What's New in 4-H

New York State Pork Producer's Annual Meeting Scheduled for January 28, 2017

Meeting Flyer and Information

Annual Meeting Registration

Dairy Youth Explorers Applications Now Available

Exploring Careers in the Dairy Industry

Apply today for this fun and interesting program

Dairy Youth Explorers is a career exploration program for students 13 to 18 years of age, who are interested in discovering exciting opportunities in the dairy industry. Dairy Youth Explorers connects youth to the leaders in the dairy industry and facilitates placement and work experiences in the agricultural industry. The program will involve hands-on workshops and educational trips. These activities will take place one day or weekend a month from January 2017 through August 2017.

Activities will include visiting dairy farms, a farm machinery equipment dealer, veterinary clinic, dairy processing plant, travel to Cornell University for the Dairy Discovery Workshop, attend Empire Farm Days and learn from local agribusiness representatives.

There is a $65.00 registration fee (scholarships are available if needed). Most travel and meals are provided by local agribusiness sponsors. Specific dates for the activities will be available soon. A short application is required and is available by contacting Lisa Kempisty, Extension Educator (Agriculture and 4-H Dairy) at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County at 664-9502 Ext. 203 or by e-mail: ljk4@cornell.edu.

Any interested 4-H member is encouraged to apply for this exciting agricultural career exploration opportunity!

2016-2017 Dairy Youth Explorers Application

Nash Hill Hosts Fall Clinic November 12th

More information here:http://www.nashhillequestriancenter.com/eventsoursandyours.html

Jamestown, Falconer Invite 4-H to Participate in Holiday Parade

Falconer Holiday Parade Application DUE NOVEMBER 4TH

Jamestown Holiday Parade Application DUE NOVEMBER 25TH

Hog Project Announces Award Winners

Project Champion

The 4-H Hog project select project champions based on a pre-determined points scale. Youth receive points based on their enthusiasm for the project and how well they have raised and can show their animal. 

2015 Hog Project Champion

2015 Hog Project Champions Steven Overend and Elizabeth Comstock. 

Stepping Stone and Milestone Awards

Stepping Stone and Milestone awards recognize youth who have overcome an obstacle or a challenge or who have grown throughout the project year. This year's recipients of the Hog Project Stepping Stone Award are are Jacob Allen, Emily Hammond, Lizzie Hammond, and Maggie Jones, Breanna Keefe, Kylie Keefe, Mason Kilmer, and Ella Underberg. Josie Allen, Jaiden Huntington, Brittney McElwain, and Allen McElwain recieved Milestone Awards. 

Hog Milestone and Stepping Stone Awrds

Josephine Allen, Emily Hammond, , Lizzie Hammond,Maggie Jones, and Jaiden Huntington received Stepping Stone or Milestone Awards during the 2014- 2015 Hog Project year. 

County Medal

County Medals are awarded to youth who have achieved mastery in a project. This year the Hog Project Advisory Committee chose Jacob Lesch and Elizabeth Comstock as Hog Project County Medal recipients. 

4-H County Medal Hog Project 2015

Jacob Lesch and Elizabeth Comstock received the Hog County Medal at the November 2015 awards ceremony. 

Genessee County Livestock Clinic May 20-22 2016

The Genesee County Agricultural Society is hosting a livestock clinic May 20 – 22 for youth and their families at the Genesee County Fairgrounds. The informational flyer is online at http://cceorleans.org/portfolio/livestockclinic/. Please share this with families in your community. This is a wonderful opportunity for 4-Hers to learn about livestock and meet new 4-Hers with similar interests. The clinic is open to all youth, including FFA members or others not formally enrolled in 4-H.

Details are as follows:

Genesee County Livestock Fitting, Showmanship, & Judging Clinic

Location: Genesee County Fairgrounds, Batavia, NY (Camping with Water & Electric Available)

Dates: May 20-22, 2016

Cost $30 (Includes activities, T-shirt, and chicken BBQ)

Areas of Focus: Beef, Swine, Meat Sheep, & Meat Goat. Topics include nutrition & care, basic training, showmanship overview and practice, fitting & hoof trimming, livestock species knowledge, judging & oral reasons.

Schedule:

Friday – Registration & Livestock Game Night

Saturday – Fitting, Showmanship & Judging Clinic, Chicken BBQ to Follow
Saturday’s Guest Judges/Presenters: Phil Trowbridge (Beef), Brendan Knoll (Swine), Chad Schwartz (Sheep), and Ray Wagester (Goat)

Sunday – Speakers and then Depart

Questions: Contact Heather Weber at 585-297-3032

4-H Equine and Dairy Camp

Morrisville State College June 3rd and 4th

This two-day, one night 4-H Equine or Dairy Camp which will be held at Morrisville State College. 4-H youth ages 13-19 years of age are eligible to participate in this camp/college experience. Equine interested youth will be able to select from two tracts in which they have the opportunity to learn more about English, Western, Racing, & Draft & Driving equine areas. All youth will participate in sessions on breeding and nutrition. Dairy participants will learn about calf, heifer & cow management along with reproduction. A field trip for all to Oneida County's annual Farm Fest event at DiNitto Farms in Marcy.

All sessions will be taught by Morrisville State College faculty and other professionals in the field of equine & dairy.

Register Here:

 https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events_landing.cfm?event=2016EquineAndDairy101_221

New York State STEM Camp Applications Available!

New York State STEM Camp will take place from June 17-19 at 4-H Camp Shankitunk in Delhi, NY.

Download the brochure and application today!

Animal Crackers

May 7, 2016

Dairy Cattle & Goats

animal_crackers_s

The annual Animal Crackers program provides New York youth with fun hands-on science-oriented learning experiences on Animal Science topics which feature the unique facilities and staff of Cornell university.

When/Where: This Saturday workshop is held every May on campus (Morrison Hall) from for 4-H members interested in learning more about their favorite livestock, companion or pet animal species; emphasis on different species groupings and activities varies annually. The program is geared to 4-H members involved in animal science projects.

Who: 4-H project members (suggested age range 9-12) are strongly encouraged to attend (with their parents or chaperones). However, all youth 9 and up are welcome. Participants will get to meet Cornell faculty and students, learn about different aspects of animal care, interact and exchange information with professional producers, industry experts, and more! Hands-on workshops are planned for each species group.

Why?: Animal Crackers participants have the unique opportunity to experience hands-on activities in a university setting, explore career options in animal science, and expand their knowledge through scientific inquiry.

How?: Please contact your county 4-H office for details and registration. Registration is handled through county 4-H offices.

Cost?: The cost of $15.00 per youth billed directly to Cornell county accounts to cover basic handout and occasional presenter expenses. There is no registration fee for chaperones.

Participants must bring their own lunch and drinks. The closest place to purchase food is a 5 minute drive from campus.

Find more information here. 

Attention Girls Interested in Technology:

Announcing Tech Savvy 11…
Tech Savvy Girls …
Our Futures Are So Bright…. We Have to Wear Shades!

Fun workshops to inspire girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math

For Western New York’s …
6th to 9th grade girls
10th – 12th grade girls (on a Roll program with SAT Prep & Workshops)
& their parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors & other interested adults

Saturday, March 19, 2016 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
SUNY Buffalo North Campus Student Union
(Shuttle from South Campus Available)

Register by February 17. Online registration is now available.

Pre-registration is required.

Registrations must be fully paid within one week of registering, or your registration will be cancelled.

Please register early. We often fill up, so late registrations may not be accepted.
$5 per person.
One Tech Savvy student will win a new laptop computer and one student will win a new tablet!

Below is the link to new website:

http://originaltechsavvy.org/

NYS Maple Communications Scholarship  Now Available

VERONA, N.Y. — The Board of Directors of the NYS Maple Foundation held their annual meeting on Fri. Jan. 8 at VVS, in Verona. 

Any high school senior with a connection to a NYS maple operation, as a family member or employee, who plans to attend a two or four year college beginning in fall 2016, is eligible to apply for the Terry Laubisch Maple Scholarship. The postmark deadline for applications is March 15. Applications are available on request from Mary Jeanne Packer (518-854-7669).

The Foundation also accepts applications for grants to support maple-related education, communication, and research projects throughout the year. Applications are available for download on the Foundation website www.newyorkmaple.org.

The New York State Maple Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. Its mission is to plan and coordinate training for beginning and established maple producers in order to increase their efficiency and competitiveness; to inform and educate the public in order to increase awareness and appreciation of the diversity and quality of the state’s maple products, of how maple products were made in NYS historically, of how that process has changed over time, and the environmental sensitivity with which sugar bushes are managed and syrup is produced; and to identify and support maple-related research.

—New York State Maple Foundation

Growing Through Showing Youth Dairy Workshop Registrations Now Available

The workshop will be taught by industry professionals, sessions on the following with be offered:

Showing, Fitting, Housing, Nutrition, Selection/Judging, General Show Calf Care and Show Preparation

In conjunction with the Workshop will be…

The Tag Sale at Oakfield Corners Dairy

Oakfield Corners Dairy will be offering around 40 show aged calves from our favorite cow families affordably priced with deep pedigrees! The Tag Sale is open to both youth and adult buyers, whether you’re looking for a show calf or a calf with great maternal lines, we’ll have it!

Schedule of Events

April 29

Cattle Viewing-5 PM

April 30

Tag Sale Begins 9 AM

Workshop Registration 8-10 AM

Workshop Begins 10 AM

Lunch will be provided

Workshop will conclude around 2-3 PM

May 1

Tag Sale 9 AM- 12 PM

Find complete details and registration information here.

Ag Discovery Workshop Applications Now Available

AgDiscovery is a two week residential outreach program sponsored by different United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs for high school students in partnership with selected universities. AgDiscovery is a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand look at the many career paths open to them in agriculture. The program allows students to live on a college campus and learn about different agriculture careers from university professors, scientists, and other professionals who work for the U.S. Government in a variety of fields.

The AgDiscovery program in Iowa is a partnership with Iowa State University (ISU) and sponsored by the following Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) programs: the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, the Center for Veterinary Biologics, and the Center for Epidemiology and Animal Health of Veterinary Services, International Services, Wildlife Services, and Investigative and Enforcement Services.

The focus of the ISU-AgDiscovery program is to demonstrate the interconnection between Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science, Laboratory Technology and Diagnostics and Wildlife Biology and Conservation. The students gain knowledge and experience through lectures and demonstrations, hands-on activities, field trips, team building activities and diversity workshops. Students who have completed a general biology or animal science course will benefit the most from the program activities.

The 2016 ISU AgDiscovery (July 17 – 30, 2016) will host 16 students from multiple states, ages 15-17. Students will perform a variety of laboratory activities such as bacterial culture, animal necropsies, egg candling, viral inoculations and diagnostic testing at the USDA National Centers for Animal Health. They will be introduced to several veterinary disciplines such as hematology, parasitology, immunology, radiology, anatomy and pathology by performing hands-on activities at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine.

The students will visit a variety of private and university farms, zoological facilities, animal shelters, wildlife conservation areas and research facilities. They will also participate in a number of cultural awareness and teambuilding activities. Every activity is being planned to enhance the student’s learning experience and provide countless hands-on opportunities which will be crucial to the student’s enjoyment of the program.

Students selected for the 2016 AgDiscovery summer session will pay only the cost of their transportation to get from their home to the college campus for the start of the session and back again at the end of the session. The cost of tuition, room and board, and lab supplies for the 2 week program will be covered by various programs within APHIS.

To apply for the ISU AgDiscovery the students must be at least 15 and no older than 17 as of May 31, 2016 or reach your 18th birthday before the start of the program or at any time during the program dates. See the current AgDiscovery website for age requirements on the other programs. Students can only apply for one program this year. Applicants will be notified on or before May 5, 2016 if they have been selected for one of the 19 AgDiscovery programs this summer. If you have questions about the AgDiscovery program, please call APHIS at 301-851-4199 or send an email to agdiscovery@aphis.usda.gov.

Please find additional information below:

Ag Discovery Overview and Application Details

Ag Discovery Application

Ag Discovery Informational Brochure

"Stow"-A-Way Kids Complete Holiday Community Service

The "Stow"-A-Way Kids 4-H Club was able to help 11 families in 4 different school districts this holiday season. They collected donations throughout the community as well as purchases items such as fruit, nuts. sweet breads, candy, mittens and toys to fill baskets for those in need. 

The club wanted to help their furry friends as well and filled two boxes with toys, treats, and cleaning supplies. They donated them to the Humane Society. Thank you, "Stow"-A-Way Kids for your generosity!

Stow a Way kids community Service

The "Stow"-A-Way Kids compiled fruit, nuts, candies and other goods for the less fortunate. 

Paper Clover Promotion Donates to 4-H

The Dunkirk and Lakewood Tractor Supply Company stores donated $956.00 to Chautauqua County 4-H as a result of the fall Paper Clover Campaign. Statewide, Tractor Supply Company raised $47,153, with $30,649 being allocated to county programs. the New York State Foundation received 5% of the funds raised in NY and National 4-H Council received 30% of Paper Clover funds. 

Thank You  Tractor Supply Company for going above and beyond to raise funds for 4-H!

Citizen Science Opportunity

Article courtesy the Post-Journal.

Link to original article

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Jamestown Community College and Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy are working to prevent the spread of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid pictured by collaborating on a series of field surveys and educational outreach programs. 

Through education and early detection, the spread of this particular pest can be slowed. To kick off the winter field season, RTPI will hold a training session to get individuals acquainted with the invasive insect.

The session will be held at RTPI on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. Elyse Henshaw, conservation technician, will present information on the impact HWA is having on forests, identifying signs and symptoms of an infestation, and what to do if they are found. This training session will also introduce attendees to methods of surveying and reporting findings through traditional methods as well as through the RTPI and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE) Collaborative Forest Pest Project.

Equipped with knowledge, citizens are invited to assist in field surveys and work alongside RTPI, CWC and JCC researchers, conservationists and professors in search of gauging the health of local forests. Throughout the months of January and February the RTPI, JCC and the CWC team will evaluate a number of Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy preserves as well as other public lands.

The survey schedule is as follows:
Saturday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. to noon: Elm Flats First Preserve
Friday, Jan. 15, 1-4 p.m.: Dobbin's Woods Preserve
Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m. to noon: Cassadaga Creek Preserve
Friday, Feb. 5, 1-4 p.m.: South Valley State Forest
Friday, Feb. 12, 1-4 p.m.: Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area
Friday, Feb. 19, 1-4 p.m.: RTPI/JCC Preserves

Prior to each Friday survey, the group will meet at the RTPI parking lot at 12:30 p.m. and then drive to each site. For Saturday surveys, the group will meet on site. Visit chautauquawatershed.org/index.php/preserves/our-preserves for directions.

All are welcome to join and if unable to attend training, on-site training will be provided prior to the start of each survey. Interested individuals should dress accordingly. Snow pants and snow shoes or cross-country skis are highly recommended when snow pack is deep.

For more information about the training session or survey efforts contact Elyse Henshaw at ehenshaw@rtpi.org. The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History is located at 311 Curtis St. in Jamestown. Additional information can be found by visiting their website, rtpi.org, or by calling 665-2473.

Forestville Star Riders Donate to Food Bank

By Aimee Rogers, 4-H Volunteer

THANK YOU to the generous Forestville community and the patrons and owners/managers at Caves, Evans Bank and Tavern on the Mall who helped our 4-H club, The Fredonia Star Riders, raise $302 for the Forestville food pantry on Dec 11th from 4pm -6pm. And another THANK YOU to the Forestville Elementary School, Middle and High School for allowing us to hold a food drive from Dec 6-16th. Thank you ALL for helping make this season joyful for those in need in our community! Have a very Merry Christmas!

Youth participate in community service

From left to right: Alyssa Graziano, Shari Graziano, Chrissy Dean, Lorraine Hodkin from the Forestville Food Pantry, Sue Remington, Kathie Dean, Karlie Meli-Wischman, Stephanie Rogers.                        Front Row: Aimee Rogers.

Dog Program Hosts Interactive Project Meetings

The  Cornell Cooperative Extension Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Dog Program offered youth two hands on workshops in October and November.

4-H’ers have many program options in Chautauqua County. 22 clubs countywide offer a variety of life skills programming. Youth are also able to participate in 9 animal projects.

4-H reflects the principles of positive youth development, experiential learning, and the importance of having fun while learning.

This fall, the 4-H Dog Project encouraged learning about the K-9 program as well as proper dog grooming. On October 27th Deputy Beichner and Officer Kraft from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department and Jamestown Police Department gave a demonstration to youth at the Frank W. Bratt Agriculture Center about K-9 dogs, their training, and the importance of skilled trainers. The dogs are very well trained and can perform many tasks such as sniffing out bombs, drugs and humans! The dogs are very attentive to the commands given by their officer/partner. The officers reported that K-9 dogs are like family.

4-H Dog Program K-9 presentation

An officer with his K-9 dog at a recent 4-H Dog ProjectMeeting.

On November 17th youth were given a tour of VanEarden Kennel in Clymer where Tammy TenPas and Sheryl VanEarden demonstrated proper grooming techniques. Youth were given the opportunity to groom a dog and in doing so learned the importance of proper dog grooming and its relation to overall dog wellness. Michelle Hodge, 4-H Volunteer, said that with dog grooming, “[It’s] just the little things that make a big difference. Clipping long hair around the ears, feet, and belly as well as keeping their ears and eyes cleaned and nails trimmed keep a dog healthy.”

4-H Dog Program at VanEarden's Kennel

Youth with Sheryl VanEarden and Tammy TenPas showing off a dog that the youth helped groom at their November meeting. 

The Dog Project will begin training in the spring and will apply what they’ve learned about training and grooming for their shows in the late spring and summer at 4-H Acres in Stockton, NY. Youth devote hours to training their dogs in obedience, rally, and agility.Chautauqua County Horse Program celebrated another successful year . Below are special awards given to youth who challenged themselves to participate in horse bowl, horse judging, drill team, and excelled in gymkhana and western classes. Congratulations to all that completed the 2014-2015 horse program! 

Horse Program Announces Special Awards

Blondie and Sassy Awards

4-H Horse Awards

Mia and Denza Fanara won the annual Blondie and Sassy Award sponsored by Michele Swanson.

Drill Team

2015 4-H Horse Awards

Coach Ann Masood, Gracie Morrison, Taylor Clark, Rachel McCarthy, Coach Fran Hockran, Samantha Newman, Emily Swanson Missing-Montanna Pope

Drill Team blankets were sponsored by the Horse Committee.

Gymkhana

Year End High Point

2015 4-H Horse awards

Abigail Little, Rebekah Frisbee, Jesse Morse, Aubin Barber, Taylor Clark, Emily Swanson

Western

Year End High Point

2015 4-H Horse awards

Bryson Smith, Rebekah Frisbee, Abigail Little, Taylor Clark, Emily Swanson

Horse Judging

2015 4-H Horse Awards

Bryson Smith, Abigail Little, Stephanie Rogers

Horse Bowl

2015 4-H Horse Awards

Tracie Keller, Alexa Carlson, Karli Gifford, Aubin Barber, Taylor Clark, Rachel McCarthy, Gracie Morrison

Last updated July 26, 2019