Join 4-H
Volunteers
Hall of Fame
Staff
Kids Page
Calendar
Events
4-H Projects
School Programs
Recognition
Scholarships
Collegiate 4-H
Oregon Outreach
School-Aged Care
Newsletter
Printed Materials
Evaluation
Judges
4-H Foundation
4-H Center
Related Links
Staff Use Only
Oregon 4-H Newsletter
For MARCH 2006
Greeting from the State Leader
According to data collected through Oregon's 4-H Data Management System and reported to CSREES, Oregon 4-H reached 107,732 young people in FY 2005. This represents a seven percent increase over the previous year. Of this total, approximately 18 percent were enrolled in 4-H clubs with the remainder involved through special interest, school enrichment, and camping. 4-H youth were supported by 5068 adult and 314 youth volunteers.
4-H membership has also become more diverse and reflective of Oregon's changing demographics. In 2005, thirteen percent of the young people reached by 4-H were Latino. Nearly eighteen percent were from racial or ethnic minorities.
There were also some surprising facts about Oregon 4-H. Forty-four percent of the young people served by 4-H were enrolled in grades K-3. Only eight percent of 4-H participants lived on farms. The most frequently reported project area was environmental education followed closely by technology and engineering, foods and nutrition, and animal science.
We should all be pleased by the reach of Oregon 4-H as evidenced by our
latest participation data. We touch the lives of many people. But hidden
inside the data are powerful messages regarding our future. What can we
learn from the data that can inform our practice? How might this profile
of 4-H be different in ten years?
~ Roger Rennekamp
back to the index
Calendar
(click "Calendar" to go to State 4-H Calendar)
back to the index
4-H Afterschool
Ron Drum, from National 4-H Council, sent the following article. It was
taken from the Department of Education's February 10, 2006 ED REVIEW e-Newsletter,
"a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant
to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders".
Focus: Math and Science
Following the President's lead, the next "Education News Parents
Can Use" broadcast (February 21, 8:00-9:00 ET) will discuss math
and science literacy in the global economy. Over the last half-century,
American ingenuity and innovation accomplished what was once unthinkable.
Unfortunately, many American students -- especially minorities and high
school students -- are lagging behind and remain ill-prepared for the
demands of today's workforce. Indeed, while students in the rest of industrialized
world have improved in math, scores on international assessments for American
17-year-olds have remained flat since the early 1970s; a large achievement
gap in math and science exists between white students and their black
and Hispanic peers across all age groups; and, while jobs requiring engineering
or technical training will increase by over 24 percent over the next eight
years, the U.S. share of the world's science and engineering doctorates
is predicted to fall to 15 percent. The American Competitiveness Initiative
aims to reverse these "trends" and cultivate the next generation
of innovators. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/.
(You can watch live and archived webcasts at http://www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/.)
~ Joan Engeldinger
Oregon 4-H Chosen to Host
NMFA's Popular Operation Purple Summer Camp
The National Military Family Association recently announced that Oregon 4-H was chosen to host a popular Operation Purple Summer Camp in 2006. NMFA developed this free summer camp program, which is sponsored this year by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and TriWest Healthcare Alliance, in response to the need for increased support for military children, especially those whose parents are or will be deployed. Oregon 4-H will join a select list of dedicated teams to host more than 2,500 deserving children at 26 locations in 22 states.
For more information click here
back to the index
Ag in the Classroom
March 2006 Calendar Picture
Joshua K. " Grade 2, Faith Bible Christian School,
Aloha " Teacher: Mrs. Amy Thompson
You will find daily agricultural facts with student artwork on our website
at http://AITC.oregonstate.edu.
The following are a few March 2006 Calendar Facts:
- March is National Nutrition Month
- March is National Women's History Month
- March is Youth Art Month
- March 1 is National Pig Day
- March 18 is National Biodiesel Day
- March 20 is National Agriculture Day
- March 25 is National Pecan Day
- Half a cup of broccoli contains just 15 calories
- Artichokes are low in fat and cholesterol
- One American farmer produces food and fiber for 144 people
- Artichoke plants stay in the field for 5-10 years
Oregon Agriculture in the Classroom Essay Contest (click
here for printable brochure)
AITC invites all 9-12th grade students to enter the 2nd annual AITC essay
contest. This competition has been designed to give maximum recognition
to all schools, teachers and students who participate, including cash
awards to winning students as well as plaques to prominently display in
schools. Deadline for entries is March 1. Visit the AITC website at http://AITC.oregonstate.edu
for information on essay topics, rules and awards or call (541)737-8629.
Oregon Ag Fest - April 29 and 30, 2006
Oregon Ag Fest was created to help better educate the public about the
importance of agriculture. Ag Fest demonstrates how important ag's economic
impact and practices are: showing kids such things as where the food they
eat comes from, how sheep are raised for the wool to make clothing, to
the importance of our forests for ecology and human survival. Visit the
AITC website for a link to Ag Fest and for lesson ideas to supplement
an Ag Fest field trip.
http://AITC.oregonstate.edu
~ Tami Kerr, Program Director (541) 737-8629
~ Cathy McClaughry, Education Assistant (541) 737-1318
Animal Science
Western Gaming
New Western Gaming times have been established which take effect immediately. The times have been simplified, and we have added times for juniors. The complete times chart is available on the website under Horse Printed Materials. Remember that intermediates and seniors must receive a blue ribbon in an event in order to participant in that event at State Fair.
~ Roberta Lundeberg
Spring Horse Classic
Information regarding Spring Horse Classic has been posted on the website. All contest information that had previously been in the booklet can be found there as well as maps, motel information, and schedule of events.
All registration forms are also available on the website. Registration forms are due in the state office by March 31, 2006. They must be signed by the county agent.
After registrations are in, we will be scheduling times for the Hippology, Presentations, and Public Speaking contests. These schedules will be posted on the web as soon as they are ready.
~ Roberta Lundeberg
Dressage and Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences Forum
The PNW 4-H Horse Judges Training program will be hosting a three-day forum April 7-9, 2006 on Dressage and Hunt Seat Equitation Over Fences. It will be held at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond. While billed as a "Judges" forum, these clinics are excellent learning opportunities for leaders and agents, too. Information and registration forms have been sent to county offices and are posted on the Judges Training website.
~ Roberta Lundeberg
Northwest Junior Sheep Exposition– July 13-15, 2006
The 2006 Northwest Junior Sheep Exposition (NWJSE) will be held July 13-15th at the Grant County Fairgrounds in Moses Lake, Washington. The Junior Sheep Expo offers an excellent opportunity for young people from throughout the Pacific Northwest to showcase their sheep projects in a competitive, fun, and educational environment. The 2006 event will include classes for market lambs, prospect lambs (formerly feeder lambs), and breeding sheep. Other competitions include the Sheep Skill-A-Thon, which tests one’s knowledge and skill in sheep husbandry and educational displays.
According to the show’s President and lead organizer, Scott Mortimer of Wilson Creek, Washington, “The Northwest Junior Sheep Exposition provides a unique and fun learning experience for all youth interested in sheep, by combining the most current technology in animal science with the traditions of the past.”
The NWJSE uses ultrasound technology and an indexed appraisal system that promotes a more accurate and systematic market lamb evaluation and enhances the educational experience of exhibitors and spectators. Due to the excellent financial support of several organizations and donors, over $3,000 in cash prizes and awards will be presented. Options are available for marketing of lambs following the show. The show will also precede the Annual Ram and Ewe Sale sponsored by the Washington State Sheep Producers held on July 15th at the same location.
Exhibitors desiring to enter market lambs in the 2006 NWJSE should complete and return an entry form by April 10th. The entry deadline for feeder lambs, breeding sheep, educational exhibits, and other contests is June 9th. Premium booklets are sent to northwest extension offices, FFA Advisors, and previous exhibitors in late February. Premium books and entry forms are also available on WSU Grant-Adams Area Extension web page at http://grant-adams.wsu.edu and http://animalag.wsu.edu under “Upcoming Events.” Additional copies are also available by contacting Sarah Smith at 509-754-2011, Ext. 413 or by email at smithsm@wsu.edu.
~ Vicki Avery
Animal ID Update
At the 2005 SD Spring Staff Development Conference, you received a folder with information regarding the Oregon Animal ID program. The program is intended to track the movement of animals quickly in the event of a disease outbreak or other "emergency" such as notification of feed contamination. The first "phase" consists of a "voluntary premises registration" test project as a first step in joining the nationwide livestock identification and tracking program.
The system, operated by the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture, begins by assigning identification numbers to all physical locations in the state where livestock animals may be found. Each property location (vs. the owner) will receive a nationally unique seven-digit number. The second phase will focus on giving individual animals a unique 15-digit number to track their movements from location to location.
The program is still in phase 1 and dates for implementing phase 2 have not been announced. The projected date to have the ID and tracking system up and running is sometime in 2008.
Premise registration can be completed by going online to http://www.oregon.gov/oda/ahid, or by calling ODA's Animal Health Division at (503) 986-4680.
~ Vicki Avery
Dairy and Livestock Contest Dates Finalized
The State Dairy Judging contest will be help on Monday, May 1 at the OSU Dairy Center. The contest is conducted by the OSU dairy club and offers an opportunity for members to view highly placeable classes and have their oral reasons evaluated by members of the OSU dairy judging team
The State Livestock Judging Contest will be held on Saturday, July 8 at the Linn County Fairgrounds. It will consist of beef, sheep and swine classes and will include placing classes, performance (EPD) classes market classes and a questions class. Seniors will give 3 sets of oral reasons and intermediates will give two sets.
Look for registration materials and additional information in upcoming
newsletters.
~ Vicki Avery
Expressive Arts
Expressive Arts Development Committee
The Expressive Arts Development Committee meets annually, usually in October or November to give input and advice on issues related to Art, Photography, Fiber Arts, Cast Ceramics, and Leathercraft projects. The committee includes older youth, volunteers, and faculty/staff. New members are needed in all areas. Potential committee members should have interest or expertise in one of the included project areas and not be serving on another statewide committee at this time. The ability to meet by polycom and conference call has lessened the time and travel burden on those across the state and opens new opportunities for their participation. Every region or county could have representation. Application form is available on the state 4-H website under Resources/Printed Materials/ State Development Committees. Please recruit and submit nominations of those interested by May 15.
~ Elaine Schrumpf
Home Economics
Home Economics Development Committee
The Home Economics Development Committee meets annually, usually in October or November to give input and advice on issues related to Sewing/Clothing, Foods & Nutrition, Food Preservation, Knitting, Crocheting, Home Environment, and Child Development projects. The committee includes older youth, volunteers, and faculty/staff. New members are needed in all areas. Potential committee members should have interest or expertise in at least one of the included project areas and not be serving on another statewide committee at this time. The ability to meet by polycom and conference call has lessened the time and travel burden on those across the state and opens new opportunities for their participation. Every region or county could have representation. Application form is available on the state 4-H website under Resources/Printed Materials/ State Development Committees. Please recruit and submit nominations of those interested by May 15.
~ Elaine Schrumpf
Older Youth
New National Contest Opportunity
A flier is attached outlining new national level opportunities in Consumer Decision Making, Family & Consumer Science Presentations, and Home Economics Knowledge Bowl for older youth in any project area. This will be a pilot year for Oregon's participation. A workshop during Summer Conference will introduce consumer topics and present hands-on experiences related to the contests. Interested youth are strongly encouraged to attend. Selection of Oregon's representatives will occur at State Fair. Teams will be formed statewide rather than on a strictly county basis so all youth have an opportunity. More information will be available as details are developed. Please share the flier with potentially interested older youth and leaders.
~ Elaine Schrumpf
4-H Know Your State Government Conference
April 27-29, 2006
9-12th graders with an interest in state government and politics are encouraged to attend the KYSG conference and learn about the legislative process in a hands-on mock session. Youth will be drafting a bill, working it through committees, debating , and finally voting on the legislation. We will also be attending a joint OSU Theater and Music Dept. production of the Devil and Daniel Webster.
For more information please visit the state 4-H website. Registration is through your county office and the cost is $120
~ Lester Oehler
Summer Conference
7-12 grade Oregon youth: Plan to Attend! June 22-26
Summer Conference classes and programs are piling up and it is going to
be another great week at OSU. We're expecting big numbers from across
the state to attend this five-day conference. At 4-H Summer Conference
youth have the opportunity to choose from a variety of hands-on classes
taught by OSU faculty and community volunteers. It is a great way to explore
the Oregon State campus, and get a taste of some of the opportunities
that are open to you as a University student. The online brochure is being
prepared and will be ready soon.
Make sure to note the dates of Summer Conference have been pushed back 1 day from earlier calendars.
~ Lester Oehler
National Conference
Four Oregon Youth Council members will be representing Oregon at the
National 4-H Conference in Chevy Chase, MD. Riley Wortman (Wallowa), Emily
Stokes (Deschutes), Freeman York (Crook), and Melissa Moses (Curry) will
attend classes, focus sessions, and visit with Oregon's national Senators
and Representatives about 4-H in their Washington D.C. offices. The Youth
Council members will also attend a night time tour of the monuments.
~ Lester Oehler
Oregon Outreach
Intercultural Communication
In my reading on intercultural communication, I often come across information that offers practical insights. One of my goals for 2006 is to share some of this information through the staff newsletter. Although I believe the information is worthy of consideration, remember that no one can speak for all people in all situations.
Reflections on "Time." (Crouch, N. 2004. Mexicans and Americans).
For Mexicans:
Time is a precious, limited commodity. You only have so much time to live. Time is more valuable than money. Use it wisely.
If a person takes time with you it is a great gift.
You work to live, not live to work.
Think about how this perspective on time might affect your interactions with Mexicans. Should you look at your watch during a meeting with a Mexican? How does the idea of working to live rather than living to work compare with the outlook of some Americans?
~ Beverly Hobbs
Recognition
Final Reminder for State Scholarships, State Level Awards, State Fair Scholarships and National 4-H Congress Applications!!!!!!
Applications MUST be received in the State 4-H Office by March 1, 2006
- County Nomination Forms for State Scholarships, State Level Awards and National 4-H Congress must be filled out completely
Links to County nomination forms:
State Scholarships: http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/programs/County_Sch_Nom_Form.pdf
State Level Awards:
http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/programs/recognition/State_Level_Awards_Nomination_Form.pdf
National 4-H Congress:
http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/programs/recognition/National_4-H_Congress_Nomination_Form.pdf
- Please ensure that Scholarship applications meet minimum requirements, and that copies of SAT/ACT scores are included
- State 4-H resumes must have the required signatures
Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance:
helen.pease@oregonstate.edu,
or 541-737-1314
~ Helen Pease
back to the index
Shooting Sports
Guidelines for Oregon 4-H Shooting Sports Contests
As you are beginning to work on your 2006 fair book information, don't forget that there are now specific guidelines provided for each Oregon youth shooting contest. Only contests and classes which meet the criteria in this guide should be offered in your county 4-H youth events.
~ Virginia Bourdeau
Invitation to Agents and Staff
We are again inviting agents and staff to attend the first day, April 1, of the State 4-H Master Shooting Sports Leader workshop at no charge. You are encouraged to attend to become aware of the content of the training in youth development, risk management and the shooting disciplines. Just RSVP to Virginia at the 4-H Center by March 24 so we can add you to the luncheon meal count.
~ Virginia Bourdeau
State Fair
State Fair Book Changes 2006
Most of the State Fair Book changes have been sent to you by email and the rest will be coming soon. As you work through them and add them to county fair books please contact us as you have questions. These are so full of detail that it is very easy to make a "typo" which could result in bigger problems later on at fair.
Horticulture and Flowers have had two sets of changes which we apologize for, but should make the exhibit entry for county and state fairs easier than in past years.
Our goal in all of these changes is to make it the easiest and best experience for our 4-H members so they feel like the "fair experience" is a positive thing. Thanks for bearing with us during this process and the last of the changes should be coming soon.
~ Mona Easley
Exhibit Building County Banners
One of the most talked about features in the 4-H Exhibit Building at State Fair is the colorful county banners that several counties have now constructed to be displayed during fair. Each one is unique and illustrates some of the bounties of their county.
For those counties who have not made a banner, but would like to have their county represented, there is still space for more banners if you have interested leaders or older youth who are interested in this project. It would be a great community service project for a group of County Ambassadors.
The dimenstions and directions for assembly are found on the attached sheet and ideas and color selection are the county's deicision. We will provide the pole and hanger if you can deliver the banner to the Exhibit Building when you bring your county exhibits to State Fair. We will store them, unless the county wants to use them between fairs, and hang them again each year.
If you have quesitons contact Mona Easley.
~ Mona Easley
Technology
GIS / GPS Training
We have developed a training course with multiple waypoints for use at the 4-H Center. Anyone who would like to receive training in basic use of GPS units and methods for teaching this type of program should contact me to schedule a one-on-one session. In addition, we have a Basic Tutorial in CD format for using Arc View 9 to create simple maps with collected GPS waypoints. I can send you a copy of the CD or schedule training for anyone interested.
~ Virginia Bourdeau
WORLD CITIZENSHIP
No articles from Lillian this month but a picture is worth
1000 words approximately.
Happy retirement Lillian
