4-H Weekly Update 2/17/2017
Dates to Remember
February 18th – Shooting Sports Practice
February 24th – Horse Conformation Clinic
February 25th– FSQA Certification
February 27th – Cat Project Area Workshop
February 28th – Dog Project Orientation
March 6th – Poultry Project Orientation
March 8th – Dog Project Orientation
March 11th – Swine Weigh-In
March 12th – Horse Husbandry Clinic
March 16th – Poultry Project Orientation
March 20th – Horse Orientation
March 23rd – Sheep Workshop
April 5th – Open Ride Night – Horse
April 6th – Archery Practice
April 8th – Rabbit Workshop
April 8th – Poultry Project Workshop
April 11th – Dog Project Area Class #1
April 13th – Archery Practice
April 18th – Dog Project Area Class #2
April 19th – Open Ride Night – Horse
April 20th – Archery Practice
April 23rd – Sheep Weigh-In
April 23rd – Meat Goat Weigh-In
April 23rd– AirFX Jump Night
April 25th – Dog Project Area Class #3
April 26th - FSQA Bus Trip (WAITLIST AVAILABLE)
April 27th – Archery Practice
April 30th – Beef Area Workshop
May 3rd– Open Ride Night – Horse
May 8th– FSQA Certification
May 9th – Dog Project Area Class #4
May 13th – Rabbit Workshop
May 15th– 4Honline animal ID deadline
May 15th– Fairentry deadline
May 16th – Dog Project Area Class #5
May 17th – Horse Riding Clinic
May 20th – Poultry Project Pullorum Testing
May 20th – Poultry Project Workshop
May 23rd – Dog Project Area Class #6
May 24th – Horse Riding Clinic
May 30th – Dog Project Area Class #7
May 31st – Horse Riding Clinic
June 3rd – Sheep Workshop
June 4th– AirFX Jump Night
June 6th – Dog Project Area Class #8
June 7th – Horse Riding Clinic
June 8th – Dog Project Area Class #9
June 11th – Beef Project Area Workshop
June 13th – Dog Project Area Class #10
June 14th – Horse Riding Clinic
June 16th– 24th– Citizen Washington Focus Trip (CWF)
June 17th – Horse Fun Show
June 26th– Static (Building) Project Judging
June 28th– July 3rd– 2017 Linn County Fair
SCHOLARSHIP/AWARD OPPORTUNITIES
Hoover Uncommon Student Award
The Hoover Presidential Foundation application deadline is March 15, 2017. As many as 15 students will be chosen for the program with each receiving a $1,000 stipend. In addition, three $5,000 scholarships are awarded for study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university anywhere in the country. The award program seeks to identify uncommon students during their junior year in high school. Applicants submit a proposal for a public service project they want to accomplish. Students are not evaluated on the basis of grades, test scores, essays, or financial need.
Students are selected each year on the basis of their stated project goal and detailed plans to reach that goal. Finalists spend a required expense-paid weekend in West Branch (just east of Iowa City) during the summer between their junior and senior year. During the weekend, they receive mentoring and assistance developing their projects to aid in their success.
Time is also spent behind the scenes at the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum to help students become more familiar with President Hoover’s ideals regarding humanitarianism and public service. In October of their senior year, finalists make presentations about their projects at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum. At that time, each student receives the $1,000 stipend and three are chosen to receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Information and applications may be found at under the Grants & Awards tab. If you should have any questions please contact DeleneMcConnaha at the Hoover Foundation, 319-643-5327; .
Hills Bank & Trust 20 Leadership Scholarships for High School Juniors
Hills Bank & Trust Company is partnered with the Iowa 4-H Foundation to provide college scholarship opportunities for Iowa youth who reside in the bank's service area, which is in the SE part of the state. In 2002, Hills Bank established a permanent scholarship endowment, which now provides 20 - $1,000 grants for high school seniors to attend any accredited Iowa college, university, or community college. Applicants apply during their junior year in high school and must attend at least nine hours of leadership training sponsored by Hills Bank & Trust in order to qualify for the award.
Hills Bank and Trust Company Leadership Grants are available to students attending any of Iowa's accredited colleges, universities, or community colleges. Applicants do not need to be 4H members.
Information and applications for the Hill Bank & Trust Leadership Grants are available on the Iowa 4H Foundation web page Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 PM, March 1, 2017 for consideration.
For question regarding the Hills Bank and Trust Leadership Grants, please contact Mary Clancy, Iowa 4H Foundation Scholarship Coordinator at or (712) 830-1321.
Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA) Scholarships
College-bound Iowa youth active in 4-H and/or FFA livestock projects and current undergraduate students may apply for $178,500 in scholarships available from the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA).
There are 67 scholarships available to freshmen entering any Iowa two or four-year, post-secondary institution fall 2017, 26 scholarships available to current undergraduates attending Iowa State University, 1 scholarship available to a graduate student in animal nutrition, plus an additional 4 scholarships available to either incoming freshman or undergraduates. Applicants must major in animal science or a curriculum in agriculture or human sciences that is related to the agriculture industry.
Applications and additional information are available by visiting the Sale of Champions section of the Iowa State Fair’s website ( or by calling Harold Hodson at 515-290-8875 or Linda Weldon at 515-291-3941.
Selection will be based on level of 4-H/FFA involvement in livestock and other agricultural project work, livestock exhibition and/or judging, scholarship, leadership and career plans. Applications for current undergraduate students must be postmarked by April 1, and applications for incoming freshmen must be postmarked by May 1. All materials should be sent to IFAA Winner’s Circle Scholarship, c/o Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, 1440 NW 134th Ave., Slater IA 50244.
Winners will be announced during the 2017 Iowa State Fair annual 4-H/FFA Sale of Champions on Saturday, August 19, an event sponsored by IFAA. (Mary Clancy)
COUNTY WIDE EVENTS
AIRFX JUMP NIGHT – APRIL 23 & JUNE 4
Come out to AirFX for a Jump night. $10 gets you 1 hour of jumping, grip socks, one round of lazer frenzy, and a fountain drink. Bring a friend and show them how much fun 4-H can be!
SHOOTING SPORTS CLUB – LOOKING FOR MORE MEMBERS
The shooting sports club is looking for more members. You can be a member of the shooting sports club in conjunction with your regular club – it is simply an additional activity to participate in. We have instructors that can teach Archery, Rifle, Shotgun, and Wildlife skills. The club is open to 4-H members 4thgrade and older. If you are interested in joining, contact Kate at the Extension Office –ractices will be held at Palo Outdoors along with at the Linn County Fairgrounds. The current practice schedule is listed below.Practices are $5. This fee goes towards replacing ammunition along with purchasing additional items for the club.
Future practice dates:
Linn County Fairgrounds: Saturday, February 18th 1pm – 3pm
Palo Outdoors: Thursday, April 6th6pm – 8pm
Palo Outdoors: Thursday, April 13th6pm – 8pm
Palo Outdoors: Thursday, April 20th6pm – 8pm
Palo Outdoors: Thursday, April 27th6pm – 8pm
LIVESTOCK AND ANIMALS
RABBIT PROJECT AREA WORKSHOPS
April 8th – Linn County Extension Office Large Conference Room
10am – 12pm: rabbit tattooing
12pm – 1pm: lunch – bring your own
1pm – 2:30: project poster creation workshop
May 13th – Linn County Extension Office Large Conference Room
Tattooing workshop,Help on registering for county fair classes
Handout showmanship study guide – if you turn in at check -in at county fair you get 10 points extra
Rabbit Workshop: March 19, 2017 Poweshiek County
The annual 4H/FFA rabbit and cavy workshop on raising rabbits and cavies, Poweshiek County Fairgrounds, Grinnell IA, Sunday, March 19 from 12:30 - 4:00 pm. No preregistration and no cost to attend.
This workshop is sponsored by Iowa State Rabbit Breeders, South Central Rabbit Breeders, Cedar Rapids Rabbit Breeders, Story Ag LLC and Iowa State University. Youth from Iowa and surrounding states are encouraged to attend.
Youth are to bring their rabbits and cavies and consult with speakers. Examples of rabbit and cavy breeds will be presented and discussed. Purebred rabbits and cavies will be for sale. A “make your rabbit or cavy carrier” session will be held by Coats Equipment. Youth need to contact Coats Equipment at 515-450-9067 or . Costs for carriers are as follows:
- Single (8 inch x 16 inch) $18.00
- Double (16 inch x 20 inch) $30.00
- Triple (16 in x 24 in) medium/large rabbits $34.00
- Triple (12 in x24 in) dwarf and small rabbits $30.00
Youth will receive free tickets for a huge drawing. Rabbits can be tattooed. Cavies can be tagged. Youth need to decide on a short name or numbers for the tattoo or tag. Youth may show their rabbit or cavy in a free “practice” rabbit and cavy show. This show is for youth who have not shown or who have shown in less than 3 ARBA shows in 2016. All rabbits and cavies showing in the “practice show” are required to be earmarked with a tattoo for a rabbit or an ear tag for a cavy. More rabbit information may be found on the Iowa 4H livestock rabbit website. Youth may want to watch the ARBA open and youth sanctioned rabbit show held the day before at the same location.
Poweshiek County Fairgrounds is located in central Iowa, on the southern edge of the city of Grinnell east of Des Moines at exit 182. At exit 182, go north on highway 146 approximately 1 mile. Turn right (east) on Ogan Avenue. The fairgrounds is ½ mile. Follow the signs. Specific questions can be directed to Randy or Bobbi Coats at 515-450-9067 or , Hannah Dunlap at 319-775-2357, Lindsey Gaunitz at 563-272-8727, Lynne Rechterman at 563-260-5295 or Bill Wolfe at 515-285-6929.
HORSE PROJECT AREA ORIENTATION
ALL members must attend an orientation in order to be eligible to exhibit at fair. THIS IS A CHANGE FROM PAST YEARS. The horse committee will hold two orientations, you must attend one of the sessions. RSVP to Kate which session you will be attending.
Saturday, Feb 11th 2pm – 4pm
Monday, March 20th 6:30 – 8:30pm
HORSE PROJECT AREA WORKSHOPS
Horse Conformation Clinic – More information to come
Friday, February 24th 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Horse Husbandry Clinic – More information to come
March 12th 12pm – 2pm
Open Ride Nights – Linn County Fairgrounds, horse arena 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- 2 hours open riding nights counts towards ½ hour of riding time
April 5th, April 19th, May 3rd
Riding Clinics – Linn County Fairgrounds, horse arena 6:30pm – 8:30pm
May 17th, May 24th, May 31st, June 7th, June 14th
Fun Show: June 17th
Equine Extravaganza Registration is now OPEN!
Registration is now OPEN! Equine Extravaganza - March 24, 25, & 26 at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls - Registration Deadline March 1, 2017.
The State 4-H Equine Extravaganza is coming up quickly! There are tons of opportunities for 4-H members to participate. Opportunities include:
- Horseless Horse Projects: Clothing, Crafts, Creative writing, Digital Storytelling, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Scrapbook, Woodworking
- Model horse
- Quiz bowl (team)
- Hippology (team or individual)
- Horse Judging (team or individual)
- Public Speaking
- Demonstrations
- Trail Clinic – FLYER (we have room for 15 youth in both the morning and afternoon sessions)
There will also be an Adult Judges Certification Clinic available on March 26. Please share that with any horse judges that you know. Registration will be found on the same page.
Grab a camera and take some fun horse photos, draw and paint your favorite furry hay burner, and write a short story about an adventure you have had or wish to have with your horse! These are just some of the ways you can participate in the Equine Extravaganza by entering your exhibits (which you can also enter next summer at the county fair).Sign up to show Model Horses, prepare a team demonstration with a friend, or make a saddle rack, tack box, or ribbon holder. These are more ways to participate. Go to the website for all the rules and entry forms.4-H has great artists, creative writers, and lots of kids who love horses!
BEEF PROJECT AREA WORKSHOPS
April 30th – Linn County Fairgrounds – Afternoon
There will be a workshop April 30 at the Linn County Fairgrounds in the afternoon showing basic daily routines for daily haircare for your calf, making it easier to get your calf ready on show day.
June 11th – Linn County Fairgrounds – Afternoon
There will be a workshop June 11th at the Linn County Fairgrounds in the afternoon on clipping your calf for fair and a few tips for grooming your calf on show day.
CAT PROJECT AREA WORKSHOPS
There will be a cat workshop on Monday, February 27th at the Linn County Extension Office at 6:30pm. General project information, showing techniques, and more will be discussed. RSVP to Kate.
POULTRY PROJECT AREA WORKSHOPS
Iowa County 4-H Host: Poultry 101
Who: Any Iowa 4-H or FFA Member
When: Sun. Feb. 19th
Where: Zentmire Hall on Iowa County Fair Grounds, Marengo Iowa
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Topics: Poultry Care/Management, Poultry Breeds, Selection of Show Birds, Showing and Poultry Showmanship. Poultry 101 will be taught by Bart Price.Cost is $5/member and can be paid at the door. However please call the Iowa County Extension 319-668-1052 or e-mail- to RSVP. **Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Many times they learn more than the 4-H’er!!f
Date / Time / Location / TopicsPoultry / March 6, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Orientation
Poultry / March 16, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Orientation
Poultry / April 8, 2017 / 9am / Linn Fairgrounds / Health, Biosecurity, Choosing your birds, and nutrition
Poultry / May 20, 2017 / 10am / Linn Fairgrounds / Grooming, show prep, and handling
Poultry / May 20, 2017 / 8am—10am / Linn Fairgrounds / Pullorum Testing
SHEEP PROJECT AREA WORKSHOPS
All sheep exhibitors must attend one workshop in order to be eligible to exhibit at fair. It is highly encouraged for new exhibitors to attend all workshops. Dates and topics of workshops are listed below:
March 23rd 6:30pm Extension Office - Feeding, Selection , Records, Breaking, General Fair Information
June 3rd 2:00pm Linn County Fairgrounds - Fair prep, Showmanship, Clipping, General Fair Information
DOG PROJECT AREA WORKSHOPS
Date / Time / Location / TopicsFebruary 28, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Orientation—Must attend one session
March 8, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Orientation—Must attend one session
April 11, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
April 18, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
April 25, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
May 9, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
May 16, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
May 23, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
May 30, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
June 6, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
June 8, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
June 13, 2017 / 6:30pm / Linn Fairgrounds / Class—Must attend 7 of the 10 offered
MARKET ANIMAL WEIGH-INS
Swine: March 11, 2017 – Linn County Fairgrounds – 1pm – 3pm
Sheep: April 23, 2017 – Linn County Fairgrounds – 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Meat Goat: April 23, 2017 – Linn County Fairgrounds – 3:30pm – 5:30pm
OUT OF COUNTY OPPORTUNTIES
Iowa 4-H Youth Conference 2017
It’s not too early to start marking your calendar for the next Iowa 4-H Youth Conference. The dates have been set forJune 27-29, 2017. The theme has been selected:Start Your Future Here. This event is open to all Iowa youth who have completed the 8th grade. General information and last year’s materials are all available on the Conference website and more information will be coming in the new year.
FSQA Dates
ALL MEMBERS WHO SHOW A LIVE ANIMAL THAT CAN END UP IN THE FOOD CHAIN MUST TAKE FSQA. YOU MUST RSVP TO THE SESSION YOU WILL BE ATTENDING. SPACE IS LIMITED. A complete listing of FSQA sessions available can be found here:
NEW RULE: YOU MUST HAVE YOUR FSQA CERTIFICATION COMPLETE BY MAY 15THTO BE ELIGIBLE TO EXHIBIT AT THE 2017 LINN COUNTY FAIR
County / Day / Date / Time / LocationLinn / Saturday / February 25 / 9am / Linn Fairgrounds LDM
Linn / Wednesday / April 26 / 7am - 5:30pm / ISU Bus Trip
Linn / Monday / May 8 / 6pm / Linn Fairgrounds LDM
County Fair
2016 FAIR DATES
The 2017 Linn County Fair will be June 28th– July 3rd, 2017. Schedule of events and project classes will be announced at a later date.
STATIC PROJECT JUDGING
Static judging will occur on MONDAY, June 26th. We will follow the same timeline as last year – 11am – 6pm. More information to come!