. Scholarship recipients must provide proof of enrollment to receive the award.
High school graduates must be currently enrolled in a 2-4 year university agriculture program or enrolled in a certification program to meet the scholarship requirements. If selected, scholarship funds will be sent directly to the school.
Applications open January 1, 2025 and close/are due February 17, 2025.
Visit the YQCA website for additional details and the scholarship application.
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KS 4-H & Vanier Scholarships |
The Kansas 4-H Scholarship process has been modified. These changes take effect for the 2024-25 scholarship application process.
The new scholarship process has combined the State 4-H Scholarships and the Vanier Family Scholarship Program (VFSP) applications together.
More information about the changes can be found on the Kansas 4-H Scholarship page.
All Applications and letters of support must be submitted by March 1, 2025
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Add & Delete Projects Deadline - New Member Enrollment Deadline
If you are wanting to add a project to your 4-H list for the 2024 Fair or if you have a project you want removed from your list, your Project add/delete deadline is May 1!
You should be able to make the change on your own, by logging in to your account. If you need help just call the office, for the county you are enrolled with, and we can help you with your request.
New Member Enrollment Deadline is May 1
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Horse Judging Information
Horse Judging season is upon us, and we have scheduled some practices in preparation for the Kansas State 4-H Horse Judging Contest that will take place at EquiFest. Practices will be held on the following:
February 25
March 12
March 13
March 18
These practices will be held at the Mound City Extension Office and will be from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in judging please reach out to Abbie Powell at abbie2@ksu.edu.
If there is enough interest we will travel to Salina for the Kansas State 4-H Horse Judging Contest in Salina on March 21. I will need to know if you plan to attend by March 3.
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Save the Date! ~ Regional Presentation Day ~ March 29, 2025
~ Shawnee Heights Middle School ~
4335 SE Shawnee Heights Rd, Tecumseh, KS 66542
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2025 Youth Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) Trainings
Both the Linn County & Miami County Fairs require that all exhibitors in market and breeding livestock (Beef, Sheep, Meat Goats, and Swine) complete their YQCA Training each year. You can do it online or attend one of the following in-person trainings:
Trainings at the Paola Office
March 18 @ 10:00am;
March 18 @ 2:00pm;
April 16 @ 6:30pm
May 28 @ 6:30pm.
Trainings at the Linn County 4-H Building.
March 26 @ 6:00pm
May 28 @ 6:00pm
Training at the Mound City Office
June 10 @ 2:00pm.
You will need to sign up at https://yqcaprogram.org/ to attend any of the YQCA Classes.
All YQCA trainings must be completed by June 15 to show at either fair.
To receive your certificate for KJLS or KSF, you must complete the pre- and post- test.
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2025 4-H Camp Registration
Ready, set, register! All 4-H camp sessions are now available for registration online.
This includes mini camp, half week, full week, Leaders in Training (LIT), Counselors in Training (CIT) sessions, Specialty and Family camps. Family camps allow parents to attend with their campers.
Our finalized transportation schedule for next summer is available.
Miami County 4-H Foundation is awarding camperships to each MdC 4-H Member who attends camp this year. Use the promo code: SunFun75 for the 3-night or less camps or SunFun100 for the 5-night camps. This will give you $75 off the 3-night or less camps and $100 off the 5-Night camps.
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2025 Willie and the Beanstalk contest
(with new option for remote judging)
The contest is to see who can grow the biggest soybean plant in a 40-day period. Judging will take place on April 12th, 2025. Entries can be judged in-person at the K-State Manhattan campus as part of the 2025 K-State Open House activities or advisers can choose remote judging (see http://beanstalk.agronomy.ksu.edu for details). All contestants will receive a free T-shirt and there will be plaques and certificates for the winning teams.
We envision this as a teaching opportunity, where youth can investigate plant genetics, plant nutrition, plant growth, soil properties, and environmental factors that all come together to produce the largest soybean plant. We hope that this can be a fun project that will encourage active learning processes.
Youth who can attend the 2025 Open House will be able to participate in the scoring of their plants and meet with Faculty and students in the Agronomy Department. However, we recognize that this is a busy time of year so we have an option for advisers and contestants to score the plants on their own and upload the results (which worked well last year). Advisers can contact Nathan Nelson at 785-537-7452 or nonelson@ksu.edu if they would like to arrange a departmental visit prior to the open house.
Please find the attached contest rules. Additional information is available on the contest web site at http://beanstalk.agronomy.ksu.edu and questions can be addressed to beanstalk@ksu.edu. Note that the registration deadline is February 3rd, 2025. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing your youth in the contest.
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Insect-themed Art Contest
The K-State Research and Extension Pesticide Safety and IPM Program is hosting its annual insect-themed art contest, open to all ages and skill levels in Kansas! This year, the theme is “By the Light of the Moon: Insects at Night.” The goal is to explore which insects are active or inactive at night and why, then create artwork that fits the contest theme.
Art may be a drawing or painting, digital art, or a 3-D piece such as sculpture, stained glass or other media. There are five age categories in which 1st – 3rd place will be awarded:
- Kindergarten – 2nd grade
- 3rd grade – 5th grade
- 6th grade – 8th grade
- High school
- Adult
Entries must be received or postmarked before April 15, 2025.
Visit https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/pesticides-ipm/ for details!
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Help us congratulation our 4-H members who sent their record books
to the Regional 4-H Record Book Screening.
Roy Bauer - Civic Engagement
Max Bauer- Foods & Nutrition
Cierra Lindsey - Plant Science
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K-State Research and Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact Karla Hightower two weeks prior to the start of the event at 913-294-4306 or khightow@ksu.edu. Requests received after this date will be honored when it is feasible to do so.
Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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