Texas A&M AgriLife has a new program that is focusing on educating consumers about the safety of the American food supply. In today's social media driven world, there is information readily available at our finger tips, however, some of the information is less than dependable. Often times scare tactics are used to discourage consumer support of farmers and agriculture as a whole. These tactics aren't based on dependable research.
In extension we work to connect the people in our counties with the most up to date, research based information, especially when it is concerning the safety of our food supply. The disconnect between consumers and our industry has demonstrated the need for the "Path to the Plate" program. More information about this program can be found at pathtotheplate.tamu.edu. The goal of this program is to present an unbiased examination of agriculture, the food that we eat, and the connection to our health. To get more individuals involved in the Path to the Plate movement, each county has been encouraged to host some type of educational event that emphasizes a commodities path to the plate. While presenting information to individuals can be meaningful, 4-H is all about creating experiences where youth can develop their own understanding of complex principles. Because of our believe in experiential learning we have decided to encourage youth to pursue their own "Path to the Plate" interest. 4-H members have the opportunity to participate in the youth Path to the Plate Media Contest. This contest is designed so that 4-H members can find an agricultural interest area that appeals directly to the youth. This industry may even be connected to the 4-H members project area. Once the 4-H members has chosen an area of interest, they will then perform research to strengthen their understanding of aspects of the industry. Ultimately their research will be complied with videography and photography to create a 3-5 minute video showcasing the importance of one of our commodities. We also want the videos to target the commodities impact on public health and the economy. We want for youth, who will eventually be the consumers of our nation, to have an educated understanding of the agricultural industry. This industry has ensured that the United States has the most secure food supply in the world. Through this youth oriented program, we hope to enlighten and engage young people, creating and facilitating agricultural advocacy. Path to the Plate Media Contest Packet
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With all of the rain we have gotten in the past few weeks it is hard to remember that October and early November are traditionally beautiful times to spend outdoors in the garden in East Texas. While you are stuck indoors during inclement weather, you may have an opportunity to begin planning your future landscapes or gardens.
When considering creating a new landscape, gardeners are highly encouraged to look into using Earth Kind practices to limit the footprint left by our gardening hobby. Earth Kind practices are combine the best of organic and traditional gardening concepts, using research proven techniques to maximize garden and landscaping enjoyment while preserving and protecting the environment. When using Earth Kind practices gardeners are encouraged to use plants that are native to our climate which in turn limits the need for excessive watering and fertilizing. Using plants that are native may sound limiting, but that is not the case. Whatever your landscape plans, there is a native plant to meet your need. They also do not lack in beauty, as there are many native plants that host colorful blooms many times throughout the year. To find native plants or plants that rate highly on the Earth Kind scale, visit ekps.tamu.edu. When you visit this website, you can input your zip code and the type of plant you are needing to complete your design. The program will give you a list of plants that will meet your need and are considered Earth Kind. I used a Cass County zip code and search to find a flowering plant that would show off it’s colors in the fall and winter. I was not disappointed when it showed me that beautiful sages and mexican hats were suitable transition season annuals that scored highly on the Earth Kind index. When planning and planting your garden, you do not have to compromise between beauty and ease of care if you utilize Earth Kind practices and principles.
Good Morning,
We had a great turn out at the Project Party, inspite of the weather. Thank you so much to everyone who took time on their rainy Saturday to come and support us and our kids. Monday, October 22nd is Fall Validation for the Major Spring Shows- I have paper work available in the office if you want to get it to fill out early. Thursday, October 25th is our Horse Project Information Night. We will be discussing the ways your child can participate in this project area, even if they do not have horse. Monday, October 29th is our 4-H Program Area Committee Meeting. We want every club to have a representative there! November 2nd is the deadline for the District 4-H Photography Contest. Each child may enter up to 10 pictures. The registration is open now and entries must be submitted on 4-H Connect by that day. We will not accept or submit any late entries, for any reason. Once you have entered your photographs online, you need to make plans to get them to me by November 9th. If I don't have your photograph in my office by 4:30 on November 9th, it will not compete. You need to make sure that you have the correct label on the back of the photograph as well. We have these available at the office, or I can email it to you. If you need matte board, we only have 4 sheets available in the office at this time. We had a club come in yesteday and clear out all that I had purchased for the county kids, so you will be responsible for procurring your own. Im sorry if that is an inconvienence to anyone, and had I known in advance that they would be using our supplies for all of their club's photos, I would have taken measures to order more to provide for everyone. When I purchased it, I used Amazon and bought the 11x16 size. If you need to order your own or some for your club, I can email you the link. If you need help dry mounting your photos, please let John or me know. We will be happy to help. I need to come and check 4-H animal projects again ( or for the first time if you got a project recently) so please call the office to schedule a time. We most certainly can wait until we have pretty weather again. The time for entering Stockshows and contests is nearing! I want to put some information out there to encourage more of our 4-H families to get involved in these events. Texas is known world wide for our outstanding stockshow systems because they of the support they generate for our youth through education and scholarship opportunities. If you are interested in trying out any of the activities below, please let me know as soon as possible so we can get your entered and get you the information you will need to get prepared. I have also linked each of the contests so that you can find more information about them, including rules, study materials, and dates.
2019 Fort Worth Stock Show Heifer Superintendent Beef Challenge- Open to senior 4-H members who have shown for 2 or more years at the Fort Worth Stock Show, Includes an Educational Information Challenge and and Sales Talk---- $50,000 in Scholarships given annually at a minimum Equine IQ Contest- Open to all ages of 4-H members, $40,000 Scholarships given annually at a minimum- Contest includes questions, identification, and a speech in the senior division Calf Scramble- Open to 4-H members born between 2001 and 2005, Kids who catch are awarded $500 towards the purchase of a show heifer Junior Horse Judging Contest- Team of 4 or Individuals can compete Goat Judging Contest- Team of 4 or Individuals can compete Meat Judging Contest-Team of 4 or Individuals can compete Range and Pasture Plant ID Contest- Team of 4 or Individuals can compete Wildlife Contest- Team of 4 or Individuals can compete The above judging contests also offer lots of awards and prizes San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo Horse Skillathon-The Horse Skillathon is an innovative contest designed for students to showcase their knowledge of horses and the horse industry. Contestants apply their book knowledge during a written exam and then perform tasks at hands-on stations. Finally, during a speech round they demonstrate their ability to communicate knowledge of industry issues. The Horse Skillathon is an exciting way for horse enthused students to demonstrate their talents and horse knowledge in a competitive event. Calf Scramble- 4-H members can compete to when money that will go towards buying a show calf for next year-- Money can be combined with the winnings from other scrambles Texas Agriculture Video Challenge- share Texas Agriculture through your eyes Agricultural Public Speaking- Use your voice to speak for Texas Agriculture Agricultural Science Fair- Satisfy your curiosity with a science project Ag Robotics Contest- Test your Contruction and Coding Abilities Beef Skillathon- Demonstrate your knowledge and skill related to the beef industry Food Challenge- Modeled after competitions like Chopped and the Iron Chef Junior Juding Contest- Juding Contests includ the following: Floriculture, Dairy Judging, Wool Juding, Meat Juding, Wildlife Recreation and Management Contest, Consumer Decision Making, Poultry Judging, Horse Juding, Livestock Judging Landscaping Challenge- Students will be tested on their landscape design skills and knowledge of plants, plant pests and diseases. The Landscape Challenge will culminate with a final round of landscaping plots on the grounds which will be an attraction for the general public during the entire Stock Show & Rodeo. Landscaping Skillathon- This hands-on and interactive competition challenges exhibitors regarding their knowledge of landscape design concepts. Elements will include a written exam, identification stations, and skill stations on topics such as plant identification, fertilizer information, landscape design, and insect and disease identification. Meat Science Skillathon- The Meat Science Skillathon is a hands-on and interactive competition that challenges contestants regarding their knowledge of meat science and BBQ concepts. Sheep Skillathon- Contestants will be challenged with questions, skill stations, and a public speaking component encompassing various facets of the sheep industry. This contest is not only designed for those exhibitors who exhibit sheep projects, but also those students who simply have a strong interest in the sheep industry. Swine Skillathon- Contestants will be challenged with questions, skill stations, and a public speaking component encompassing various facets of the swine industry. This contest is not only designed for those exhibitors who exhibit swine projects, but also those students who simply have a strong interest in the swine industry. The Junior Shoot Out- The Junior Shoot-Out offers qualifying Texas 4-H and FFA members the opportunity to compete in shotgun shooting sports for scholarships and prizes. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Calf Scramble- Students compete to earn $1750 to go towards the purchase of a calf project, this money can be combined with the winnings of other scrambles. Agricultural Science Fair- Students study the application of agricultural scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. Categories a student may enter include: Animal Systems, Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems, Food Products and Processing Systems, Plant Systems, Power/Structural/Technical Systems, and Social Systems. Ag Robotics- The Ag Robotics Contest is designed to allow members to demonstrate their robotics, engineering and problem-solving skills. From a set of challenges, six revealed prior to the contest and two revealed at the contest, and within an allotted amount of time, teams of three to six members build, program, and test their robot. Teams then attempt to earn points by completing as many challenges as possible. Beef Quiz Bowl Contest- In this tournament-style contest, teams are tested on their overall knowledge on beef cattle production, including nutrition, reproduction, and cuts of beef. Each state can enter up to three teams in the competition. Judging Contests- Dairy Judging, Floriculture, Horse Judging, Livestock Judging, Nursery Landscape, Meat Judging, Poultry Judging, Range and Pasture Plant Identification, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation, Wool Judging Poster Contest- Projects in the 4-H and FFA Poster Contest focus on the conservation or enhancement of Texas wildlife habitat affecting multiple species or the preservation or enhancement of a particular Texas wildlife species. Tractor Technician- Start your engines! Teams race against the clock to locate and correct five deliberately placed malfunctions in diesel-fueled tractors. Each team is given two minutes to review a service work order and 25 minutes to complete the task. If successful, a designated driver then starts the tractor and drives it around a predetermined course. September was a crazy month for the Cass 4-H Program in terms of schedules. October is kicking off there are lots of deadlines coming up!
Livestock Projects- Don't forget to schedule your project visits with me! I need to come and visit your animal projects about every 6 weeks. It doesn't have to be a long drawn out visit, but I do want to see them and all of the hardwork you are putting in! October 22nd is the date for Fall Heifer and Goat validation. It will be held at Linden Kildare High School from 4-6pm. I have the forms available in my office if you would like to come by and get them to fill out early. If you have a registered heifer, make sure you have sent me a photocopy of your heifers registration papers. If you are showing at the Major Shows in 2019, I need your FORT WORTH entries by November 1st. All checks need to be made out to the Cass 4-H Fund so that we can write one check from the county. The Cass County Junior Livestock Show is coming up quickly. If you have an animal project, you may want to reach out to your buyers to remind them of the quickly approaching show. If you are showing cattle at the Cass County Cattleman's Association Show, there is a meeting on October 9th at the Expo Center in Atlanta. We will have hosting a horse project information night on October 25th. It will be in our Hwy 8 office. You do not need a horse to participate in this project area. If you are interested, please join us! There is also a beginners horse judging workshop in Commerce on November 3rd. If anyone is interested in going to this please let me know so I can get you registered. Family and Community Health Projects- We are hosting a Pie Contest at the Project Party. The Rubric will be posted below. The District 4 Photography contest entries must be registered on 4-H Connect by Friday, November 2nd. You can enter up to 10 photographs. We have matte board available in the office and are here if you need help dry mounting your photographs. I will need you photopraphs mounted and labeled with the correct label form (we also have those available in the office or can email them.) General 4-H News- 4-H Week is next week. To celebrate Ally Hamilton, Morgan Cooper, and Travon Grant will be talking about their 4-H experiences on KPYN, Tuesday October 9th at 9:30. If you can, try to listen! The project party is on October 13th. We have lots of fun activities planned for this day, so please join us! The 4-H Program Area Committee meeting is October 29th at 5 pm in my office. Make sure that your club is represented! Congratulations- Our 4-H members did really great at the 4-States Fair! Check out the 4-H Newsletter or the Cass County Sun for details on their performance. This week, the Hope 4-H Club competed in their first wildlife contest of the season. Tymber Reust placed 5th overall individually and the Hope team place 2nd overall. We are very well represented by this group! |
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August 2022
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