What's Included?

December 2023

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Extension Office Hours:

Monday-Friday:

8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact:

Amanda Rau

County Youth Coordinator

563-659-5125

Clinton4h@iastate.edu

Events

New Member Information Night

Who: 1st or 2nd year 4-H members

When: December 14th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Where: Extension Office

More Info: Link


Beef Weigh In

Who: 4-H and FFA members

When: December 16th, 8:00 – 11:00 am

Where: DeWitt Vet Clinic

More Info: Link


Youth Council Meeting

Who: 9-12th grade 4-H members

When: December 17th, 4:00 pm

Where: Extension Office



Additional County Events

Winter Plunge Camp

Who: 4-6th grade youth

When: Jan. 26-27

Where: Grace Camp in DeWitt

More Info: See flyer. Register in 4hOnline or with flyer.

Derby Swine Weigh-In

When: Mar. 30, 9:00 – 10:00 am

Where: DeWitt

More Info: Will come later.

Derby Lamb Weigh In, State Fair Sheep ID, and State Fair Goat ID

When: May 4, 8:00 – 10:00 am

Where: DeWitt

More Info: Will come later.

Junior Summer Camp

Who: 4-6th grade youth

When: June 4-6, 2024

Where: Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca

More Info: Watch for in February!

Iowa 4-H Youth Conference

Who: 9-12th grade youth

When: June 25-27, 2024

Where: Ames

More Info: online


Important Announcements

Office Closure

The Extension Office will be closed 12/25-1/1 for winter break. If you need resources in early January, please ask before break! This will help Amanda have the materials you need ready to go.


Save the Date – Youth Council Soup Cookoff

Youth Council is raising money for the Clinton Humane Society through a soup cookoff! January 21 from 4:30-6 pm at the Auditorium. Clubs are encouraged to donate a soup. (Sign up here.) Anyone can attend!


Clinton County Fair Dates

The 2024 Club Show will be July 17-21st. We’re excited for another exciting year! Stay in touch with events through the fair’s Facebook page.

Clinton County 4-H News

Market Beef Weigh-In

Who: 4-H and FFA members planning to exhibit performance/ carcass beef, market steers, market heifers for the Clinton County Fair or Market Beef at the Iowa State Fair for 4-H or FFA. (FFA members, please connect with your advisors!)

When: Dec. 16th, 8:00 – 11:30 am

Where: DeWitt Vet Clinic

More: Fees will be: $0/ 4-H tag, $5/state fair retinal image. (Clinton 4-H is covering the cost of tags this year.) 4-H members signed up for the market beef project area received an email with a letter full of information. Anyone can view the letter on our website. If you cannot make it to this weigh-in, please contact Amanda. All 4-H members who are signed up for the beef project will receive extra email updates AND have their forms pre-filled out. (Want to make sure you are signed up? Log into 4hOnline and check the 4-H member’s projects. “Market Beef” or “Beef” apply.)


Market Beef ID Reminders:

  • Families must identify market beef in 4hOnline by 1/31/24.
  • 2nd Year bucket bottle MARKET heifers or steers must be identified too (last year’s ID does not count.)
  • NEW – purebred animals must have a breed listed by 1/31.
  • NEW – If you’re not sure if a heifer will be market or breeding, include a secondary form of ID (tattoo, registration #, calfhood vaccination #.)
  • Weigh in sheets and a help sheet will be mailed to you after 12/16!


Graduating Seniors – What advice do you have?

Attention graduating senior 4-H members - we want to hear your future plans and favorite 4-H memory to share on social media this spring! Fill out this survey to share your 4-H story: https://go.iastate.edu/VFGI0P


Delmar Hot Shots Host Halloween Party

Back in October, Delmar youth enjoyed a Halloween party. They played games, had a costume contest, and a quick meal. Youth were sent home with a goodie bag too. Great work to the Delmar Hot Shots club for hosting a fun community event for local youth!


New Member Information Night

Who: 1st or 2nd year 4-H members

When: December 14th, 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Where: Extension Office

Cost: Free

Register: online by 12/12

More Info: Join Amanda for pizza and an evening all about 4-H! There are so many layers to club membership, and we want you to get started on the right foot. Even if this is your second year, you can still attend! A parent/guardian must attend with their youth. Agenda: 4-H basics, record book intro, selecting a project, exhibiting at the county fair, camps/trips, answering your questions. 


Winter Break Exhibit Make-N-Take

Who: 4-12th grade 4-H members

When: pickup Dec. 18-22nd

Where: Extension Office

Cost: Free

Register: online by 12/12

More Info: Want to learn more about doing an exhibit from start to finish? Sign up for the mini barn quilt make-n-take! Members will receive a wood square for their barn quilt, resources for creating your design, and how to turn this into an exhibit for the county fair. You’ll follow along at your own pace with YouTube videos created by Amanda. 


Looking for Assistant Superintendent

The horse committee is looking for a volunteer to be the assistant superintendent. You’ll be on the committee helping plan the horse show for the Clinton County Club Show. You’ll also be a resource for families & Amanda to ask questions to. Reach out today if you are interested! Clinton4h@iastate.edu or 563-659-5125.


Clinton Officer Training

Who: 4-H Club Officers

When: January 21st from 2-4 pm

Where: Extension Office

Register: 4hOnline

Cost: free 

About: This workshop is for any club officer and leaders who want to attend. It could be your first year or fourth year! We’ll learn about parliamentary procedure, team building activities, and your officer position. If a parent wants to attend with their youth, email clinton4h@iastate.edu so we can have materials printed for you. 


Officer Book Reminder

Books judged in October of 2024 will use the NEW officer book rubrics. You can access them on the Record Keeping website.



Enrollment Check-In

Total number of enrolled as of 11/30/23.

  • Volunteers: 57
  • Club Members: 205
  • Clover Kids: 117

Remember to enroll today!! https://v2.4honline.com


Clinton County Clover Kids News

Learn About Yeast

Your Clover Kid can learn about yeast with the “Bread, Bread, Bread” Reading Adventure activity from Ohio 4-H. The activity includes easy to follow instructions for a craft, game, and activity. Check it out for free!


Holiday Sweet Treat Swap

Use whole grain cereal in your crispy rice & marshmallow treats this holiday season! Many brands even offer fun holiday colors. Learn more with the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. recipe. 


Nutcracker Ballet + STEM

Who: K-5th grades

When: Dec. 8th at 12:30 pm

Where: Ames or online

Register: anytime

Cost: free 

About: This program is designed for elementary-aged youth to highlight the connections between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and the arts. There is a wide variety of ways youth can participate in addition to attending the performance.


Steps to register and be a part of this magical experience!

  1. Register for the free mini-Nutcracker performance! The performance is on December 8th at 12:30 pm. In-person at Stephens or online options available. 
  2. Decide which STEAM challenge your group may wish to take part in or make your own challenge! These learning activities can be done on your own before or after the show.
  3. Share the results of your STEAM challenges with Iowa 4-H (iowa4hmail@iastate.edu) and Stephens Auditorium (iscinfo@iastate.edu). New this year -- for those that share results (ex: photos or short video), your group will be entered into a drawing for fun STEAM prizes!


Register now and check out the STEAM challenges.


Region/State 4-H News

Webinar about Iowa 4-H trip and award opportunities

There is a variety of trips and awards at the Iowa 4-H level. YOU can win! Past Clinton County members have won before. Learn more about them in a webinar on December 27 at 7 pm. Register in the Events tab on 4hOnline today!


Pioneer Seed Club Grant Applications Open for 2024

Who: all 4-H clubs

When: Due Jan. 16

About: Have a club project idea needing financial assistance? $50 - $500 is available to 4-H clubs for their community improvement projects through our Pioneer Seed Money grants. Applications are due to the county offices by January 16. For application materials, tips, and more info, check out the website


Citizenship Washington Focus (Leadership Summit to D.C.)

Who: 9th-12th

When: June 13-23, 2024 (tentative)

Where: Hansen Center in Ames

Register: by Jan. 22 

Cost: $3000 **assistance available!

About: Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) is a high impact program featuring national experts and leaders along with opportunities for career exploration, using your voice, and building connections with teens from across the country. Learn more. See the tentative schedule


Home Improvement Workshop Trio

Who: 4th-12th youth

When: Jan 18, Mar 28, May 2

Where: virtual

Register: 4hOnline

Cost: $0 – thanks Iowa 4-H Foundation!

About: Iowa 4-H is hosting a trio of virtual, statewide 4-H Home Improvement workshops for

youth grades 4-12. Youth can sign up for one or multiple workshops in the series. Read about all three on the Clinton county fair resources website.


Teen Leadership Experience for the Protect the Plate Challenge

Who: 9th-12th youth

When: training is Feb 17-18

Where: Ames

Register: by Jan. 31

Cost: $0

About: Youth in grades 9-12 are invited to apply to be teen leaders for the Iowa Protect the Plate Challenge, a new program about the science behind food safety and the role crops play in food safety. Selected teen leaders will attend the state training on Feb 17-18 at ISU to learn about advancements in agriculture that keep our food safe and to develop communication and leadership skills. Teen leaders will experience and learn how to facilitate the challenge with younger youth. The training is free, and meals and lodging are provided. Applications for AIE Teen Leaders are due January 31.


Save the Date – Animal Science Contests & Events

  • Livestock Judging/Skillathon – 4/13-14
  • Equine Extravaganza – 4/12-14
  • Dairy Quiz Bowl – 6/11
  • Animal Science Roundup – 6/25-27
  • State Dairy Judging – 8/7


Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Who: 12th grade youth & graduated

When: Due Mar. 1st  

About: Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarship applications open on December 1. Applications are due at midnight of March 1. Check out the Iowa 4-H Foundation scholarship page for a road map to success with instructions and the helpful hints page. Former and current 4-H members graduating from high school or currently attending college are eligible applicants.


Consider Applying for a Trip

Who: 9th-12th youth

When: applications due Feb. 1

Where: Ames, D.C, Atlanta, & more!

Cost: $0

About: This event provides young people with an opportunity to practice and grow leadership, communications, and college and career readiness skills through application and interview activities. Some will win project awards and others will get to take a trip! Learn more in a webinar on December 27 at 7 pm. Register in the Events tab on 4hOnline today!


Earn $100 for Your Learning!!

Who: 9th-12th youth

When: applications due Feb. 1

Where: virtual or Ames

Cost: $0

About: Showcase how much you’ve learned by applying for a state project award! You’ll submit a resume and cover letter… yes, that’s it! Learn more in a webinar on December 27 at 7 pm. Register in the Events tab on 4hOnline today!


4-H at the Iowa State Fair Updates

ALL LIVESTOCK: Animals can only be identified under ONE 4-H member and cannot be identified as both 4-H and FFA. (Exceptions are dogs and horses.)


BEEF:

-      purebred animals must enter a breed in 4hOnline by Feb. 1st.

-      Registration number may be added by May 15th.  

-      Market beef will need a 4-H tag or USDA 840 tag.


DAIRY CATTLE: Two forms of identification are required. (tag/ear tattoo, registration number or DHIA metal tag ID)


HORSE

-      Zippers on shirts are allowed now


SHEEP

-      Max. 12 breeding lambs

-      Electronic registration papers will be allowed

 

SWINE:

-      youth may only exhibit 5 breeding and 5 market swine.

-      Ear notches must be indicated on 4hOnline by May 15!


Increased entry fees (to align with other Iowa State Fair departments)

-      Beef $35/head

-      Dairy Cattle $25/head

-      Horses $25/stall

-      Meat Goats $10/head

-      Sheep $10/head

-      Swine $10/head

Extension News

Winter Cow Feed Planning Workshop

Who: Cattlemen

When: 12/05/2023 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Jones County Extension

Register: 319-465-3224

About: Learn about how to better meet the nutritional needs of your cow herd with the limited feed resources available, including tips to stretch the feed supply and control feed costs. Denise Schwab will be leading the workshop. More information.


Advanced Calving Clinic

Who: Cattlemen

When: 01/15/2024 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Where: Jackson County Fairgrounds

Register: (319) 472-4739

About: This program focuses on preparing for the calving season to increase calves born alive and weaned. Topics include nutrition, calf care, calving distribution, working with your vet, and handling calving difficulties using a life-size cow model. Denise Schwab will be leading the clinic.


Crop Advantage Series

Who: Adults

When: 01/19/2024 8:55 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: Davenport

Register: $75 early registration by Jan. 12, $100 on-site registration

About: Crop Advantage meetings provide a solid foundation of current, research-based crop production information to help make smart, informed decisions in the farming operation. Learn more about the topics covered online.



A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease

Who: Adults

When: Feb 5, 12, 19 at 10:00 am

Where: online. Three sessions

Register: online

About: If you’re struggling with Parkinson’s disease or know someone who is, it’s helpful to know where to find support on the journey. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments related to Parkinson’s disease. Learn more about this program.


Sow Management Considerations for Proposition 12 Changes

Decisions around sow barn remodeling, reducing sow herd inventory and adjusting gilt flow are some of the challenges U.S. pork producers face as they explore and consider options to make farms compliant with California’s Proposition 12 requirements. A new resource from the Iowa Pork Industry Center offers information for producers who plan to transition their own production. Learn more online

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