Portage County 4-H Courier

Feb / Mar 2018

What’s inside?

4-H Event Calendar .............. Page 2

Scholarships ......................... Page 3

Scholarship Application .. ..Page 4-5

4H Summer Camp ............. Page 6-7

Market Animal Project ......... Page 8

Youth for the Quality Care of

Animals (YQCA) Flyer ...... .Page 9

Large Animal Science..…....Page 10

4H Club Report…………….Page 11

4-H Families and Friends, We want to thank you for your continued support and patience during this time of transition in the Portage County UW-Extension Office. Our new support staff has been hired and is working on onboarding to be able to assist with all 4-H needs. We’re already looking for 4-H summer camp counselors to sign up by March 1, so 4-Hers grades 9 and up should check it out on pages 6 and 7! College-bound 4-Hers should also consider applying for a Portage County 4-H scholarship. Should you have any questions or need any assistance please contact our office.

Portage County UW-Extension

Support Staff

715-346-1316

10

A S

FEBRUARY 12 Market Animal Committee Meeting, 6:30 PM, Room 2, Courthouse Annex 12 Market Animal Project Practical Applications Meeting, 7:30 PM, Room 2, Courthouse Annex 17 State 4-H Meat Evaluation Contest, UW-Madison Muscle Biology Lab 19 4-H Leaders Board Meeting, 7:00 PM, Courthouse Annex, Room 1

MARCH 03 Livestock Quiz Bowl Competition, UW-Madison Animal Sciences Dept. 03 Beef Weigh-on Market Animal Project, 9-10:00 am, Amherst Fairgrounds 19 4-H Adult Leaders Association Meeting, 7:00 pm, Rm 1, Courthouse Annex 19 4-H Teen Leaders Association Meeting, 7:00 pm, Rm 2, Courthouse Annex 20 Market Animal Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm, Rm 2, Courthouse Annex 20 Market Animal New Project Member Meeting, 7:30 pm, Rm 1,2,3 & 5, Courthouse Annex

APRIL 1 Last Day for Project Changes 13 Managerial Agreements Due 16 4-H Leader’s Board Meeting, 7:00 pm, Rm 2, Courthouse Annex 26 Market Animal Committee Meeting, 6:00 p.m., Room 2, Courthouse Annex 26 YQCA (Youth Quality Assurance) Workshop, 7-8:30 p.m., Courthouse Annex 27-29 U.S. Space Camp, Huntsville, Alabama

4-H PROGRAM CANCELLATION POLICY

4-H programs are automatically cancelled if: 1) The local school districts close due to inclement weather. 2) We are under a Winter Storm Warning. The Extension Office will notify you, if possible, by: 1) Sending out an e-mail if program is cancelled during work hours. 2) Leaving a message on the main office number (715-346-1316) and 4-H support staff number (715-346-1462).

Program cancellations will not be announced on WSPT Radio.

WI 4-H FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2018

The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation offers $10,000 in scholarships annually to outstanding students pursuing higher education in 2018. Applications include a resume, cover letter, list of 4-H projects, and a recent photo of the applicant. For application instructions, visit: http://wis4hfoundation.org/scholarships/

WI STATE FAIR DAIRY PROMOTION

BOARD SCHOLARSHIPS DEADLINE: MARCH 23, 2018 AWARD: $1,000 For high school seniors or third- or fourth-year college students in dairy-related or food science programs. Details at:

https://goo.gl/W3hUX7

PORTAGE COUNTY

4-H SCHOLARSHIPS! DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2018 AWARD: $250 Scholarships are available for eligible Portage County

4-H members and leaders pursuing higher education!

Turn to pages 9-10 of this newsletter for an

application!

The scholarship requires letters of

recommendation and a signature from your

General Leader. Please start soon to give your

mentors time to write a thoughtful letter!

Qualifications:

Must be a present or former Portage County 4-H

member or leader

May study in any field at an accredited school

Must be used within 1 year from time of award

Minimum of 2 years as club project/youth leader

Minimum of 3 years of participation in 4-H

Scholarship can be received only once

A member needs their general leader’s signature

A leader’s form must be signed by their general

leader or the county agent.

WISCONSIN JUNIOR TARGHEE

SHEEP ASSOCIATION

STARTER FLOCK GIVEAWAY DEADLINE: APRIL 1ST, 2018 AWARD: 3 TARGHEE EWES

Any youth aged 12-17 as of January 1 of this year can

apply for a starter flock from the Wisconsin Junior

Targhee Association. For application materials and

rules, please visit:

http://www.ustargheesheep.org/index.html

Click on Download 2018 WJTSA Starter Flock App.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FOR 4-H YOUTH

TIFFANY LANGTEAU MEMORIAL CALF GRANT

DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2018

The Wisconsin District 4 Holstein Association is offering a

$1500 calf grant awarded to an individual in the district

(counties including Clark, Lincoln, Marathon, Portage,

Taylor or Wood counties). The grant is awarded through

the Tiffany Langteau Memorial. For more information

please contact your Market Animal Leader.

(over)

QUALIFICATIONS Must be a present or former Portage County 4-H Member or Leader. May apply to any field of study (post high school) at any accredited school. Must be used within one year from the time of scholarship award or money must be returned to the 4-H Leaders Association Minimum of 2 years as a project or youth leader at the club level. Provide detailed list of experiences where projects are listed on this application. Minimum of 3 years participation in 4-H. Scholarship can be received only once. A leader’s form must be co-signed by a general leader or county agent. A member’s form must be signed by their general leader.

DATE: / /

NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________

HOME ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________________________

PRESENT ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT): ___________________________________________________________________

PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN PORTAGE COUNTY (CHECK ONE):

____ FARM ____ RURAL AREA ____ VILLAGE OR TOWN ____ CITY

PLACE OF BIRTH: DATE OF BIRTH: ________________________________

NAME AND ADDRESS OF HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED:

1. ________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________________________________________

NAME AND ADDRESS OF ACCREDITED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION YOU ARE OR WILL BE ATTENDING:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN THE FIELD OF STUDY YOU ARE PURSUING? FOR WHAT REASON DID YOU CHOOSE THE SCHOOL YOU WILL ATTEND?

__________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE SUMMARIZE YOUR INTERESTS, ACTIVITIES, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT OUTSIDE OF 4-H(YOU WILL HIGHLIGHT YOUR 4-H BACKGROUND ON THE NEXT PAGE). __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________

University of Wisconsin, United States Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin Counties Cooperating. UW-Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX and ADA requirements.

YEARS ENROLLED IN PORTAGE COUNTY 4-H: YEARS ENROLLED IN ANOTHER COUNTY 4-H PROGRAM: TOTAL YEARS IN 4-H:

ALL CLUB OFFICES HELD

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALL COUNTY OFFICES HELD:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALL HONORS WON IN 4-H:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALL 4-H PROJECTS:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALL SPECIAL ACTIVITIES:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PROJECT LEADERSHIP:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WRITE A PARAGRAPH ON ANY OTHER THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO ADD.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________

FURNISH AT LEAST THREE (3) LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION, WITH AT LEAST ONE BEING FROM A 4-H LEADER.

TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE. MEMBER’S SIGNATURE: ______________________________

GENERAL LEADER’S SIGNATURE: ______________________________

RETURN FORM TO: PORTAGE COUNTY UW-EXTENSION, 1462 STRONGS AVE, STEVENS POINT, WI 54481

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 15, 2018

4-H BACKGROUND ATTACH ADDITIONAL SHEETS IF NECESSARY. BE CONCISE BUT THOROUGH.

4-H Summer Camp!

June 8-9, 2018 Grades 2 - 4

Central Wisconsin Environmental Station

Town of New Hope, Portage County

This is an overnight camping trip for younger 4-Hers

to enjoy a variety of outdoor, indoor, and water

activities. Youth work with camp counselors to learn

about nature while playing games, making friends,

and having fun!

June 13-15, 2018 Grades 5 - 8

Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

This is a two-night camping trip for 4-Hers in grades

5 through 8. With hands-on adventures on land and

sea (along with free time for youth to make friends

and play games), this is a wonderful way to spend a

summer weekend!

Mark your calendars! Registration information will be in the next Courier!

CAMP COUNSELOR REQUIREMENTS: Grade 9 and up

Camp counselors serve at either Junior or

Intermediate Camp. The position is open to any

4-H teen in grade 9 or older. Former experience

as a 4-H camper is great, but not required.

CABIN COUNSELOR REQUIREMENTS: Grade 9 and up

 Past Camper Experience

Cabin counselors serve at either Junior or

Intermediate Camp. Cabin counselors must be

mature and able to relate to campers and staff.

They should have experience as a 4-H camper.

JUNIOR CAMP DIRECTOR REQUIREMENTS: Grade 10 and up

 Past Counselor Experience

Camp directors at Junior Camp must be mature

and able to relate to campers and staff. They must

take leadership responsibility and be able to

evaluate counselors with the assistance of one

other director. They should have experience as a

4-H camp counselor.

INTERMEDIATE RESOURCE COUNSELOR

REQUIREMENTS: Grade 9 and up  Past Camper Experience

Resource counselors at Intermediate Camp must

be mature and able to relate to campers and staff.

Experience as a camper is essential. Must be able

to lead group activities (arts & crafts, nature

activities, or games and recreation). They serve as

counselors for about eight 4-H members.

ADULT CHAPERONES ARE ALSO NEEDED FOR CAMP! We need 1 adult chaperone for every 10 campers. If you are interested, please contact the Extension

office (715-346-1462). Camper applications will be in a future newsletter.

GRADE 9 & UP? WE NEED YOU! Apply to be a camp counselor this year! Paper applications were in the Dec/Jan newsletter, or apply online at http://tinyurl.com/CampPoCo

Market Animal

Project News

Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA)

APRIL 26, COURTHOUSE ANNEX 1462 STRONGS AVE, STEVENS POINT Class: 7:00-8:30 PM

WHAT IS YQCA?Wisconsin State Fair is pleased to announce implementation of a new national certification program available for youth. Completion of this informative and educational program, “Youth for the Quality Care of Animals” (YQCA), will be required for all youth who exhibit animal projects (Beef, Dairy, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep and Swine) at the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows. This interactive program replaces the (Meat Animal Quality Assurance) program. This is a required class for ALL SWINE exhibitors and anyone showing ALL ANIMALS at the STATE FAIR.

HOW DO I GET CERTIFIED? Most youth will get certified by taking the YQCA class on April 26, 7:00-8:30 PM at the Portage County Courthouse Annex. By taking the class, youth will be certified for one year.

Youth wishing to exhibit in the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows must provide his/her YQCA certification number when entering by the entry deadline on June 6, 2018. Youth who do not provide a YQCA certification number, or did not pass the YQCA modules for the current calendar year will not be eligible to participate in the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows.

WHAT IF I CAN’T ATTEND?YQCA certification is offered in two formats to meet varied learning styles and active schedules:

Online – Fee: $12 at www.yqca.org -OR- Face-to-Face– Fee: $3

To find a list of face-to-face/trainer-led sessions in Wisconsin, create an account on www.yqca.org. Under the appropriate age in “Course List” choose “Instructor-Led Training”. A drop down box will list all current available options for Wisconsin. For more information Please see the State Fair flyer on the next page.

Both certification types (Online and Face-to-Face) must be paid online with a credit card. Registration is due by April 19, 2018

Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skill-a-Thon

Livestock Bowl is a quiz competition where all the questions are about beef, sheep, swine, and meat goat topics and students use a buzzer in order to answer the questions.

All 4-H members are welcome to form a team of 3-4 members! (conte stants par t i c i pate according to their grade).

When: March 3, 2018 Register by Feb. 23, 2018! http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock/

Dear Junior Beef, Dairy, Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep and Swine Exhibitors,

NEW FOR 2018! Wisconsin State Fair is pleased to announce implementation of a new national certification program available for youth. Completion of this informative and educational program, “Youth for the Quality Care of Animals” (YQCA), will be required for all youth who exhibit animal projects (Beef, Dairy, Goats, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep and Swine) at the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows. This interactive program will reinforce current animal industry best practices and awareness of critically important animal messaging. This special program features interspecies information designed to supplement project education for Beef, Dairy, Goat, Poultry, Rabbit, Sheep, and Swine exhibitors.

YQCA was developed and funded by national livestock industry professionals, extension specialists and livestock show managers. YQCA certification is rapidly being endorsed and implemented for exhibitors at Fairs and animal exhibitions across the country. It replaces the National Pork Board’s Youth Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) program and Wisconsin’s Meat Animal Quality Assurance (MAQA) program.

Course content includes an age appropriate module from each of the following program areas:

• Animal Welfare (basic needs, proper animal handling, biosecurity, etc.).

• Food Safety (medications, medicated feeds, withdrawal times, avoiding residue, etc.).

• Character Education (ethics, goal setting, career exploration, etc.).

YQCA certification is offered in two formats to meet varied learning styles and active schedules:

• Online – Fee: $12/exhibitor/year Available 24/7 at www.yqca.org -OR-

• Face-to-Face/Trainer-Led – Fee: $3/exhibitor/yearTo find a list of face-to-face/trainer-led sessions in Wisconsin, create an account on www.yqca.org.Under the appropriate age in “Course List” choose “Instructor-Led Training”. A drop down box will listall current available options for Wisconsin.

Both certification types (Online and Face-to-Face) must be paid online with a credit card. The nominal course fees ($12/$3) ensures the course content/learning platform stays current.

Annual certification should take approximately 60 minutes. After viewing each module, the exhibitor must successfully pass a quiz which demonstrates content mastery. Youth wishing to exhibit in the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows must provide his/her YQCA certification number when entering by the entry deadline on June 6, 2018. Youth who do not provide a YQCA certification number, or did not pass the YQCA modules for the current calendar year will not be eligible to participate in the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Shows.

If you have any questions on this exciting new program, please email entryoffice@wistatefair.com. We look forward to seeing you at the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair, August 2 – 12!

Wisconsin State Fair Agriculture Department

June 7-9, 2018

Who: Dairy youth ages 12-18 Cost: $115 ($65 of this needed to reserve spot)

How to Register: Visit tinyurl.com/badgerdairycamp2018 or contact the Extension

This is a program for Dairy Project youth aged 12-18. Attending Badger Dairy Camp is a great opportunity for campers to s o l i d i f y d a i r y fundamentals and get a jump on the upcoming judging and showing season.

Managerial Agreements Due April 13thIf the animal you are bringing to the Amherst or Rosholt Fair is not owned by you or a member of your immediate family, you must send a Managerial Agreement to the UW-Extension office no later than April 13! Copies available in the December/January newsletter or at http://portage.uwex.edu (4-H Forms and Applications).

When: April 14, 2018 Where: Waupaca County Fairgrounds Weyauwega

Tips and demonstration by experienced cattlefitters

Hands-on clipping and fitting for 4-H and FFAexhibitors from Portage, Waupaca, andWaushara counties

Please bring your own fitting chute, clippers,supplies, and cattle

Bring your own bedding; plan to stay to cleanup the facility

Space for cattle will be limited You are welcome to participate with or without

your own cattle Lunch will be provided

Contact Ted Lein at (715)498-9755 PLEASE RSVP BY APRIL 4, 2018

Beef Show Cattle Workshop

2018 Arlington Sheep Day Program When: Saturday, March 10, 2018

Where: Public Events Facility, Ar lington Agr icultural Research Station

Information and registration forms can be found at: https://goo.gl/Asuc42

Registration is due March 2, 2018

Casimer Boosters Club Report - February 2018

We started the meeting with pledges and the treasurer’s report. Since we had some new members, we did a

“get acquainted” game by Juniper Rydberg, one of our recreation leaders. For old business, we talked about our

club’s potluck, officer installation, the officer calendar planning, and winter camp. Two members of our group

reported to us that Winter Camp was really fun and they recommend it.

Then we zoomed into New business. In New business we discussed by-laws, our new project materials we

needed, club dues (which we decided were going to be kept at $10.00 like last year), speech and demonstrations to

practice public speaking, and our fair booth committee. Some upcoming dates were bingo at the nursing home on

Feb.10th, Movie night at Betty Pionek’s (a leader) house on Feb.22nd, Market Animal meeting on Feb.13, and a

Small Animal meeting on Feb.20th.

Towards the end of the meeting, we all got newly updated calendars. We also decided to donate $25.00 to

St. Casimir’s church chicken dinner as a thank you for letting us use their basement as a meeting place. We then

sang happy birthday to our February birthdays before we adjourned the meeting. Before going home we did a

Valentine’s Day activity.

—Lucy Gwidt

4-H Club Reports

Looking for Happy Campers!

The Portage County Land and Water Conservation Division has limited scholarships

available for two summer conservation camps. The Sand Lake Conservation Camp

is held in Marinette County at Camp Bird, Crivitz, WI, Wednesday, June 20

through Friday, June 22. This camp is open to students entering grades 6, 7, and

8. The WI Land+Water Conservation Camp is held at the North Lakeland Discover

Center, Manitowish Waters, WI, Monday, June 18 through Friday, June 22. This

camp is open to students entering grades 9 through 12.

More information on these camps can be found at https://goo.gl/fd2Uat contact

Patty Benedict, 715-346-1334, benedicp@co.portage.wi.us In the event interest

exceeds funding, scholarships will be drawn by lottery at the May 1 Land and Wa-

ter Conservation Committee meeting.

Portage County UW-Extension Courthouse Annex 1462 Strongs Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481

(715) 346-1316 FAX (715) 346-1323 Website: http://portage.uwex.edu

Return Service Requested

NON PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID STEVENS POINT WI

PERMIT NO. 96

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION STAFFCONNIE CREIGHTON, 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENT

SHERRY DANIELS, FAMILY LIVING EDUCATOR

KEN SCHROEDER, AGRICULTURE AGENT

NATHAN SANDWICK, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENT

JILL HICKS, ADMINISTRATOR, FOODWISE

PENNY SCHMITT, NUTRITION EDUCATOR, FOODWISE

MARY HIGLEY, NUTRITION EDUCATOR, FOODWISE

EXTENSION SUPPORT STAFFDENISE ROCHA, FAMILY LIVING/AGRICULTURE

LISA HENRIKSEN, 4-H/CNRED/ADMINISTRATIVE

JOANNA LICKEL, FOODWISE

OFFICE PHONE : (715) 346-1316

4-H SUPPORT : (715) 346-1462

FAX: (715) 346-1323

The University of Wisconsin-Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national

origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status.

4-H LEADERS ASSOCIATION

PREISDENT: LISA MERCURIO-WROBLEWSKI ... 715-445-4320

VICE PRESIDENT: MICHELLE WALTENBERG ... 715-824-6270

SECRETARY: MARILYN PEDERSON ............ 715-344-4489

TREASURER: JAN MILLER .................... 715-592-4222

“4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning

leadership, citizenship, and life skills”