SWEETGRASSCOUNTY4-H FEBRUARY2021 - MARC KING, EXTENSION AGENT KANDI SCHUMAN, ADMIN ASST
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Sweet Grass County 4-H February 2021
Marc King, Extension Agent PO Box 640 - 515 Hooper
Kandi Schuman, Admin Asst Big Timber, MT 59011
932-5146, sweetgrass@montana.edu
Message from Marc... sweetgrass.msuextension.org
Dear Members, Leaders, Parents and 4-H Supporters,
Mother Nature has been nice to us here in Sweet Grass County for the month of January. But don’t let it fool you, it
appears that the middle of the first week of February will see the pattern changing some. I am sure not hoping for a cold
and wintery February. I do however hope that the month of February is survivable and pleasant and then we get good rains
in March, April, May, and June.
The shooting sports members are gearing up for the run into the spring shoots in February and March. There are several
upcoming postal matches throughout the state during February. Good luck to all of our shooters, both rifle and archery.
Steer weigh-in was held on Sunday January 24th at the stockyards. In total 37 steers were tagged. There are twenty-four
tagged for 4-H and eight tagged for FFA. The steers looked good and the weights ranged from 610 pounds to 1025
pounds. For comparison there were 30 steers for last years Fair. I would recommend getting these good steers started on
feed and be diligent about your feeding schedule so as not to make the cattle go off feed.
The 4-H Council met this past month. They voted to leave the market animal weights the same as they were last year, with
the exception being that the top weight for steers was rolled back to 1600 pounds. They scheduled the Communications
Day Contest for March 25th at 6:00 pm in the Extension Office. The judge’s committee was formed, and they are actively
seeking judges. If you have suggestions for possible judges for any project, let one of them know. The sheep and goat
committee also brought some recommendations to the 4-H Council. It was approved that all breeding livestock must be led
in front of a committee at the start of the Fair to show that they are leadable. That means no carrying yout project into the
showring and then setting them up, you must be able to lead them without dragging them. The committee also discussed
sheep classes and came to the conclusion that all sheep exhibitors should let the Extension Office know what breeds of
sheep they are planning on exhibiting at the Fair so that the judge can be informed of the types of animals that will be
judged so they can seek further education on a breed if they are unfamiliar with it. Also, please be aware of the rules that
were written two years ago concerning the number of meetings that must be attended by members to be eligible for the
Fair.
I would also encourage all members taking a swine or sheep project to start making plans for getting these animals. I do
think finding swine projects could be very challenging this year.
As always, if you have any thoughts or concerns for the year, please contact the Extension Office. I would also encourage
all the seniors to be looking at and filling out scholarship applications. We wish all of you good luck with this upcoming
calving and lambing season. Be safe when you are out there and hope for nice weather for all the new-born animals.
Sincerely,
Marc King
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension prohibit discrimination in all of their programs
and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued
in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Jeff Bader, Director of Extension, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.
Sweet Grass County 4-H Steer Weigh-in was held in January. There were 32 steers weighed in this year: 24 4-H and 8 FFA steers. Weights ranged from 610 pounds to 1025 pounds. We are looking forward to a great steer show! Fair Re-Sale Recipients Any club organization that wants to be considered as a ‘Re-Sale Recipient’ at the 2021 Sweet Grass County Fair Auction on Friday, July 30 will be required to attend the 4-H Council meeting scheduled for April 2021. All recipients must present their requests to the Council. The Council will then determine the Re-Sale Recipients for the 2021 Fair. The criteria for being a recipient is: Must be 4-H or FFA related, benefit the participants in 4-H or FFA and orally present a proposal at the April 4-H Council meeting. The date of the April meeting will be published in the March and April Newsletter. January 4-H Council meeting highlights: A motion was passed that all breeding animals must be led in front of a committee at market animal weigh-ins at the fair. This is to ensure that all animals are halter broke and can be led with minimal distress. Animals must be halter broke in order to show in the fair. A motion was also made that all sheep entries will need to include their breed of animal on their fair entry form so that the judge will know ahead of time about any specialty breeds that will be shown. Market livestock weights will be: Beef 1000/1600, Sheep 110/160, Pigs 220/310. The only change was dropping the top beef weight down from 1625. Council will again donate the same awards for Demonstration Day. This will be held on March 25th at 6pm. A committee to line up judges was formed. For a full set of minutes, please let us know at the Extension Office. National Youth Summit—Get Registered Soon The National Youth Summit is for high school students and will be virtual this year. Register & attend in small groups or as individuals. Healthy Living: Feb 11-14: address issues around nutrition, fitness, wellness and emotional well being. Work alongside professionals to create a plan that can be implemented in your communities. Agri-Science: March 5-7: discuss challenges facing agriculture, food security and sustainability. Work with experts in a hands on educational setting. Register: 4-H.org/parents/national-youth-summits
The Reed Point Riders had their second meeting of the year on January 9th.
Our President, Tyson Ott, wasn’t present, therefore the vice president, Bodie Ott
called the meeting to order. We then welcomed our new member, Dane
Bicondova! After Rylie Tinsley read the treasury report and the minutes from
our last meeting, Hemi Grayless made a motion to approve the minutes and
Katelynn seconded the motion. The motion to approve the last meeting minutes
was passed. After this motion was passed the members talked about any old
business, including the bluebird houses. We will assemble these on January
31st. After we assemble them, we will split up and put them in places around
Reed Point. We also discussed steer weigh-ins. Trent then made a motion to
end the meeting and Loli Jarrett seconded the motion, the motion was passed
and the meeting was adjourned.
Rylie Tinsley
Reporter
Trevor Halverson - 8th Grade - Pioneers 4-H Club
Trevor is a 6th generation rancher is Sweet Grass County, raising cattle and
sheep where his great-great-great grandfather homesteaded. He is in
Pioneers 4-H Club and enjoys his projects of market beef, market sheep
and breeding sheep. He is dedicated to his sheep breeding program and
keeps detailed records of his ewes and lambing program in order to keep
the best ewes for his future herd. Trevor said one of his favorite parts of
4-H is participating in the Fair, and he has fond memories of showing his
pig in 2017.
He has learned an easier way to keep
records through 4-H and has also learned
how to judge livestock better. He is saving
his money from his projects for his future,
and plans on continuing on in 4-H for as
long as he can.
Sweet Grass County 4-H is proud to have
Trevor as one of our Outstanding
Members!
State Happenings RECORDING LIVESTOCK BRANDS MSU Extension has updated their MontGuide “Livestock Brands in Montana: An Important Component of Estate Planning.” Ranchers who are ready to begin recording their brands should first read this updated information about inheritance laws regarding a brand, the livestock bearing it and the proper way to record your brand to get the results you want. The publication can be found at the link below or printed copies are available from county Extension offices. https://store.msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT201805HR.pdf. JUNIOR AG LOANS AVAILABLE THROUGH MT DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE “With the average age of farmers and ranchers being nearly 60 years old, supporting the next generation is vital to Montana’s livelihood,” said MDA Director Mike Foster. “The Junior Ag Loan Program plays a key role in connecting young people who are passionate about pursuing projects in agriculture with the financing they need to get started.” Montana youth ages 21 and under may be eligible for up to $8,500 in loan financing through the Montana Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Junior Agriculture Loan Program. The Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program which was developed to assist rural youth in developing or expanding agribusiness projects. The benefits often far exceed the actual loan value for program participants. Many young men and women have utilized the program as a means for establishing financing experience and advancing their project’s monetary value. Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Up to 90 percent of projects can be financed through the program with repayment term up to five years. Additional information and applications are available on the department’s website at agr.mt.gov/I-Want-To/ Apply-For/Grants-Loans/Junior-Agriculture-Loans. LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FOR MEMBERS 12 AND OLDER Are you a 4-H member age 12 or older? Join us once a month now through June for the Montana 4-H Leadership Academy workshops on Sundays at 2:30 pm (January 17, February 21, March 14, April 11, May 16 and June 13). The 4-H Leadership Academy is a network of Montana 4-H members interested in exploring and developing their own leadership skills while serving their county 4-H program in new ways. Each month officer team members will present a different workshop topic that they have found to be important as they have grown their own leadership abilities. Visit the state 4-H website (programs, events, teen leadership & ambassador training, leadership academy) at http://www.montana4h.org/programs/events/leadership_training/academy.html Do you have to attend all 7 workshops? NO, youth do not need to attend all the workshops, but of course we would love if everyone could! A Zoom link for each workshop session will be emailed to you a few days prior to each Sunday. STATE SHOOT The State 4-H Shooting Sports Tournament is still planned for the first weekend of March. There are also contingency plans in the works if necessary, to accommodate Covid restrictions. Watch for emails to be sent with updated information or check the State 4-H website http://www.montana4h.org/programs/events/shooting-sports-event.html. NILE SCHOLARSHIP The NILE has available three tiers of Collegiate Scholarships that will be awarded in April 2021. Scholarships are for graduating high school seniors; individuals currently enrolled in college or technical school; and a rolling scholarship for graduating high school seniors which can be renewed for up to four years. Scholarship deadline is March 2, 2021 by 4:00 pm to the NILE office. Guidelines can be found on the NILE website https:// www.thenile.org/p/events/youth-events/scholarships. at Questions? Call the NILE office at 256-2495.
OWAA STUDENT PHOTO CONTEST AND NORM STRUNG YOUTH WRITING AWARDS To reward budding outdoor writers and photographers, the Outdoor Writers Association of America announced the opening of the 2021 Norm Strung Youth Writing Awards as well as the inaugural OWAA Student Photo Contest! Prizes are awarded to winners in grades 11–12 and college students, with first-place winners receiving $200, second-place receiving $100, and third- place receiving $50. Those who place will also receive an OWAA student membership valued at $25 as well as inclusion in a press release. Entering the contests is easy. Any outdoor-themed written or photographic work created during 2020 can be submitted between January 15, 2021, and March 1, 2021, at owaa.org/ contests/. Complete rules of the contests are also available at that site. Winners of the North Strung Youth Writing Awards will be given additional consideration when applying for OWAA’s Bodie McDowell Scholarship and are highly encouraged to do so. About OWAA: Outdoor Writers Association of America is an international nonprofit organization that represents a diverse group of professional communicators dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. The OWAA seeks to improve the professional skills of its members and encourages public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources. Find out more about the Outdoor Writers Association of America on https://owaa.org. The Triangle Communications Youth Club/Organization Technology Grant program offers monetary support to youth clubs/organizations in the Triangle service area. • 4-H, FFA, BPA, FCCLA, DECA, Boys & Girls Club & more are eligible. • Funds can be used for Science, Technology, Engineering or Math related projects. • Local chapter of club/organization must have majority of it's members in our service area. • Up to $500 Grants are available. Deadline is February 15th. 2021 Montana 4-H Shooting Sports Virtual Invitational. Please see the link https://fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/14973. Please be sure to see the deadlines for registration. WE WILL NEED TO HAVE ALL PAYMENTS PROCESSED BY MARCH 1ST. IF THAT IS NOT DONE, TARGETS WILL NOT BE SCORED AND ARCHERY SCORES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The current rulebooks will be posted on the State 4-H Website at the following address: http://montana4h.org/programs/events/shooting-sports-event.html. Montana 4-H Foundation Scholarships The 4-H Foundation has several scholarship opportunities for 4-H members. You only need to complete one application and can apply for multiple scholarships. It is an online application and it is due by April 1st. To fill out the application and to see the list and descriptions of available scholarships, go to montana4h.org, then click on programs, then click on scholarships. If you have any questions or need assistance please let us know in the office.
Communications Day!!!
Communications Day is scheduled for Thursday, March
25th, 2021 at 6pm at the Extension Office. Members of all
age levels are encouraged to participate. Members who are
13 years old and over can represent Sweet Grass County at
4-H Congress this summer.
COME WIN SOME CASH….
Top Demonstration receives $75.00 from 4-H Council and a
trophy and $25.00 sponsored by SC Electric & Irrigation.
2nd & 3rd place demonstrations will receive $50 and $25
from the Council.
Top Speech/Illustrated Talk receives $75.00 from 4-H
Council and a trophy and $25.00 sponsored by Big Timber
Lions Club.
2nd & 3rd place speeches will receive $50 and $25 from
the 4-H Council.
PLEASE thank the sponsors of these great awards!!!
Demonstrations & Speeches
General Rules & Guidelines
Age Divisions same as 4-H Age Divisions
Demonstration: A presentation that shows how to complete a task; a hands-on step by step presentation
which prepares the audience to complete a task. This is a ‘how to’ presentation. There is a final product.
Illustrated Talk: A communication which conveys information with the use of visual items and illustrations.
Seniors should not have note cards.
Speech: A communication technique in which only the spoken word and gestures of the presenter are
used. No props or posters are used in 4-H public speaking contests.
Subject: Choose a subject that fits your interests, experience, knowledge and skill. Choose a topic that is
appropriate for your age level and interesting to your audience. Your presentation and topic should be
informative, persuasive, motivational and entertaining.
Title: A most effective title is short, descriptive and image-provoking. A title should suggest the presentation
without telling the whole story.
Tools: Appropriate tools and equipment can be effective uses of visuals. What is shown is just as important
as what is said. Equipment should be prepared and ready. Visuals, such as posters, charts and pictures
can be used to create a visual. Make sure they are large enough to be seen, un-crowded, neat and clear.
Note Cards/Memorization: If a member is going to use note cards, remember to keep them white, and use
them only as a guide if needed. Do not read the speech off the notecards.
Posture: Members should stand up straight and find a comfortable stance that allows them to remain
relatively in one spot for the duration of the presentation. It is acceptable to make movements, however,
avoid pacing or swaying which will be distracting.
Dress: Members should dress appropriately and be well groomed.
Recommended Time Guidelines:
Speech & Illustrated Talks:
Junior-Junior: 3-5 minutes Junior: 5-7 minutes Senior: 7-10 minutes
Demonstrations (All ages): 5-15 minutes
Greeting: The speaker is expected to greet his or her listeners in some form. These could be something in
the form of “Good Afternoon”, “Hello, Ladies & Gentlemen”, “Fellow 4-H Members, Parents & Guests”.
Introduction: You may lead in to your topic with a question, statement of a problem, or use of a creative,
stimulating visual. This is where you get you audience’s attention.
Body: The body should consist of the subject material and main points. This is where you do or show what
you said you would do or show in the introduction. Think about necessary steps, logical order and materials
needed.
Summary: The summary is the last chance to put your point across. Keep any statements related to points
that were made in the body of your presentation. Do not introduce new material in the summary.
Practice, Practice, Practice!!!
Don’t compare yourself to others, No one can play your role better than you.
February 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6
Happy Birthday Happy Birthday
Ashlynn Belleghem Livestock Happy Birthday Miles City
Bodie Ott
Judging Caleb Beck Judging Contest
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Happy Birthday
Livestock Scout Seemann
Judging
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Livestock Happy Birthday
Judging Jake Stene
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Happy Birthday NO Happy Birthday
Garrett Todd, Livestock Katie Schellack
Remy Groff & Judging
Tucker Rein
28
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