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The Jeff Davis 4-H News and Notes newsletter is published monthly during the school year. Each issue contains information about upcoming contests and activities as well as other educational material of interest to 4-H'ers and their parents.
Highlights from September Issue
September
State Fair Entry Deadline, 7th
Jr Leadership Mtg, 7:30 p.m., 14th
Officer & Leader Training, Welsh Elementary, 6:30 p.m., 22nd
Outdoor Skill Safety Meeting, Jennings, 6:00 p.m., 24th
October
National 4-H Week, 5-9th
Jeff Davis Parish Fair, 7-10th
Fair Day, 9th
Jr. High Fall Trip, 12th
Jr. Leader Meeting, 7:30 p.m., 12th
Outdoor Skills Workshop, 6:00 p.m., 15th
State Fair of Louisiana, 20-30th
Pumpkin Carving Workshop, 27th
November
Raffle Tickets Due, 2nd
Market and Commercial Animal Validation, 5-7th
Outdoor Skills Workshop, 12th
Fall Contest Day & Cookery, 14th
Poultry Judging Workshop, 17th
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4-H IS FOR EVERYONE
4-H represents groups of young people in all parts of Jeff Davis Parish having fun together and “Learning By Doing”. 4-H Clubs offer a world of opportunities for boys and girls to learn new things, go new places and meet new people. A 4-H club is an organized group of boys and girls; the members elect their own officers and operate as a democracy in action. Most 4-H Clubs hold monthly meetings in their local school.
WHO MAY JOIN?
Any boy or girl, who is 9 years old by January 1st of the current school year through the 12th grade, and is willing to follow the 4-H ideals and standards is eligible for membership.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF 4-H?
4-H helps youth grow into: strong citizens through club and community activities; congenial neighbors through wholesome companionship in club and community; skilled and responsible adults through project work; well-trained individuals through wise guidance in varied experiences; and cooperative family members through 4-H family events.
WHAT IS A 4-H PROJECT
It is a unit of 4-H work which is the basis of “Learning By Doing” experiences which involves skills such as: planting shade trees, repairing a bicycle, collecting insects, planting flowers, making a shirt, making projects for your home, sewing a pillow, taking pictures, wiring a lamp, woodworking, fishing hunting., etc. The series of learning experiences built into every 4-H project are the tools used to help shape the character of 4-H youth. 4-H members may select one or two projects to work on and complete and are expected to submit their completed books in the records competition in the spring.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO JOIN?
You will pay $3.00 for the entire year to the Jeff Davis Parish 4-H Office, which is to be paid to the State 4-H Office in Baton Rouge. This is collected in your club by the treasurer and your local leaders. Some clubs choose to collect extra money for their own treasury. The dues you pay to the Parish 4-H Office assist with programs, awards and expenses for State 4-H Programs.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER 4-H PROGRAMS?
Camping, dress revues, recreation, demonstrations, trips, fairs, parish contests, 4-H University, project workshops, Achievement Day and many other programs are offered through 4-H. Going places and doing things in 4-H helps to teach boys and girls to enjoy working together. These programs add interest to the 4-H project by offering additional fun-type educational opportunities that promote the ideals of 4-H.
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Join the Junior Leadership Club
This club is open to all 7th-12th grade 4-H members who are 13 years old by January 1st, 2010. Junior Leaders have fun helping younger 4-H’ers with their project work and assisting the less fortunate in their communities. This club also participates in numerous activities where members meet and make friends with other teenagers throughout the state.
This month’s meeting is scheduled for 7:30 pm on Monday, September 14 at the 4-H Office. Dues are $12.00 to become a Junior Leader!
Officer and Leader Training
Parliamentary procedures, what’s that! After a long and busy summer its time to brush up and hone in on our parliamentary procedures to help run your 4-H Club meetings. The training will help new and past club officers and their leaders. The 4-H staff and Jr. Leader will be hosting this workshop.
Leaders will be able to obtain useful materials to help plan a successful club year. In addition, leaders will learn what do leaders do, how to recruit parents to aid you and planning of your club year. Club leaders and their officers are welcome to attend the Leader and Officer Training Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at Welsh Elementary. Light refreshments will be served.
The Great Pumpkin Workshop
Attention Club members - 4th-7th Grades. This year we will be holding the Pumpkin Workshop on October 27th at the Fairground in the Multipurpose Building from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. At the workshop you will learn how to grow your own pumpkins, the nutritional value and you will taste pumpkin snacks. The highlight of the workshop will be “pumpkin carving”. You will be able to carve your own pumpkin to bring home and display for Halloween. You must bring a pumpkin that has been cleaned and is ready for carving.
If interested, return the registration form with $5.00 to the LSU AgCenter Office by Friday, October 16th. This fee will cover the cost of all supplies. You may print the registration form from the attached newsletter.
Science Engineering and Technology Clubs
The 4-H office is branching out into the unknown and boldly going where no man has gone before! Ok, it’s not Star Trek, but close!! Science, Engineering and Technology Clubs or SET is a way for youth to explore the mathematics and physics of the world around them and apply what you have been learning in math and science class in a fun and exciting way. We are gearing up for a Robotics Club and a Rocketry Club. Since this will be the first year, the 4-H Office is planning SET Workshops. If you are interested in joining SET, please fill out the SET form located in the attached newsletter
Jeff Davis Outdoor Skills - Shooting Sports
The Jeff Davis 4-H Barrels and Bows Club is running strong and membership continues to grow. The club focuses on firearm and archery equipment safety in addition to marksmanship, sportsmanship and character development. Workshops are taught by Level I 4-H Shooting Instructors. You will also learn about wildlife management, biology and ecology. The Outdoor Skills Club provide opportunity for you to meet youth from across the parish, region and state through parish workshops, regional and state competitions. To date the club offers the following disciplines: Archery, Shotgun, Air Rifle and Pistol.
Interested youth need to obtain a flyer that is being handed out at the club meetings this month to join. Our first Safety Meeting will be held Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 pm at the 4-H Office.
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Jeff Davis Parish 4-H was the #1 Winning parish in the state of Louisiana at 4-H University. 65 4-H youth competed in over 30 contests into addition to assemblies, educational programs, state fashion show, tours and parish activities. Jeff Davis brought home 15 state winners and 46 blue ribbon winners. Competition at 4-H University is intense but the competiveness is kept in perspective. The experience of participating in 4-H University and working hard makes everyone a winner.
4-H University provides opportunities for youth to be elected to serve in leadership roles on the state level. Brittany Doise was elected to the 2009-2010 State Fashion Board and Laiha Bergeaux was elected to the 2009-2010 Science, Engineering and Technology Board. Results are as follows: Beau Monceaux- ATV - 1st place –Winning the Educational Trip to San Antonio, Saige Doise –Automotive- 4th place-Winning the Educational Trip-San Antonio, Cyrus Vidrine & Daniel Guinn Computer Stimulation – 1st place – Winning an All in one printer, gift certificate to Best Buy & Kodak Digital Camera, Courtnie Pollard, Brittany Guidry, & Megan Inman - Consumer Food Judging – 2nd place -winning the Educational Trip to San Antonio, Courtney Priola & Kelsie Stark - Entomology Demo. – 1st place –winning the Gulf Coast Area Trip, Brittany Doise -–. Fashion Review – Special Occasion – 1st place winning the Educational Trip to San Antonio, Elizabeth Guinn – Horticulture Judging – Individual High – -1st place –winning the educational trip to San Antonio, Laiha Bergeaux, Mia Langley, an d Elizabeth Guinn-Horticulture Judging-Team Judging – 1st place -winning the Educational Trip to San Antonio’ Taryn McSpadden - Livestock Judging – High Individual – –1st place winning trip to Louisville KY, Joel Guinn - Resource Management – 1st place winning Educational Trip to San Antonio and Leah Moore- Soybean Talk – 1st place winning Educational Trip to San Antonio, TX Blue Ribbon Winners from Jeff Davis Parish included: Mia Langley-Horticulture Judging – Individual High-2nd place, Alyssa Watkins-Career Preparation Interview – 7th place, Melanie Broussard-Child Development – 7th place, Rachel Bourne, Kristi Bourne, & Harley Domingue-Consumer Foods Judging– 3rd place, Christi Lavergne-Dairy Judging – Individual High – 8th place, Christi Lavergne, Morgan Richard &Emily Bertrand–Dairy Judging-Team- 3rd place, Maggie Mott-Fashion Review – Ready To Wear – 8th place, Lydia Faulk & Sarah Watkins-FCS Demo – 3rd place, Kelly Mott & Hailie Blanchard-Horticulture Demo. Use – 2nd place, Katelyn Dubroc, Kerri Duhon & Cassi Duhon –Horticulture Judging-Team Judging– 8th place, Christopher McVicker-Insect I. D. – 8th place, Joel Byrne-Livestock Judging-High Individual – 5th place, Hobie Landry, Joel Byrne and Taryn McSpadden-Livestock Judging-Team Judging – 2nd place, Dillion Richard-Photography- 2nd place, Mallory Monceaux –Photography- 3rd place, Rachel Brown-Public Speaking –8th place and Jillian Duhon & Erin Precht – Sports Broadcasting– 4th place.
Also participating in 4-H U were: Taylor Daggett in 4-H Has Talent; Gabe Fontenot in ATV; Kristina Moore & Caitlyn Bush in Compact Tractor; Laura Stacy, Gretchen Wild & Shelby Fruge in Consumer Decision-Making; Alex David and Joel Berken in Dairy Judging; Braden Williams & Blaine Berken in Diesel Equipment; Malori Williamson in Dog Care; Shelby Richard in Fashion Ready-To-Wear; Phillip Durio, Payton Fontenot, & Austin Bertrand in Livestock Judging; Kyler Royer & Hunter LaFosse in Outdoor Skills; Josh Bertrand & Caleb Bertrand in Poultry Judging and Brittany Naquin, Travis Cary, Morgan Fruge, Olivia Watkins in Clover College.
Attending 4-H University as well included: Kori Myers and Silas Cecil, 4-H Agents for Jeff Davis Parish, Allen Hogan, County Agent and Parish Chair for Jeff Davis Parish, Lana Myers, 4-H Leader, Cindy Doise, Project Leader, Tina McFarlin, Volunteer, Sherry Watkins, Volunteer and Karen Priola, Volunteer.
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Five area 4-H members recently embarked on an all-out get in the mud, hands-on learning experience like no other! Marsh Maneuvers Camp is a learning experience that take youth deep into the marsh to learn about the ecosystem, biology, and human interaction with coastal Louisiana. Activities included: Airboat rides to see water control structures, tug-o-war with alligators while crabbing, night hikes, crabbing, cast netting, dissecting alligator eggs and fish heads to find the otoliths, crawling in marsh mud and planting smooth cordgrass, marsh volleyball and many other fun and educational adventures!! Representing Jeff Davis Parish were: Melanie Broussard, Brittany Guidry, Christopher McVicker, Cord Faul and Daniel Guinn.
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In order for our program to grow and give additional youth in our community the opportunity to learn valuable life skills and gain knowledge, our program needs volunteers like you!! The Outdoor Skills Program is based on the coach-pupil method of instruction whereas the coach reinforces proper techniques and supports the youth. The Louisiana 4-H Outdoor Skills Program provides instruction in the safe handling of firearms, air guns and archery equipment, develops self-confidence and leadership abilities in 4-H participants and instills an appreciation for conservation and wildlife. Here in Jeff Davis Parish we are still a rural community. There are several youth that need Project Leaders such as you!
The next and closest training to become a 4-H Level I Instructor will be held October 3rd, 2009 at the Calcasieu 4-H Office in Lake Charles. Registration and $40 fee is due to the State 4-H Office by September 21st, 2009. All disciplines are being offered at this training. Please contact our office for more information on how you can help work with our youth. To date the club offers the following disciplines: Archery, Shotgun, Air Rifle and Pistol.
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The 2009 LSU Market and Commercial Animal Validation is just around the corner. All animals except breeding or registered are required to be validated through this process. At the time of validation, all animals will have hair samples pulled and a tag placed in that animals ear. Any animal not validated by the validation deadline will not show at the Parish, District or State Livestock Show. Cost of validation is $4.00 per head.
Sheep, Goat, Commercial Heifers, Commercial Dairy, Commercial Ewe and Commercial Does Schedule:
November 5th, 2009 Jennings Livestock Arena 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
November 6th, 2009 Jennings Livestock Arena 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
November 7th, 2009 Jennings Livestock Arena 8:00 am - Noon
Market Hog Validation Schedule:
December 4th, 2009 Jennings Livestock Arena 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
December 5th, 2009 Jennings Livestock Arena 8:00 am - Noon
No Exhibitors will be Excused from School!!
November 7th and December 5th will at 12:00 pm is the final date and time for possession and validation for each respective animal this also includes Breeding Animals. Any animal not validated will be ineligible to show at the 2010 LSU AgCenter Livestock Shows.
Livestock Exhibitors Mail to the 4-H office Today! See attached newsletter for forms and information.
If you are new to exhibiting livestock animals or are planning on showing a different species of animal we need to know about you!! NEW this year will be Broiler Exhibits held at the Parish Livestock Show. This will be in addition to the broilers ordered for the Spring Livestock Show held in Gonzales. Anybody that raises rabbits will also need to let us know who you are because we have some plans in the making for you.
Remember, having animals is not a right – it is a privilege!
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Jeff Davis Parish Fair….Entries will be taken Tuesday, October 6th between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.! See you at the Fair!
**Note ** NEW BREEDING GOAT CLASSES***
The 2010 Livestock Show Dates are as follows:
Jeff Davis Jr. Livestock Show: January 26 - 28, 2010
Jr. Livestock Sale: January 30, 2010
Southwest District Livestock Show: To be announced
LSU Spring Livestock Show: To be announced
Showing Character through Livestock - Trustworthiness
*Provide fresh feed and water to animals daily
*Adhere to 4-H program ownership rules
*Adhere to all withdrawal times for feed, medication and dewormers
*Using only approved medications on the advice of a licensed vet
*Supporting ethical decisions of fellow members, leaders, judges and officials
*Informing school administration of planned absences due to livestock shows
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