4-H Newsletter February 2021
Swine and Lambs and Goats, Oh My!
The deadline for Swine assessments (paperwork, fees and pictures) is April 5 while the same is due for lambs and goats on April 19.Assessment packets will be sent out by the Extension Office early to mid-March.
Minute by Minute
Club Secretaries!!Please be sure to submit your meeting minutes to the Extension Office! We need these for club requirements and for the newsletter. Thank you!
All the News!
In order to limit "touch points," we have stopped printing and mailing the newsletter.If you are unable to print it for your use but want a hard copy, please contact the Extension Office.Thank you.
The Next 31...and Beyond
March 31 Due: Applications for Boe Brothers & Anne Wiprud
Scholarships
April 5 Deadline for Swine Possession, Paperwork and Photos
April 19 Deadline for Lamb/Goat Possession, Paperwork and Photos
All scheduled activities subject to change due to COVID!
Clubs and Committees
Challenging Champs
Submitted by Amara Bodkins
The Challenging Champs 4-H Club met on December 6, 2020 at 2 pm. Twenty members, three cloverbuds, and several adults were present. Remi Licht led the American Pledge and Jessica Toeckes led the 4-H Pledge. Secretary Amara Bodkins led roll call, which was members’ favorite Christmas song, and read the minutes from the last meeting. Jack Toeckes moved to approve the minutes and Jessica Toeckes seconded the motion. The minutes were approved. Maggie Toeckes gave the treasurer’s report.Our checking balance is currently $3892.42. Jack moved to pay the bill reimbursing Laura Toeckes for purchasing bulk snacks and Jessica Toeckes seconded the motion. The motion carried.For old business, President Jersey Somerfeld reported on the Christmas activity. Our club sang Christmas carols on the Somerfeld’s trailer to some community members. We then drove to Laura Toeckes’ house for a fire and hot cocoa followed by our meeting.Maggie told us about her entry in the Make It With Wool District contest. She received first in the junior category and her garments will be judged at state. Zoe Martinez told us she was taking care of her guinea pig for 4-H and Isaac Toeckes made an ornament for his leatherwork project. The demonstration and snack committee were formed and put on Facebook, and can be changed if needed. Our club received 15 Caring Tree tags this year and they will be sent to Choteau on December 16.For new business, we were reminded gym cleaning will resume in January and Leader Kelsy Diekhans will ask the school board for more information about how our club needs to clean and who can attend, regarding COVID procedures. Jersey stated that the 4-H Ambassador deadline was extended to January 15, 2021, and recommends that anyone 14 and up should be one because they get to help with 4-H activities in the county and you meet a lot of new people. Market animal deadlines were put in the meeting agenda for people showing animals. Leader Kelsy Diekhans told our club we should come up with a platform for virtual 4-H meetings in case weneed to use them with the pandemic still going on. Our club wants to use the platform Zoom.Stacey Woodhouse reported on the Remind App for notifications for meetings. As of now we use Facebook and our calling committee to let everyone know about meetings. We need to make a new list of people to make sure everyone is getting the notifications. The next meeting will be January 3, 2021. Calvin motioned to adjourn the meeting and Jack seconded.
Spring Creek
Submitted by Payson Allaire, secretary
The Spring Creek 4-H Club meeting was called to order on January 19th, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. at the Choteau Baptist Church by President Carson Crary. Nick Miller led the American pledge and Leah Paulson led the4-H pledge. New member, Colin Trahan and his mother Jill, were welcomed along with roll call having each member introduce themselves. Each member also stated the projects that they are enrolled in to give Colin an idea of the array of project possibilities. There were 7 members and 4 adults present in person, one member present by phone.Rylynn Allaire shared that she received the honor of the Star of the Month. Nick Miller introduced a game dividing the group in to 2 teams. Each team received cards with the parts of the meeting and had to arrange them in proper order as quickly as possible. Both teams were able to list the meeting in proper order of: call to order, pledges, roll call, minutes, correspondence, treasurer report, committee reports, old business, new business, announcements and adjourning within just a couple of minutes. The tricky part of the meeting was the program because it can actually come at various times during the meeting but typically is after all reports, either right before or right after the business section of the meeting depending on the speaker’s timeframe and/or if the presentation will have bearing on the rest of the meeting. Jo Lynn then read a brief description of each of the meeting parts. Leah read the minutes from the last meeting which were approved as read. There was no correspondence. Leah also read the treasurer report . Our current checking balance is $1861.48 and there is an outstanding bill of $136.61 from the Teton 4-H Council for member and leader dues. Jo Lynnpresented on officer training. Jo Lynn discussed the importance of each officer knowing their roles and responsibilities and played short videos by the Ohio State 4-H teen council regarding the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian and Recreational leader. Susan and Jo Lynn will plan for further officer training with each officer.
For old business, Carson asked if there were any questions regarding ZSuite enrollment or record book keeping. There were no questions. For new business, Carson asked if there were any ideas for a Valentine activity/service project for next month. Danelle stated that previously we made and delivered Valentines to the Beehive and Extended Care and visited with the residents. There was discussion that Covid restrictions could limit resident visits this year and we need to find out what restrictions are. Jo Lynn stated Maili Miller
had volunteered to contact the facilities to get that information. Carson appointed Maili to be the chair for this activity and contact the club members with information prior to the next meeting.Further discussion also happened to move the meeting ahead one week to February 7 at 5:00 p.m. in order to allow for the activity/service project prior to the holiday. Anna Paulson made a motion to have the meeting on February 7 at 5:00 p.m. Leah seconded it. There was no further discussion and the motion passed unanimously.
Other new business included the payment of the member/leader dues. Jo Lynn discussed that we could have the leaders pay through Z Suite now or drop a check off at the Extension so the amount of $28 deducted off of the dues bill of $136.61 would be a total of $108.61 Rylynn moved to have the clubsecretary write a check for the amount of $108.61, the motion was seconded by Colin. The motion passed unanimously after no further discussion was brought up. Carson called for another other business and there was none stated.Carson read the announcements that Camp Counselor meetings would begin in February for anyone interested in being a counselor this year and that the People Partner grant applications were also due in February. Anna moved to adjourn the meeting. Leah seconded the motion. Carson adjourned the meeting at 6:00 p.m.Meeting amendment for January 22, 2021: Jo Lynn sent out a text message vote regarding the signature card for the checking account at First Bank of Montana. The vote was to remove former treasurer, Kyle Haas, from the signature card and add new treasurer, Leah Paulson. The motion passed unanimously with 11 members voting in favor of the 15 total members. The other names on the signature card will remain: Susan Snyder, Danelle Crary and Jo Lynn Miller.
Eager Eagles
Submitted by Madeline Konen, acting secretary
President Kyona Yeager called the Eager Eagles meeting to order at 6:33 pm on Janaruary 11, 2021. Ayden DeBruycker led the pledges. Then, after the previous meeting’s minutes were read, Kaylie Bender moved to approve the minutes, and Ayden seconded. The motion passed. Madeline Konen took roll call. There was no correspondence. Nolan Forseth gave the Treasurer’s report. For the cooking report, Mrs. Pearson and Mrs. Yeager said that their kids have made some of the recipes they have gotten over email.There was no shooting sports report. Mrs. Forseth gave the Livestock report and the date of the next Livestock Committee meeting. Mrs. Pearson gave the sewing report. Ayden told the club where the members of the horse project have been meeting, and there was no camp report.The old business started with Kyona telling members that the high school members have been paired with younger members to mentor. She will get contact information out soon. Mrs. Pearson reminded the club that the cooking members will start putting recipes in the newspaper soon. She also said that the January sewing meeting will be on the 23rd at 10 am at the Berry Patch Quilt Shop. They will be making pillowcases. She will send out information for supplies unless members want to buy a pre-assembled kit. If members need Green Cards, they are available as well as4-H discount applications for North 40 Outfitters. Mrs. Egbert told the club that ShowRite feed will give a refund for feed tags that are turned in.Livestock members who use ShowRite Feed were asked to save the animal feed tags to give to Mrs. Egbert, who will cash them in for us at the end of the year. The last item of old business was telling members that if they have not received their project books to call our club leaders or the Extension office.The new business started with the announcement that the Ambassador application deadline has been extended to January 15.Camp planning meetings will start in February for members who are 14 and older. Kyona gave the reminder that the Anne Wiprud and Boe Brothers Scholarship applications are due by March 29th, 2021. Also, the 4-H Foundation has scholarships available.
Mrs. DeBruycker said that our club duties this year are Pavilion clean-up after fair and Camp Rotary clean-up, which will take place in May. She also talked briefly on what is required for project and record books. Members were reminded to pay dues either to Nolan Forseth or on ZSuite. The snack fund is to be paid to Mrs. DeBruycker.
Concluding the meeting was some miscellaneous information. Ayden talked about attending the Leadership Academy, and members were encouraged to contact the Extension Office if they would be interested in attending the next ones. Mrs. DeBruycker and Madeline talked about the Legislative Breakfast. Then, Mrs. DeBruycker encouraged members in grades 7 through 12 to participate in the Winter Ag Fair on January 30th.She said that a Cascade Country 4-H member has sheep for sale. The contact information is on the meeting agenda. Mrs. DeBruycker explained how to apply for a People Partner Grant.
The date of the next meeting is Monday, February 8th, 2021, but the location is subject to change.
Ayden moved to adjourn the meeting. Kaylie seconded the motion. The motion passed..
Work With Your Market Animals
ALL Market Animal Project members MUST work with their animals as though they will sell in the ring at Fair.This is to ensure the safety of those weighing in the animals and loading them on the truck.Get your animal(s) used to being handled!!
Market Project Members Needing LQA
If your name islisted below, you MUST take an approved Livestock Quality Assurance (LQA) class before fair if you want to be eligible for county and/or state carcass awards. Keep watching ZSuite Annoucements and your email for news about the new and improved LQA coming your way!
Ariana Banner
Avery Banner
Gage Banner
McCoy Banner
Kinsey Bender
Caden Brooks
Jeff Burton
Ainsley DeBruycker
Nolan DeBruycker
Kingston Egbert
Blake Gunderson
Kale Gunderson
Dillon Harrell
Atha Johns
Annika Konen
Waverly Konen
Andrew Major
Jacob Major
Katie Major
Ledger Martin
Elexis McCann
Tessa McFarlin
Maili Miller
Nick Miller
Alexis Morris
Jorja Morris
Katy Morris
Seeley Neal
Kamri Neuman
Kinlie Neuman
Shea Ostberg
Aundra Passmore
Caleb Rammell
Hunter Rammell
Jeremiah Rammell
Cannon Stewart
McKenzie Stewart
Trent Taylor
Grace Toeckes
Jackson Toeckes
Maggie Toeckes
Mikayla Toeckes
Dylan Ulsh
Cyler Yeager
Justyce Yeager
Kyona Yeager
Rusch Yeager
Scholarships
Boe Brothers and Anne Wiprud
The Boe Brothers and Anne Wiprud scholarship applications will be sent directly to county seniors as soon as they are ready.There are proposed changes to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)being reviewed that have to do with the current COVID situation.
4-H Foundation
The 2021 MT 4-H Foundation awards over 22 scholarships annually.The deadline for applying is April 1, 2021.Complete one application to be eligible for 22 scholarships!! Apply for 4-H Foundation scholarships.Applications will no longer be accepted via hard copy.
Junior Livestock Feed Program
North 40 has provided cards to the MSU Extension Teton County office for their Junior Livestock Feed Program.Stop in for your card or let us know you want one and we will get it to you.To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a livestock project.The card entitles members to 10% off regular priced livestock feed and show supplements.
State Awards
Each county may nominate one individual for each category to be considered for awards.Nominees may qualify for more than one category.Priority consideration will be given to volunteers who have not received a statewide award within the last five years.Nominations are DUE June 1, 2021.
Tribute to Volutneer Excellence
The Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development recognizes individuals from each 4-H District in two award categories:The Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer recognizes individuals who have served as 4-H volunteers for more than 10 years.The Volunteer of the Year recognizes individuals who have served as 4-H volunteers for less than 10 years. Each county may nominate one volunteer per category. These individuals have made an innovative change or impact on the 4-H program, positively affecting the lives of youth, and creating a standard of excellence that helps motivate others.Recipients will receive a cash award for a 4-H program, activity or event of their choice. Two letters of recommendation are required.Recipients serve as the pool to select the Montana 4-H Salute to Excellence nominees.
Hall of Fame Award
The Montana 4-H Foundation honors individuals such as community leaders, alumni, former or current directors or former or current staff for their outstanding lifetime efforts to generate opportunities for 4-H youth by giving, volunteering or community support of 4-H.Recipients will receive an individual plaque as well as included on historical plaque with the Montana 4-H Foundation.A letter of support from the county 4-H council or Extension Agent is required.
Outstanding 4-H Alumni Award
The Montana 4-H Foundation recognizes 4-H alumni who have made a significant impact on 4-H by promoting, supporting and enhancing the benefits of youth and adult involvement in the program or a specific 4-H project area.Recipients will receive a plaque.A letter of support from the county 4-H Council or Extension Agent is required.
Montana 4-H Live Webinar Series
GPS & Drone Aerial Mapping
February 2021-June 2021
Live Webinars for Virtual Club Meetings and/or In-home Learning
If you are interessted in this new offering, please let the Extension Office know ASAP. Links for webinars will be available soon.
1. Program Overview
An introduction to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Drone Aerial Mapping techonologies and how they're used in agriculture and natural resource applications. The wide range of practical applciations provide 4-H youth and clubs with many options from which to pursure their interests and projects - from military, faming/ranching, natural resources, history, geo-spatial storytelling outdoor activities and so many more.
February 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Technology needed: Participants can utilize their own handheld GPS receiver (or smartphone with apps such an OnX, Gaia, Google Maps, etc. for certain applciations) and drone (if they have them).
Webinars will be recorded an made available on the website.
2: GPS Basics
The global positiong system explained.
February 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
3: Geocaching
Use GPS technology to find hidden treasures, historic sties and unique landscape features in your area.
March 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
4: Aerial Photos, maps & Compass
Use aerial photos, maps and compasses to naviate the outdoors. Photos, maps and compasses are used WITH GPS technology to explore our word.
March 23, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Technology needed: Silva Ranger compass (or similar), local USGS topographic maps, aerial photos, Forest Service or BLM Maps, etc.
5: Google Earth
Introduction to Google Earch software/app.
April 5, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Technology needed: computer with free Google Earch software or app installed or accessible.
6: Logging points, lines and polgyones with GPS Receiver Outside & Importing to Google Earth
From fireld to office to map of your features of interesst.
April 20, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
7: Introcution to Drones
How they're used in agriculture & natural resource applications.
May 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
Technology needed: a drone if you have one; otherwise this information will help you understand which type of drone or simulator to start with.
8: Drone Simulators/Drones & Aerial Imagery/Drone FAA Flight Rules & Regulations
May 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
9: Drone Flight Parameters & Mission Planning
Elevation, speed, pattern, overlap, timing, etc. are flight variables affecting photo coverage and eventual end map success.
June 1, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
10. Aerial Image(s) Stitching - Introduction to Microsoft Image Composite Editor
This software is used to stitch drone-collected photos together.
11. Calculating Scale for Stitched Aerial Photo/Map
Turn your large-area drone aerial map into a land management tool by calculating the scale of your aerial map.
For the Good of the Order
Our 4-H Year
As has been the case all year, items listed in each month may change depending upon the COVID situation. this information is provided so families and members know what is upcoming.
October
- Enrollment begins
- National 4-H Week
- Treasurer's books due 10/31
- Ambassador/Teen Leader training
- Choteau Food Drive
November
- Make It With Wool District contest
- National 4-H Congress
- Enrollment continues
December
- Re-enrollment DEADLINE 12/1
January
- Market beef paperwork DUE
- KMON Livestock Judging Contest-postponed
February
- Camp planning meetings for counselors
March
- Boe Brothers/Anne Wiprud scholarship applications DUE
- Rec Lab
April
- Market swine/goat/sheep paperwork DUE
- Project drop/add DEADLINE 4/15
- 4-H Foundation scholarships DUE
May
- State awards due 5/1
- Congress Intent to Enter DUE
- Fair registrations DUE
June
- Camp registrations DUE
- Leadership retreat for camp counselors
- Fair June 21-27
July
- 4-H Camp
- 4-H Congress
August
- Record Books DUE 8/15
- 4-H Congress
September
- Enrollment begins
2021 Club Rotations
Weatherbeater Concessions-Spring Creek
Fair Project Display-Pavilion-Old Agency
Buyers' Appreciation/Meat & Greet-Prairie Stars & Challenging Champs
Fair Clean Up-Pavilion-Eager Eagles
Camp Rotary Clean Up-Eager Eagles
Calendar
March 2021
31: Boe Brothers/Anne Wiprud Scholarship Applications due
April 20201
5: Swine assessment fees, paperwork and photos due
19: Lamb and goat assessment fees, paperwork and photos due
Extension Events
YAM: Jane wolery will again be teaching YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health) class this winter in Chtoeau and Dutton/Brady High Schools.
Fair Dates
The Teton County Fair is scheduled for the last full weekend in June that includes
a Sunday.
2021 June 20-25
2022 June 24-30
2023 June 19-25
2024 June 24-30
2025 June 24-29
MSU Extension Teton County
P.O. Box 130
Choteau, MT 59422
Agents:
Karen Forseth: [email protected]
Jane Wolery: [email protected]
Assistants:
Sharla Hinman & Jamie Smith [email protected]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service 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, Cody Stone, Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717